British holidaymakers travelling to Benidorm could face hefty £425 penalties under fresh enforcement measures, experts have said. The team at Mobility Solutions Direct are warning Benidorm visitors who use mobility scooters that they risk substantial fines as local officials intensify their regulatory oversight.
The Spanish resort remains among the top choices for British travellers, welcoming more than 600,000 UK visitors throughout last year. However, a Facebook alert has revealed that Benidorm police are now verifying that mobility scooter operators possess proper insurance coverage.
This follows complaints made last year of UK tourists driving mobility scooters at “nearly 30-40 miles an hour”. Lee Cartwright, a mobility scooter expert from Mobility Solutions Direct, has detailed the steps scooter users must take to dodge the £425 penalty.
He said: “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.”
Lee advises getting adequate insurance, adding: “With more people making injury claims after scooter-related accidents, having insurance can offer vital protection. If you’re involved in an accident and found to be at fault, you could be held personally responsible for covering costs such as compensation, repairs, and medical bills.
“In places like Benidorm, for example, the rules have already changed. All scooter hire companies must now provide third-party liability insurance to cover damage to other vehicles, property, or public roads.”
He also suggests only using the scooter if needed, as he said: “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 a fine.”
Reminding of speed limits, the expert continued: “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.
“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.”
Lee is also urging people not to use the scooters while under the influcence: “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.”
And, he added, there are rules to be followed: “When operating a class 3 scooter, it’s essential to ensure it is equipped with two separate functioning brakes. 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.”