Getting around by Electric Scooter - An Interesting Option - know the law(s)

[McAdam]

Original Source: https://www.leggograncanaria.com/35703/chi-usa-lo-scooter-elettrico-queste-le-nuove-regole-della-dgt/


The laws are still being made and clarified regarding usage of electric scooters across Spain.
I will update as I discover more!

Summary:

The vehicle can not exceed a maximum speed of 25km/h
Otherwise classification is the same as a car.

Must only use Roads or Cycle Paths
Not Allowed on the pavement

Helmets are not required
But could be required by local councils

Only One Rider
No Passengers
Fine €100

No Driving under the influence
Same levels as any other motor vehicle
Fine €500-€1000

Do not use phone or headphones
Can be used if you are not on the road (checking maps etc)
Fine €200

Must use Lights or Reflective clothing at night
Not clear if this is a "Or" or "And"
Fine: €200


Happy Scooting!

[Sam]

Thanks for the guide. I still don't get why so many people prefer scooter over bike. I would go for an electric bike any day. Better selection, rules, battery, etc.

BTW, not allowed on the pavement should be written on every single corner.

[McAdam]

Thanks for the guide. I still don't get why so many people prefer scooter over bike. I would go for an electric bike any day. Better selection, rules, battery, etc.

BTW, not allowed on the pavement should be written on every single corner.

TL;DR - each one has its own usage case, advantages and disadvantages. Scooters are not there to replace a bike, they're there as an alternative to driving or walking - and if it gets more people off their *** and out into the world then thats great in my book!

RE Bike vs Scooter:

There are a larger amount of ebikes available, and having tried many I know their appeal.

Ebikes come in 2 forms - assistive and powered.
Assistive ebikes require that you pedal, and they will boost your input, helping you spend less energy. (these do not have an accelerator/throttle)
Powered ebikes do not require any pedaling and these can be ridden with 0 effort. (these DO have an accelerator/throttle)

Assistive ones are great if you are already a cyclist, someone who goes out to explore often, and just looking to go more distance or make things a less taxing (especially on hills)
Powered ones are great if you don't care about cycling, but you want a way to get around or pop to the shops.

But all ebikes have some things in common: They are expensive, heavy and not that easy to transport.
Sure ebikes can be had for less than €1000, but they aren't that great, use cheap components, and usually die after a season or two (if they last that long)

Electric scooters are not there to replace bikes, but rather address some of the shortcomings.
An amazing scooter can be had for less than €400, weighs less than 13kg and can fit comfortably into the trunk of almost any car, Requires no effort to ride, can go about 30km on a single charge, oh and it does not give you saddle sores.


For me being able to chuck a couple of e-scooters in the back of the car, drive for an hour to another part of the island, scoot around for a couple of hours exploring somewhere new, then pack up and head home - that is worth it.
I had a 7.5kg racing bike in Berlin, as well as a €3500 e-racing bike and a €2000 e-mtb - but they were always a pain to move around with. Then I discovered other electric options like long boards and single wheel boards... and no scooters.

I have a bad knee, and even with assistive cycling I would need a few days to recover after every ride - and thats ultimately why I stopped riding.
But I still get the same freedoms, thrill, and enjoyment out of a scooter.

Give it a try one day - if you're in Corralejo send me a message and you can borrow mine

[Captain Sensible]

Hopefully, the local Police will be there to enforce the rules.  They haven't had much effect so far.