The ban is over: you can now take your e-scooter on trains again in almost all of Spain, though with some exceptions.

08/09/2026 11:00

Updated to

08/09/2026 11:00

After nearly three years of a temporary ban due to issues with some low-quality batteries, Renfe, the national railway operator, is changing its policies regarding electric scooters. The integration of personal mobility devices into trains is returning, but under strict regulatory guidelines designed to ensure coexistence and passenger safety.

In fact, if you think you can simply board a train with any electric scooter, you’re mistaken. The company has set very specific requirements and conditions for this to be possible.

A key shift in policy for personal mobility

The combined use of e-scooters and trains has become one of the most efficient solutions for organizing modern urban mobility. The so-called "first and last mile" (the journey from the user’s starting point to the station and from the station to their final destination) finds a powerful ally in VMP. This measure affects millions of users whose access to this clean transportation option was disrupted during the ban period.

The lifting of this restriction takes effect immediately on Renfe’s Cercanías, Media Distancia, and Long Distance services across most of the country. However, there are exceptions where the ban remains in place temporarily due to regional operational decisions, specifically the Rodalies network in Catalonia and the Cercanías network in Euskadi.

Safety requirements: homologation, registration, and mandatory insurance

The decision to lift the ban is driven by the establishment of the new national regulatory framework promoted by DGT. To gain access to facilities and inside trains, each scooter must strictly comply with current legal requirements.

Users must ensure their electric scooter has the required traffic certificate and the corresponding identification plate issued by DGT. The vehicle must also be registered in the official registry and have an active civil liability insurance policy. These requirements aim to eliminate unapproved or manually modified models, which were the main causes of overheating and fire risks in the past.

Usage rules on board

Once inside the trains, Renfe’s regulations establish clear guidelines for behavior to ensure the safety and comfort of all other passengers. The e-scooter must remain folded and turned off at all times, from entering the stations to leaving them. Recharging batteries using the power outlets located on the train cars is prohibited.

Regarding space occupied, scooters must be stored in areas designated for luggage or in zones set aside for VMP. If such areas are not available, they should be placed so as not to block corridors, access doors, or emergency exits, always respecting the spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. With this protocol, the railway operator aims to match other European countries by balancing freedom of movement with the highest technical safeguards.