Reflective Vest for E-Scooters: When It's Required
Since yesterday, October 1, 2026, carrying a reflective element on a scooter is no longer a recommendation. Royal Decree 518/2026 makes it mandatory — but not for everyone, nor in the same way.
Private user: reflective element mandatory at night or with poor visibility.
Rider / professional use: high-visibility vest mandatory always, day and night.
Fine: €200 (€100 with early payment), serious infraction.
What exactly does the BOE say
Royal Decree 518/2026, published on June 26, 2026 and in force since October 1, amends article 118 of the General Traffic Regulations. The text distinguishes two levels of requirements depending on how you use the scooter.
If you are a private user, article 118.3 says literally:
"All drivers of these vehicles who circulate between sunset and sunrise, or in meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce visibility, must use at least a luminous or reflective element in accordance with personal protective equipment regulations, which is visible at a minimum distance of 150 meters."
It doesn't say "vest". It says luminous or reflective element. That's important for what comes next.
If you use the scooter for work (delivery, courier), article 118.4 is stricter:
"Drivers who carry out their professional activity circulating in [bicycles, mopeds and personal mobility vehicles] must wear a high-visibility reflective vest in accordance with personal protective equipment requirements, when circulating on all types of roads."
Here it does require a high-visibility vest, and it requires it always — not just at night.
Does it have to be yellow?
Not necessarily. The reference standard for high-visibility garments (EN ISO 20471) allows three base colors: fluorescent yellow, orange and red, always combined with reflective bands.
| Profile | What the standard requires | Is vest mandatory? | Color freedom? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private user | Reflective PPE element, visible at 150m, only at night/poor visibility | No — backpack, harness, armband work... | More flexible |
| Rider / professional | High-visibility PPE vest, always | Yes | Fluorescent yellow, orange or red (EN ISO 20471) |
For the private user, a reflective shoulder harness or a backpack with a certified band fulfills the requirement just as well as a traditional vest — what matters is that the reflective material complies with PPE regulations and is visible at 150 meters, not the shape of the garment.
An option that meets the standard
Yellow Reflective Shoulder Harness
Shoulder harness with certified reflective bands. Comfortable to wear over clothing or store in a backpack. Fluorescent red, one of the three valid colors according to EN ISO 20471.
View on AmazonWhat it costs not to have it
Circulating without the required reflective element, when applicable, is a serious infraction: €200 fine, reducible to €100 with early payment. It applies both if you are a private user and circulate at night without anything reflective, and if you are a rider and don't have it at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to wear it all the time if I'm a private user?
No. Only between sunset and sunrise, or in conditions of rain, fog or poor visibility. During the day and with good visibility, it is not mandatory.
Does a backpack with a reflective band work instead of a vest?
Yes, for the private user. The regulation talks about a "luminous or reflective element", it doesn't specifically require a vest. For riders, the high-visibility vest is mandatory.
What if I carry it in my backpack but not wearing it?
It doesn't comply. The regulation requires "using" the element, that is, wearing it and keeping it visible while you circulate, not just having it with you.
Is this the same as the mandatory helmet?
No, they are two separate obligations that came into force on the same day. The helmet is mandatory always, for everyone. The reflective element only at night or with poor visibility (except riders).
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