New rules for electric scooters move forward in Parliament
Created by Daniela Ezequiel at Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Electric scooters and bicycles are becoming increasingly common on Portuguese roads, but the rules governing their use may be about to change. The Assembly of the Republic has approved, in general terms, two legislative proposals aimed at strengthening the safety of users of these vehicles, including the mandatory use of helmets and new visibility requirements.
The measures were approved on September 30 and represent another step towards regulating electric micromobility in Portugal. However, the new rules have not yet come into force, as the bills still have to go through the remaining stages of the legislative process.
Helmets could become mandatory on electric scooters
One of the main proposed changes is the mandatory use of helmets for those travelling on electric scooters, electric bicycles and other personal mobility vehicles.
The bill presented by the PSD, approved in general terms, proposes that this obligation should cover drivers and passengers of motorised bicycles, as well as users of electric scooters, electric unicycles and self-balancing electric platforms, provided they are classified in the same category as bicycles.
The PS also presented a proposal approved in general terms, although with some differences. In this case, the helmet requirement would apply to electric scooters and modified electric bicycles that exceed certain technical limits established in the Highway Code.
This distinction is important, as electric bicycles that comply with the legal requirements for power, speed and pedal assistance may be subject to a different framework, depending on the final version of the legislation.
Reflective equipment could become mandatory at night
In addition to helmets, the PSD proposal includes another important change for users of these means of transport: the mandatory use of reflective clothing or retroreflective equipment at night and whenever weather conditions reduce visibility.
But this does not necessarily mean that a traditional reflective vest would have to be worn.
The proposal allows different solutions, such as clothing with integrated reflective elements, reflective strips or accessories fitted to clothing, helmets or other equipment used by the rider.
The objective is simple: to make users more visible to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents, particularly at night or in conditions of rain, fog and low light.
The minimum technical specifications for this equipment are expected to be defined later by the Government, following a proposal from the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT).
Fines could reach €300
The new rules for electric scooters also include the possibility of fines for those who fail to comply with the proposed requirements.
According to the bill presented by the PSD, the proposed amounts are as follows:
From €60 to €300: for riders of electric scooters and equivalent vehicles travelling without a helmet.
From €30 to €150: for riders of electric bicycles covered by the requirement who do not wear a helmet.
From €30 to €150: for anyone who does not use reflective clothing or retroreflective equipment when it is mandatory.
These amounts still depend on the final approval of the legislation and therefore do not represent new fines already in force.
Increase in accidents concerns the authorities
The proposals come at a time when the use of electric micromobility vehicles continues to grow, accompanied by concerns related to road safety.
According to data from the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), cited in the explanatory notes to the legislative proposals, the number of bicycles involved in accidents with victims increased by 52.2% between 2019 and 2024.
In the case of motorised scooters, the figures presented by the National Republican Guard (GNR) are equally concerning. Up to 2021, fewer than 25 accidents were recorded per year, but this number rose to 547 in 2023 and 706 in 2024.
A slight decrease was recorded in 2025, although the figures remained high.
These figures help explain the intention to strengthen protective measures, particularly in a context where scooters, bicycles and cars often share the same road space.
What changes now for electric scooter users?
For now, nothing changes. Despite the approval in general terms, the bills still have to go through the remaining legislative stages before the new rules can take effect.
In addition to the proposals concerning helmets and reflective equipment, Parliament approved a resolution recommending that the Government strengthen enforcement regarding the use of electric scooters and bicycles on pavements, regulate speed limiters and study a pilot programme to facilitate access to helmets in shared mobility services.
Until a final decision is made, the rules currently in force remain unchanged.
Even so, regardless of any legal requirement, wearing a helmet, ensuring good visibility and respecting traffic rules are essential precautions for safer mobility.
After all, whether behind the wheel of a car, on a bicycle or on an electric scooter, road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Sources: Away, SAPO, Razão Automóvel
