On 25 July 2025, Law 5/2025 was published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), reforming the regulations on civil liability and insurance for motor vehicle circulation. This new law has finally clarified one of the biggest questions in the electric mobility sector: do electric bikes require mandatory insurance?
The answer is clear: no, pedal-assist electric bikes are exempt from mandatory insurance.
What exactly does Law 5/2025 state?
Law 5/2025 modifies the legislation on civil liability and motor vehicle insurance, as well as Law 20/2015 on the regulation, supervision and solvency of insurance and reinsurance companies. With this reform:
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Bicycles and pedal-assist electric bikes (with a maximum continuous rated power of 250W and assistance up to 25 km/h) are not considered personal mobility vehicles (PMVs).
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Therefore, they are not subject to the obligation of having third-party liability insurance.
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Only electric bikes exceeding 25 km/h or 250W of power will be classified as motor vehicles, with the corresponding legal obligations.
What about electric scooters and other PMVs?
The new regulation does establish mandatory insurance for personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), defined as:
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Single-seat electric vehicles.
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Maximum speed between 6 and 25 km/h.
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Maximum weight of 25 kg (if exceeded, the maximum permitted speed is reduced to 14 km/h).
This category includes electric scooters, hoverboards, Segways and similar vehicles. All of them must have mandatory third-party liability insurance.
A boost for active mobility
The exclusion of electric bikes from mandatory insurance is excellent news for the cycling industry and everyone committed to sustainable mobility:
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It encourages the adoption of electric bikes by removing administrative barriers and additional costs.
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It aligns Spain with European regulations, which already recognise pedal-assist e-bikes as equivalent to conventional bicycles.
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It reinforces the role of bicycles as a clean, healthy and efficient means of transport in cities.
From the Spanish Association of Bicycle Brands and Manufacturers (AMBE) to everyday urban riders, support for this measure has been unanimous, as it strengthens the path towards more sustainable and accessible mobility.
Insurance: what you need to know
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Pedal-assist electric bikes (≤25 km/h and 250W): NO mandatory insurance required.
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Electric scooters and other PMVs (6–25 km/h, ≤25 kg): YES, mandatory insurance required.
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More powerful bikes (speed pedelecs, >25 km/h or >250W): YES, mandatory insurance required.
