Take out e-scooter insurance online in Germany: Your 5-minute route to legal compliance
3 Nov 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Every uninsured e-scooter on Germany's roads poses a significant legal and financial risk. Riding without a valid plate can cost you up to one year in prison. Learn here how to take out e-scooter insurance online in less than five minutes and fully protect yourself.
The topic in brief and concise terms
In Germany, e-scooters with a speed of 6 to 20 km/h are subject to mandatory insurance (motor vehicle liability insurance).
Driving without a valid insurance sticker is a criminal offense that can be punished with a fine or up to one year in prison.
An optional partial coverage insurance additionally protects against theft and is worthwhile for e-scooters valued over 150 euros.
Legal Obligation: Understanding the Necessity of E-Scooter Insurance
In Germany, liability insurance for e-scooters is not an option, but a legal requirement according to § 1 of the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG). This regulation applies to all small electric vehicles with a maximum speed between six and 20 km/h. Proof is provided via a registration plate, which changes colour each year on the first of March. For the insurance year 2025/2026, for example, the plate is green. Riding without valid insurance cover is a criminal offence that can result in a fine or up to one year of imprisonment. A missing but paid-for plate already incurs a warning fine of 40 euros. These regulations underline the importance of comprehensive coverage in the realm of cars & mobility. Proper coverage protects you from serious financial repercussions.
Analyse of Coverage Options: Liability vs Partial Coverage
The legally required liability insurance covers personal injury, property damage, and financial losses that you cause to third parties. Coverage amounts often reach up to 100 million euros, which is essential in the case of serious accidents. The costs for this basic protection are low, starting at under 20 euros per year for drivers over 23 years old. However, for more comprehensive protection, an additional partial comprehensive insurance is recommended. This optional extension covers damage to your own e-scooter. It is particularly worth considering in cities with a high theft rate. The partial coverage applies in the following scenarios:
Theft of the e-scooter or permanently installed parts
Damage due to fire or explosion
Short circuit in the wiring
Damage caused by storms, hail, lightning, or flooding
Collision with animals of all kinds
Such coverage is a sensible addition to the private liability insurance. The choice of the right protection depends on your individual security needs.
In 3 steps to the digital insurance badge
The process of taking out e-scooter insurance online is designed for efficiency and often takes less than five minutes. You only need two documents: the General Operating Permit (ABE) and your personal information. The procedure is deliberately kept simple to ensure quick protection. Follow these three steps for a smooth completion:
Enter data: Input the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from your ABE along with personal information such as name and date of birth into the online form.
Select a plan: Choose between the mandatory liability cover and the recommended partial coverage. The differences in contributions are transparently displayed, ranging from about 30 to 50 Euros per year.
Complete and receive badge: After payment, your insurance confirmation will be sent to you immediately via email. You will receive the self-adhesive insurance badge within one to three working days by post.
This digital process makes protecting your e-bike or e-scooter straightforward. This way, you can focus on what matters most: a safe ride.
Expert Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes and Coverage Gaps
Even with valid insurance, thoughtless actions can jeopardize protection. A common mistake is driving under the influence of alcohol, which can lead to penalties from as low as 0.3 per mille if it endangers traffic. Also, technical modifications to increase performance by over 20 km/h result in the cancellation of the operating license and thus the insurance cover. Our expert tip: Only lend your e-scooter to individuals who are at least 14 years old and are aware of the risks. Although the insurance covers the scooter, grossly negligent actions by the driver can lead to recourse claims in the event of damage. A solid liability and legal protection insurance provides additional security here. Following these points ensures your claims are protected in an emergency.
Risk Analysis: When Third-Party, Fire and Theft Insurance Really Pays Off
The decision to go for a partial coverage insurance should be based on a simple risk-benefit analysis. The average price of a new e-scooter is between 400 and 800 euros. The annual additional cost for partial coverage is often only 30 to 60 euros. If the likelihood of theft is high in your residential area, the additional protection pays off at the first incident. Bear in mind that partial coverage often involves a deductible of around 150 euros. If the value of your e-scooter is significantly higher than this amount, taking out partial coverage is economically sensible. Investing a few euros per month protects a multiple of value. With the right e-scooter insurance, you are prepared for all eventualities. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Gesetze im Internet provides the official legal text of the Ordinance on Small Electric Vehicles (EkFV).
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure offers frequently asked questions about the amendment of the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (EkFV).
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) releases a press statement on accidents involving e-scooters in the year 2025.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) informs in a press statement about accidents involving e-scooters in the year 2024.
The ADAC Hessen-Thüringen presents a press release on accident figures involving e-scooters.
The Police of Brandenburg explains the applicable rules for small electric vehicles.
The Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) reports on the increased accidents and head injuries associated with e-scooters.
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure answers frequently asked questions about the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (EkFV).
FAQ
How quickly will I receive my insurance badge?
After completing the process online, you will receive a digital insurance confirmation immediately via email. The physical, self-adhesive badge will be sent to you by post and usually arrives within one to three working days.
What should I do if my e-scooter is stolen?
Report the theft to the police without delay and file a complaint. Afterwards, inform your insurance company about the incident and submit the police report to have the damage covered by your partial coverage insurance.
Does my e-scooter insurance renew automatically?
No, the e-scooter insurance automatically expires on the last day of February of the following year. You need to actively obtain a new insurance badge for the new insurance year, which begins on the first of March.
Do I need insurance for a rental e-scooter?
No, for rental scooters from sharing providers, insurance is already included in the rental price. The provider is responsible for valid insurance coverage.
What documents do I need for the online application?
To take out e-scooter insurance, you need the general operating permit (ABE) or individual operating permit (EBE) of your vehicle. From this, the vehicle identification number (VIN) is required.
Am I allowed to ride the e-scooter on the pavement?
No, riding on pavements and in pedestrian zones is strictly prohibited and is punishable by a fine of at least 15 euros. E-scooters must use cycle paths or, if none are available, the road.
