> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # RACC Warns on E-Scooter Safety in Barcelona - URL: https://barna.news/racc-warns-on-e-scooter-safety-in/ - Published: 2026-09-03T16:29:55.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-03T16:29:55.000Z - Description: Electric scooters account for 8% of accidents in Barcelona despite making up less than 1% of trips, the RACC reports. - Author: Brandon Watea - Tags: transport Electric scooters are involved in 8% of traffic accidents in Barcelona despite accounting for less than 1% of urban mobility, the RACC has warned. Cristian Bardají, director of the automobile club's mobility division, highlighted the disproportionate risk during an interview on Herrera en COPE Catalunya, citing the organisation's annual urban mobility barometer for Barcelona and Tarragona. The data reveal a growing safety concern as e-scooter use rises. Bardají stressed that no prior training or traffic exam is required to operate these vehicles, unlike other motorised transport. Many users transition directly from public transit or cycling, increasing the need for basic road safety education. Since the start of 2026, new regulations require all electric scooters in Spain to have official registration with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), a visible licence plate, and civil liability insurance. These measures aim to improve accountability and enable more effective enforcement by local authorities. The RACC's findings show that 22% of scooter users in Barcelona admit to receiving a traffic fine. Speeding accounts for 24% of penalties, while improper use of mobile phones and headphones, both prohibited, is also common. Up to 26% of riders admit to running red lights, a behaviour Bardají described as reflecting a casual, toy-like attitude toward the vehicles. > In the case of Barcelona, the scooter represents less than 1% of mobility and yet is involved in 8% of accidents. Enforcement has intensified across the metropolitan area. In L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, authorities seized 47.6% more scooters between January and August 2026 than in the entire previous year. Bardají noted this rise reflects increased police controls rather than worsening rider behaviour. Rules for scooter use are more restrictive than for bicycles: riding on pavements is banned, and operation is only permitted on roads with authorisation. Sharing bike lanes with cyclists and navigating alongside motorcycles and vans requires awareness of the shared road environment. --- Despite challenges, compliance with safety rules is improving. Helmet use has risen from 40% two years ago to over 80% in 2025, according to the barometer. Bardají said this shift proves that users adapt when rules are clear and consistently enforced. > If the rule is clear and monitored, it is easy to comply with. Residents and scooter users are advised to review the official DGT guidelines on personal mobility vehicles, including registration and usage requirements, at [cope.es](https://www.cope.es/emisoras/catalunya/noticias/racc-alerta-impacto-patinetes-electricos-reclama-formacion-aumento-infracciones-20260903%5F3429330.html?ref=barna.news). --- *Reported by cope.es.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Motor Guild Challenges Barcelona Mobility Plan](https://barna.news/motor-guild-challenges-barcelona/) - [Port of Barcelona Sees 2% Rise in Goods Traffic](https://barna.news/port-of-barcelona-sees-2-rise-in-goods/) - [One in five Barcelona metro residents is over 65](https://barna.news/one-in-five-barcelona-metro-residents-is-over-65/) - [Barcelona to Offer Up to €800 for E-Bike Purchases](https://barna.news/barcelona-to-offer-up-to-800-for-e-bike/)