Police fined almost 3,000 scooter drivers in February in Barcelona

Barcelona's local Guàrdia Urbana police have sanctioned almost 3,000 electric scooter drivers in just one month, the first month with the new driving legislation in place.

Overall, police have filed 11,243 complaints related to the legislation that took effect on February 1. Personal mobility vehicle drivers received 2,942 fines, most of them 2,419 for riding without a helmet. Law enforcement agents filed 167 sanctions for driving on the sidewalk.

Cyclists received 1,126 fines, with 38 of them for driving on the sidewalk. 

Police also fined 372 motorists for parking on the sidewalk. However, data does not show if it was to park less than three meters away from a hospital or school, which was banned on February 1.

The new regulation provides for fines of between €100 and €500 for different cases. Only during the first week of February, police handed out 452 fines.

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.