If you want to travel around Madrid quickly, you can rent a shared electric scooter or moped. This guide explains the required driver documents, the major service providers, and local riding rules.
You should understand the parking regulations to avoid high municipal fines.
Understand the two vehicle types
Madrid offers two classes of shared electric vehicles. You must choose the type that matches your licence and travel distance.
Electric kick scooters (Patinetes)
These are stand-up electric scooters. You do not need a driving licence to ride them.
The minimum age to ride a kick scooter in Madrid is 15 years.
You must only ride them on cycle paths and roads with a speed limit of 30 km/h. They have a maximum speed of 20 km/h.
Electric mopeds (Motos)
These are sit-down electric scooters. They are much faster and can carry two people.
You must have a valid driving licence to rent them.
You can use a Spanish B-class car licence or an AM-class motorcycle licence. driving licence guide
They have a maximum speed of 50 km/h.
Document checklist to register
You must register through a mobile application before you can unlock a vehicle. The apps require identity verification.
Required registration items
Prepare these items before downloading the applications:
- Smartphone : You need a phone with active internet and GPS.
- Payment card : A valid credit or debit card for billing.
- Identification document : Your original passport or TIE. NIE guide
- Driving licence : Mandatory only for renting mopeds.
How to rent shared electric kick scooters (Patinetes)
Madrid limits the number of kick scooters on the street. Only three licensed companies operate in the city.
Licensed providers
The authorized operators are Dott, Lime, and Tier.
Each company has a fleet of electric scooters parked across the city center.
You can find them using the map inside their respective applications.
Unlocking the scooter
Download the app of your chosen provider. Register your profile and add a credit card.
Scan the QR code on the scooter handlebar to unlock it.
Most providers charge a flat €1.00 fee to unlock the vehicle.
After unlocking, you pay between €0.20 and €0.30 per minute of use.
Geofencing and slow zones
Madrid town hall uses GPS geofencing to regulate scooter speeds.
In pedestrian areas and parks, the scooter will automatically slow down to 10 km/h.
The motor will turn off if you enter a completely restricted zone.
How to rent shared electric mopeds (Motos)
Electric moped sharing is very popular in Madrid. Several large companies offer these vehicles.
Major moped operators
The primary providers are Cooltra, Cabify, and Acciona.
You must register and upload a photo of your driving licence.
The company will verify your licence. This verification process can take up to 24 hours.
Riding the moped
Locate a moped on the app map and reserve it. Reservation is usually free for 15 minutes.
Unlock the moped using the app. Press the red button to open the helmet case (baúl) at the back.
The case contains two helmets and hygienic hairnets.
Moped rentals cost between €0.25 and €0.39 per minute.
Rules of the road for kick scooters (Patinetes)
You must follow the local municipal mobility ordinance. The local police issue strict fines for violations.
Speed limits and helmets
The speed limit for electric kick scooters is 20 km/h.
Helmets are compulsory for riders under 18. They are highly recommended but optional for adults.
You cannot ride on sidewalks or pedestrian areas. You must use cycle lanes or streets with a 30 km/h limit.
Prohibited actions and parking
You must never carry a passenger. Scooters are strictly for one person.
You must never ride while using headphones or your mobile phone.
Park the scooter in designated motorcycle or bicycle racks. Do not block doorways or pedestrian crossings.
Alcohol and drug limits
You must follow the same blood alcohol limits as car drivers.
Riding an electric kick scooter under the influence is illegal.
The police can request a breathalyzer test. Fines range from €500.00 to €1,000.00.
Rules of the road for mopeds (Motos)
You must follow the same traffic laws as cars when riding a moped.
Helmet rules
Helmets are compulsory at all times for the driver and passenger.
The police issue a €200.00 fine for riding without a helmet.
You cannot ride in bus lanes or on sidewalks. You must stay in standard traffic lanes.
Parking regulations
You can park mopeds in designated motorcycle parking zones.
If no zones are available, you can park on sidewalks if they are wider than three metres.
Park parallel to the curb and leave at least two metres of space for pedestrians.
Never park in front of driveway gates (vados) or emergency exits.
Questions and answers
Can I use a foreign driving licence to rent a moped?
Yes, if it is valid in Spain. EU driving licences are accepted immediately. Non-EU licences must be accompanied by an international driving permit or an official translation.
Do I need to buy my own insurance?
No. Third-party liability insurance is included in the rental price for both scooters and mopeds. The insurance covers damage to other people and property.
Liability insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil) in Spain
What is the service zone?
The designated area where you can start and end your ride. You can see this zone highlighted on the app map. If you park outside the zone, you will receive a relocation fine of €30.00 to €100.00.
Can two people ride on a kick scooter?
No. Carrying a passenger on an electric kick scooter is illegal. The police will issue a €100.00 fine if they catch you.
What should I do in case of an accident?
Report it to the provider immediately. Use the emergency contact button inside the application. If anyone is injured, call the emergency services.
Can I ride on the highway?
No. Rented mopeds and kick scooters are strictly prohibited on highways and interurban roads. You must only ride on urban city streets.
Can I pause my rental?
Yes. Most applications offer a parking or pause mode. This reserves the vehicle while you shop. You pay a reduced rate, typically €0.10 per minute.
What if the vehicle has a mechanical fault?
Report it in the app immediately. If you notice flat tyres or broken brakes, end the ride. Report the issue through the support section so you are not charged.
