Published 27 July 2026
UK holidaymakers who take a mobility scooter to Benidorm are being warned that they could face a fine of £425, roughly 500 euros, and have the scooter confiscated if they break local rules. The warning comes from mobility equipment supplier Mobility Solutions Direct, whose director Lee Cartwright says local authorities in the Spanish resort have begun clamping down on scooter use.
Benidorm attracted more than 800,000 visitors last year and remains one of the most popular destinations for British tourists and expats. Part of the reason for the crackdown is a run of complaints from visitors and residents about scooters being ridden along the beachfront at what witnesses described as nearly 30 to 40 miles an hour. Cartwright was blunt about who is causing the problem, noting that “a majority of those using a scooter without permission are young British people who are using the vehicle to go clubbing rather than pay for a taxi”.
The rules that apply in Benidorm
The regulations are stricter than many visitors assume, and they are not the same as the rules that apply at home. In Benidorm, mobility scooters may be used by people aged over 55, or by younger people who have genuine mobility issues. Anyone who can walk safely without one, and who does not hold a permit, is advised not to ride a scooter at all.
Speed limits are tightly enforced. On pavements the maximum is 4mph, which is roughly walking pace. Class 3 scooters, which are designed for road use, may travel up to 8mph. In other Spanish regions tourists should not exceed 12mph and are required to wear a helmet, so the rules are worth checking again if you are travelling beyond the Costa Blanca. Scooters are also single-occupancy vehicles, so carrying a passenger is not permitted, and riding under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. Class 3 scooters must be fitted with two separate functioning brakes to comply with Spanish regulations.
Those limits are broadly comparable to the UK framework, where Class 2 scooters are limited to 4mph on pavements and Class 3 models can reach 8mph on the road. If you are unsure which class you own, our guide to mobility scooters explains the difference and what each class is legally permitted to do.
Before you travel
Taking a scooter abroad involves more planning than most people expect. Airlines treat lithium batteries differently from sealed lead-acid ones, and many carriers require the battery watt-hour rating and terminal disconnection details in advance, often at least 48 hours before departure. Check your airline’s specific policy in writing rather than relying on general advice, and keep documentation of the battery type with you.
Travel insurance is the second issue. Standard policies frequently exclude mobility equipment or cap replacement cover far below what a powered scooter is worth, so a specialist policy or a specific equipment add-on is usually needed. It is also worth photographing the scooter before you fly, as handling damage is common and claims are far easier to evidence with dated images.
Many travellers find hiring locally is simpler than flying with their own equipment, particularly for shorter trips. If you decide to hire, confirm before you pay that the model supplied is road legal in the region and that the rental company provides documentation showing it meets local requirements. Our overview of mobility aids covers lighter alternatives such as folding transit chairs and rollators, which are far easier to take on a plane. For anyone who relies on a scooter primarily for distance rather than daily indoor use, a manual option covered in our wheelchairs guide may be the more practical holiday choice.
UK travellers should also review the Foreign Office’s current advice for Spain before booking, as local by-laws in resort towns change more often than national law. Suppliers listed in our directory can advise on travel-friendly models, and you can browse them at find a company.
Sources: THIIS Magazine, FCDO travel advice for Spain, GOV.UK mobility scooter rules.
Related guides on Review Mobility
- Mobility scooter buying guide
- Wheelchair costs explained
- Walking aids and rollators
- Daily living aids explained
- Find a mobility company near you
Published 27 July 2026
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