Tourists heading to Tenerife and other European hotspots are being warned that police are clamping down on mobility scooter misuse, with on-the-spot fines up to €1,000 (£870)
Tourists heading to Tenerife this summer are being warned of on-the-spot fines as local police clamp down on the misuse of mobility scooters. Approximately 6.3 million Brits visit the Canary Island hotspot each year, highlighting its popularity with holidaymakers.
Yet, the ease of renting mobility scooters in Tenerife has led to increasing popularity due to the island’s accessible, flat and paved areas, including misuse by visitors without mobility needs. As a result, some rental providers now require younger users to provide medical proof of disability before renting a vehicle.
The move comes as a new study of 2,000 UK adults, reveals that Brits remain confused about mobility scooter laws, even in the UK. The research, from leading mobility solutions provider Muick Sandy, found that 38% wrongly believe mobility scooters are banned from pavements, highlighting widespread uncertainty about where they can be legally used and who has priority.
Ben Kenny, Director at Muick Sandy, said: “As we move into peak travel season, travellers must understand that rules can vary significantly between destinations, and misuse can result in serious penalties including fines and even having your mobility scooter seized by local police.
“While mobility scooters are common in the UK and misuse is very rare, this doesn’t always translate to popular holiday destinations where they are regulated more strictly.” This has raised concerns that British tourists could unknowingly break the law while on holiday.
Ben Kenny adds: “Travellers are urged to check their holiday destination’s local authority, as speed limits, restricted access zones, documentation requirements and enforcement measures can vary widely and result in fines of up to €1,000.”
How mobility laws vary across Europe:
Tenerife
In Tenerife, local authorities have introduced a strict crackdown on mobility scooter misuse, with fines of up to €500 (£435) and reports of scooters being seized. Rental conditions can vary by provider, but may include age restrictions or require proof of disability, mandatory insurance, and adherence to restrictions prohibiting multiple riders.
Benidorm
Local authorities in the popular Spanish destination of Benidorm have introduced tighter regulations around mobility scooter use. Rental age limits have increased to over 65 years old unless the user has proof of a certified mobility issue, and users may also be required to take out public liability insurance.
Speed limits are being enforced at 4 km/h on pavements and 20 km/h or less on cycle lanes and roads. Fines of up to €500 are being issued for unsafe use and, in more serious cases, have reached €1,000 (£870).
Spain
Mobility scooters in Spain are recognised aids for people with reduced mobility. They can be used on pavements, promenades, and pedestrian areas, but they must travel at walking speed and give way to pedestrians.
Class 2 scooters must not exceed 6.4 km/h and are limited to travel on pavements. Larger Class 3 mobility scooters can travel up to 12.8 km/h and can be used on roads.
Tourists should be aware that recent fines of €500-€1,000 have been issued for misuse, including travelling the wrong way on one-way streets.
France
In France, mobility scooters must maintain a maximum speed of 5 km/h or less, and users must follow pedestrian rules when on pavements. They must be used in the same way as manual wheelchairs, on pavements and paths, not on roads, unless no path is accessible.
Insurance is required in the case of an accident or damage. In busy city centres and tourist hotspots, travelling too quickly or entering restricted zones can result in fines of up to €135. Some cities have specific parking regulations for mobility devices, too.
Italy
Mobility scooters are classed as medical aids in Italy, not motor vehicles. They are allowed on pavements and pedestrian areas if they travel at or below 6 km/h (walking speed), and no licence is required to operate one at this speed.
If a scooter is capable of speeds exceeding 6 km/h, it is classed as an electric scooter and must follow traffic rules, including using the roadway. Local authorities may restrict access at certain times or in specific locations.
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