The General Directorate of Traffic announced in 2025 measures for January 2 of this year that would affect Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP)that is, those that move only with an electric motor, weight limit of 25 kg and speed of 25 km/h. However, a delay in processing of the Royal Decree has left in the air the date from which all VMPs will have to be registered and registered.
Likewise, we should not confuse this means of urban transportation with electric bikeswhich meet other characteristics and, therefore, are found in another category of vehicles, which does not comply with these legal requirements.
Is insurance needed to ride an electric bicycle?
Law 5/2025of July 24, specifies that this measure will be applied to light personal vehicles and expressly excluded electric bicycles and pedal cycles with assisted pedaling (PEDALEC or EPAC) of the need for insurance as long as:
- The electric motor has a maximum power 250W.
- Pedal assistance is interrupted at 25 km/h.
- Motorization is limited to assisting and it stops working if you don’t pedal.
But be careful, the bicycles known as ‘speed bikes’ that incorporate motors capable of reaching 45 km/h or motors that operate without the need to pedal, are categorized as motor vehicles and require insurance.
Do you need a license to ride a speed bike?
Speed bikes are in the same category as mopeds, therefore, they need a license and registration. The driving license required for this type of vehicle is AM driving licensewhich young people from the age of 15 can access. Likewise, drivers with a car driving license have the benefits of this license and they don’t require it.
On the other hand, the fines for driving a vehicle classified as a moped, even if at first glance we consider it an electric bike, without any type of permit or license for it, They range from 100 to 1,000 euros and the possibility of prison sentences of 3 to 6 months is even contemplated.
In what situations is it mandatory to wear a bike helmet?
He General Traffic Regulations (RGC) establishes in its article 118 that cyclists must use approved protective helmets. when traveling on interurban roads. However, there are some exceptions, such as prolonged ascending ramps, duly proven medical causes or extreme heat situations.
Furthermore, the regulations are stricter in the case of under 16 years oldfor whom the use of a helmet is mandatory in any circumstance, both on interurban and urban roads, as stated in the RGC itself.
