Stricter regulations implemented for electric scooters in Benidorm
In the sun-soaked coastal town of Benidorm, Spain, a new wave of regulations has been implemented to ensure the safety of all road users. The Benidorm City Council has reinforced signage prohibiting electric scooters from circulating in pedestrian areas, aligning with Spain's new national regulations for personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) [2].
The latest measures, announced by Councillor for Public Safety Jesús Carrobles on Thursday, July 31, aim to protect pedestrians and riders alike. The council is emphasizing the need for scooter users to carry compulsory third-party liability insurance and to wear helmets [3].
The signage reinforcement is an extension of the council's emphasis on compliance with national rules regarding scooter use. In November 2020, the first phase of signage was installed in pedestrian zones where scooter misuse had been most common. Now, the second phase is underway, with reinforcement in the Old Town and Levante Promenade, as well as other strategic locations with high pedestrian traffic [1][2].
The local effort is led by the Department for Public Safety. The council has reported a "very high percentage" of scooter offences involving the illegal use of pedestrian areas [4]. Enforcement of the new measures will be stepped up immediately, according to Carrobles [2].
Some servicing companies and hotel chains, like Servigroup, have also banned mobility scooters on their premises due to complaints about obstruction, accidents, and misuse [1]. While manual and electric wheelchairs remain allowed, mobility scooters are restricted, and rental companies must adhere to bylaws preventing hires to people under 55 or those without disabilities [1].
The new regulations ban the use of PMVs on pavements and pedestrian-only zones nationwide [5]. Rental companies remain active but face scrutiny and legal restrictions, and tourists are warned about possible fines if they use electric scooters incorrectly [3][4].
The signage reinforcement is an example of the council's commitment to the safety of all road users in Benidorm. Both the council and the local police are committed to ensuring harmonious coexistence among all road users under safe conditions [6]. The council is acting proactively, as it began acting months before the national framework came into effect [7].
In summary, Benidorm has implemented comprehensive local controls and aligned them with national legislation to limit electric scooter use in pedestrian zones, with active enforcement through signage and fines aimed at tourists, alongside restrictions on scooter rental eligibility and usage within hotel properties [1][2][3][4].
- As part of their efforts to ensure safety on the roads, the council in Benidorm, Spain, is now reinforcing signage to prohibit the use of gadgets like electric scooters in pedestrian areas, extending their compliance with national regulations on personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) [1][2].
- To promote the safe use of technology like electric scooters, the Benidorm City Council is emphasizing the need for riders to carry compulsory third-party liability insurance, wear helmets, and adhere to regulations prohibiting their use in pedestrian zones [3].
