New Helmet Rule for E-Scooter Riders in Barcelona
Starting this Saturday, riders of electronic scooters in Barcelona will be required to wear helmets under a new law aimed at improving safety.
The popularity of e-scooters has grown rapidly in Spain, but this surge in usage has also brought a rise in accidents and concerns from drivers and pedestrians about unsafe riding and improper parking. In response, the city has introduced new regulations to address these issues.
Riders who fail to wear helmets will face a fine of 100 euros (about $105).
Additionally, to ensure the safety of pedestrians, e-scooters will no longer be allowed to ride on sidewalks. Those who disregard this rule could face fines as high as 500 euros.
Bicycles, too, are prohibited from sidewalks, except when ridden by cyclists with children.
Earlier regulations in Barcelona had already banned e-scooter use for anyone under 16 and imposed a 25 km/h (15 mph) speed limit.
The new helmet rule follows similar laws in other cities, like Paris and Madrid, where rental e-scooter operators must also enforce strict safety measures.