New DGT 2026 rules: What you need to ride Your electric scooter in Spain

normas dgt patinetes 2026

If you’re thinking about getting around Spain on an electric scooter, you’re already thinking like a true Rhyder. You’re choosing a smart, sustainable, and city-friendly way to move.

To help you enjoy it worry-free, in 2026 the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has updated the regulations and established clear steps to ride legally.

The good news? It’s a simple, accessible process — easier than it seems. And as a good Rhyder, here’s everything you need to know to get your scooter ready and start rolling without hassle.

Mandatory Requirements Across Spain

According to the new national regulation, all electric scooters (VMP) must: Be approved and certified Not exceed 25 km/h Be single-occupancy Be registered with the DGT Have civil liability insurance

1. DGT Registration (Mandatory) 

All scooters must be registered on the official DGT website.

You can do it here: https://sede.dgt.gob.es

The official fee is €8.67.

Once registration is complete, you’ll receive a digital certificate with your official identification number.

This number will appear on your license plate. 

2. Identification Plate: Price and Placement

After registration, you’ll need a visible physical plate with your assigned number.

Currently, printing a plate costs between €25–30.

At RHYDE, we’re partnering to offer it for around €15 through our partners

Where to place the plate

The plate must:

  • Be on the rear of the scooter
  • Be clearly visible
  • Be permanently fixed (no loose adhesive) 
  • Not be covered by wheels or accessories

Most common placements:

  • On the rear fender
  • On a rigid mount under the rear light 

It’s important that it’s visible from behind, just like an e-bike or light moped license plate. 

3. Mandatory Insurance

Once your scooter is registered, you must get civil liability insurance.

  • Typical price: €30–60/year
  • RHYDE price: €14.99/year

At RHYDE, we’re also working with partners to offer insurance at negotiated rates, providing a full solution to ride legally without hassle. Our goal is to make it easy: you buy your refurbished scooter and get direct access to plate + insurance at the best price.

City-specific requirements

In addition to national rules, some cities have their own requirements: 

Madrid

  • Helmet mandatory
  • Front and rear lights mandatory
  • Bell mandatory
  • Riding on sidewalks prohibited 

Barcelona

  • Helmet mandatory in several zones
  • Lights mandatory at night
  • Reflective elements recommended
  • Priority use of bike lanes
  • No parking blocking pedestrian paths 

Sevilla

  • Helmet mandatory
  • Reflective vest required in low visibility
  • Lights and bell mandatory Reduced speed limits in shared zones 🌴

Valencia

  • Helmet mandatory
  • Lights and reflective elements required
  • Riding on sidewalks prohibited
  • Fines for carrying a passenger 

Important Tip: Even in smaller cities, local ordinances may apply. Always check municipal regulations before riding.

Helmet: https://rhyde.co/products/helmet-xiaomi-smart4u-sh50-w-rear-led-light-y-alert-sensor

Front light: https://rhyde.co/products/front-light-u5 

What’s next?

The regulation isn’t just about obligations—it also opens doors for new opportunities in urban mobility.

Future improvements are being developed, such as better intermodal access (e.g., trains under certain conditions). This is part of professionalizing the market and recognizing the scooter as a legitimate mode of transportation.

The Complete RHYDE Solution

The new process is clear:

  1. Approved scooter
  2. DGT registration (€8.67)
  3. Identification plate (€25–30 market / ~€15 via our partners)
  4. Mandatory insurance (€30–60/year / ~€15 via our partners) 

At RHYDE, we don’t handle the process directly, but we give you access to partners so you can get your plate and insurance at the best price, fast and hassle-free.

We want the refurbished scooter market to be as reliable and structured as used cars or phones: transparent, regulated, and accessible.

Riding a scooter today is safer, more professional, and more recognized than ever. If you have questions on how to start or want access to our discounted plate and insurance solutions, we’re here to help. 

Ride legally. Ride smart. Ride RHYDE.