Take out e-scooter insurance online in Germany: your 5-minute route to legal compliance
03/11/2025
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Any uninsured e-scooter on Germany’s roads poses a significant legal and financial risk. Riding without a valid sticker could cost you up to one year’s imprisonment. Find out 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 a statutory insurance requirement (motor vehicle liability insurance).
Driving without a valid insurance sticker is an offence punishable by a fine or up to one year’s imprisonment.
An optional partial comprehensive insurance cover also protects against theft and is worthwhile for e-scooters valued at over €150.
Legal obligation: Understanding the need for e-scooter insurance
In Germany, third-party liability insurance for e-scooters is not an option, but a legal requirement under Section 1 of the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG). This regulation applies to all light electric vehicles with a maximum speed of between six and 20 km/h. Proof is provided by an insurance plate, which changes colour every year on 1 March. For the 2025/2026 insurance year, for example, the plate is green. Riding without valid insurance cover is a criminal offence and can be punished with a fine or up to one year’s imprisonment. A missing but paid-for plate already incurs a warning fine of 40 euros. These regulations underline the importance of comprehensive cover in the car & mobility sector. The right insurance protection protects you from serious financial consequences.
Analysing tariff options: third-party liability versus partial cover
Mandatory third-party liability insurance covers personal injury, property damage and financial loss caused to third parties. Coverage limits often reach up to 100 million euros, which is vital in serious accidents. The cost of this basic cover is low and starts at under 20 euros per year for riders over 23. However, for more comprehensive protection, 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. Partial comprehensive cover applies in the following scenarios:
Theft of the e-scooter or permanently installed parts
Damage caused by fire or explosion
Short circuit in the wiring
Damage caused by storm, hail, lightning or flooding
Collision with animals of any kind
Such cover is a useful addition to the private liability insurance. Choosing the right protection depends on your individual security needs.
In 3 steps to the digital insurance sticker
The process of taking out an e-scooter insurance policy online is designed for efficiency and often takes less than five minutes. You only need two documents to hand: the type approval certificate (ABE) and your personal details. The process is deliberately straightforward to ensure rapid protection. Follow these three steps for a smooth completion:
Enter details: Enter the vehicle identification number (FIN) from your ABE as well as personal information such as your name and date of birth into the online form.
Select a tariff: Choose between the mandatory third-party liability cover and the recommended cover with partial comprehensive insurance. The premium differences are shown transparently at around 30 to 50 euros per year.
Complete and receive your plate: After payment, you will receive the insurance confirmation immediately by email. You will receive the self-adhesive insurance plate by post within one to three working days.
This digital process makes protecting your e-bikes or e-scooters straightforward. This way, you can focus on what matters most: riding safely.
Expert tips: Avoid common mistakes and coverage gaps
Even with valid insurance, careless actions can jeopardise cover. A common mistake is riding under the influence of alcohol, which can already result in penalties from 0.3 per mille if traffic is endangered. Technical tuning to increase performance by more than 20 km/h also causes the type approval to lapse and thus the insurance cover to cease. Our expert tip: Only lend your e-scooter to people who have reached the minimum age of 14 and have been informed about the risks. Although the insurance applies to the scooter, in the event of a claim grossly negligent actions by the rider can lead to recourse claims. Reliable third-party liability and legal expenses insurance provides additional security here. Observing these points safeguards your claims in the event of a claim.
Risk analysis: When partial cover really pays off
The decision to opt for partial comprehensive 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 comprehensive cover is often only 30 to 60 euros. If the likelihood of theft in your area is high, the additional cover pays for itself after the very first incident. Bear in mind that partial comprehensive cover often includes an excess of around 150 euros. If the value of your e-scooter is significantly above this amount, taking out partial comprehensive cover makes financial sense. An investment of just a few euros per month protects many times that value. With the right e-scooter insurance, you are prepared for all eventualities. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Laws on the Internet provides the official legal text of the Ordinance on Small Electric Vehicles (EkFV).
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure provides frequently asked questions on the amendment to the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (EkFV).
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes a press release on accidents involving e-scooters in 2025.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides information in a press release about accidents involving e-scooters in 2024.
The ADAC Hesse-Thuringia presents a press release on accident figures involving e-scooters.
The Brandenburg Police explains the applicable rules for small electric vehicles.
The Bavarian Broadcasting (BR) reports on increased accidents and head injuries in connection with e-scooters.
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure answers frequently asked questions on the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (EkFV).
FAQ
How quickly will I receive my insurance sticker?
After completing the online purchase, you will immediately receive a digital insurance confirmation by email. The physical self-adhesive sticker will be sent to you by post and will usually arrive within one to three working days.
What do I need to do if my e-scooter is stolen?
Report the theft to the police immediately and file a report. Then inform your insurer about the incident and submit the police report so that the damage can be settled under your partial comprehensive cover.
Does my e-scooter insurance renew automatically?
No, the e-scooter insurance always automatically expires on the last day of February in the following year. You need to actively arrange a new insurance sticker for the new insurance year, which begins on 1 March.
Do I need insurance for a hired e-scooter?
No, with rental scooters from sharing providers, insurance is already included in the rental price. The provider is responsible for valid insurance cover.
What documents do I need for the online completion?
To take out e-scooter insurance, you need the general operating licence (ABE) or individual operating licence (EBE) for your vehicle. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is required for this.
May I ride an 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. E-scooters must use cycle lanes or, if none are available, the road.
