Rules for electric scooters in Portugal: the confusion-free guide

Rules for electric scooters in Portugal: the confusion-free guide

This is the number one question from buyers: "Is it legal to ride an electric scooter?"
The short answer: yes, provided you meet the applicable requirements and rules.

1) Legal framework (what really matters)

The Traffic Code defines electric scooters as equivalent to bicycles when:

  • They have a motor with a maximum continuous power of 0.25 kW (250 W).

  • and reach 25 km/h (maximum speed on level ground).

If you are driving with power/speed above the profile, the Code stipulates:

  • fine of €60 to €300

  • Immediate seizure of the vehicle .

And IMT acknowledges that, outside of the equivalent profile, the regime depends on national rules yet to be defined (it's not an "automatic" issue in the EU).

2) Where can you move around?

The "bicycle-type" logic is the reference:

  • bike lanes, where they exist.

  • public road/highway when none exist, proceed with caution.

  • No walks (if needed, take their hand)

DECO reiterates: sidewalks are for pedestrians and, when there is no bike lane, ride on the road keeping to the right.

3) Helmet: mandatory or not?

In general, for scooters that fall within the profile equivalent to a bicycle:

  • It's not mandatory , but it's recommended .

Even though it's a recommendation, for e-commerce (and real life) it's a "must":

  • Helmet + lightweight gloves + lights = enormous risk reduction

4) Insurance: Is it really necessary or not?

In 2025, Decree-Law No. 26/2025 completed the transposition of Directive (EU) 2021/2118 on compulsory insurance.
The ASF also explained that vehicles exceeding certain thresholds (speed/weight) are now covered.

However, public clarifications indicated that scooters authorized to circulate legally in Portugal and considered equivalent to bicycles are not covered by mandatory car insurance.

OneBox Recommendation (practice):

  • Do not confuse "mandatory car insurance" with "personal liability insurance" (this can be useful even when it is not mandatory).

5) Actual fines and scratches (what usually goes wrong)

The biggest problems usually stem from:

  • changes to "remove the limit" (25 km/h)

  • walking around

  • lack of lighting at night

  • transporting another person (instability + risk)

Your best "anti-fine" strategy is: follow the rules and ride like you're on a bicycle.

FAQ

Are scooters traveling above 25 km/h legal on public roads?
The most commonly cited classification is the 25 km/h speed limit for bicycles; anything faster than that risks a fine and vehicle impoundment.

Do I need a letter?
It is not comparable to a velocipede.