E-Scooter Liability Insurance Germany for Foreigners: Your Complete Guide
14 Sept 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Are you new to Germany and want to enjoy the freedom of an e-scooter? A wrong move without the right insurance could cost you up to a year in prison. This guide shows you how to get properly insured in under ten minutes.
The topic in brief and concise terms
In Germany, a special e-scooter liability insurance is legally required; foreign policies are invalid.
Driving without a valid German insurance sticker is a criminal offense that can be punished with fines or up to one year in prison.
For tourists, rental e-scooters are the easiest solution because insurance is included, whereas residents need their own policy for private scooters.
Statutory obligation: Why a German insurance badge is indispensable
In Germany, every e-scooter in public traffic is subject to compulsory insurance according to the Compulsory Insurance Act. A foreign insurance certificate, for example from France or the Netherlands, is not recognised by the German authorities. Driving without a valid insurance sticker issued in Germany is a criminal offence and can be punished with a fine or up to one year in prison. Simply lacking the correctly affixed sticker can already result in a warning fine of 40 euros, even if insurance coverage is in place.
The insurance sticker serves as visible proof of existing liability coverage and must be renewed annually. The insurance year for e-scooters always begins on the first of March, and each year the sticker has a different colour for easy verification. For the insurance year 2025/2026, for example, the sticker is green. This regulation ensures that in the event of an accident, coverage for third-party damages of at least 7.5 million euros for personal injury is guaranteed. Without this protection, you are personally liable with your private assets for all the damages caused, which emphasizes the importance of compliant e-scooter insurance. The clear legal situation makes taking out a policy the first step before putting it into operation.
Costs and coverage sums in direct comparison
The costs for the legally required e-scooter liability insurance are manageable and often start at just 20 to 40 euros per year. This basic coverage protects against personal injury, property damage, and financial loss caused to third parties with your e-scooter, up to a coverage sum of 100 million euros. A scratch you cause to a car can quickly lead to repair costs of over 1,000 euros, which are covered by the liability insurance. For more comprehensive protection, a partial coverage insurance is recommended, which also covers damages to your own scooter.
A partial coverage often costs only 30 to 50 euros more annually and protects expensive e-scooters against common risks. This enhanced coverage for your mobility is a sensible investment, especially for new models valued over 500 euros. The benefits typically include:
Theft of the e-scooter or fixed parts.
Damage caused by fire or explosion.
Damages from natural events like storms, hail, or flooding.
Collisions with animals of all kinds.
Short circuit damage to the wiring.
The deductible for partial coverage is often around 150 euros, which reduces the insurance premium. The next logical step after understanding the costs is to analyse your personal safety needs.
The Process: In Three Steps to a Valid Insurance Badge
Taking out an E-scooter liability insurance in Germany is straightforward and entirely digital for foreigners. The whole process often takes less than ten minutes, and the insurance badge is sent to you by post within a few working days. Just have two documents ready for the process: the General Operating Permit (ABE) and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your scooter. The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the frame of the scooter.
Follow these simple steps to activate your insurance coverage:
Conduct an online tariff comparison: Use a comparison portal or the website of a provider to choose the appropriate plan. Indicate whether you only want liability insurance or a partial coverage as well.
Enter application data: Fill out the online form with your personal details (name, German address) and the vehicle details (manufacturer, model, VIN).
Complete payment and wait for the badge: Pay the premium directly online via PayPal, credit card, or direct debit. The insurance badge will then be sent to you.
Immediately attach the self-adhesive badge prominently to the rear mudguard of your e-scooter upon receipt. Only with the attached badge are you legally allowed to participate in road traffic. This simple process may vary depending on whether you are just visiting or living in Germany.
Tourists versus Residents: Which Rules Apply to You
The requirements for e-scooter liability insurance in Germany differ for foreigners depending on their length of stay and type of use. For tourists and short-term visitors, the simplest and most legally secure method is to use sharing services. Providers like Tier, Lime, or Voi include insurance in the rental fee of about one euro per ride plus 20 cents per minute. You do not need to worry about a separate policy in this case.
For residents, expats, or students who wish to purchase and use their own e-scooter, taking out their own German insurance policy is mandatory. A German registration address is usually required for this. The insurance cover is tied to the vehicle, not the driver, so friends are allowed to ride the insured scooter. The minimum age for riding an e-scooter in Germany is 14 years, but parental consent is needed to conclude an insurance contract if the owner is a minor. This distinction forms an important basis for choosing the right liability and legal protection solutions.
Expert tips for dealing with damage and beyond
Even with valid insurance, there are pitfalls you should be aware of to ensure optimal protection in the event of an emergency. An accident often occurs in less than two seconds. Secure the scene of the accident immediately, administer first aid, and, in the case of personal injury or significant property damage, promptly notify the police by calling the emergency number 112. Document the damage with photos and exchange contact details with the other party before notifying your insurance company.
Our expert tip: Always choose a policy with a coverage amount of at least 100 million euros inclusive for personal and property damage. Although lower amounts are legally required, the costs can quickly reach seven figures, especially in cases of serious personal injury. The difference in premium for higher coverage is often only a few euros per year. Also remember that a private liability insurance does not cover e-scooter accidents, as it is considered a motor vehicle requiring registration.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimization suggestions.
More useful links
On Gesetze im Internet, you can find the complete legal text of the Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung (EkFV).
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) provides frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung (EkFV).
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides information on the general operating permit (ABE) for small electric vehicles.
A press release from the Association of German Insurers (GDV) highlights the significant damages that can be caused by e-scooters.
The ADAC offers a comprehensive guide on e-scooters and the associated insurance policies.
Find out more about the Central Vehicle Register (ZFZR) and information options at the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
The Consumer Centre provides information on the applicable rules for e-scooters (electric scooters).
FAQ
Is liability insurance for e-scooters mandatory in Germany for foreigners?
Yes, absolutely. Anyone riding an e-scooter on public roads in Germany must be able to provide proof of valid German liability insurance. Your nationality does not matter. Foreign insurance policies are not recognized.
What does e-scooter liability insurance cover?
The liability insurance covers damages you cause to other people or their property with your e-scooter. This includes personal injuries (e.g., medical expenses), property damage (e.g., repair of a car), and consequential financial losses. Damage to your own scooter is not covered.
What is the difference between liability insurance and partial coverage?
Liability insurance is the legally required basic protection for damage to third parties. The optional partial coverage additionally insures damage to your own e-scooter caused by theft, fire, storm, or hail. For a scooter valued at over 500 euros, partial coverage is highly recommended.
Does my German e-scooter insurance also apply in other EU countries?
Yes, liability coverage generally applies within the geographical boundaries of Europe. However, it is advisable to request an International Insurance Card (formerly Green Card) from your insurance before travelling abroad to simplify proof of coverage.
What happens if I drive without a valid insurance sticker?
Driving without insurance is a criminal offense under the Compulsory Insurance Act and can be punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to one year. In addition, you are liable for an accident with your entire personal assets.
How do I renew my e-scooter insurance?
The insurance automatically expires at the end of the insurance year (last day of February). You must actively take out new insurance for the new year, which starts on the first of March, to receive a new badge with the new year's colour.
