Son Servera bans e-scooters on the coast — new rules from November

No more scooters by the water: Son Servera sets a boundary

From next November, a new traffic rule will apply in Son Servera: e-scooters are no longer permitted on the first seafront line. The decision came as a surprise to some holidaymakers, while others considered it long overdue. Town hall statements speak of a strong increase in electric scooters near the beaches — and of dangerous situations, especially on busy promenades.

What exactly changes?

The new rules combine several points: liability insurance becomes mandatory, making phone calls and listening to music with headphones while riding is prohibited, and a speed limit of 25 km/h comes into force. Violations can be fined up to €1,000. The municipality will post more detailed maps showing where the "first seafront line" begins — rumour has it the markings will appear at Cala Millor, Sa Coma and the fishing harbour.

I was on the Cala Millor promenade this morning. Around 10:30, with a light wind and shimmering sun, I saw families with prams, pensioners reading their newspapers, and a delivery driver who maneuvered carefully along the edge. An older woman shook her head: "The scooters have been racing here without consideration for a long time." A young man, by contrast, said: "Insurance is okay, but enforce it consistently."

Why the ban?

The town hall cites mainly safety reasons: narrow spaces, mixed traffic of pedestrians, cyclists and scooters, and frequent disregard for existing rules. From the municipality's point of view, the measure should provide clarity and reduce the risk of accidents — especially in the high season when promenades and beaches are overcrowded.

Practically speaking, it means: anyone who wants to continue using micromobility must find out where riding is allowed. Bike paths and designated streets will remain open. Vendors and rental companies will be obliged to inform customers about the new regulations.

Whether the ban will really improve the situation will only become clear in the winter months, when there are fewer visitors and the municipality starts its first checks. I'm skeptical, but a walk without scooter noise felt good yesterday. For many locals, that may be the point.