Insurance plates for e-scooters: Your guide to safe and legal rides 2025
6 Apr 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
E-scooters are practical, but without a valid insurance number, you risk heavy penalties. Learn here how to insure your e-scooter correctly and travel with peace of mind.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A valid insurance 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 lead to fines, penalty points, or even imprisonment.
The application can easily be done online or directly with insurers; you will need the ABE/EBE and FIN of the e-scooter.
Understanding the necessity of insurance plates for e-scooters
A registration number for e-scooters is mandatory in Germany for all very small electric vehicles with a speed between six and 20 kilometres per hour. It serves as proof of an existing motor vehicle liability insurance. This insurance covers damages that you might cause to others in road traffic. Without such a registration plate, participation in public road traffic is illegal. The e-scooter insurance is therefore a must for every responsible driver. The legal basis is formed by the Ordinance on Very Small Electric Vehicles (eKFV) in conjunction with the Compulsory Insurance Act. Many underestimate that even the absence of the sticker can lead to a fine of 40 euros. The annual renewal ensures continuous protection and compliance with the law.
Optimise the cost and validity of the e-scooter insurance plate
The costs for an insurance plate for e-scooters vary depending on the provider and coverage, but often start at about 20 to 50 euros per year for the basic liability insurance. [3''] Some insurers offer rates starting at around 30 euros. An additional partial insurance, which covers, for example, theft or damage caused by martens, increases the premium accordingly, often to 80 to 100 euros. [2''] The insurance year for e-scooters always begins on the first of March and ends on the last day of February the following year. The colour of the plate changes annually to make the validity easily recognisable; for the insurance year 2025/2026, the colour is green. A cost comparison for e-scooter insurance can help to find the right tariff. It is important to renew the plate in time before the first of March.
Mastering the application process for your e-scooter insurance license plate
Applying for an insurance number plate for your e-scooter is straightforward and usually completed quickly. You will 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 offer the option to complete the process online or directly in a branch, with the plate often available to take away immediately or delivered by post within a few working days. Completing this process online generally involves the following steps:
Selecting the desired insurance cover (liability or liability with partial cover).
Entering the vehicle details (manufacturer, model, VIN).
Providing personal data of the owner.
Paying the insurance premium.
Ensure your e-scooter has a General Operating Permit, as models without one are not permitted on public roads. Applying for an insurance number plate is a simple process. Once received, the self-adhesive plate must be affixed to the rear of the e-scooter in a visible location.
Avoid legal consequences due to missing insurance sign
Riding an e-scooter without a valid insurance tag is not a minor infraction but a criminal offense under the Compulsory Insurance Act. Penalties can be severe, ranging from fines to imprisonment for up to one year. [1,4''] Even the absence of the sticker, although insurance is in place, can incur a fine of 40 euros. Driving without any insurance cover altogether can result in massive costs to the driver in the event of an accident, as they are liable for all damages caused. The police regularly conduct checks to verify the validity of insurance tags. [3''] Inform yourself about the basics of motor vehicle liability insurance to minimize risks. It is therefore essential to always have an up-to-date and correctly affixed tag when on the road.
Expert knowledge: Sections, judgments, and design tips for e-scooter riders
Some legal basics are particularly relevant for e-scooter riders. The Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance (eKFV) regulates the technical requirements and participation in road traffic. According to Paragraph One of the Mandatory Insurance Act (PflVG), motor vehicles must have liability insurance. Current court rulings consistently confirm the necessity of insurance coverage and the enforcement of violations. Our expert tip: Before each ride, check that your insurance badge is valid and clearly visible. Note that the minimum age for operating an e-scooter is 14 years old and no driving license is required. Knowledge of the insurance conditions is also advantageous. The correct attachment of the badge, usually on the rear mudguard, is also required.
Important aspects for e-scooter riders include:
Valid General Operating License (ABE) for the e-scooter.
Minimum age of the rider: 14 years.
Annual new insurance badge (valid from 1st March).
No transport of additional persons. [2'']
Use cycle paths where available, otherwise use the roadway.
Observe the blood alcohol limits that apply to car drivers.
Prohibition of using pavements unless explicitly permitted.
These points help ensure you travel safely and legally.
Additional Protection: When is a partial coverage for your e-scooter sensible?
In addition to the legally required liability insurance, a partial coverage insurance for your e-scooter can be a sensible supplement. This covers damage to your own vehicle that may occur, for example, due to theft, fire, storm, or collisions with animals. [5,2''] The costs for this are moderate, often starting at an additional 30 to 50 euros per year. [2''] Bear in mind that especially in urban areas, the theft risk for e-scooters is not to be underestimated; here, a partial coverage can protect against financial loss. Some policies even cover damage from vandalism or short circuits in the electronics. [5''] Comprehensive protection for your mobility provides additional security. Consider whether the added value of partial coverage justifies the additional costs for you.
Insurance plate details: appearance and proper attachment
The insurance plate for e-scooters is a self-adhesive sticker, smaller than the metal plate for mopeds. It must be clearly visible and attached to the rear part of the e-scooter, usually on the mudguard under the rear light. The sticker displays a three-letter combination and below it a three-digit number sequence. The crucial point is the annually changing colour of the plate, indicating the current insurance coverage. For the insurance year beginning on the first of March 2025, the colour is green. Ensure that you completely remove the old sticker 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 insurance company without delay. [3'']
Your next step towards worry-free e-scooter mobility
More useful links
Wikipedia provides comprehensive information on the Small Electric Vehicles Regulation (eKFV), which sets the legal framework for e-scooters in Germany.
The official site Gesetze im Internet provides the official and complete text of the Small Electric Vehicles Regulation (eKFV), which establishes the legal provisions for e-scooters.
The Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) provides information in a press release on current topics and research findings in the area of small electric vehicles.
FAQ
How do I get a registration plate for my e-scooter?
You will receive the insurance number plate from an insurer of your choice, often online or directly at a branch. You need the General Operating License (ABE) or Individual Operating License (EBE) and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your e-scooter.
How long is an e-scooter insurance plate valid for?
An insurance number plate for e-scooters is valid for one insurance year, which runs from the first of March to the last day of February the following year. It must be renewed annually.
Do I need a driving licence for an e-scooter?
No, a driving licence is not required to ride an e-scooter (up to 20 km/h) in Germany. The minimum age is 14 years.
May I lend my e-scooter if it has an insurance plate?
Yes, the coverage of the e-scooter insurance generally also applies if you lend the scooter, provided the rider meets the minimum age of 14. The owner is responsible for the insurance coverage.
Can I integrate my e-scooter into my existing car insurance?
No, e-scooters require their own motor liability insurance and cannot be integrated into an existing car insurance policy.
What if I lose my insurance badge?
In case of loss or theft of the insurance number plate, you should report this immediately to your insurance company to obtain a replacement plate and prevent misuse. [3'']
