You also see them in Spain more and more. Then we are not talking about the Dutch and Belgians who came to Spain with their electric bicycle to cycle during their holidays but also Spaniards who go for the electric bicycle without wear reflective safety vest. Of course, that is not yet in such large quantities as in the Netherlands, but you can see them more and more, also because there is more and more supply and the bikes become cheaper. However, what are the rules, laws and regulations for the use of electric bicycles in Spain?
An electric bicycle is a means of transport that is powered by an electric motor, whether or not in combination with muscle strength. In the Netherlands, the electric bicycle is officially called “bicycle with pedal assistance” which is a bicycle that works in combination with muscle strength and therefore only provides support. This type of bicycle is sometimes called “pedicel,” a contraction of English words pedal and electric). This name is also sometimes heard in Spain.
In Spain, the following general rules apply:
For riding an electric bicycle with pedal assistance that cannot be faster than 25 km / h and has a capacity of up to 500 watts (formerly 250 watts just like in the Netherlands / Belgium) engine power, the same rules apply as for a normal bicycle. For bicycles with an electric motor that can be faster than 25 km / h and have more engine power or can be driven without kicking, the rules for mopeds apply. This means that with the bikes one should not in principle, be allowed to ride on the bike path, one should wear a helmet and needs a special driving license. You also need to be insured, just like with mopeds and scooters. The maximum speed for all cyclists including electric bikes is 45 km / h.
General rules cycling in Spain
Adults are required to wear a bicycle helmet when driving on the road outside the built-up area, while minors under the age of 16 always have to wear a bicycle helmet (inside and outside the built-up area).
It is recommended to wear reflective clothing during the hours when it is dark. Oddly enough, the rules do not state that it is mandatory to use light, in fact, many cyclists do not even have light on the bike. As everywhere, cyclists must also respect the general traffic rules and stop at the STOP signs, zebra crossings and traffic lights. If one does not do that then one can get fines just like the driver.
Take care of the bike, that is, make sure the chain is good, the brakes work and the tires have the right tension so that cycling is safer. Every time you sit on the bike and want to turn to the right or left, you have to indicate that well and well in advance. If one drives with a group of cyclists on the main road, this should be done in parallel with a maximum of two people next to each other unless there is a lot of traffic and visibility is obstructed, then one has to cycle behind each other.
It is forbidden to ride on the bicycle with the headphones to listen to music, with the mobile phone in hand or after using drugs and alcohol. Cycling on motorways is prohibited for minors under 14 years of age. The other cyclists may provide they wear a helmet and reflective vest, ride on the emergency lane of motorways, something that has undoubtedly been seen in Spain. This is only allowed on those motorways where there are no prohibition signs. Have we forgotten something? Have we misinterpreted something? Then let us know with a link to a source where more information can be obtained. This way we get a good and correct overview of driving electric bikes in Spain.