Benidorm tourists warned they could face £425 fine in new crackdown
Brits heading to Benidorm are being warned they could be slapped with a hefty £425 fine amid a crackdown on mobility scooters. Mobility Solutions Direct experts have issued a warning to tourists about the potential fines as local authorities tighten up regulations on scooter usage.
The Spanish resort, a firm favourite among UK holidaymakers, saw over 600,000 British visitors in 2024, but now faces new challenges. A Facebook post has alerted visitors that Benidorm police are ensuring mobility scooter users have proper insurance, following last year's reports of tourists racing at "nearly 30-40 miles an hour".
Mobility scooter expert Lee Cartwright from Mobility Solutions Direct has given advice on how to avoid the steep fines, reports Bristol Live.
"However, the resort is facing issues due to its popularity, particularly with the increasing complaints about mobility scooters.
"Problems arise from people renting them just for fun. The local council has expressed a desire for these scooters to be used responsibly and only for genuine needs."
1. Get insured: "With more people making injury claims after scooter-related accidents, having insurance can offer vital protection. If you're involved in an accident and found to be at fault, you could be held personally responsible for covering costs such as compensation, repairs, and medical bills.
"In places like Benidorm, for example, the rules have already changed. All scooter hire companies must now provide third-party liability insurance to cover damage to other vehicles, property, or public roads."
2. Avoid using a scooter if not necessary: "People over the age of 55 are permitted to use mobility scooters, or younger if they have mobility issues.
"Mobility scooters are designed for those with walking difficulties. If you can walk safely without one and you don't have a permit for one, it is best not to ride a mobility scooter to avoid a fine."
3. Adhere to the speed limit: "Most mobility scooters are designed with a speed limit for safe travel. For those with mobility issues using scooters on pavements, the maximum speed is 4 mph, which is about the same as a walking pace.
"Class 3 mobility scooters, intended for road use, can go up to 8 mph. In other regions, tourists should not exceed 12 mph and are required to wear a helmet."
4. Mobility scooters are strictly for individual use: "Mobility scooters are intended for use by a single person. It is not permitted to carry another person on your mobility scooter, as doing so could cause the vehicle to tip over, leading to potential injuries for both you and your passenger."
5. Refrain from operating a scooter while under the influence: "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.
"But this results in reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic, driving too closely to others, and failing to be aware of their surroundings.
"Riding a scooter while intoxicated is both hazardous and against the law, similar to driving a car under the influence."
6. Adhere to the rules governing mobility scooters: "When operating a class 3 scooter, it's essential to ensure it is equipped with two separate functioning brakes.
"The scooter should weigh no more than 150kg without any load, and up to 200kg when carrying essential user equipment like medical supplies.
"It should feature front and rear lights along with reflectors, directional indicators capable of functioning as hazard warning signals, an audible horn and a rearview mirror."
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