The Spanish equivalent of Home Affairs (Interior) has updated the General Regulation of Circulation to improve the protection of vulnerable users on the public highway.
The introduction of the changes is staggered between October 2026 and October 2027. More information at the end of this article.
For the first time the concept of the «vulnerable user» (those who are at most risk of serious injuries) in an urban environment is formalized.
The main changes by groups are:
1. Electric scooters and bicycles
The minimum age for using an electric scooter is fixed at 15 years
For both electric scooters and bicycles the use of a helmet is obligatory as is a reflective vest at night and in periods of poor visibility
Delivery riders who use an electric scooter, bicycle, ciclometer or motorbike must alweays wear a helmet and a reflective vest.
2. Motorcyclists
– Gloves are obligatory on inter-urban roads.
– Footwear: Closed toe shoes are obligatory on every type of road
– Helmets must be approved not just certified
3. Inter Urban Roads and Emergencies
– Emergency lanes will be regulated
– Snow Protocol: when circulation is affected by snow it is prohibited to overtake and it will be obligatory to circulate only in the right hand lane
Dates that regulations come into force:
The introduction of these new regulations will be staggered:
October 1, 2026: Date of general regulations (ie. minimum age for electric scooters; reflective vests, closed toe shoes, snow protocol etc).
October 1, 2027: Lights obligatory on electric scooters and approved helmets for motorcyclists.
The obligation for motorcyclists to wear «approved» gloves is pending a Ministerial Order. Until then any gloves will be permitted.
Editors Note.
There are other changes to be introduced later this year and next year. Nexonr will update readers before these dates.
