Benidorm warning as tourists risk £425 fine in new crackdown
Experts have warned that UK tourists heading for Benidorm face a £425 (€500) fine in a new rule crackdown. Experts at Mobility Solutions Direct are warning Benidorm tourists using mobility scooters that they could be fined as local authorities begin to crack down on who can use them.
Benidorm is one of the most popular destinations for Brits, with over 600,000 visitors in 2024. But an alert has been shared via Facebook that Benidorm police are checking that mobility scooter drivers are insured. This follows complaints made last year of UK tourists driving mobility scooters at 'nearly 30-40 miles an hour'.
Lee Cartwright, mobility scooter specialist at Mobility Solutions Direct has outlined what mobility scooter drivers should do to avoid getting hit with a £425 fine.
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Lee said: 'Benidorm is beloved by UK tourists, drawing millions of British visitors annually. 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.'
Get insurance: '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.
Don't use a scooter if not needed: '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.'
Respect 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.'
Scooters are for single use only: '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.'
Don't use a scooter while drunk: '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.'
Follow mobility scooter regulations: '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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