The picturesque city of Ronda, Spain, is implementing new regulations for electric scooters and other personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) starting January 31, 2025. These rules aim to enhance safety and address the growing concerns related to the increased use of these vehicles. This article will delve into the specifics of these regulations, offering a comprehensive guide for residents and visitors alike.
Why the Need for New Regulations?
In recent years, electric scooters have become increasingly popular in urban areas, including Ronda. While they offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, their proliferation has also led to safety concerns. The local council has responded to public demand by creating a new bylaw to regulate their use. This decision comes after several accidents involving PMVs, with seven incidents reported in the previous year. The primary goal of these regulations is to ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians.
Key Aspects of the New Regulations
The new bylaw introduces several key rules that electric scooter users must adhere to. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Age Restrictions
- Minimum Age: Riders must be at least 14 years old to operate an electric scooter in Ronda. This measure is intended to ensure that riders have the necessary maturity and understanding of traffic laws.
Where You Can and Cannot Ride
- Prohibited Areas: Electric scooters are strictly prohibited on pavements, pedestrian areas, and inter-urban roads. This is to safeguard pedestrians and maintain clear pathways.
- Permitted Areas: Scooters should be used on the road, following the same rules as bicycles. If there is no designated bike lane, riders should stick to the right side of the road.
- Specific Street Restrictions: Certain streets may also be off-limits to electric scooters, so riders must pay attention to local signage and regulations.
- No Riding in Tunnels: Electric scooters are not allowed in city tunnels, underpasses, or bypasses.
Speed Limits
- Maximum Speed: The maximum speed allowed for electric scooters is 25 kilometers per hour (km/h).
- Urban Speed Limits: On urban roads, the maximum speed may not exceed 20 kilometers per hour.
- Lower Limits: Riders must adhere to lower speed limits where they are posted.
Passenger and Cargo Restrictions
- Single Riders: Only one person is allowed on an electric scooter at a time.
- No Animals or Objects: The transportation of animals or objects is prohibited while riding an electric scooter.
Safety Equipment
- Helmets: Riders must wear a helmet. This is a crucial safety measure to protect against head injuries.
- Luminous Devices: Scooters must be equipped with a white luminous device on the front and a red one at the back to ensure visibility, especially at night or in low light conditions.
- Reflective Vests: While not mandatory, the use of a reflective vest is highly recommended to further enhance the rider’s visibility.
Parking Rules
- No Parking in Restricted Areas: Electric scooters cannot be parked at the front of buildings, entrances to buildings, on pavements, on pedestrian walkways, or on street furniture. Riders must use designated parking areas.
Penalties for Violations
Failing to comply with these new regulations will result in fines. Here’s what you need to know about potential penalties:
- General Fines: Fines can be imposed for various violations of the new bylaw.
- Substance Use: Riders caught using electric scooters under the influence of drugs or alcohol could face fines of up to 1,000 euros.
National Regulations in Spain
In addition to local regulations in Ronda, there are national guidelines that apply to electric scooters throughout Spain. Here are some of the key points:
Classification of Electric Scooters
- Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP): Electric scooters are officially classified as Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP). This means that their drivers must adhere to the same national traffic laws as drivers of cars and motorbikes.
Prohibited Areas (National Level)
- Pavements: Electric scooters are not allowed on pavements or other pedestrian areas.
- Intercity Roads: They are banned from intercity roads, motorways, highways, bypasses, and city tunnels.
Technical Requirements
- Speed Limits: The maximum speed for electric scooters is set at 25 km/h, with a minimum of 6 km/h.
- Braking System: Scooters must have a braking system.
- Acoustic Warning Device: A bell or other acoustic warning device is mandatory.
- Lights and Reflectors: Front and rear lights and reflective devices are required.
- Certification: Since January 22, 2024, all new electric scooters sold in Spain must undergo a series of technical tests to obtain a VMP certificate.
- Moratorium: Scooters sold before January 22, 2024, have a 3-year moratorium and can be used until January 22, 2027, without the certificate, provided they are limited to 25 km/h and do not have a seat.
- Anti-Tampering System: The scooter’s motor will stop propelling the vehicle once it reaches 25 km/h, and an anti-tampering system prevents modifications to increase the speed.
Safety and Conduct
- Earphones and Mobile Phones: Using earphones or a mobile phone while riding an electric scooter is prohibited and can result in fines.
- Insurance: While not mandatory by law, third-party insurance is highly recommended. It helps cover potential damage or injuries to third parties caused by the scooter in case of accidents.
- Alcohol and Drugs: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and can result in hefty fines, similar to drunk driving.
- Traffic Rules: Riders must adhere to all normal traffic rules, including signaling with arms as scooters do not have indicators.
- High Visibility Clothing: It is recommended to wear high-visibility clothing, especially at night or in low light conditions.
Impact on Users
These regulations will have a significant impact on electric scooter users in Ronda. By implementing these measures, the city aims to:
- Enhance Safety: Reduce the number of accidents and protect pedestrians.
- Promote Responsible Riding: Encourage responsible behavior among scooter users.
- Ensure Orderly Traffic: Integrate electric scooters into the city’s traffic flow in a safe and organized manner.
Public Awareness
To ensure that everyone is aware of the new regulations, Ronda’s town council plans to launch information campaigns and conduct awareness sessions in secondary schools. This approach underscores the local government’s commitment to educating the community on safe and responsible e-scooter usage.
Conclusion
The new electric scooter regulations in Ronda, Spain, coming into force on January 31, 2025, represent a significant step towards ensuring the safety and order of urban transportation. By understanding and adhering to these rules, riders can continue to enjoy the convenience of electric scooters while contributing to a safer environment for everyone. These regulations are not just about compliance; they are about fostering a culture of responsible and respectful co-existence on the streets of Ronda.
