I have a car licence: which motorbike can I buy in Barcelona?
With a B licence held for more than 3 years you can ride a 125 in Spain. Here are your options, scooter or geared bike, and which models to choose.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- What you can ride
- Bikes up to 125 cc and 11 kW, if you have held a B licence for more than 3 years. Within Spain only.
- Scooter or gears
- If you have never ridden, an automatic scooter is the easiest: throttle and brakes, no clutch.
- Which models
- Scooters: NMAX 125, PCX 125, XMAX 125 and Forza 125. Geared: MT-125 and CB125R.
- Mandatory gear
- An approved helmet, always. From 1 October 2026, closed footwear on all roads and gloves outside towns.
What exactly a B licence allows
If you hold a valid car (B) licence and have had it for more than 3 years, in Spain you can ride A1-category bikes: up to 125 cc and 11 kW, with a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.1 kW/kg. No exam or extra paperwork is needed.
This equivalence only applies within Spain: if you travel abroad with the bike, check the local rules, as it may not be recognised. The B licence also includes the AM, so you can ride 50 cc mopeds too.
The DGT has proposed a mandatory course of about 7 hours to ride 125s on a B licence. When we checked the rules (July 2026) it was not in force and had no date in the BOE; check the DGT for its current status.
Scooter or geared motorcycle?
Automatic scooter
- No clutch or gears: just throttle and brakes.
- Under-seat space for your helmet.
- Better protection for your legs from rain and cold.
- The most convenient for everyday riding in Barcelona.
Geared motorcycle
- Manual gearbox and clutch: you need to learn them.
- The riding position and feel of a "real" motorcycle.
- A good base if you later want an A2 licence.
- No storage: you will need a top box or a backpack.
The 125s we sell most
All can be ridden with a B licence (3+ years) or an A1. Each guide has the official specs and the units we have right now.
Before you ride
- Insurance: every bike on the road needs at least compulsory third-party liability insurance.
- An approved helmet, always, for you and your passenger.
- Closed footwear on all roads and gloves outside towns, mandatory from 1 October 2026 (Royal Decree 518/2026).
- If it is your first bike, start on quiet streets. Yamaha, for example, recommends taking a riding course before riding any motorcycle.
Keep reading
Frequently asked questions
No. You only need a valid B licence held for more than 3 years. The DGT has proposed a mandatory course, but when we checked the rules (July 2026) it was not in force.
This equivalence only applies in Spain. Abroad it may not be recognised: check the rules of the country you are travelling to, or get an A1 licence.
Yes, as long as the bike is approved for two people and the passenger wears a helmet. The B licence does not restrict carrying a passenger on a 125.
If you have never ridden, a light scooter such as the Honda PCX 125 or the Yamaha NMAX 125: they are automatic, weigh just over 130 kg and have a low seat.
Yes. At Spartan Motors you can finance any bike in our stock; financing is arranged through banks and subject to their approval.
Your first 125, inspected and with warranty
At Spartan Motors you will find used 125s you can ride with your car licence, with at least a 1-year warranty and financing. We handle the change of ownership.
Sources and last update
Information checked with the DGT and RACE (July 2026) and with Royal Decree 518/2026 published in the BOE (September 2026). Rules may change, especially the course for 125s on a B licence; always check the official sources.
This article is for information only and is not legal or tax advice.