Yahoo News Warning to tourists over Spain mobility scooter rules that could end in £425 fine
Be warned - Brit tourists using mobility scooters in Benidorm could face their vehicle being seized - and could even end up with a hefty fine of £425 (€500) as local authorities start to clamp down on their usage. The Spanish resort is a favourite hotspot for Brits, attracting over 800,000 visitors last year.
However, UK holidaymakers have been complaining about mobility scooter drivers whizzing along the beachfront at "nearly 30-40 miles an hour". Lee Cartwright, a specialist at Mobility Solutions Direct, has outlined the regulations that mobility scooter users need to adhere to in order to avoid being slapped with a £425 penalty in the resort popular with UK tourists and expats.
Lee warned: "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."
The rules on scooters in Benidorm are as follows. Take note to avoid headaches.
Always make sure you 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.”
Ensure you do not 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.”
The 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.”
Stick to the rules: “When operating a class 3 scooter, it's essential to ensure it is equipped with two separate functioning breaks. 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.”
And avoid using a scooter if you do not need to: “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 an unnecessary fine.”
