New Scooter Regulations in Marbella Now in Effect
Scooters are a common sight along the Marbella promenade. After a lengthy process, Marbella has now implemented a new ordinance regulating the use of scooters on public roads. The regulation mandates the use of helmets and insurance, and prohibits riding on sidewalks. The penalty system includes fines that can reach up to 1,000 euros.
Five-Year Journey to Regulation
The governing team of the PP in Marbella announced in early 2019 that they were working on a municipal regulation for scooter use and that the document was nearly finished. It took five years for those plans to become a reality, following a long process.
Approval and Publication Delays
The initial approval of the ordinance was made by the Plenary on February 24, 2023, and after a period of public exposure and allegations, the final approval was given on September 29. However, it was never published in the Official Provincial Bulletin (Bopma), a necessary condition for its entry into force, as the regulation had material errors. These had to be corrected, causing further delay, and the ordinance was brought back to the Plenary in late December. It was included in the Bopma in early February 2024 and now, after fifteen days, the Municipal Ordinance regulating the use of Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP) is in effect.
Regulation Details and Definitions
The regulation applies to individuals, but also sets out how businesses should operate scooters and similar vehicles. A Personal Mobility Vehicle (VMP) is defined as a one or more wheeled vehicle with a single seat, powered exclusively by electric motors that can provide a maximum design speed between 6 and 25 km/h. They can only be equipped with a seat or saddle if they have a self-balancing system. This definition includes electric bicycles.
Where Can VMPs Travel and Where Are They Prohibited?
VMPs can travel on urban roads, complying with traffic rules like other vehicles and using designated bike lanes. They are generally required to use bike lanes where they exist. They are prohibited from traveling on crossings, interurban roads, highways and motorways within the municipality, as well as in urban tunnels. They are also prohibited from traveling on sidewalks, promenades, exclusive pedestrian areas and outside the roads or streets indicated in the ordinance.
Usage Conditions
VMPs are for single-person use and cannot transport passengers, animals or travel with them. Helmet use is mandatory and the minimum age to use a VMP is 14 years. Civil liability insurance is mandatory and the use of a vest and reflective clothing is recommended. Reckless driving, unauthorized competitions and holding onto or being towed by moving vehicles are prohibited. Drivers must signal their turning intentions using direction indicators, if installed, or manual signals indicating a change of direction.
Penalty System
The ordinance establishes fines that can reach up to 1,000 euros for the most serious offenses, such as driving without civil liability insurance. Riding without a helmet results in a 200 euro fine, riding on the sidewalk or pedestrian area results in a 100 euro fine, and reckless driving results in a 500 euro fine, among other penalties.
