In an effort to curb violations by drivers of electric scooters, Barcelona will fine 500 euros to those who drive on sidewalks and do not wear helmets as of February 1.

In the city, which has mostly flat paths and at least 250km of bike lanes, 2,500 hours of sunshine a year, and minimal rainfall, the use of electric scooters has increased fourfold since the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Guardian. An estimated 44,000 scooter trips are made every day in the city, with women making up 31% of riders.

However, electric scooters have brought problems to the city as riders build up speed, making them more dangerous than cyclists in the event of an accident. In Barcelona, scooters have also become the… favourite vehicle of pickpockets.

Speed of 25 kilometres per hour

The new regulation stipulates that the top speed of electric scooters should be limited to 25 kilometers per hour. Adria Gomila, traffic officer for the municipality, says if the speed of the scooters exceeds 25 kilometers they will be classified as motorcycles and a licence will be required.

“The measures are designed to bring about a change of behaviour in some drivers, to improve the level of safety, and also to have a collective benefit,” he added.

Rental ban

While Barcelona’s bike rental system has been a great success, the city banned scooter rental in 2023, the same year Paris introduced the ban. At their peak, there were 15,000 rental e-scooters in the French capital.