Personal mobility vehicles (PMV) and cycles with more than two wheels
The way we move around the city is changing. The personal vehicles we are choosing are more and more practical and sustainable, giving us the independence to travel where and when we want. Scooters or electric wheels and cycles with more than two wheels are becoming more common on the streets of Barcelona.
Since July 2017, personal mobility vehicles (PMV) and cycles with more than two wheels have had their own regulations for the safety and protection of their users and a harmonious relationship with other pedestrians and vehicles on the public highway. The regulations govern personal motor vehicles, such as PMVs, and cycles with more than two wheels for commercial and lucrative use, whether motor or mechanical.
The minimum age for driving PMVs or cycles with more than two wheels is 16. When transporting people in an authorised vehicle (type C0 or C1), drivers must be of age (18 years old) to drive them.
It is obligatory to take out third-party civil liability insurance if you are carrying out commercial activities. For personal use, this insurance is recommended.
Changes to regulations from 2 January 2021
The Spanish cabinet approved a Royal Decree on 10 November last year amending the general traffic regulations and the general regulations for vehicles relating to urban traffic measures.
The text also regulates the technical requisites and conditions for personal mobility vehicles, which now become formally defined as vehicles and consequently are prohibited from circulating on pavements and in pedestrianised areas.
In terms of personal mobility vehicles, Barcelona already amended its by-laws on the circulation of pedestrians and vehicles in 2017, determining the conditions for these vehicles to circulate in a bid to make their use compatible with pedestrians and other forms of mobility.
Today’s approval for the Royal Decree makes a national framework available that classifies PMVs as vehicles and sets out the requisites for them to circulate, based on a manual of technical specifications, at the same time making it obligatory to have a road-use certificate.
Classifying them as vehicles also represents significant progress in terms of road safety, as it ensures they do not circulate on the pavements and now sets out the technical features they must have, offering greater safety in both these respects.
The decree came into force on 2 January 2021.
Type and regulation
Scooters, small and light electric wheels and platforms
Measurements: The smallest personal mobility vehicles: maximum weight 25kg, maximum length 1m and maximum width 0.6m are considered 'Type A'.
Where they can be used: by bike lane (maximum speed of 25 km/h on road surfaces and 10 km/h on pavements, with the obligation of giving way to pedestrians where indicated), in curbless streets (provided the circulation of vehicles is prohibited) and in public parks (maximum speed of 10 km/h and respecting pedestrian priority). They can also use road surfaces in streets with 30 km/h speed limits.
Attention groups: If these vehicles are travelling in a group (three to six people and a guide), they can only be used on specific routes (consult the map). In Ciutat Vella, there is a special law (from 1 June to 1 October).
Helmet use: The use of a helmet is obligatory whenever it is part of a public and shared-use service or a commercial, tourism or leisure activity of a lucrative nature. In the case of the personal use of these devices, the use of a helmet is only recommended.
Larger scooters and electric platforms
Measurements: The larger personal mobility vehicles: maximum weight 50 kg, maximum length 1.9 m and maximum width 0.8 m are considered 'Type B'.
Where they can be used: by bike lane (maximum speed of 25 km/h on road surfaces and 10 km/h on pavements, with the obligation of giving way to pedestrians where indicated), in curbless streets (provided the circulation of vehicles is prohibited) and in public parks (maximum speed of 10 km/h and respecting pedestrian priority). They can also use road surfaces in streets with 30 km/h speed limits.
Attention groups: If these vehicles are travelling in a group (three to six people and a guide), they can only be used on specific routes (consult the map). In Ciutat Vella, there is a special law (from 1 June to 1 October).
Helmet use: For people using Type B vehicles, the use of a helmet is obligatory.
Cycles with more than two wheels for personal use
Measurements: Vehicles with a maximum weight of 500kg, maximum length of 3.1m and maximum width of 1.5m are considered 'Type C0' and equivalent to the bicycle.
Where they can be used: on the same routes as those established for bicycles.
Helmet use: This is recommended, not obligatory.
Cycles with more than two wheels transporting passengers
Measurements: Vehicles with a maximum weight of 500kg, maximum length of 3.1m and maximum width of 1.5m are considered 'Type C1'.
Where they can be used: by bike lane (providing the width of the cycling lane allows for it, at a maximum speed of 25 km/h if the lane is on a road surface and 10 km/h if it is on a pavement) in curbless streets (providing the circulation of vehicles allows for it), in streets with 30 km/h speed limits and on road surfaces which are not part of the city’s basic road network.
Helmet use: This is recommended, not obligatory.
Cycles with more than two wheels transporting goods
Measurements: Vehicles with a maximum weight of 500kg, maximum length of 3.1m and maximum width of 1.5m are considered 'Type C2'.
Where they can be used: in the same areas as the C1 group, including public parks. They can also be used on pavements of more than 4.75m, but only to access the destination (to pick up or drop off, for example).
Helmet use: This is recommended, not obligatory.