Diogo Martins, from DECO's Consumer Support Office, explained to Polígrafo that the Highway Code is very clear on this matter. The general rule is that “the circulation of bicycles and scooters can only be carried out on sidewalks if the scooter does not have a motor.”

As for motorized scooters and bicycles, driving must always be done on the road that is “designated” for them, since they are vehicles equivalent to bicycles, “and, therefore, must comply with the corresponding rules”.

There is yet another exception in the case of children. Diogo Martins states that based on article 17, no. 3, of the Highway Code, “cycles driven by children up to 10 years old can travel on sidewalks, as long as they do not endanger or disturb pedestrians”. This is therefore an activity “similar to pedestrian traffic”.

In short, according to the Highway Code, riding bicycles on the sidewalk is only permitted for children up to 10 years old. When it comes to driving scooters: those that don't have a motor can always travel on the sidewalk regardless of the rider's age.