5 changes that the DGT has just imposed on electric scooters: what might affect you on October 1st

The DGT has just unified the VMP regulations and opens the change window for electric scooters. This text legislates who can circulate with VMPs and under what conditions common to the whole territory. The local debate (Barcelona, Valencia) is already heating up.

The measure touches on coexistence in urban roads and the safety of vulnerable users. There are municipalities that can maintain their own restrictions, but the DGT sets the general framework that will set the municipal guidelines. And yes, this affects couriers, young people, and those who move around the city every day.

What does the DGT reform foresee for electric scooters and why it matters to you

For the urban reader, this matters because it changes basic usage rules and imposes minimum equipment. The new regulation affects how you move through the streets: greater responsibilities for the driver and additional obligations for those who use the VMP as a work tool. If you use a scooter to run errands or for work, these changes will condition your daily life.

What are the basic obligations?

The DGT establishes a common framework for all VMPs. The scattered municipal ordinances make way for state rules that focus on protecting vulnerable users and reducing urban accidents. This involves rules on equipment, minimum age, and operation of lights and signaling.

How do municipalities with their own rules affect this?

Municipalities can maintain stricter limits within their competencies. Examples like Barcelona and Valencia, with already high minimum ages, are studying whether to keep stricter local rules. This means that the state rule acts as a common minimum and not always as a ceiling.

By the way: if you thought everything would stay the same, no — things are changing.

Specific obligations: helmet, age, vest, and lighting

Right now the rule defines equipment and age limits that condition scooter use. Knowing this is practical: it can save you a fine, avoid a discussion with local police, and protect your skin (literally). If you live in the city and share the sidewalk with bicycles and pedestrians, this affects you closely.

What about helmet use?

The helmet will be mandatory in any municipality for VMP users. The measure standardizes a requirement that previously varied by municipality; therefore, wearing a helmet will cease to be a recommendation and become a legal obligation.

What is the minimum age to circulate?

A minimum age of 15 years is set to drive a VMP. However, keep in mind that some cities may maintain a higher minimum age (for example, 16 years), so parents and young people should review local regulations before going out on the street.

If you are a rider or have teenage children, pay attention to this point.

Sanctions, implementation phases, and work obligations

The DGT sets transitions and specific sanctions for concrete breaches. Understanding the terms and penalties is key to avoiding fines: there are adaptation periods for some requirements, and others come into effect immediately.

When do the most relevant measures come into force?

The new regulatory framework for VMP circulation begins on October 1. However, there is an adaptation phase for the mandatory 24-hour lights, which will not be required until October 1, 2027; meanwhile, sanctions will apply for not having lights during low visibility hours.

What sanctions can be applied?

Not having lights can result in fines of up to €200. In addition, lack of equipment during nighttime hours or low visibility conditions can be sanctioned, and professionals (riders) will have permanent obligations to wear a reflective vest and helmet.

Imagine going out to deliver without a vest: it’s not only less visible, it is illegal if you work with the VMP.

How does it affect riders and couriers?

Workers using VMPs for labor reasons must permanently wear a reflective vest and always wear a helmet. This implies a minimal investment in equipment and a new responsibility for companies that subcontract couriers.

Is it mandatory to signal with the arm?

The regulation requires indicating any turn or change of direction with the arm. This requirement recovers elements of cycling culture and obliges VMP drivers to be more explicit in their intentions, improving predictability on the road.

The implementation has a clear interpretation: the DGT seeks to standardize safety and reduce confusion among users and local agents. You must adapt or opt for less exposed routes and schedules. And yes, this changes many urban routines.

The reality is that the new DGT regulation for electric scooters demands respect for equipment and sets age and lighting requirements to protect users. Therefore, check which VMP you use, verify the driver’s age, and update the equipment (helmet, vest, lights). If you work with a VMP or have children who use it, these are the practical keys you must keep in mind and that will prevent sanctions and incidents.