If you use an electric scooter to get around the city, there's an important update you should know about. Starting October 1, 2026, Royal Decree 518/2026 comes into force, amending the Spanish General Traffic Regulations and introducing new measures to improve the safety of vulnerable road users, including users of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) such as electric scooters.
The most significant change is clear: wearing a helmet will become mandatory nationwide for all electric scooter users.
What's changing?
From October 1, electric scooter users in Spain must comply with the following rules:
- Helmet mandatory for all PMV users.
- Minimum age of 15 to ride an electric scooter.
- Reflective vest mandatory at night or in low-visibility conditions (professional delivery riders must wear one at all times while working).
- Failure to wear a helmet or reflective vest when required may result in a €200 fine.
The aim of these changes is to standardize regulations across Spain and improve safety for a type of vehicle that has become increasingly common in urban environments.
What is considered a Personal Mobility Vehicle (PMV)?
The regulation applies to Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), a category that includes single-person electric scooters capable of reaching speeds between 6 and 25 km/h.
These vehicles do not require a driving licence, but they must comply with specific traffic and safety regulations. In addition, modifying a PMV to exceed the maximum legal speed is prohibited.
Does this also apply to bicycles?
Not exactly.
The reform does not introduce a general helmet requirement for all cyclists in every situation. Instead, it removes some of the previous exemptions, particularly on interurban roads, where helmets become mandatory for all cyclists. In addition, professional delivery riders using bicycles must wear both a helmet and a reflective vest while working.
Therefore, the biggest change affecting urban mobility is the introduction of mandatory helmet use for all electric scooter riders.
Why is wearing a helmet so important?
Beyond the legal requirement, a helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment when riding an electric scooter.
In urban environments, an unexpected stop, a pothole, or even a low-speed collision can result in a serious head injury. Wearing a certified helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe injuries and, from October onwards, it will not only protect you but also become a legal requirement.
Get 15% off Youin helmets
To help you get ready for the new regulations, Youin is offering 15% off two of our most popular helmet models: MA1010 and MA1011, both featuring front and rear LED lights for increased visibility and safety while riding around the city.
Available in black and white, with adjustable M and L sizes, they're the perfect choice for your daily commute.
Now is the ideal time to get properly equipped before the new regulation comes into effect and continue enjoying your journeys with maximum safety.
Ride safely. Ride prepared.
The new regulation aims to make our cities safer for everyone. If you ride an electric scooter, remember that from October 1, 2026, wearing a helmet will no longer be a recommendation—it will be a legal requirement.
At Youin, we're committed to promoting electric mobility that is responsible, convenient, and safe. And now, you can get ready with 15% off our MA1010 and MA1011 helmet models.
