E-scooter insurance costs: Your comprehensive guide to optimal cover and affordable premiums
08.05.25
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
How much does e-scooter insurance really cost, and what do you need to bear in mind? This article gives you detailed answers, practical examples and expert tips so that you can travel safely and cost-effectively.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Third-party liability insurance for e-scooters is legally required in Germany and costs from around €19 per year; the insurance plate serves as proof.
The costs depend on factors such as the driver’s age, the scope of cover (third-party liability/partial comprehensive cover) and the sum insured.
Partial comprehensive cover protects against damage to your own e-scooter (e.g. theft, storm damage) and is optional, often with a €150 excess.
Quick Facts: The essentials of e-scooter insurance at a glance
E-scooter insurance is legally required for every owner of an electric scooter in Germany. The cost of liability insurance starts at around nineteen euros per year. An insurance plate, the colour of which changes annually, serves as proof and must be attached to the vehicle. For the 2025/2026 insurance year, the plate is green, for example. Driving without valid insurance cover constitutes a criminal offence and can be punished with severe penalties.
Cost factors of e-scooter insurance: What influences the price?
The question „How much does e-scooter insurance cost?“ cannot be answered in general terms, as several factors influence the premium. A key aspect is the age of the youngest rider; there are often different rates for riders under and over the age of twenty-three or twenty-five. As a result, the premium for younger riders can be as much as seventy per cent higher. The level of cover selected also plays a role: a pure third-party liability insurance policy is cheaper than a tariff with additional comprehensive cover. The sum insured, i.e. the maximum amount the insurer pays in the event of a claim, can also vary and affect the price. Up to one hundred million euros for property damage is common here. Last but not least, the start date of the insurance affects the premium, as it is calculated pro rata for the current insurance year, which always ends on the last day of February. Starting later in the year therefore means a lower initial premium. These factors show why a detailed insurance comparison is worthwhile.
Third-party insurance vs. partial comprehensive cover: Which protection do you really need?
The legally required e-scooter liability insurance covers damage you cause to other people or their property with your e-scooter. This includes personal injury, property damage and financial loss, often with cover sums of up to one hundred million euros for property damage and financial loss and up to fifteen million euros per injured person. Liability cover is the absolute minimum and essential. An optional partial comprehensive policy extends this protection to damage to your own e-scooter. Typical benefits of partial comprehensive cover include:
Theft of the e-scooter
Damage caused by fire or explosion
Damage caused by storm, hail or lightning strike
Collisions with animals (e.g. wildlife accidents)
Damage caused by animal bites (e.g. marten bites to cables), often up to a certain amount such as five thousand euros
Short-circuit damage to the wiring
Partial comprehensive cover is particularly worthwhile if your e-scooter has a higher value. Many providers require an excess for partial comprehensive claims, often one hundred and fifty euros. Fully comprehensive insurance is generally not offered for e-scooters. So consider whether the extra cost of partial comprehensive cover justifies the additional protection for your e-vehicle.
The insurance disc: your visible proof
Proof of valid e-scooter insurance is provided by a self-adhesive insurance plate. This must be affixed clearly visible to the rear of the e-scooter, ideally beneath the rear light and at least five centimetres above the carriageway. The colour of the plate changes each year on 1 March, the official start of the new insurance year. For the insurance year from 1 March 2025 to the end of February 2026, the plate is green, for example. It is important to apply for and attach the new plate in good time before 1 March, as riding with an expired plate constitutes an administrative offence and can be punishable by a fine of forty euros, even if a new insurance policy has already been taken out. The e-scooter registration plate is therefore a key element.
Legal principles and consequences: What does the law say?
The obligation to insure E-scooters is enshrined in the Electric Small Vehicles Regulation (eKFV). Under Section 1 eKFV, E-scooters are considered motor vehicles, which triggers the insurance obligation under Section 1 of the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG). Driving without insurance cover is an offence under Section 6 PflVG and can be punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine. In addition, in the event of a claim, you are liable without limit with your personal assets. For the registration and insurance of an E-scooter, a general type approval (ABE) or an individual operating permit (EBE), as well as a vehicle identification number (FIN), are required. The minimum age for riding an E-scooter is fourteen. The alcohol limits for motor vehicles (relative impairment from 0.3 per mille if there are signs of impairment, absolute impairment from 1.1 per mille) also apply to E-scooter riders. Breaches can have significant insurance-law consequences, such as insurer recourse claims of up to five thousand euros for riding under the influence of alcohol. A solid understanding of the legal aspects is therefore essential.
Expert insight: Current rulings and drafting tips
Case law on e-scooter accidents is continually evolving. One interesting aspect is the question of liability: unlike cars, e-scooters are not subject to no-fault strict liability under Section 8 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG), as their design-related maximum speed does not exceed twenty kilometres per hour. This means that, for an e-scooter rider to be held liable, fault (negligence) must generally be proven. If the facts are unclear in an accident between an e-scooter and a pedestrian, liability may be apportioned fifty-fifty. Our expert tip: Always document accident situations carefully, ideally with photos and witness statements. When taking out insurance, make sure you have a sufficiently high sum insured; at least one hundred million euros for property damage and financial loss, as well as fifteen million euros per person for personal injury, is recommended. Also check whether your insurance is valid across Europe if you plan to travel with your e-scooter; many policies offer this cover. Taking an international insurance card (Green Card) with you can be helpful abroad. You should also consider comprehensive mobility cover.
Further tips for designing your e-scooter insurance:
Check the conditions for partial comprehensive cover carefully, in particular the amount of the excess (often one hundred and fifty euros) and which specific risks (e.g. animal bite, short circuit) are covered.
Find out about exclusions: damage incurred while taking part in races or under the influence of alcohol is typically not covered or may give rise to recourse claims.
Clarify whether riders aged fourteen and above are also insured if younger people are to use the e-scooter.
Pay attention to the territorial scope: most insurance policies are valid in Europe; for trips outside the EU, you should check this explicitly.
These considerations will help you find insurance cover that is tailored to your needs and also affordable.
If, despite all due caution, you are involved in an accident with your e-scooter, stay calm. First secure the accident scene and, if necessary, provide first aid. In the event of personal injury or if fault is unclear, you should always notify the police on the number one hundred and ten. Be sure to exchange contact details and insurance information with everyone involved. Make a note of number plates, names and addresses of witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene and the damage caused to all vehicles involved from different angles. Report the damage to your e-scooter insurer without delay. Many insurers offer a claims hotline or online claims notification for this purpose. A prompt and accurate report with all relevant information, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your scooter, speeds up processing. In the event of theft of your e-scooter (if comprehensively insured), you should also report it to the police immediately and notify the insurer. Good motor vehicle liability insurance is worth its weight in gold here.
How to find the right e-scooter insurance
Choosing the right e-scooter insurance requires some research, but it pays off. Compare not only the price, but also the benefits. Look for a sufficiently high cover limit that exceeds the statutory minimum requirements – €100 million for property and financial losses is a good benchmark. Consider whether partial cover is worthwhile for you, based on the value of your e-scooter and your individual need for security. Check the terms regarding the excess on partial cover – €150 is common here. Take the riders’ age into account: some insurers offer cheaper rates for riders aged 23 or 25 and over. Read customer reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the insurer’s service in the event of a claim. Many insurers allow you to take out the policy online, and the insurance disc will then be sent to you by post. Bear in mind that the contract expires annually at the end of February, and you must arrange a new disc for the following year in good time. Careful selection not only secures you a favourable premium, but also reliable protection in an emergency.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of the Regulation on Small Electric Vehicles, which sets out the legal foundations for e-scooters in Germany.
FAQ
How much does e-scooter insurance cost at nextsure?
nextsure offers you tailored advice to find the optimal, cost-effective insurance cover for your e-scooter. The exact costs depend on your personal needs and the benefits you choose. Request a free risk analysis now.
Is partial comprehensive insurance worthwhile for my e-scooter?
Partial comprehensive insurance is a sensible choice if your e-scooter has a higher replacement value or if you want to protect yourself against risks such as theft, fire damage or storm damage. The costs are higher than for liability insurance alone, but they offer more comprehensive protection for your vehicle.
How long is the e-scooter insurance plate valid for?
The insurance sticker for e-scooters is always valid for one insurance year. This begins on 1 March and ends on the last day of February in the following year. After that, you will need a new sticker with the current annual colour.
Is my fourteen-year-old child allowed to ride my insured e-scooter?
Yes, as a rule, anyone who has reached the minimum age of fourteen may ride an e-scooter, provided there is valid insurance for the vehicle. However, some insurers have age limits for the policyholder or the youngest rider, which can affect the premium. It is best to clarify this directly with your insurer.
What does the e-scooter liability insurance cover?
E-scooter liability insurance covers personal injury, property damage and financial loss that you cause to third parties with your e-scooter. It also defends against unjustified claims. The sums insured are often very high, for example up to one hundred million euros.
Does an e-scooter need type approval?
Yes, in order to use and insure an e-scooter on public roads, it requires a general type approval (ABE) or an individual operating permit (EBE) from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.
