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The Spanish resort city of Benidorm may soon lose an iconic sighting from its tourist-riddled streets, following the approval of a new ban.
On Wednesday, Benidorm City Council approved the initial amendment of Municipal mobility Ordinance No. 1, introduced to strengthen road safety and environmental sustainability in urban areas and tighten regulations around the use of “self-propelled wheelchairs”.
The legislation, which was unanimously approved by all political groups, bans the use of mobility scooters designed to carry more than one person. Mobility Councillor Francis Muñoz argued such a ban will help “ensure road safety on pavements and in pedestrian areas”.
Tandem mobility scooters to be banned in Benidorm
The move follows a 15-day public consultation period – during which no objections, suggestions or contributions were received.
However, according to local media, the ban won’t take effect until it receives final approval following a 30-working day public consultation period.
Many mobility scooter hire shops still seem to be advertising their tandem vehicles online. The tourist hotspot is home to more than half a dozen rental shops that offer scooters to holidaymakers – but strict rules are in place to make sure they aren’t used by young people.
To hire a scooter, visitors must be at least 65-years-old or have proof of a disability. They must also have valid public liability insurance and risks hefty fines for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Scooters are also required to stay on the pavements or pedestrian areas at walking speeds of 4km per hour, or 20km per hour on designated bike lanes.
Benidorm receives backlash over scooter ban
The proposed ban did not go down well on social media, with many visitors arguing tandem mobility scooters are necessary for disabled people.
“My father is registered blind and I take him every year for his holiday to Benidorm,” one person wrote on Facebook. “A double mobility scooter is the only way I commute him around.”
Another said: “They should not be banned as some disabled people cannot drive them and have to be driven by another party,” while a third added: “I have mobility issues and double mobility scooters are essential to get us around town.”