Insurance plates for e-scooters: Your guide to safe and legal rides in 2025
06/04/25
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
E-scooters are practical, but without a valid insurance plate, you could face hefty penalties. Find out here how to insure your e-scooter correctly and ride with peace of mind.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A valid insurance licence plate is legally required for e-scooters in Germany and must be renewed annually; the colour for 2025/26 is green.
Driving without an insurance plate can result in fines, penalty points or even a prison sentence.
The application is easy online or with insurers; the ABE/EBE and VIN of the e-scooter are required.
Understanding the need for an insurance plate for e-scooters
An insurance plate for e-scooters is mandatory in Germany for all low-speed electric vehicles with a speed between six and 20 kilometres per hour. It serves as proof of existing motor third-party liability insurance. This insurance covers damage that you may cause to others in road traffic. Without such a plate, participation in public road traffic is illegal. The e-scooter insurance is therefore a must for every responsible rider. The legal basis is the Ordinance on Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (eKFV) in conjunction with the Compulsory Insurance Act. Many underestimate that the absence of the plate alone can already result in a fine of 40 euros. Annual renewal ensures continuous protection and compliance with the law.
Optimise the cost and validity of the e-scooter insurance plate
The cost of an insurance plate for e-scooters varies depending on the provider and the scope of cover, but often starts at around 20 to 50 euros per year for third-party liability insurance alone. [3''] Some insurers offer tariffs from around 30 euros. Additional comprehensive insurance, which covers things such as theft or damage caused by marten bites, increases the premium accordingly, often to 80 to 100 euros. [2''] The insurance year for e-scooters always begins on 1 March and ends on the last day of February of the following year. The colour of the plate changes every year to make its validity easy to recognise; for the 2025/2026 insurance year, the colour is green. A cost comparison for e-scooter insurance can help you find the right tariff. It is important to renew the plate in good time before 1 March.
Master the application process for your e-scooter insurance plate
Applying for an insurance plate for your e-scooter is straightforward and usually completed quickly. You need the general operating permit (ABE) or an individual operating permit (EBE) for your e-scooter, as well as the vehicle identification number (VIN). Many insurers allow you to take out the policy online or directly in a branch, with the plate often available to take away immediately or delivered by post within a few working days. The following steps are usually required for an online application:
Selection of the desired insurance cover (third-party liability or third-party liability with partial cover).
Entry of the vehicle details (manufacturer, model, VIN).
Providing the registered keeper's personal details.
Payment of the insurance premium.
Ensure that your e-scooter has an ABE, as models without one are not approved for use on public roads. Applying for an insurance plate is a simple process. Once received, the self-adhesive plate must be attached clearly visible to the rear of the e-scooter.
Avoid legal consequences when the insurance plate is missing
Riding an e-scooter without a valid insurance plate is not a minor offence, but a criminal offence under the Compulsory Insurance Act. The penalties can be severe and range from fines to a prison sentence of up to one year. [1,4''] Even the absence of the sticker, even if insurance is in place, can result in a fine of 40 euros. If you ride completely without insurance cover, enormous costs can fall on the rider in the event of an accident, as they are personally liable for all damage caused. The police carry out regular checks in which the validity of insurance plates is verified. [3''] Find out about the basics of motor vehicle liability insurance to minimise risks. It is therefore essential always to be on the road with a current and correctly affixed plate.
Expert knowledge: legal provisions, rulings and practical tips for e-scooter riders
For e-scooter riders, some legal basics are particularly relevant. The Regulation on Small Electric Vehicles (eKFV) governs the technical requirements and participation in road traffic. Under Section 1 of the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG), motor vehicles must have third-party liability insurance. Recent judgments repeatedly confirm the need for insurance cover and the sanctioning of breaches. Our expert tip: Before every journey, check whether your insurance plate is valid and clearly legible. Please note that the minimum age for riding an e-scooter is 14 and no driving licence is required. Familiarity with the insurance terms and conditions is also beneficial. The correct placement of the plate, usually on the rear mudguard, is also required.
Important aspects for e-scooter riders include:
Valid general operating licence (ABE) for the e-scooter.
Minimum rider age of 14 years.
New insurance plate every year (valid from 1 March).
No carrying of additional passengers. [2'']
Use cycle paths where available, otherwise the carriageway.
Observe the blood alcohol limits, which are the same as for car drivers.
Use of pavements is prohibited unless expressly permitted.
These points help you travel safely and legally.
Additional protection: When partial comprehensive insurance makes sense for your e-scooter
In addition to the legally required liability insurance, partial comprehensive insurance for your e-scooter can be a sensible addition. This covers damage to your own vehicle that can arise, for example, from theft, fire, storms or collisions with animals. [5,2''] The costs for this are moderate and often start at an additional 30 to 50 euros per year. [2''] Bear in mind that, especially in urban areas, the theft risk for e-scooters should not be underestimated; here, partial comprehensive cover can protect against financial loss. Some tariffs even cover damage caused by vandalism or short circuits in the electronics. [5''] Comprehensive protection for your mobility offers additional security. Weigh up whether the added value of partial comprehensive cover justifies the additional costs for you.
The insurance plate for e-scooters is a self-adhesive sticker that is smaller than the metal number plate for mopeds. It must be attached in a clearly visible position on the rear part of the e-scooter, usually on the mudguard beneath the rear light. The sticker shows a three-letter combination and, below that, a three-digit number. What is crucial is the annual change in the colour of the plate, which indicates the current insurance cover. For the insurance year beginning on 1 March 2025, the colour is green. Make sure you remove the old sticker without leaving any residue before applying the new one to ensure good adhesion. The plate must remain legible at all times. Any loss of the plate should be reported to the insurer immediately. [3'']
Your next step towards worry-free e-scooter mobility
You now have a comprehensive overview of the significance and use of insurance plates for e-scooters. From the legal requirement to the costs and application process through to the consequences of non-compliance – all the important aspects have been covered. Remember that a valid insurance plate not only fulfils a legal requirement, but also provides you with financial protection in the event of a claim. The annual renewal and correct attachment are small steps with a big impact on your safety and that of other road users. With the right insurance cover for your light electric vehicle, you are well prepared. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific recommendations for improvement.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides comprehensive information on the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV), which regulates the legal basis for e-scooters in Germany.
The official site Gesetze im Internet provides the official, full text of the Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV), which sets out the statutory provisions for e-scooters.
The Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) provides information in a press release on current topics and research findings in the field of small electric vehicles.
FAQ
How do I get an insurance plate for my e-scooter?
You can obtain the insurance licence plate from an insurer of your choice, often online or directly at a branch. You will need the General Operating Permit (ABE) or Individual Operating Permit (EBE) and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your e-scooter.
How long is an e-scooter insurance plate valid for?
An insurance licence plate for e-scooters is always valid for one insurance year, which runs from 1 March until the last day of February of the following year. It must be renewed annually.
Do I need a driving licence for an e-scooter?
No, you do not need a driving licence in Germany to ride an e-scooter (up to 20 km/h). The minimum age is 14.
May I lend my e-scooter if it has an insurance plate?
Yes, the insurance cover for the e-scooter insurance generally also applies if you lend the scooter, provided the rider meets the minimum age of 14 years. The owner is responsible for the insurance cover.
Can I add my e-scooter to my existing motor insurance?
No, e-scooters require their own motor vehicle liability insurance and cannot be integrated into an existing car insurance policy.
What happens if I lose my insurance plate?
If your insurance number plate is lost or stolen, you should report this to your insurer immediately to obtain a replacement plate and prevent misuse. [3'']
