Tag Archive: Spain

  1. E-bikes in the Spanish and Swiss cycle markets

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    Source: Bike EU

    Figures have been presented by Spanish cycling industry association, AMBE, on the country’s 2025 bicycle sales figures, with e-bikes representing 21.5% of units sold, and 35.2% of total sales turnover. Switzerland’s Velosuisse has also released industry figures, with more of a downturn noted.

    The number of bicycles sold in Spain in 2025 was 0.7% fewer than the previous year at 1,093,478 units, however the sales generated €1.4 billion, a 9% increase on 2024, with mid-range and high-end segments – particularly e-bikes – driving this growth. Numbers of e-bikes sold rose by 40,000 units to 235,000, while sales of traditional bicycles dropped by 5%.

    Electric variants of urban bicycles are dominating, with 55.4% of urban bikes sold being power-assisted. reflecting the increasing adoption of sustainable mobility options. Jesús Freire, AMBE Secretary General, said during the presentation of the figures: “Cycling is becoming a key mode of urban transport, leading the way in the electrification of the transport sector and demonstrating how Spain is embracing new forms of mobility.”

    Javier López, AMBE’s Head of Data, gave some insight into the reported figures. “We come from a few years in which the stock was above what was desired and that led companies to promote the product more and the consumer has taken advantage of it. In addition, many of the new cyclists who emerged during the pandemic are now in their natural cycle of renewal – after five or six years – and are looking to level up or try other modalities, such as gravel or e-bikes.

    “E-bike sales saw an increase of about 40,000 units, and in a clear democratisation of prices that facilitates access to more users. The shadow is that growth is concentrated mainly in the mountains, while urban e-bike sales are down. Here we must ask ourselves if we have sufficient infrastructure, if the user feels safe from the risk of theft or if the wait for public aid that finally did not arrive has had an influence.”

    The figures also revealed the status of the cycling sector’s status as an employer in Spain, as well as decreased production output. It was additionally noted that AMBE’s member companies are becoming increasing internationalised, collectively generating more revenue outside of Spain than domestically. This international presence enables companies to be more able to anticipate trends and maintain a capacity for innovation.

    The Swiss industry

    Velosuisse, the Association of Swiss Bicycle Suppliers and Service Providers, has released figures which show the number of overall bicycle sales fell by around 25,000 units in 2025, and that this is the fifth consecutive year of decline. It should be noted that the Swiss figures do not include all market participants; large players such as Aldi and Decathlon, for instance, do not report their sales, while online and imported purchases are estimated to account for at least 10-15%.

    The sports bike segment is one which is bucking the decline trend, both in electric and non-electric variants. The number of e-gravel bikes more than doubled to a total of 2,162 units, and the number of e-sports bikes of all kinds remained almost stable, at 46,377 units.

    The overall electric segment, however, saw a 14% decline in 2025. In regards to the overall bicycle market, e-bikes of all kinds took a 41% total share, down from the 45% it has held for several years. Electric cargo bikes saw a downturn of just over 12%, and speed pedelecs dropped by 9% to 19,000 units sold in 2025.

  2. Significant changes to Spain’s e-scooter rules

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    Source: Euro Weekly News, Guide to Canary Islands

    From January 2, 2026, owners of e-scooters in Spain will be subject to fresh rules outlined by the country’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). The rules on personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), which include e-scooters, mandate registration and rider insurance, control who can manufacture and sell them, and dictate which models are allowed on public roads.

    The changes align e-scooters more closely to cars and motorbikes, and are reported to make it easier for authorities to identify responsibility in the event of accidents or misuse, or in the distribution of fines.

    Registration and insurance

    PMV owners must ensure that their vehicle:

    • Is registered with the DGT to qualify for legal circulation
    • Have an official circulation certificate, confirming that the vehicle meets all technical standards
    • Display a visible identification tag or licence plate which is linked to the National Vehicle Register

    The registration information will include key data about the owner’s identity and compulsory insurance details, and the vehicle’s manufacturer, brand, model and certification laboratory details. The certification process will involve testing in DGT-authorised laboratories; after approval, manufacturers will be allowed to register the specific model and display a “DGT certified” label.

    Ownership changes will also now be recorded, in the same way as for cars and motorbikes.

    Rider rules

    • Civil liability insurance must be in place
    • Helmet use is compulsory
    • Reflective vests must be worn
    • E-scooters can only be ridden by one person – no passengers are allowed
    • A speed of 25 km/h must not be exceeded, and any lower speed limit restrictions must be observed
    • The use of headphones and mobile phones while riding is prohibited

  3. Spain introduces compulsory insurance for many electric scooters and bikes

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    Source: Majorca Daily Bulletin

    In Spain, owners of e-scooters or e-bikes which have motors over 250W that can reach speeds over 25 km/h must now obtain insurance for their vehicle. Additionally, they must register it in a national public database, and the vehicle must display an identification plate, carry a circulation permit and have a valid technical inspection (ITV). There is a transitional period, ending in January 2026, for owners to ensure their vehicle is compliant with the new rules.

    Many pedal-assist e-bikes fall below the power and speed limit, however owners of such e-bikes are being encouraged to take out voluntary insurance.

    The database for registration of qualifying vehicles is due to be implemented by the Spanish government by 2 January 2026. Owners of vehicles must arrange the required insurance and registration before 25 January 2026. Before this date, they will not face penalties; after this date, they could face fines of up to €1,000 for riding without the required insurance and registration.

    The minimum insurance coverage requirements are set at €6.45 million for personal injury, and at €1.3 million for property damage. These amounts will be updated annually, in line with the Consumer Price Index, to ensure ongoing adequacy.

    Those unsure about the status of their e-scooter, and how to go about registering a qualifying vehicle, can find more information here.

  4. Spain introduces public bike-sharing subsidies to promote sustainable mobility

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    The Spanish government has announced plans to reduce bike-sharing costs and invest in expanding its infrastructure.

    For this new initiative, the Spanish Council of Ministers has approved funding to cover 30% of the typical costs associated with public bicycle loan services. This subsidy will enable users to take unlimited trips within a specified time frame throughout 2025. Additionally, local authorities will have the opportunity to enhance these benefits by offering an extra 20% discount through their own budgets.

    Jesús Freire, Secretary General of AMBE (Spain’s Association of Bicycle Brands), welcomed the initiative, stating:
    “At AMBE we celebrate the fact that shared bicycles are considered an integral part of the transport system, hence our support for this measure and the expansion of these systems to those cities and towns where they are not available, as well as the improvement of existing services, through their electrification and expansion of the number of bicycles and stations.”

    Investment in infrastructure and expansion

    In addition to user subsidies, the government’s program includes financial support for the development of bike-sharing infrastructure. Grants will cover at least 40% of the total cost of new infrastructure, with specific criteria for funding allocation. Bike-sharing stations must be located within 200 meters of town centers, and priority will be given to areas where such services are not yet available. The expected frequency of bicycle use will also be a determining factor in selecting grant recipients.

    The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable mobility, particularly for short-distance urban travel. According to data from Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, the majority of urban and metropolitan journeys are under 10 kilometers, making bicycles a viable and efficient mode of transportation. Furthermore, the increasing use of electric bicycles is expected to help overcome barriers related to topography and physical effort, making cycling more accessible to a wider population.

    The Spanish government has stated that detailed guidelines and application procedures for these grants will be published in the near future. Local Spanish authorities interested in securing funding are advised to prepare their proposals promptly to ensure access to this financial support in 2025.

    By investing in bike-sharing initiatives and infrastructure, Spain seeks to enhance urban mobility while reducing carbon emissions, for its efforts in aligning with broader environmental and sustainability goals.

  5. An uncertain future for micromobility services in Malaga, Spain

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    Source: La Opinión de Málaga

    Malaga City Council is set to revoke the temporary authorizations granted to six micromobility companies operating scooter and bicycle rental services in the city.

    The decision, announced by Mayor Francisco de la Torre during the Debate on the State of the City, signals the potential end of a service that has been a fixture in Malaga for nearly a decade.

    Regulatory breaches

    The companies affected by the decision—Lime, Bird, Link, Dott, Bolt, and Tier—were found to have violated the conditions of their permits, according to Mayor De la Torre. Each company was previously authorized to operate 225 personal mobility vehicles (PMVs), with Dott and Bolt also permitted 350 electric bicycles.

    “The proliferation of this service in cities, including Malaga, creates problems that we must address,” stated De la Torre. The city’s temporary authorizations were initially intended to sustain the service after a legal challenge disrupted efforts to regulate the sector through a concession model.

    Legal hurdles

    In 2022, the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) appealed the city’s plan to streamline operations under a single concessionaire. The CNMC argued that this system imposed undue restrictions on market access. While the lawsuit remains unresolved in the National Court, the City Council issued temporary permits to keep micromobility services operational. The revocation of these permits now places the future of the rental scooter market in jeopardy.

    Rising safety concerns

    The decision to revoke authorizations also comes amid growing concerns about the safety of electric scooters. Data from the Malaga Local Police reveals a sharp 72% increase in accidents involving scooters over the past three years. In 2021, 164 accidents were reported, rising to 212 in 2022 and 282 in 2023. During the first five months of 2024 alone, 187 incidents were recorded, 38 of which required hospital care.

    Future implications

    Without these temporary permits, the micromobility sector in Malaga could face a significant pause, if not a complete cessation. The City Council’s efforts to regulate the industry were intended to address issues such as oversaturation, safety, and public nuisance. However, ongoing legal and operational challenges have hindered progress.

    As Malaga grapples with this decision, it remains to be seen whether alternative solutions will emerge to address both the legal and practical complexities of micromobility in the city.

  6. Bicimad continue to grow with 19 new stations in six districts to be added in a system expansion

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    Source: Diario De Madrid

    From, October 22, Madrid’s public electric bike system, BiciMAD, will expand to include 19 new stations across six districts: Fuencarral-El Pardo (1 station), Moncloa-Aravaca (4), Puente de Vallecas (5), San Blas-Canillejas (3), Vicálvaro (4), and Villaverde (2). This addition extends the system to the neighborhood of El Cañaveral for the first time, with stations also set up in Ciudad Universitaria, Entrevías, Los Ángeles, Peñagrande, Rejas, San Cristóbal, and Valdezarza. To accommodate the increased coverage, 235 additional bicycles will be available.

    New locations

    This latest expansion strengthens the Madrid City Council and EMT Madrid’s commitment to promoting bicycles as a sustainable transportation option. Supported by NextGenerationEU funds under the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, this phase brings BiciMAD’s total to 630 stations and 7,735 bicycles across all 21 districts.

    The new locations were strategically chosen to enhance service density in high-demand areas and extend coverage to neighborhoods previously lacking bike stations. Many of these selections reflect requests from local councils, ensuring that both existing users and new areas benefit from improved access.

    Highlights include four new stations in El Cañaveral to support local mobility and connect with municipal bus routes, as well as expanded service in Ciudad Universitaria with new stations near key educational facilities. In Entrevías, five additional stations will increase bike availability, while Rejas sees three new stations, including two in Colonia Fin de Semana. Villaverde gains two stations that improve connectivity with the San Cristóbal de los Ángeles commuter train station. New stations in Valdezarza and Peñagrande will address the growing demand in those neighborhoods.

    New station locations:

    • Rosalia de Castro Street, 1 (Peñagrande, Fuencarral-El Pardo)
    • Faculty of Computer Science (University City, Moncloa-Aravaca)
    • UNED Central Library (University City, Moncloa-Aravaca)
    • Juan Andrés Avenue, 21 (Valdezarza, Moncloa-Aravaca)
    • Mayor Martin de Alzaga Street, 11 (Valdezarza, Moncloa-Aravaca)
    • Cultural Center of Tio Raimundo (Entrevías, Puente de Vallecas)
    • Cazorla Street, 79 (Entrevías, Puente de Vallecas)
    • Montiel Street, 27 (Entrevías, Puente de Vallecas)
    • Albarracín Mountains Street, 2 (Entrevías, Puente de Vallecas)
    • Municipal Sports Center of Entrevías (Entrevías, Puente de Vallecas)
    • Arcaute Street, 13 (Rejas, San Blas-Canillejas)
    • Fermina Sevillano Avenue, 23 (Rejas, San Blas-Canillejas)
    • February Street, 4 (Rejas, San Blas-Canillejas)
    • Blas de Lezo Avenue, 33 (El Cañaveral, Vicálvaro)
    • Miguel Delibes Avenue, 49 at Humildad Street (El Cañaveral, Vicálvaro)
    • Victoria Kent Avenue, 9 at Mario Moreno Cantinflas Street (El Cañaveral, Vicálvaro)
    • Mayor Andrés Madrid Dávila Street, 92 (El Cañaveral, Vicálvaro)
    • Eduardo Barreiros Street opposite 110 (Los Angeles, Villaverde)
    • Paterna Street, 55 (San Cristobal, Villaverde)

    Expansion over 10 years

    Launched in 2014, BiciMAD has grown from 1,560 bicycles and 123 stations in central districts to cover all of Madrid’s 21 districts with 7,735 bicycles. This expansion has been accompanied by significant technological upgrades to improve service efficiency and user experience across the city.

  7. Madrid takes steps to ban app-rented scooters over safety concerns

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    Source: The Guardian

    E-scooter providers, including Lime, Dott and Tier, Mobility licenses to be cancelled from October due to issues with circulation and parking.

    Madrid will ban app-based e-scooter rentals after the city’s three licensed operators failed to enforce limits on their users’ riding areas and parking, according to the city’s mayor.

    José Luis Martínez-Almeida announced on Thursday that the licenses for Lime, Dott, and Tier Mobility would be revoked starting in October, and no new licenses would be granted to other operators.

    “The market was found to be incapable of meeting the requirements set by the mayor’s office to ensure the highest level of safety for citizens,” he said in a statement. The shared e-scooter system has faced criticism in cities worldwide for reckless driving and improper parking by some users.

    Following a public consultation, Paris banned e-scooter rentals last year.

    Since May 2023, Madrid’s city council had regulated the e-scooter rental market, allowing only Dott, Tier Mobility, and Lime to operate, with each authorized to rent out 2,000 scooters.

    These companies were required to provide the mayor’s office with access to their data and implement technology to ensure scooters were parked in designated areas and not used in pedestrian zones or near historic parks.

    However, the operators failed to comply, the statement said, adding they have 20 days to appeal the decision.

  8. Spain’s national railway services bans e-scooters due to fire risks

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    Source: Euroweekly News

    Renfe, Spain’s national railway service has announced an electric scooter ban on its train services, a significant change that will affect its passengers.

    From December 12th, the ban will come into effect and prohibit electric scooters, unicycles, and other battery-powered mobility devices from being carried on all its train services.

    The decision has come from a series of hazardous incidents that have led to battery fires on public transport from tampered or damaged batteries, use of incompatible chargers, and general wear and tear.

    Electric bicycles and vehicles for individuals with mobility impairments are excluded from this ban. Renfe’s board of directors have stated that public health and passenger safety are the main reason behind this new policy, ensuring its services run smoother and safer.

    This move follows similar measures that have been taken from regional Spanish train services and from European countries. UK & Ireland rail operators, as well as the city of Hamburg in Germany, have also restricted electric scooter usage on their trains.

    Once the ban comes into effect, Renfe can ask passengers carrying prohibited electric vehicles to disembark and will have security officers carrying out random inspections on their trains.

  9. Urban Mobility Days 2023 wraps in Spain

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    Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, visited the three-day conference to engage with attendees and topics in the mobility sector.

    The Urban Mobility Days 2023 conference, held in Seville, Spain, was organized by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Mobility & Transport (DG MOVE), in collaboration with the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU. This significant event attracted over 800 participants from various parts of Europe and beyond, with both in-person and remote attendance options. The conference served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, insights, and innovations in the realm of sustainable urban mobility.

    Key topics discussed during the event included the establishment of a common European mobility data space, strategies for facilitating a Just Transition, and methods for integrating shared-mobility solutions into the urban mobility landscape. Given that 2023 was designated as the European Year of Skills, the conference also placed a special emphasis on developing and honing transport-related skills.

    Attendees were encouraged to engage with the panel sessions and explore the exhibition, with the hope of gaining inspiration for the promotion of sustainable mobility practices within their respective communities. The conference made recordings and materials available for those unable to attend in real-time, providing a valuable resource for all interested parties to access and review. Photos from the event were also made accessible for further reference.