The increasing popularity of high-powered electric scooters in Portugal is colliding with strict road safety regulations, leading to a surge in accidents and placing many riders in unexpected legal jeopardy.
The National Road Safety Authority (ANSR) reported 1,369 accidents involving electric scooters across Portugal in 2024. These incidents resulted in 58 serious injuries and three fatalities. The districts of Porto, Lisbon, Setúbal, and Faro recorded the highest numbers of crashes.
A primary concern is the growing demand for scooter models that exceed legal limits for public use. Portugal’s Highway Code restricts electric scooters on public roads to those with a maximum power output of 0.25 kilowatts (250W) and a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour.
Vehicles surpassing these specifications are designated for private property only. ANSR officials warn that more powerful scooters found on public roads can be seized. Many users are reportedly unaware that their chosen models are illegal for street use.
Despite financial incentives aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption, these only apply to compliant models. The national Environmental Fund 2025, for instance, offers up to $540 towards the purchase of an electric scooter. However, this support is exclusively for models that adhere to the established legal power and speed limits.
Consumers acquiring more potent, non-compliant scooters are therefore ineligible for such subsidies. Authorities emphasize the critical need for riders to understand both the legal restrictions and the heightened safety risks associated with using these unregulated vehicles on public thoroughfares.