New bike and scooter regulations in effect from February 1

New regulations for bikes and personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) come into effect in Barcelona from Saturday, February 1. 

Among the main changes, helmets will now be mandatory for all PMVs, including electric scooters, and bikes and PMVs alike won't be allowed on sidewalks except in some specific cases. 

Adrià Gomila, Barcelona's Director of Mobility Services, stated that while the information campaign runs until late February, enforcement of the new rules will begin on February 1, with fines ranging from €50 to €500 depending on the severity of the infraction. 

Key regulations 

Helmets are obligatory for all PMVs, which notably include electric scooters, as well as other electric vehicles such as unicycles. 

Front and rear lights are now mandatory on those vehicles and only one person is authorized to use them. 

These infractions will result in a €100 fine, while minors under 16 who ride a PMV will be fined €200. 

In terms of speed regulations, the maximum speed allowed for PMVs will be adjusted, from 30 km/h to a new limit of 25 km/h on streets and bike lanes. Whenever the use of sidewalks is required, the limit drops to 10 km/h. 

Riding on a 50 km/h road is strictly prohibited and will result in a €500 fine.  

Bikes and PMVs alike will also get a €500 fine for riding on the sidewalk. Exceptions to this rule will include children under 12 years old and their accompanying adults as well as adults transporting children in child seats or a trailer. 

Motorcycle parking restrictions 

The new rules also limit motorcycle parking on sidewalks near schools, hospitals, bike racks, pedestrian crossings, and bike lanes. 

Violations, such as tying vehicles to trees, traffic lights, benches, or in any way that obstructs pedestrian flow, will result in €500 fines. 

On the other hand, PMVs are now authorized to use the spaces designated for loading and unloading when needed.