These all pass the proposed requirements

Benidorm City Council are due to discuss and propose legislation on the growing problem of mobility scooters in the resort - on the draft for November, but with the towns fiesta at the beginning of the month it will most probably be towards the end.

The Department of Transport have already put forward ideas, namely to limit the rental to those that hold a blue disability badge, introduce an age limit and make it compulsory for the rental company to include public liability insurance for any damage caused. The last point is certainly valid and I am surprised that any reputable company hire them without insurance.

Trying to stop this.....

There is much debate, especially on the travel forums about the legality of introducing such restrictions, especially age as that would be deemed blatant discrimination - at least in the UK it would. A persons mobility is not necessarily dependant on age and a large majority of people who do have mobility problems are not entitled to a blue badge. Here is Spain you would literally need a signed letter from the Pope in order to qualify for one.

Talking with Mario at Amigo 24

I popped by to Amigo24 and EasyHire - the two biggest scooter hire companies here to get their take on the situation and was glad to be told by both Mario (Amigo24) and Jamie (EasyHire) that the Town Hall are consulting them on any proposed rulings... it certainly doesn´t necessarily follow that they would! Public Liability Insurance is compulsory with both companies and automatically included when renting a scooter.

A definite age limit has not yet been decided, although there will be one, probably somewhere around the 55 bracket. Those wanting to hire a scooter below that age will need to show proof that health wise they require one - either a blue badge or official proof of an impediment that makes walking difficult. Obviously, if someone turns up with a leg in plaster regardless of age then they would be able to hire one. It is to deter the groups of youngsters who turn up, thinking it would be a laugh to hire a few scooters - and despite there being notices on the windows they still try.

Shot from the upcoming Benidorm 6 series - Michael & Tiger

When you sign the rental contract you will be required to carry that with you whenever using the vehicle - much like drivers have to carry their driving licenses on them.

If the police stop you for any reason, you would need to show proof that you are the lawful "owner". If it is found you have allowed someone else to use it, the scooter will be confiscated by the police - the proposal is that they will also be able to confiscate scooters that are being driven recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A scene shot this Spring from the forthcoming Benidorm 6 series showed two of the younger cast members demonstrating exactly the behaviour that the council is trying to ban!

Both companies said that would be deemed breech of contract and result in the loss of your deposit and the remainder of the unused rental fee. As the hire company will need to go and collect the scooter, plus pay the tow charge, the deposits will need to be increased to cover this cost - obviously they would be very out of pocket if they didn´t. The deposit would depend on the tow charge but somewhere in the region of 60-100 euros is likely.

This tandem pass the age test

In theory this sounds like a sensible idea - however, the "proof of health" may be an issue for those that come under the age parameters. It will be interesting to monitor, although sometimes it can be the older ones that are behaving recklessly on them - and they technically will have no problems getting one in the first place. My guess is that they will endeavour to bring something out before the start of next years summer season... watch this space.