Most electric scooter users admit to skipping red lights, half admit riding against traffic

A recent study by drivers’ association Royal Automobile Club of Catalonia (RACC) found that 61% of electric scooter riders in Barcelona admit to running red lights, while 48% admit to riding in the wrong direction or on sidewalks. 

The 2024 RACC Personal Mobility Vehicle (PMV) survey also revealed that 83% of electric scooter riders don’t have insurance coverage and 20% are unfamiliar with traffic regulations. 

RACC President Josep Mateu emphasized the need for mandatory civil liability insurance. However, over half of surveyed riders were unaware of the government's proposal for required insurance.  

Mateu is pushing for a vehicle registration system and periodic maintenance checks and called for increased enforcement against unsafe behavior. 

The study showed that 17% of electric scooter accidents involved personal injuries, a 2% increase since 2023, although most accidents were minor. 

Electric scooter riders aged 16 to 25 accounted for three quarters of users, with 80% riding more than four days a week.  

Overall, electric scooter use remains stable, accounting for 4% of all journeys in Barcelona. The study also revealed a growing trend of newer riders, with a larger proportion having only 1-2 years of experience compared to those with two or more years.  

Despite the popularity of this mode of transport, more than half of all riders report feeling vulnerable while navigating city streets. 

The study also shows that 18% of drivers admit to having been fined, and 62% of users support penalizing unregulated riding.  

Disobeying traffic signals accounted for 35% of fines, while improper use of cycling infrastructure made up 25%, according to the RACC director of Mobility, Cristian Bardají. 

Like Mateu, Bardají has advocated for a universal standard ordinance across all municipalities in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona. This would include rules regarding signage, traffic and parking regulations, and required equipment such as helmets.