Riding a motorcycle in Spain: what motorcycles, mopeds, scooters can I ride?

Do you prefer motorcycles to cars? Are you already confused by the different choices in front of you and don’t know which one to choose? In this article, we will inform you of the differences between motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters as well as the different licenses that you need to obtain to ride them.

1. What are the differences between motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters?

2. What driving licenses for motorcycles can be obtained in Spain?

3. Tips from Adeslas

1. What are the differences between motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters?

Although they can all be called motorcycles, they are not the same!

• motorcycles vs mopeds: These two are usually known as “motos” in Spanish. Mopeds are generally smaller than motorcycles. Often, moped owners can enjoy lesser or less strict regulations than motorcycle and automobile owners.
• Scooters: Scooters can be referred to as “moto” or “scooter” in Spanish. It is a motorcycle with an underbone or step-through frame and a platform for the riders’ feet.

2. What driving licenses for motorcycles can be obtained in Spain?

The driving license you need to hold will determine what kind of motorcycles you can ride. There are 4 different classes of license related to the regulations: AM, A1, A2, and A class. The motorcycle types that each license holder can drive, maximum speed/power, the minimum age, and the required driving tests to obtain the license are specified below:

• AM class license holder:
  • Motorcycle types:
    • 2/3-wheel moped
    • lightweight quadricycles
  • Maximum speed: 45 km/hour on public roads
  • Minimum age: 15 years old
  • Driving license tests:
    • a psychophysical aptitude test
    • a written theory test
    • a closed-circuit practical exam

• A1 class license holder:
  • Motorcycle types:
    • lightweight motorcycle with a maximum capacity of 125cc and a maximum power of 15hp on public roads
    • a motor tricycle with a maximum power output of 20hp
  • Minimum age: 16 years old
  • Driving license tests:
    • a psychophysical aptitude test
    • a common and A1-specific written theory test
    • a closed-circuit practical exam
    • an open-road practical exam
  • Additional information: drivers with a B class license for at least 3 years will be automatically certified to drive A1-compatible vehicles

• A2 class license holder:
  • Motorcycle types:
    • A1 class vehicles
    • motorcycles with a maximum power of 47 hp
  • Minimum age: 18 years old
  • Driving license tests:
    • a psychophysical aptitude test
    • an A2-specific written theory test
    • a closed-circuit practical exam
    • an open-road practical exam

• A class license holder:
  • Motorcycle types: any type of motorcycle and moped on public roads
  • Minimum age: 20 years old
  • Driving license tests:
    • must have an A2 license for a minimum of 2 years before
    • a psychophysical aptitude test

3. Tips from Adeslas

Riding a motorcycle is a convenient way of getting around in the city. However, they can be dangerous, especially in large cities like Madrid where there is a high volume of traffic. In Adeslas, we care about the security and health of every expat, so we offer health insurance (also known as Spanish visa insurance, a great option for the Spanish student visa, investor visa, and non-lucrative visa application) and accident insurance, which gives you or your family compensation for any death or disability caused by any traffic accident.

If you would like to know more about this topic, check out one of these other blogs:

• Driving in Spain as a UK citizen: things you must know
• Driving in Spain vs Driving in the US: things you must know
• Driving in Spain vs Driving in Australia: things you must know
• Spanish ITV car test: all you need to know about as an expat
• Riding a motorcycle in Spain: what regulations or laws should I remember by heart?
• A simple guide to the exchange, replacement, and renewal of your UK driving licenses
• Driving in Spain vs Driving in Australia: things you must know
• Guide to understanding "driving points" in Spain

Our content will be updated according to the most recent legislation.