E-Scooter Laws in France & Spain (2026): What Riders Need to Know

E-Scooter Laws in France & Spain (2026): What Riders Need to Know

Electric scooters are now part of everyday life in Paris, Lyon, Madrid and Barcelona — but the rules are not identical on both sides of the Pyrenees. This guide explains how France and Spain regulate electric scooters (trottinettes électriques / patinetes eléctricos) as of 2026, so you can buy with confidence and ride legally. SUNNIGOO is an independent European brand with EU warehouses and CE-certified models designed around these rules.

The European Baseline: 250W and 25 km/h

Across the EU, light electric vehicles are governed by type-approval rules that set a common baseline: standard e-scooters are limited to a maximum design speed of 25 km/h and low continuous rated power (typically 250W for e-bikes; e-scooters are regulated nationally). Every SUNNIGOO road-mode model is speed-limited to 25 km/h (EU compliant) for public-road use, while higher-speed modes are reserved for private land and off-road trails. This dual-mode design is what makes one scooter both road-legal and genuinely fun.

France: Trottinette Électrique Rules

In France, self-steering electric scooters (EDPM – Engins de Déplacement Personnel à moteur) may be ridden on cycle paths and roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less, never on pavements. The speed limit on public roads is 25 km/h, and riders must be at least 12 years old; helmets are mandatory for riders under 18, and riding under the influence is treated like a vehicle offence. Since the national crackdown on rental fleets, private owners who follow these rules face no extra paperwork — no registration plate is required for EDPM at 25 km/h.

Spain: Patinete Eléctrico Rules

In Spain, electric scooters are classified as Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP) under DGT rules: they may use cycle lanes and city roads, are limited to 25 km/h, and riders may not use pavements or motorways. A driving licence is not required, and each municipality (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia…) publishes its own local ordinances — always check your city's rules. Since 2025–2026, Spain has been rolling out mandatory DGT type-approval certification for VMP: buy a scooter with proper certification documentation now and you are ahead of the curve.

What This Means When Buying from SUNNIGOO

• Road mode is capped at 25 km/h on every SUNNIGOO model sold for public-road use — fully in line with French EDPM and Spanish VMP rules.
• Off-road speed modes (up to 60–65 km/h on X-series models) are intended for private land only, clearly documented in the user manual.
• CE-certified hardware and EU documentation ship with every scooter, including the paperwork you need for VMP certification checks in Spain.
• EU warehouse delivery in 3–5 working days, with a 2-year warranty and service support — no customs surprises, no cross-border shipping fees.

Recommended Models for French and Spanish Cities

• SUNNIGOO X7PRO — 3600W dual-motor power with 25 km/h road mode; the weekend trail machine that also commutes.
• SUNNIGOO N8 — a 500W urban-commuter hybrid built around city speed limits.
• SUNNIGOO N9 — 48V 18Ah battery with 60–80 km range for long suburban commutes.

Not sure which model fits your city? Read our electric scooter buying guide or compare the full lineup on the SUNNIGOO shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance for an e-scooter in France?

EDPM riders do not take out a dedicated vehicle insurance policy for 25 km/h scooters, but the scooter must be covered — most home insurance policies offer an optional liability extension. Never ride without checking that your civil liability covers the scooter.

Do I need insurance for an e-scooter in Spain?

As of 2026, a national VMP insurance requirement is being phased in alongside mandatory DGT type-approval; several cities already require liability cover for rental fleets. Private riders should follow the DGT's current guidance and their local ordinance.

Can I ride my SUNNIGOO at 60 km/h on the road?

No. Speeds above 25 km/h are only for private land and closed off-road areas in both France and Spain. SUNNIGOO scooters ship in road-legal 25 km/h mode; off-road modes are for private use.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

In France, helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and strongly recommended for adults. In Spain, helmets are required by many municipal ordinances (mandatory in cities like Madrid for VMP riders). We recommend wearing one everywhere.

This guide is general information, not legal advice — regulations change, so always verify current national and municipal rules before riding. Last updated: October 2026. Questions? Reach us at service@sunnigoo.com.