Villaverde del Río regulates electric scooters with fines of up to 400 euros

The Villaverde del Río City Council has definitively approved the Municipal Ordinance Regulating the Use of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMV), the regulation that establishes the obligations and prohibitions for those riding electric scooters and similar devices within the municipal district. The full text is published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Seville, number 182, corresponding to Friday, September 18, 2026, with the official reference BOP-SE-2026-182027 (pages 332 to 343). The ordinance will enter into force following its full publication in the gazette and once the legally established period has elapsed, in accordance with article 70.2 of Law 7/1985, of April 2, Regulating the Bases of the Local Regime.

The file, identified by number 473/2026, was provisionally approved by plenary agreement in an ordinary session held on July 23, 2026, by absolute majority. The text had been signed by the Mayor’s Office on March 7, 2026, and, upon conclusion of the public information period without any claims being recorded, it was definitively approved. The diligence accompanying the agreement was issued by the Secretary General, Ismael Rodríguez Alonso, with a signing date of September 10, 2026, and the document appears signed by the Mayor-President, José María Martín Vera.

The regulation is issued under municipal competencies regarding traffic, circulation, and road safety, and is based on Royal Legislative Decree 6/2015, of October 30, the General Vehicle Regulations approved by Royal Decree 2822/1998, Law 2/2011, of March 4, on Sustainable Economy, and the PMV definition provided by the General Directorate of Traffic.

Circulation: 25 km/h and banned sidewalks

PMVs may circulate exclusively on the roadway, on urban roads where vehicle traffic is permitted, with a maximum limit of 25 km/h, without prejudice to lower limits set by municipal signage. On pedestrian paths and shared paths, the speed is limited to 10 km/h, with absolute priority given to the pedestrian.

Circulation is prohibited on:

• Sidewalks and other spaces reserved exclusively for pedestrians.
• Squares, parks, and public gardens, except for authorized bicycle itineraries.
• Pedestrian crossings, which must be crossed on foot while pushing the vehicle.
• Expressways, dual carriageways, and highways within the municipality.
• Roads with slopes exceeding 15%.
• Areas affected by cultural, sporting, or religious events.

Overtaking a PMV by motorized vehicles must be carried out leaving at least one and a half meters of separation, the same distance required regarding building facades. In the event of pedestrian crowding, the driver must dismount and transit with the vehicle in hand.

Helmet, lights, and minimum age of 15

The use of an approved or certified helmet is mandatory, as is keeping the front and rear lights turned on at all times. Electric scooters without seats must have braking systems, lights, and a bell, and self-balancing vehicles without integrated lights must use lights attached to the body or reflective clothing.

The minimum age for riding is 15 years; those under that age may only use PMPs (Personal Mobility Devices) suitable for their age, height, and weight, in areas closed to motorized traffic and under the responsibility of their parents or guardians. The PMP-driver combination must reach a minimum height of 1.40 meters; otherwise, a safety flag of 1.50 meters will be mandatory.

Additionally, the circulation certificate provided for in the General Vehicle Regulations will be required, which officers may request at any time. PMPs marketed until January 21, 2024, may circulate without a certificate until January 22, 2027. Civil liability insurance is mandatory in accordance with Law 5/2025, of July 24.

Prohibitions and sanctioning regime

PMPs are for single-person use and cannot transport passengers or animals, nor carry objects that hinder driving, except for backpacks. It is forbidden to drive with headphones or audio headsets, use a mobile phone, hold onto moving vehicles, hold competitions on the roads, or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Parking is only permitted in designated areas, without tying vehicles to urban furniture, trees, or signage.

Infractions are classified as minor, serious, and very serious, with the following fine schedule:

• Very serious: from 200 to 400 euros (doubling the maximum speed, tampering with the vehicle, riding while being towed, or repeating a serious offense).
• Serious: from 100 to 200 euros (exceeding the permitted speed, riding below the minimum age, not wearing a helmet, transporting passengers, or failing to meet technical requirements).
• Minor: from 50 to 100 euros (riding in non-permitted zones, parking on sidewalks, not carrying documentation, or lacking lighting).

Very serious infractions expire after two years, serious ones after one year, and minor ones after six months. The sanctioning authority belongs to the Mayor or whoever has been delegated that function, and the Local Police may order the immobilization and removal of the vehicle to the Municipal Impound. The City Council may also create a municipal registry of PMPs, managed in accordance with Organic Law 3/2018, of December 5.

The entry into force of the ordinance makes Villaverde del Río one of the municipalities in Seville with its own detailed regulation for electric scooters, a vehicle already common in its streets. Users thus have clear rules on where they can circulate, at what speed, and with what equipment, while the City Council provides itself with a sanctioning regime with fines of up to 400 euros to correct risky behaviors.

Source: Official Gazette of the Province of Seville, no. 182, September 18, 2026, Local Administration, pp. 332-343 (official reference: BOP-SE-2026-182027).