Benidorm holiday shake-up as popular two-seater mobility scooters set to be banned to curb 'high accident rate'

Published: 05:49 EDT, 29 October 2026 | Updated: 05:50 EDT, 29 October 2026 British holidaymakers heading to Benidorm could face a major change, as the Spanish resort moves to ban popular two-seater mobility scooters.The vehicles are a familiar sight in the Costa Blanca hotspot, where older tourists often use them to get around with ease.But local councillors have voted in favour of banning the tandem scooters amid concerns over safety and what officials describe as a 'high accident rate'.Benidorm town hall claims mobility scooters are involved in 25 per cent of accidents on the town's urban roads.Under current rules, mobility scooters can only be used on pavements by people who can prove they have reduced mobility or are over 55.The proposed changes would also cover self-propelled chairs and e-scooters, but are not yet final. A 30-day consultation must take place before the new regulations are confirmed. Mobility scooters are a popular way to get around with British tourists in Benidorm. Pictured: Sheila Reid as Madge Harvey in sitcom BenidormSingle-seat mobility scooters used by individuals who require them will still be permitted. 'Our intention is to prevent certain vehicles designed to carry several people from being used as a leisure activity or tourist transport alternative, creating dangerous situations in areas intended for pedestrians,' Benidorm mobility councillor Francis Muñoz said, according to Sur in English.Some companies are still advertising tandem mobility scooters for hire in the resort, with day rates ranging between €50 (£42) and €70 (£59). The new regulations follow on from a range of efforts to try and regulate mobility scooters in the area. In 2022, a 58-year-old British woman died after plummeting 65ft off a steep hillside whilst riding a mobility scooter in Benidorm.The accident saw the grandmother take a sudden turn towards the edge of the cliff before teetering over the precipice and tumbling down the rocky hillside.Rules were also introduced in 2019, when Benidorm banned the use of mobility scooters, electric scooters and Segways on pavements after an outcry from irritated locals. Councillors in the Spanish tourist hotspot voted unanimously to approve laws that will also impose a 12mph speed limit on the vehicles, with £430 fines for offenders.Riders were also required to have insurance, wear helmets, and have either a fluorescent vest or bell to alert the public to their presence. But the two-seater vehicles could be banned under proposed regulations Spain has seen other regulations introduced this year, including a crackdown on rowdy hen and stag dos. Millions flock to Valencia every year, many to celebrate major life events – whether that's a birthday or getting married – and bring plenty of chaos with them. But the city council recently drafted up new rules to tone down the antics once and for all.Group gatherings for private celebrations could be banned from taking place on public streets between 10pm and 8am from Sunday to Friday. Meanwhile, on Saturdays and the eve of public holidays, this could be extended to 9.30am under the proposed regulations. Party-goers not following the rules and allowing hen dos or birthday bashes to spill out onto the streets without permission from the council might find themselves landed with a fine of between €750 and €1,500.