MMR22 | Motorcycle Rental Mallorca: 2026 Safety Update

Starting October 1, 2026, Royal Decree 518/2026 comes into force, amending Spain's General Traffic Regulation with important updates for the safety of motorcyclists. For the first time, Spanish law officially defines "vulnerable road users", a category that explicitly includes motorcyclists, recognizing their higher risk of serious injury compared to the average for other vehicles.

If you're planning a motorcycle tour in Mallorca or considering a motorcycle rental in Mallorca for your holiday, here's what you need to know before hitting the road.

Key Changes for Motorcyclists in Mallorca

Mandatory Personal Protective Equipment

• Protective gloves: mandatory on interurban roads, for both rider and passenger
• Closed footwear: mandatory on all types of roads
• Approved helmet: remains mandatory on all roads; for mopeds, a merely "certified" helmet will no longer be enough — it must be officially approved (with a one-year transition period)
• High-visibility reflective vest: mandatory when getting off the vehicle on interurban roads; it must be part of the motorcycle's mandatory equipment

New Traffic Rules for Motorcycles and Mopeds

• Hard shoulder (arcén): motorcycles will be allowed to use it in cases of traffic congestion when traffic is fully stopped, at a maximum speed of 30 km/h and in single file
• Overtaking cyclists: anyone overtaking a cyclist on an interurban road must reduce speed by at least 20 km/h below the road's speed limit and keep a minimum lateral distance of 1.5 meters
• Safe distance from cyclists: motor vehicles must keep at least 5 meters of distance from a cyclist riding ahead in the same lane
• Passengers: minimum age of 12 to ride on a motorcycle or moped (exceptionally from age 7 if the rider is a parent or guardian, always with an approved helmet)
• Phone and headset use: remains prohibited, except for intercom devices integrated into the helmet for navigation or communication

Why This Reform Is Good News for Motorcycle Renters in Mallorca

The stated goal of the reform is to reduce accident rates among the most exposed road users, motorcyclists included. A clearer regulatory framework on protective equipment and safe distances means greater protection for anyone choosing two wheels as a means of travel — whether for a one-day ride around Mallorca or a multi-day itinerary across the island.

For visitors arriving in Mallorca on holiday and choosing to rent a Ducati or KTM, knowing the local rules in advance is the first step toward a safe trip with no surprises.

MMR22: Motorcycle Rental in Mallorca with Safety Gear Included

At MMR22, Mallorca Moto Rent, safety has never been an optional extra. Every motorcycle rental in Mallorca with us includes, at no extra cost, full protective gear:

• Approved helmet
• Protective jacket
• Protective gloves

All equipment is ozone-sterilized in a dedicated cabin after every use, to guarantee maximum hygiene as well as safety.
We also recommend wearing suitable, closed footwear, as required by law.

With the new rules in force from October, riding with the right gear isn't just recommended, it's a legal requirement. Choosing a Ducati or KTM rental in Mallorca with MMR22, you set off already prepared, with nothing to worry about your ‘Ducati Experience’.