Electric scooters back in the spotlight

Elche takes criminal action against speeding user

ELCHE local police are taking criminal action against the driver of an electric scooter who officers intercepted after seeing him travelling at high speed.

They had been posted at a checkpoint in the Palmerales neighbourhood and asked the 23-year-old man to produce all the relevant paperwork.

The officers maintain that the characteristics of the vehicle, which had a power of 1,600W and top speed of 45km/h, could be classified as a moped.

Since the driver had no paperwork for the vehicle and did not have a driving licence either, they have started criminal action against him and impounded the scooter.

Elche local police noted they have taken criminal action over use of electric scooters in three other previous cases.

A force spokesman said that the lack of national traffic department (DGT) legislation is the main problem when it comes to issuing fines, but officers can use the law on motor vehicles if an electric vehicle can be classified as a moped.

These are usually larger, with bigger wheels, more power and many have a driver’s seat.

They pose a particular danger if used on pavements but can also cause problems on the roads with other drivers if the driver does not have a licence.

The public prosecutor for road safety has started applying the law, even without specific regulations, in cases where other people have been put in danger or there have been accidents.

Alicante city hall councillor for security, José Ramón González announced last week that they hope to pass a bylaw to regulate use of scooters in the street.

“We are dealing with objections so that we can continue drawing up the document, which we hope to implement in September,” he said.

“Situations are happening which require clarification that involve not only personal mobility vehicle users but also pedestrians and other drivers.”

Sr González noted that whenever the DGT does bring out legislation, they will adapt the bylaw accordingly.

“We are doing the same as other municipalities, which requires (the user) to have public liability insurance, to wear a helmet, not to ride on pavements, to use cycle paths and the maximum speeds also need to be resolved.”

The councillor, who is also vice-president of the network of pro-bicycle cities, pointed out that DGT regulation is also needed for electric bicycles.

New regulations for Benidorm

Benidorm will be implementing new municipal regulations to control the use of personal mobility vehicles like electric scooters and Segways.

The regulations include companies that hire out this sort of vehicle to tourists having suitable insurance to cover the costs of any damage caused by those who rent them.

Rental companies will also have to present the vehicles' documents to town hall along with their insurance policies. They will then be issued with a QR code sticker for each vehicle. This way a local police officer only has to scan the sticker to obtain full information on the vehicle in question.

All private users will have to have third party insurance and the use of a helmet is obligatory.

The vehicles will have to have lights and a bell or horn.

None of these vehicles will be allowed on any pavement except for the Levante promenade, where they can go at a maximum speed of 20 kph. They are not allowed to usecycle lanes on pavements, but can use cycle lanes on roads.

Fines will range from €80 to €500.