Mandatory Registration and Insurance: Key Deadlines
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has confirmed the creation of a national, unified registration system for Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMPs). This system is scheduled to be operational by January 2, 2026, after which all VMPs must be registered.
More importantly, starting from January 26, 2026, all VMP riders must have valid civil liability insurance to legally operate their vehicles on public roads. Riders without insurance will face fines ranging from €200 to €1,000. These measures aim to regulate the use of VMPs and improve road safety.
Registration Process and Vehicle Identification
According to the DGT’s plan, the VMP registration process will primarily be conducted online for user convenience. Owners can log into the DGT’s online portal and use a digital certificate, electronic ID (DNIe), or the Cl@ve system to authenticate their identity and complete the registration.
Upon successful registration, each VMP will be assigned a unique registration number. The owner must affix a physical identification tag with this number to a visible part of the vehicle to facilitate management and enforcement checks. This move signifies Spain’s transition to a system where each VMP is uniquely identified and registered.
VMP Definition and Future Technical Standards
The new regulation defines VMPs as including single-person electric scooters, self-balancing vehicles (such as Segways), and some lightweight electric bicycles. Their key features are being designed for a single user and having a speed limited to between 6 and 25 km/h. Vehicles in different weight classes may face varying registration and insurance requirements.
Furthermore, a stricter set of technical standards will come into effect on January 22, 2027. From that date, all VMPs sold and in use must comply with a series of safety regulations, including but not limited to: a maximum speed of 25 km/h, a dual braking system, a visible display for speed and battery level, a kickstand (caballete), front and rear reflectors, a brake light, an audible warning device, and a secure folding system. This implies that many existing vehicles may need to be modified or will be phased out of the market.
Impact and Recommendations for Owners
The implementation of these new regulations means VMP owners need to prepare in advance. First, they should verify if their vehicle is classified as a VMP. Second, they must complete the online registration and purchase the required liability insurance before the end of January 2026. Finally, they should pay attention to the 2027 technical standards to assess whether their vehicle needs to be upgraded or replaced. The DGT advises users to plan early to ensure all compliance procedures are completed before the deadlines, thus avoiding unnecessary fines and legal risks.
