HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

In a landmark move to enhance safety and control the burgeoning trend of electric scooters and personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), the Marbella city council has unveiled a comprehensive set of strict municipal laws governing their operation within the town.

The decision, welcomed by residents and city officials alike, reflects Marbella's commitment to ensuring safer and more responsible use of these popular modes of transportation.

Local councillor Félix Romero announced the introduction of these regulations, emphasising that they would be initially implemented in an "experimental" manner. This approach allows for flexibility and potential adjustments based on community feedback, ensuring the regulations evolve to meet the town's unique needs.

These extensive regulations exemplify Marbella's commitment to cultivating a controlled environment for electric scooter and PMV users. Prioritising safety and responsible riding, these measures are designed to tackle concerns and guarantee the welfare of riders and the wider community.

Residents and visitors in Marbella can anticipate that these regulations will instil order in the electric scooter landscape, resulting in a marked improvement in road safety throughout the town. As Marbella emerges as a pioneer in enforcing these regulations, it provides an influential model for other cities facing comparable issues in the age of shared mobility.

The new regulations introduce a series of key provisions aimed at addressing safety concerns and promoting responsible riding:

• Mandatory Helmets: Wearing a helmet while riding electric scooters is now mandatory for all users, reducing the risk of head injuries in the event of accidents.
• Footwear Regulations: Riders are prohibited from wearing "excessively loose" footwear such as flip-flops or going barefoot, a rule aimed at maintaining rider stability and safety.
• Minimum Age Requirement: A minimum age requirement of 14 years is now in place for electric scooter operation, addressing safety concerns related to younger riders.
• Mandatory Insurance: Users must carry mandatory insurance coverage, a measure designed to protect both riders and potential accident victims.
• Maximum Speed Limit: Electric scooter and PMV users will be held to a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h, with further reductions to 5 km/h in designated areas to prioritise pedestrian safety.
• Use of Cycle Lanes: Riders are obligated to use designated cycle lanes wherever available, contributing to smoother traffic flow and enhanced safety for all road users.
• Road Positioning: In areas without dedicated cycle lanes, electric scooter and PMV riders must stay on the right-hand side of the road, promoting seamless traffic integration.
• No Riding on Pavements: The regulations strictly prohibit riding on pavements or in pedestrianised zones, ensuring the safety of pedestrians. In these areas, riders must dismount and walk with their scooter or PMV.
• Restrictions on Certain Roads: Interurban roads and motorways are off-limits for electric scooter use, bolstering safety measures.
• Lighting and Sound Requirements: Riders must equip their vehicles with front and rear lights to enhance visibility. The use of headphones while riding is banned to ensure that riders remain alert to their surroundings.
• Parking Regulations: The regulations include specific guidelines for parking electric scooters, designating areas for safe storage.

These extensive regulations exemplify Marbella's commitment to cultivating a controlled environment for electric scooter and PMV users. Prioritising safety and responsible riding, these measures are designed to tackle concerns and guarantee the welfare of riders and the wider community.

Residents and visitors in Marbella can anticipate that these regulations will instil order in the electric scooter landscape, resulting in a marked improvement in road safety throughout the town. As Marbella emerges as a pioneer in enforcing these regulations, it provides an influential model for other cities facing comparable issues in the age of shared mobility.

Sources

https://www.costasnews.com/posts/Marbella-leads-the-way-with-strict-new-rules-for-electric-scooter-riders
https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/marbella-san-pedro/strict-new-rules-introduced-for-electric-scooter-20231006175735-nt.html