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Benidorm Targets "Novelty" Transport in Urban Centers
The Benidorm municipal department for mobility has initiated a crackdown on multi-occupant electric scooters used for recreation. In a unanimous vote, the local plenary council approved revisions to the Public Roads and Mobility Ordinance (Ordenanza de Movilidad Urbana) to eliminate these wide-frame vehicles from the resort's corridors.
The legislation specifically targets two-seat and multi-seat electric vehicles that mimic heavy-duty mobility aids but are utilized by holidaymakers as novelty transport. Following initial approval, the measure has entered a mandatory 30-day public consultation phase. During this window, residents, hire operators, and local businesses can submit formal claims before the rules are finalized and policed.
Safety Risks and Promenade Congestion
The decision follows reports from the Policía Local de Benidorm highlighting the dangers of tandem vehicles in high-density tourist zones, specifically the English Zone (Rincón de Loix) and the Levante and Poniente promenades.
Authorities identified three primary drivers for the ban:
- Mechanical Hazards: Due to higher tare weights and increased passenger loads, multi-seat scooters have significantly longer braking distances, increasing the risk of collisions in dense foot traffic.
- Recreational Misuse: Police noted a trend of able-bodied users hiring tandem units as "party transport," often operating them recklessly or under the influence of alcohol during evening hours.
- Infrastructure Blockage: The double-wide frames obstruct sidewalks, creating barriers for families with pushchairs, elderly pedestrians, and genuine wheelchair users.
Strict Guidelines for Single-Seat Scooter Rentals
To ensure that accessibility is not compromised, single-occupancy electric scooters and powered wheelchairs remain legal. However, hire agencies must adhere to strict verification standards to prevent leisure misuse.
Rental Eligibility Requirements:
- Visitors 65+: May hire a standard single-seat scooter by presenting a valid national identity card or passport.
- Visitors Under 65: Must provide a certified doctor's letter or recognized proof of reduced mobility/physical disability.
- Medical Exceptions: Certified adaptive tandem equipment or carer-controlled rigs are permitted if the configuration is medically accredited for assisted care.
Operational Constraints: All powered mobility vehicles are restricted to a maximum speed of 4 km/h on pedestrian footways. They are strictly prohibited from cycling tracks and motor vehicle roads unless specifically signposted.
Enforcement and Financial Penalties
Once the 30-day consultation period concludes and the law is gazetted, local police will conduct street-level inspections of commercial fleets. Unlicensed multi-seat models will be immediately impounded.
| Infraction Level | Penalty/Fine | Triggering Action |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Up to €100 | Careless sidewalk transit or improper parking |
| Serious | €200 – €500 | Unauthorized vehicle types, lack of medical documentation, or reckless operation |
Key Takeaways
- The Ban: Multi-seat and tandem leisure scooters are prohibited on public streets and promenades.
- Timeline: The rule is currently in a 30-day public consultation phase before final enforcement.
- Accessibility: Single-seat scooters remain legal for those 65+ or those with medical certification.
- Consequences: Violators face fines up to €500 and vehicle impoundment.
FAQ
Can I still rent a mobility scooter in Benidorm? Yes, single-seat scooters are still permitted for those over 65 or those with documented medical needs.
Are all double scooters banned? Only commercial leisure tandems are banned. Medically accredited adaptive equipment for those requiring a carer remains exempt.
When do these rules start? The rules will be enforced following the completion of the 30-day public claims period in the Official Gazette of the Province of Alicante.
