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Electric Scooters in Malaga: Rules, Routes, and Rental Guide (2026)
Electric scooter rules in Malaga have changed. Here's what you need to know before riding in 2026.
E-Scooters in Malaga: Quick Facts
Electric scooter rules in Malaga have changed significantly. The city revoked rental company permits in early 2025, and new national regulations require insurance and registration from January 2026. If you're planning to use an e-scooter in Malaga, here's what you need to know.
This guide covers current rules, where you can legally ride, parking zones, fines, and your options for getting around by scooter.
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What Happened to Rental Scooters in Malaga?
Malaga council revoked permits for all electric scooter rental companies in January 2025. This ended a turbulent relationship that began when rental operators arrived on the Costa del Sol in 2018.
Companies like Dott, Voi, Link, Bird, Bolt, and Tier previously operated in Malaga. Lime was one of the first but withdrew in 2021 after exceeding the maximum 300 scooters allowed on streets.
Warning:
As of 2026, shared rental e-scooters are no longer available in Malaga city centre. You can still ride your own private scooter or rent from traditional scooter hire shops.
Current Options for Visitors
| Option | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| App-based rental (Lime, Dott, etc.) | Not available | Permits revoked |
| Traditional scooter hire shops | Available | Petrol mopeds, requires licence |
| Buy a private e-scooter | Available | Must meet DGT standards |
| E-bike rental apps | Available | Dott, Bolt, Lime for bikes |
If you want app-based transport, electric bikes are still available through Dott, Bolt, and Lime. See our cycling guide for details.
E-Scooter Rules in Malaga
Whether you bring your own scooter or buy one locally, these are the rules you must follow.
Where You Can Ride
| Area | Allowed? | Speed Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle lanes | Yes | 25 km/h |
| Roads (30 km/h zones) | Yes | 25 km/h |
| Historic centre | Yes (private scooters) | 20 km/h, pedestrian priority |
| Pavements/sidewalks | No | €200 fine |
| Promenades | No | €200 fine |
| Pedestrian zones | No | €200 fine |
| Bus lanes | No | Fine applies |
Warning:
Rental scooters were programmed to auto-deactivate in the historic centre. Private scooters are allowed but you must not exceed 20 km/h and must give way to pedestrians at all times.
Temporary Restrictions
E-scooters are temporarily banned during major events:
- Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Feria de Malaga (August)
- Other large public celebrations
Check local announcements if visiting during festivals.
Speed Limits
| Zone | Maximum Speed |
|---|---|
| Cycle lanes | 25 km/h |
| Roads with 30 km/h limit | 25 km/h |
| Historic centre | 20 km/h |
| Near pedestrians | Reduce to walking pace |
E-scooters cannot exceed 25 km/h by design. Faster vehicles are classified as mopeds and require registration and a driving licence.
Equipment Requirements
Mandatory equipment:
- Front light (white)
- Rear light (red)
- Reflectors
- Bell
- Helmet (when riding on roads)
- Reflective waistcoat (when riding on roads)
Local tip
Even though helmets aren't legally required in all situations, Malaga strongly recommends wearing one. Given the fines and safety risks, it's not worth riding without.
Age and Passenger Rules
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 16 years old |
| Maximum riders | 1 person only |
| Passengers | Not allowed (€90 fine) |
| Carrying cargo | Not allowed |
| Transporting animals | Not allowed |
Fines for E-Scooter Violations
Malaga police actively enforce scooter rules. Here's what you risk:
Minor Violations (€60-90)
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Riding under 16 years old | €60 |
| Riding without lights | €90 |
| No helmet/reflective waistcoat on roads | €60 |
| Two or more people on one scooter | €90 |
Serious Violations (€200)
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Riding on pavement | €200 |
| Riding on promenade | €200 |
| Riding in pedestrian zones | €200 |
| Exceeding 25 km/h | €200 |
| Parking outside permitted areas | €200 |
| Negligent driving | €200 |
| Using headphones while riding | €200 |
Very Serious Violations (€500)
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Reckless driving | €500 |
| Riding under influence of alcohol | €500 |
| Riding under influence of drugs | €500 |
| Operating commercially without authorisation | €500 |
Parking Your Scooter
You must park in designated scooter parking zones only. Parking elsewhere results in a €200 fine.
Designated parking locations include:
- Calle Pacifico
- Paseo Antonio Machado
- Paseo Maritimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso
- Various points near beaches and tourist areas
Never park:
- Near traffic lights
- Next to trees
- On benches or urban furniture
- Blocking pedestrian access
- In doorways or building entrances
Local tip
Before buying or bringing a scooter, scout parking zones near your accommodation. If there's no designated parking nearby, you may need to walk the final stretch.
New 2026 National Regulations
Starting January 2, 2026, Spain introduced stricter national rules for all electric scooters:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Civil liability insurance | Mandatory for all riders |
| Insurance cost | Approximately €30-50/year |
| DGT registration | Required for new purchases |
| Vehicle standards | Must meet approved specifications |
The DGT (Direccion General de Trafico) now controls which scooters can be manufactured, sold, and used on public roads. This follows a surge in e-scooter accidents across Spain.
Insurance Requirement
From 2026, all e-scooter riders in Spain must carry civil liability insurance. This applies whether you own your scooter or are visiting with one. Budget around €30-50 per year for basic coverage.
Should You Buy or Rent?
With rental apps no longer available, your options are limited to buying or using alternative transport.
For Tourists and Short Visits
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Buy secondhand | Own transport, sell before leaving | Hassle of buying/selling, insurance needed |
| E-bike rental apps | Widely available, no insurance needed | Not as fast, per-minute charges |
| Traditional scooter hire | Proper moped, longer range | Requires driving licence, petrol costs |
| Public transport | Cheap, reliable | Fixed routes and schedules |
A secondhand e-scooter costs around €150-250.
For a week-long trip, that's roughly €20-35 per day before reselling. Factor in the time spent buying, selling, and arranging insurance.
For most tourists, e-bikes or public transport make more sense now that rental apps aren't available.
For Expats and Long-Term Residents
If you're staying long-term, buying makes sense. Keep in mind:
- Scooter must meet DGT technical standards
- Certification is mandatory for scooters purchased after January 2024
- Insurance is now required (from January 2026)
- Register with DGT if required
Scooters on Public Transport
| Transport | Regular E-Scooter | Folding E-Scooter |
|---|---|---|
| EMT buses | Not allowed | Allowed (folded) |
| Metro | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Cercanias train | Not allowed | Check with staff |
Electric scooters are banned from trains and metros due to battery fire risks. Only folding scooters (non-electric or with batteries removed) may be allowed on buses.
Best Routes for E-Scooters
If you have access to a scooter, these routes use cycle lanes and permitted roads:
1. Eastern Beach Route
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | La Malagueta |
| Route | Pedregalejo → El Palo → Penon del Cuervo |
| Distance | ~10 km one way |
| Surface | Dedicated cycle/scooter lanes |
| Best for | Beach hopping, chiringuitos |
2. Western Seafront
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | Port / Muelle Uno |
| Route | Paseo de la Farola → Misericordia Beach → Guadalhorce |
| Distance | ~7 km one way |
| Surface | Mixed lanes and paths |
| Best for | Sunset rides, nature reserve |
3. Soho to Port Loop
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | CAC Malaga (Soho) |
| Route | Muelle Uno → Paseo del Parque → Return via Alameda |
| Distance | ~4 km |
| Surface | Cycle lanes and 30 km/h roads |
| Best for | City sightseeing, quick loops |
Warning:
Avoid the historic centre unless you're on a private scooter and comfortable navigating narrow streets at 20 km/h with pedestrian priority. It's often easier to park and walk.
Alternatives to E-Scooters
With rental e-scooters gone, consider these options:
| Transport | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| E-bike rental apps | Short trips, flexibility | ~€0.20-0.25/min |
| Public transport | Longer distances | €1.40/ride |
| Walking | Historic centre, short distances | Free |
| Traditional moped hire | Day trips, longer range | €30-50/day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com
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