Helmets to become mandatory for electric scooter riders in Barcelona starting February 1

Helmets will be mandatory for electric scooter riders in Barcelona starting on February 1 following the final approval of new legislation by the city council.

Authorities have set the date as the starting point for the new rule after the legislation on pedestrian and vehicle safety was passed by a local committee. The regulation now only requires a procedural vote at the city council's plenary session on November 29.

The last time this legislation was modified was in 2017. It will be amended with the support of the governing Socialist party and left-wing groups Barcelona en Comú and Esquerra Republicana.

"We have been heavily working on this new legislation that will allow us to organize Barcelona and improve its coexistence," Laia Bonet, deputy mayor, said during the committee meeting.

To ensure awareness, the city council plans to launch an information campaign before the rule takes effect to educate electric scooter riders about the new requirements.

Under the revised rules, e-scooters must also be equipped with front and rear lights and prohibited from riding on sidewalks. Certain sections of the road will also be restricted.

Riding on sidewalks will be strictly forbidden for bicycles, except for children under 14 years old or adults transporting a child using a bike seat or trailer, provided no cycling lanes are available.

Motorbikes will face parking limitations in areas near schools and hospitals.