Barcelona City Council is in the process of buying two dynamometers for the Guàrdia Urbana, aiming to control and fine electric scooters that exceed the legal maximum speed of 25 km/h. This measure targets modified e-scooters, which are often seen travelling much faster than permitted on city streets, according to betevé.
The city's traffic ordinance mandates that e-scooters must not exceed 25 km/h. The Guàrdia Urbana plans a pilot programme to assess the effectiveness and viability of these devices. The dynamometers will feature rollers that measure speed when in contact with the vehicle's wheels, displaying the result on an electronic screen. The council expects to spend approximately €17,600 on the equipment.
Training and Existing Controls
Beyond the purchase of the dynamometers, the contract also includes training for Guàrdia Urbana personnel by the successful bidder. This ensures officers can operate the new equipment correctly. Other metropolitan municipalities, such as L'Hospitalet de Llobregat and Cornellà de Llobregat, already use dynamometers to measure e-scooter speeds.
If local police detect an e-scooter exceeding the 25 km/h limit, they can immobilise the vehicle and fine the user up to €500. In 2025, Barcelona recorded 549 accidents involving personal mobility vehicles. Controlling e-scooter speed is one of several measures planned to reduce the accident rate for these vehicles.
Broader Enforcement Efforts
This new initiative builds on existing enforcement efforts by the Guàrdia Urbana. Since 1 February 2025, over 10,000 fines have been issued in Barcelona for e-scooter riders not wearing helmets, as required by the traffic ordinance. The introduction of dynamometers represents a further step in ensuring compliance with safety regulations and improving road safety for all residents.
