Discover everything you need to know about traveling with an electric scooter on public transport.
This unique vehicle has become very popular among citizens because it requires virtually no effort, as it is a motorized vehicle. But what if I need to use public transport to reach my destination? Can I travel with my electric scooter on public transport?
The electric scooter is a very convenient and practical means of transport, but it is true that for long distances, its use is limited.
In this article, we bring you all the updated information for this new year 2023 that you need to know about electric scooters on public transport. Want to know more? Keep reading!
Can we travel with our electric scooters on public transport?
According to the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) on its website, each municipality can specifically regulate the circulation of Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs), including electric scooters.
Bans on electric vehicles on trains or commuter services: Can we travel with an electric scooter on Renfe?
As of December 12, 2023, Renfe will prohibit carrying electric scooters on all its trains, including Cercanías, Regional trains, and High-Speed and Long-Distance trains such as AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Avant, Euromed, and Intercity.
This decision was made due to safety concerns, mainly the risk of fires in the batteries of these devices, which have been reported in some public transport systems, often caused by battery mishandling, impacts, or the use of incompatible chargers.
The ban also extends to other personal mobility devices, such as electric unicycles, but does not affect electric bicycles or vehicles used by people with reduced mobility. This measure follows the trend of other cities and European countries that have adopted similar restrictions for safety reasons.
Can you take an electric scooter on the bus?
Depending on the city, the answer may vary. Let’s highlight a few cities:
In Barcelonait has been decided to ban electric scooters on public transport, a regulation that will come into force on February 1, 2023. To make this decision, the Barcelona City Council used the same reference as airplane regulations, which prohibit passengers from carrying lithium batteries on commercial flights.
In Seville, according to Tussam, the municipal transport company, you can carry an electric scooter as long as it is folded and inside its case, as long as it does not bother anyone or block other passengers.
In Madrid, electric scooters can also be carried, for now.
However, it should be noted that if you plan to travel by bus with this vehicle, it is prohibited to ride the scooter inside the bus. However, you can store it in the lower part of the coach, that is, in the luggage compartment where suitcases are kept.
We know it might be a bit worrying to leave it there, as people often place their luggage without much care. Therefore, we recommend using a cover or bag and placing it in a corner of the luggage compartment for greater safety and protection. This way, you will avoid exposing it to possible knocks, scratches, or falls.
Can I bring my electric scooter on the metro?
In Barcelona, as we mentioned earlier, electric scooters are also banned on the metro and commuter trains.
Additionally, Seville has followed suit and banned electric scooters on the metro. In Seville, the ban will come into effect from February 1, 2023. From that date, access to PMVs will be prohibited during peak hours on weekdays, as well as during special services or times of high occupancy. Specifically, peak hours are from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., and, in the afternoon, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. However, on weekends and holidays, access will be allowed, as well as during the months of July and August.
To address this, parking areas for such vehicles are being installed. For example, in the Lagoh Center, there is already a parking and charging zone for electric scooters.
As for the capital, Madrid, no ban has yet been established.
Can I take my electric scooter on a plane?
Due to the increased use of electric scooters for getting around cities quickly, many tourists wonder if they can take this vehicle on a plane to visit their destination.
We inform you that, in general, no airline allows electric scooters on planes, neither in the cabin nor as checked baggage.
This is because, according to the current regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passengers are not allowed to carry lithium batteries on passenger planes.
These batteries can overheat, and due to changes in cabin pressure, could potentially explode. Therefore, only devices with very small batteries, such as mobile phones or laptops, are allowed.
Traveling with an electric scooter by boat?
Are you planning a cruise this summer and thinking about taking your electric scooter? Not sure if you can bring it on board?
Well, the answer depends on the cruise company. For example, MSC Cruises clearly states in its policy that electric scooters are not allowed on board, but other companies do not specify whether they are allowed or not.
For instance, the company FRS, which connects Algeciras with Tangier by ferry, allows you to cross the strait with an electric scooter as luggage.
Our recommendation is to check the allowed and prohibited luggage conditions of the company before purchasing cruise or ferry tickets. If it is unclear, the best thing to do is to contact the company directly.
What options do I have for my electric scooter if I’m not allowed to travel with it?
If you plan to travel with an electric scooter, it’s important to consider alternatives such as finding a secure station to park your vehicle. There are parking and charging stations that allow you to safely and legally park your scooter. Among them are Solum stations, which can be found at several points in the city.
Through their app, you can check the availability of spots in real-time or locate the nearest station to your location, making parking and charging your scooter efficient and convenient.
For more information, visit our website and remember that electric scooters have become the best alternative for sustainable mobility. Discover more in this post.
