The proposed ordinance that governs the operation of bicycles and scooters has been authorised by the Governing Board. In order to provide users with an opportunity to comprehend their responsibilities as drivers of these personal mobility vehicles, the regulations will not be implemented until January 1st, 2026.
Pablo Ruz, the mayor of Elche, has declared that the minimum age for operating scooters has been reduced from 16 to 14 years of age in order to enhance the mobility of students. Additionally, scooter riders will be prohibited from operating on sidewalks, regardless of whether they are assigned a designated cycle lane, or on pedestrian streets. It is mandatory for them to possess civil liability insurance issued by insurance companies and ride on roads or cycle paths while wearing a helmet. It is also possible to be prohibited from operating a scooter with more than one person. Similarly, electric scooters are permitted to operate on the hard shoulder of intercity roads, provided that they are equipped with lighting and a helmet. Nevertheless, motorcycles that are not motorised are prohibited from operating on public roads.
Helmets will not be mandatory for bicycles, with the exception of minors under the age of fourteen. They are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of ten kilometres per hour on single-track platforms, such as the Corredora, and on wide streets. Additionally, headphones will be prohibited for cyclists.
Despite the mayor’s assurance that this regulation is not intended to impose penalties, fines of 75 euros have been established for less serious cases. Serious cases, such as not wearing a helmet, being under the minimum age, not having insurance, or riding on the sidewalk, are subject to a fine of 200 euros. Very serious cases, such as drunk driving, are subject to a fine of 500 euros. Pablo Ruz underscored that the objective of this regulation is to regulate the operation of bicycles and motorcycles in order to guarantee public safety. Ruz clarified that hospitals have reported an increase in the number of scooter-related accidents in recent months.
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