Shared mobility in the Balearics: bikes, mopeds, scooters and ride-hailing

Shared mobility in the Balearics is concentrated in Palma, where you will find shared bikes, mopeds and e-scooters, while ride-hailing (Uber, Cabify) is tightly regulated, island by island. And 2026 changes the picture for e-scooters: a compulsory helmet, a raised minimum age and mandatory insurance. Before you open an app, it is worth knowing the rules, which changed this year.

On islands where the car still reigns and space is limited, this shared mobility is handy in town but uneven from one island to the next. Here is what exists, what is allowed, and where.

What actually exists for shared use, and where?

The offer is mostly a Mallorca one. Palma concentrates shared bikes, shared electric mopeds and e-scooters, backed by a growing cycle-lane network. Elsewhere, the offer shrinks sharply, more seasonal in Ibiza, marginal in Menorca and Formentera, where cycling and walking are favoured instead. On ride-hailing, activity is capped by the new rules, which limits availability compared with the mainland.

E-scooters: what does the 2026 regulation change?

A lot, and it is worth knowing before you ride. In Palma, personal mobility vehicles are banned from pavements, squares, parks and pedestrian areas, and must be fitted with an approved bell, brakes, lights and reflectors. Above all, the regulation tightens the rules in 2026.

In other words, the shared e-scooter stays convenient, but it now comes with obligations closer to a real vehicle. Check that the service you use provides an approved, insured device.

Ride-hailing (Uber, Cabify): can you rely on it in the Balearics?

Less than elsewhere. Decree 6/2026, the first comprehensive taxi and ride-hailing regulation in the Balearics, was adopted just before the licence moratorium ended, on 23 February 2026. It ties new authorisations to road congestion and air quality criteria, and above all it links each licence to a specific island, so a ride-hailing car licensed in Mallorca cannot freely operate in Ibiza. Each island council can set an even stricter quota. On top of that come compulsory pre-booking, a ban on cruising for fares, and an electronic route sheet declared before each trip. Uber challenged the decree in court in 2026. In short, the taxi remains dominant, and ride-hailing mostly helps out in Palma and in season.

Shared bikes and mopeds: the smart move in Palma

For urban trips, the shared bike and the shared electric moped are often the smoothest options in Palma. Stick to designated parking to avoid a fine, wear an approved helmet on the moped, and favour the cycle lanes. It is also the most economical option day to day.

And on the other islands?

Shared mobility thins out fast once you leave Palma. Ibiza offers services mostly in season, Menorca and Formentera stay geared towards cycling, walking and, in summer, vehicle-access restrictions to protect the environment.

Frequently asked questions

Is a helmet compulsory on an e-scooter in Palma?

Yes, the 2026 regulation makes a helmet compulsory for all personal-mobility-vehicle users, with a minimum age of 15 and now mandatory third-party liability insurance.

Do Uber and Cabify work in the Balearics?

In a limited way. Decree 6/2026 caps ride-hailing cars, ties each one to a specific island and requires pre-booking. Availability is therefore lower than on the mainland, and the taxi remains the reference option.

Can you ride an e-scooter on the pavement?

No. In Palma, personal mobility vehicles are banned from pavements, squares and pedestrian areas. You ride on the road, capped at 30 km/h, or on cycle lanes, at 10 km/h maximum.

Does shared mobility exist everywhere in the Balearics?

No, it is concentrated in Palma. Elsewhere, the offer is seasonal or marginal, and cycling, walking and public transport are the mainstay instead.

Rules and quotas change; always check the current regulation and any app's terms before you ride. Information verified in August 2026. The Daily Baleares is an AI-assisted publication with human review.