Badalona electric scooter enforcement has begun with fourteen riders fined and four vehicles impounded during the first two hours of police operations.
The city’s Urban Guard launched their crackdown on Thursday evening, targeting personal mobility vehicles that violate new regulations approved in June.
Police officers stationed themselves along the pedestrianised Paseo de La Salut, where electric scooters are now completely banned.
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Consequently, they issued penalties at a rate of approximately one every eight minutes during the initial enforcement period. Furthermore, authorities confiscated several modified scooters that exceeded legal speed limits.
Badalona Electric Scooter Regulations Take Effect
Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol emphasised the crackdown’s purpose, stating: “We want to put an end to the impunity of those individuals who ride scooters and use them to commit crimes; in this city, anyone who doesn’t follow the rules will be sanctioned.” The new ordinance introduces significantly higher fines than neighbouring Barcelona, with penalties ranging from €150 to €600 depending on violation severity.
Deputy Mayor Rosa del Amo reported that the month-long information campaign preceding enforcement had already produced dramatic results. “One of the main objectives has already been achieved,” she noted, “the number of scooters circulating in the city has reduced massively.”
The regulations establish several key requirements for electric scooter users. Riders must be at least 15 years old, wear approved helmets, and avoid using headphones while operating their vehicles. Additionally, scooters cannot be ridden on pavements or pedestrian-only streets unless designated cycle lanes are present.
This regulatory approach follows similar measures implemented in other metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues adapting its infrastructure for various mobility options while maintaining public safety standards.
According to El Periódico’s coverage, the enforcement strategy specifically targets two primary violations: riding without proper insurance and using scooters with manipulated motors. These measures aim to deter criminal activities frequently associated with electric scooters, particularly thefts that have concerned municipal authorities.
Parking regulations also form part of the comprehensive new rules. Electric scooters cannot be attached to urban furniture or trees and must instead use bicycle anchoring points. The city hopes these measures will create what Mayor Albiol describes as “civic and orderly use of public space” while ensuring pedestrian safety remains paramount.
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