E-scooter liability insurance in Germany for foreigners: Your complete guide
14.09.2025
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Are you new to Germany and want to enjoy the freedom of an e-scooter? One wrong move without the right insurance can cost you up to a year in prison. This guide shows you how to get properly covered in under ten minutes.
The topic in brief and concise terms
In Germany, a specific e-scooter liability insurance policy is legally required; foreign policies are invalid.
Driving without a valid German insurance sticker is a criminal offence that can be punished with fines or up to one year in prison.
For tourists, hire e-scooters are the simplest solution, as insurance is included, whereas residents need their own policy for private scooters.
Legal requirement: Why a German insurance sticker is essential
In Germany, every e-scooter used on public roads is subject to mandatory insurance under the Compulsory Insurance Act. A foreign insurance certificate, for example from France or the Netherlands, is not recognised by the German authorities. Riding without a valid insurance plate issued in Germany is an offence that can be punished with a fine or up to one year’s imprisonment. The mere absence of the correctly affixed plate can already result in a warning fine of €40, even if insurance cover is in place.
The insurance plate serves as visible proof of the existing third-party liability cover and must be renewed annually. The insurance year for e-scooters always begins on 1 March and has a different colour each year for easy checking. For the 2025/2026 insurance year, for example, the plate is green. This rule ensures that, in the event of an accident, cover for third-party damage of at least €7.5 million for personal injury is guaranteed. Without this cover, you are liable for all damage caused without limit with your private assets, which underlines the importance of compliant e-scooter insurance. The clear legal position makes taking out a policy the first step before putting it into use.
Costs and cover limits in direct comparison
The cost of the legally required e-scooter third-party liability insurance is manageable and often starts at just €20 to €40 per year. This basic cover protects you against personal injury, property damage and financial losses you cause to third parties with your e-scooter, up to a sum insured of €100 million. A scratch on a car caused by you can quickly lead to repair costs of over €1,000, which are covered by the liability insurance. For more comprehensive protection, partial comprehensive insurance is recommended, which also covers damage to your own scooter.
Partial comprehensive cover often only costs €30 to €50 more per year and protects expensive e-scooters against common risks. This extended cover for your mobility is particularly a sensible investment for new models worth over €500. The benefits typically include:
Theft of the e-scooter or permanently attached parts.
Damage caused by fire or explosion.
Damage caused by natural events such as storm, hail or flooding.
Collisions with animals of all kinds.
Short-circuit damage to the wiring.
The excess in partial comprehensive cover is often €150, which reduces the insurance premium. The analysis of your own need for security is the next logical step after understanding the costs.
The process: In three steps to a valid insurance sticker
Taking out E-scooter third-party liability insurance in Germany is straightforward for foreigners and can be done entirely online. The whole process often takes less than ten minutes, and the insurance plate will be sent to you by post within a few working days. For the process, you only need two documents: the General Operating Permit (ABE) and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your scooter. You can usually find the VIN on a sticker on the scooter frame.
Follow this simple guide to activate your insurance cover:
Carry out an online tariff comparison: Use a comparison portal or the website of a provider to select the right tariff. Indicate whether you want third-party liability only or also comprehensive cover.
Enter the application details: Fill in the online form with your personal details (name, German address) and the vehicle details (manufacturer, model, VIN).
Complete payment and wait for the plate: Pay the premium directly online via PayPal, credit card or direct debit. The insurance plate will then be sent to you.
As soon as you receive it, attach the self-adhesive plate in a clearly visible position on the rear mudguard of your E-scooter. You may only legally take part in road traffic once the plate has been attached. This simple process differs depending on whether you are just visiting for a short time or living in Germany.
Tourists versus residents: Which rules apply to you
The requirements for e-scooter third-party liability insurance in Germany vary for foreigners depending on the 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. With providers such as Tier, Lime or Voi, insurance is already included in the rental price of around one euro per trip plus 20 cents per minute. You do not need to arrange a separate policy in this case.
For residents, expats or students who wish to buy and use their own e-scooter, taking out their own German insurance policy is essential. A German registered address is generally a prerequisite for this. The insurance cover is tied to the vehicle, not to the driver, so friends are also allowed to ride the insured scooter. The minimum age for riding an e-scooter in Germany is 14, but consent from a parent or legal guardian is required to take out an insurance contract if the owner is underage. This distinction is an important basis for choosing the right third-party liability and legal protection solutions.
Expert tips for claims and beyond
Even with valid insurance, there are pitfalls you should know about so that you are optimally protected in an emergency. An accident often happens in less than two seconds. After an accident, secure the scene immediately, provide first aid and, in the event of personal injury or significant property damage, notify the police immediately on the emergency number 112. Document the damage with photos and exchange contact details with the other driver before informing your insurer.
Our expert tip: Always choose a policy with a sum insured of at least EUR 100 million on a blanket basis for personal injury and property damage. Although the law stipulates lower amounts, costs can quickly run into seven figures, especially in the event of serious personal injury. The premium difference for higher cover is often only a few euros per year. Also bear in mind that private liability insurance does not cover e-scooter accidents, as these are motor vehicles requiring registration.
Request your personalised risk assessment now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific recommendations for optimisation.
More useful links
On Gesetze im Internet you can find the full text of the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (EkFV).
The Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) provides frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (EkFV).
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides information on the general operating permit (ABE) for small electric vehicles.
A press release from the German Insurance Association (GDV) highlights the high levels of damage that can be caused by e-scooters.
The ADAC offers a comprehensive guide to e-scooters and the associated insurance cover.
Find out more about the Central Vehicle Register (ZFZR) and how to obtain information from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
The Consumer Advice Centre provides information on the applicable rules for e-scooters (electric kick scooters).
FAQ
Is e-scooter liability insurance mandatory in Germany for foreigners?
Yes, absolutely. Anyone riding an e-scooter on public roads in Germany must be able to prove they have valid German third-party liability insurance. Your nationality is irrelevant. Foreign insurance policies are not recognised.
What does the e-scooter liability insurance cover?
Liability insurance covers damage that you cause to other people or their property with your e-scooter. This includes personal injury (e.g. medical costs), property damage (e.g. repairing a car) and resulting financial losses. Damage to your own scooter is not covered.
What is the difference between third-party liability insurance and partial comprehensive insurance?
Liability insurance is the legally required basic cover for damage to third parties. The optional partial comprehensive cover also insures damage to your own e-scooter caused by theft, fire, storm or hail. If the scooter is worth more than 500 euros, partial comprehensive cover is highly recommended.
Does my German e-scooter insurance also apply in other EU countries?
Yes, liability cover generally applies within the geographical boundaries of Europe. However, it is recommended that you request an International Insurance Card (formerly the Green Card) from your insurer before travelling abroad, to make proof of cover easier overseas.
What happens if I drive without a valid insurance sticker?
Driving without insurance cover is an offence under the Compulsory Insurance Act and can be punished with a fine or a custodial sentence of up to one year. In addition, if you are involved in an accident, you are liable without limit with all your private assets.
How do I renew my e-scooter insurance?
The insurance automatically expires at the end of the insurance year (the last day in February). You must actively take out a new insurance policy for the new year, which begins on 1 March, in order to receive a new sticker with the new annual colour.
