Benidorm police chase e-scooter travelling four times legal limit

What began as a routine traffic control operation in Benidorm quickly escalated into one of the most unusual police pursuits the city has seen in recent years after officers detected an electric scooter travelling at an astonishing 104km/h. According to Benidorm Local Police, the modified vehicle was spotted during one of the force’s regular inspections of personal mobility vehicles (VMPs), which include electric scooters and similar transport devices.The incident unfolded in the city centre on Saturday when officers attempted to stop the rider. Instead of complying, the individual allegedly tried to flee, triggering a pursuit through several urban streets before police were able to intercept both the rider and the vehicle.

More than four times the legal limit

In Spain, electric scooters are generally restricted to a maximum speed of 25km/h. Authorities say the scooter involved in the Benidorm incident had been technically modified to dramatically exceed those limits, reaching speeds more commonly associated with motorcycles than personal mobility vehicles.

Police subsequently seized the scooter and launched an investigation into the modifications made to the vehicle. Officers described the speed as completely incompatible with the intended use of an e-scooter and warned that it posed a serious danger not only to the rider but also to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists sharing the road.

Growing concerns over scooter safety

The case has reignited debate about the growing presence of electric scooters on Spanish streets. While they have become a popular form of transport in tourist destinations such as Benidorm, authorities across Spain have been tightening regulations amid concerns about accidents, speeding and unsafe modifications. New rules introduced in 2026 include stricter registration requirements, insurance obligations and enforcement measures aimed at improving road safety.

Benidorm has already been carrying out regular checks on scooters and mobility vehicles for several years, targeting issues such as excessive speed, lack of insurance and illegal modifications. Previous enforcement campaigns have resulted in vehicles being removed from circulation for breaching local regulations.

Following the latest incident, police spokesperson Quique Tortosa stressed that electric scooters should not be viewed as toys and warned that tampering with their speed restrictions can have potentially devastating consequences. Officers say daily controls will continue throughout the city as they seek to improve safety and prevent further dangerous incidents on Benidorm’s roads.