By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Benidorm City Council has approved an initial amendment to Municipal Mobility Ordinance No. 1 that bans the use of mobility scooters designed to carry more than one person. The legislation, passed unanimously by all political groups, aims to strengthen road safety and environmental sustainability in urban areas.
Details of the Ban
The amendment prohibits tandem mobility scooters, which Mobility Councillor Francis Muñoz argued will help ensure road safety on pavements and in pedestrian areas. The measure targets self-propelled wheelchairs that accommodate multiple passengers.
Consultation and Implementation
The decision follows a 15-day public consultation period during which no objections, suggestions, or contributions were received. However, the ban will not take effect until it receives final approval after a 30-working-day public consultation period. Many mobility scooter hire shops continue to advertise tandem vehicles online.
Existing Regulations
Benidorm hosts more than half a dozen rental shops that offer scooters to holidaymakers. To hire a scooter, visitors must be at least 65 years old or provide proof of disability, hold valid public liability insurance, and face heavy fines for driving under the influence of alcohol. Scooters must stay on pavements or pedestrian areas at walking speeds of 4 km/h, or 20 km/h on designated bike lanes.
Public Backlash
The proposed ban has drawn criticism on social media. Several users argued that tandem scooters are essential for disabled people who cannot operate the vehicles themselves. One commenter said her registered blind father relies on a double scooter for holidays in Benidorm, while another stated that such scooters are vital for getting around town with mobility issues.
