Summary
Adeje Town Hall has given initial approval to a new municipal bylaw regulating traffic and sustainable mobility across the municipality.
The bylaw was approved at the plenary session on Tuesday 28 April 2026, with support from all political parties and the abstention of Unidas Podemos. The text will now be submitted for public consultation for one month before returning to the next plenary session in May for final approval.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of specific rules for personal mobility vehicles, known as PMVs, including electric scooters.
A new campaign: “Respeto sobre ruedas”
The new rules will be accompanied by an information campaign called “Respeto sobre ruedas”, which means “Respect on wheels”.
The campaign will initially focus on electric scooters, explaining the basic rules for using them safely and responsibly in Adeje.
The emphasis will be on pedestrian priority, safe riding and the correct use of public space.
What counts as a personal mobility vehicle?
Under the proposed bylaw, personal mobility vehicles are defined as single-person vehicles powered only by electric motors, with a maximum speed between 6 and 25 kilometres per hour.
This includes many electric scooters commonly seen on streets and promenades.
The bylaw sets a minimum age of 16 years old for use on public roads. Younger riders will only be allowed to use these vehicles in traffic-free areas and under supervision.
Key rules for electric scooters
The bylaw introduces several important rules for scooter users:
- Electric scooters must not be ridden on pavements or pedestrian areas.
- Riders must get off and walk the scooter across pedestrian crossings.
- In shared spaces, scooters must move at pedestrian speed.
- Pedestrians always have priority.
- Riders must not use mobile phones while riding.
- Headphones are not allowed while riding.
- Risky manoeuvres that endanger road safety are prohibited.
- Reflective elements will be mandatory at night or in low visibility.
- Vehicles must comply with national technical rules.
- Civil liability insurance will be required in line with current regulations.
Parking rules will also change
Scooters and other PMVs may only be parked in designated areas.
They must not block pavements, pedestrian crossings or unauthorised public spaces. They also cannot be attached to street furniture or charged in public spaces.
If the rules are broken, the vehicle may be removed by the police and fines may be issued.
Rules for scooter rental companies
The bylaw also includes specific rules for companies that rent out or provide personal mobility vehicles.
Businesses operating on public land will need the relevant authorisation. They will also have to provide clear information to users, verify that users are able to operate the vehicles safely, hold civil liability insurance and comply with technical and organisational requirements.
These may include vehicle geolocation, designated parking spaces and providing information to the Town Hall when required.
The aim is to balance business activity with the safe and fair use of public spaces by residents and visitors.
Why this matters
Adeje says the new bylaw is not just a simple update of old traffic rules. It is designed to regulate mobility as a whole, taking into account sustainability, road safety, accessibility and the growing number of new transport options.
The Town Hall says the objectives are to make better use of road space, improve coexistence between different users, increase safety and create a clearer system of sanctions.
For residents, visitors, pedestrians and scooter users, the message is simple: electric scooters are welcome, but they must be used responsibly.
Disclaimer
This article is a summary and rewrite of information released by Adeje Town Hall. It is intended for general public information only and should not be treated as legal advice. For the final wording of the bylaw, official rules, fines, consultation dates and enforcement details, readers should check directly with Adeje Town Hall or the official municipal channels.
Attribution / Source Credit
Source: Adeje Town Hall press release, “Adeje Town Hall approves new traffic and mobility bylaw at plenary session”, dated 28 April 2026.
Original information provided by: Ayuntamiento de Adeje / Presidencia y Planificación del Territorio / Comunicación.