59% of Spaniards believe that it is necessary to inform and raise awareness about micromobility regulations – such as motorcyclesscooters and electric bicycles – in a context where 43% of Spaniards have used some of these means.
The proliferation of these types of new mobility systems creates uncertainty, as a large proportion of users of these types of vehicles are unaware of the regulations and consider it dangerous that different types of vehicles have to share the same road infrastructure.
This is evident from the latest report carried out by the FREENOW mobility app on the occasion of the World Road Safety Day, in which the company reveals the perception of Spaniards on the road safety panorama in Spain.
In this sense, in addition to increasing information and awareness about these means of transport, the Spaniards also believe that in order to increase the safety of users, it is necessary to improve the infrastructure in their cities – for example with more exclusive lanes (57%) –, Madrid is the city that most asks for it (64%). And currently, 46% of users do not believe there is enough infrastructure for safe micromobility. And therefore it is not surprising that three in ten (31%) Spaniards do not feel safe with it.
Despite the increase in the use of these new forms of mobility, there is currently a high degree of ignorance about their safety requirements. According to the same report, 39% of Spaniards are aware of the regulations on car sharing, while only 36% and 32% of electric bicycles and motorcycles, respectively, have insight into these regulations.
Finally, it is the users of electric scooters who have the least knowledge about how to use them, with only 28% of Spaniards knowing a lot or just enough. These figures are in stark contrast to the 78% who know a lot or just enough about car or motorcycle regulations.
Better coexistence between vehicles
Taking into account that there is currently a wide range of different mobility methods – from private cars, public transport, taxis, VTC, motorcycles, bicycles and electric scooters and even shared cars – it is essential that there is a correct coexistence between all these cars to offer citizens efficient and agile, but above all safe mobility.
However, users of different means of transport do not experience this. In fact, 69% rate the current coexistence of different modes of transport as normal, bad or even non-existent. Even 32% believe that accidents involving micromobility vehicles are mainly due to accidents involving private vehicles (cars, motorcycles). In this sense, 51% of Spaniards confirm that the current traffic policy effectively supports multimobility, but could also be improved.
Regulations for scooters
The DGT has drawn up a manual of the characteristics of personal mobility vehicles, as well as the main traffic rules referring to Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP), a regulatory document that includes the technical characteristics that VMP must comply with in order to circulate on the roads and highways are certified by the competent authorities.
Personal mobility vehicles, as laid down in the General Vehicle Regulations, are vehicles with one or more wheels, equipped with a single seat and powered exclusively by electric motors that can provide the vehicle with a maximum speed by design between 6 and 25 km/h. They can only be equipped with a seat or saddle if they are equipped with a self-balancing system. This definition excludes vehicles for people with reduced mobility.
They are not allowed to circulate on sidewalks and are prohibited from traveling on interurban roads, intersections, highways, highways or urban tunnels. The drivers are subject to the same maximum alcohol levels allowed by the Road Safety Act, as well as the ban on driving with the presence of drugs in the body.
They are also not allowed to wear headphones or use a cell phone or other device while driving. The recent Traffic Law establishes the obligation for VMP drivers to use a safety helmet, under the conditions determined by the regulations. The DGT is already working with municipal authorities and the actors involved on this regulatory development.