E-Scooter Insurance Costs: Your comprehensive guide to optimal protection and affordable premiums
8 May 2025
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
How much does an e-scooter insurance really cost and what should you consider? This article provides detailed answers, practical examples, and expert tips so that you can travel safely and cost-effectively.
The topic in brief and concise terms
An e-scooter liability insurance is legally required in Germany and costs from around 19 euros per year; the insurance sticker serves as proof.
The costs depend on factors such as the driver's age, the scope of insurance (liability/partial coverage), and the coverage amount.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own e-scooter (e.g., theft, storm) and is optional, often with a 150 Euro deductible.
Quick Facts: The essentials of e-scooter insurance at a glance
Liability insurance for e-scooter owners in Germany is legally required. The costs for liability insurance start at around nineteen euros annually. An insurance sticker, which changes colour each year, serves as proof and must be attached to the vehicle. For the insurance year 2025/2026, the sticker is, for example, green. Driving without valid insurance protection constitutes a criminal offence and can result in severe penalties.
Cost factors of e-scooter insurance: What influences the price?
The question "How much does an 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 driver; there are often different rates for drivers under and over twenty-three or twenty-five years old. Thus, the premium for younger drivers can be as much as seventy percent higher. The selected scope of insurance also plays a role: A simple liability insurance is cheaper than a tariff with additional partial coverage. The coverage amount, i.e., the maximum sum the insurance pays in the event of a claim, can also vary and affect the price. Up to one hundred million euros are common here for property damage. Last but not least, the start date of the insurance affects the premium because it is calculated proportionately for the ongoing insurance year, which always ends on the last day of February. A later entry in the year thus means a lower initial contribution. These factors illustrate why an exact insurance comparison is worthwhile.
Liability vs. Partial Coverage: Which protection do you really need?
The legally required e-scooter liability insurance covers damages caused to other people or their property by your e-scooter. This includes personal injury, property damage, and financial loss, often with coverage limits of up to one hundred million euros for property and financial damages and up to fifteen million euros per injured person. Liability insurance is the absolute minimum and indispensable. Optional partial coverage extends this protection to damages to your own e-scooter. Typical benefits of partial coverage include:
Theft of the e-scooter
Damage caused by fire or explosion
Damage caused by storm, hail, or lightning strike
Collision with animals (e.g., wildlife accidents)
Animal bite damage (e.g., marten bite on cables), often up to a certain amount like five thousand euros
Short-circuit damage to wiring
Partial coverage is particularly sensible if your e-scooter has higher value. Many providers require a deductible for partial coverage claims, often one hundred fifty euros. Comprehensive coverage is generally not offered for e-scooters. Therefore, weigh whether the additional cost for partial coverage justifies the extra protection for your e-vehicle.
The insurance badge: Your visible proof
Proof of valid e-scooter insurance is provided by an adhesive insurance sticker. This must be visibly affixed to the rear of the e-scooter, ideally under the rear light and at least five centimetres above the road surface. The colour of the sticker changes every year on the first of March, the official start of the new insurance year. For the insurance year from the first of March 2025 to the end of February 2026, for example, the sticker is green. It is important to apply for and attach the new sticker in good time before the first of March, as driving with an expired sticker constitutes an administrative offence and can be fined forty euros, even if a new insurance has already been taken out. The e-scooter registration plate is therefore a central element.
Legal foundations and consequences: What does the law say?
The obligation to insure e-scooters is anchored in the Small Electric Vehicle Ordinance (eKFV). According to § 1 eKFV, e-scooters are considered motor vehicles, which entails the insurance requirement under § 1 Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG). Driving without insurance is a criminal offense under § 6 PflVG and can result in a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine. In addition, you are liable indefinitely with your private assets in the event of damage. To register and insure an e-scooter, a General Operating Permit (ABE) or an Individual Operating Permit (EBE) as well as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) are required. The minimum age for riding an e-scooter is fourteen years. The alcohol limits for motor vehicles (relative unfitness to drive from 0.3 per mille in the case of symptoms of failure, absolute unfitness to drive from 1.1 per mille) also apply to e-scooter drivers. Violations can have significant insurance-related consequences, such as recourse claims by the insurer of up to five thousand euros for alcohol-related incidents. Therefore, a sound knowledge of legal aspects is essential.
Expert Depth: Recent Judgments and Design Tips
The case law regarding e-scooter accidents is constantly evolving. An interesting aspect is the question of liability: Unlike cars, e-scooters are not subject to strict liability under § 8 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG), as their design speed does not exceed twenty kilometres per hour. This means that for an e-scooter driver to be liable, negligence usually needs to be proven. In cases of unclear circumstances in an accident between an e-scooter and a pedestrian, there can be an equal liability split of fifty percent each. Our expert tip: Always document accident situations carefully, preferably with photos and witness statements. When taking out insurance, ensure you have a sufficiently high coverage amount; at least one hundred million euros for property and asset damages, and fifteen million euros per person for personal injury, are recommended. Also check whether your insurance is valid throughout Europe if you plan to travel with the e-scooter; many policies offer this protection. Carrying an international insurance card (Green Card) can be helpful abroad. Consider comprehensive mobility coverage as well.
Further design tips for your e-scooter insurance:
Carefully review the conditions for partial cover insurance, in particular the level of excess (often one hundred and fifty euros) and which specific risks (e.g. animal bites, short circuits) are covered.
Inform yourself about exclusions: Damages incurred during races or under the influence of alcohol are typically not covered or may lead to claims for reimbursement.
Check whether drivers from the age of fourteen are also insured if younger people are to use the e-scooter.
Pay attention to the area of coverage: Most insurances apply in Europe; for travels outside the EU, you should check this explicitly.
These considerations will help you find tailored yet affordable insurance coverage.
Accident: What to do when it happens?
Should you despite all caution become involved in an accident with your e-scooter, remain calm. First secure the accident site and provide first aid if necessary. In the event of personal injury or unclear liability, you should always notify the police at the number one hundred ten. Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved. Write down the license plates, names, and addresses of witnesses. Take photos of the accident site and any damage to all vehicles involved from various perspectives. Report the damage to your e-scooter insurance immediately. Many insurers offer a damage hotline or an online damage report for this purpose. A prompt and accurate report with all relevant information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your scooter, speeds up the processing. In case of theft of your e-scooter (if partially comprehensive insured), it is also necessary to report it to the police and the insurance immediately. A good car liability insurance is invaluable here.
How to find the right e-scooter insurance
More useful links
The Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of the Personal Light Electric Vehicles Regulation, which governs the legal framework for e-scooters in Germany.
FAQ
How much does an e-scooter insurance cost at nextsure?
nextsure offers you personalized advice to find the optimal and cost-effective insurance coverage for your e-scooter. The exact costs depend on your personal needs and the chosen services. Request a free risk analysis now.
Is a partial coverage insurance for my e-scooter sensible?
A comprehensive insurance is advisable if your e-scooter has a higher new value or if you want to protect yourself against risks such as theft, fire damage, or storm damage. The costs are higher than with liability-only insurance, but it offers more comprehensive protection for your vehicle.
How long is the e-scooter insurance badge valid?
The insurance sticker for e-scooters is always valid for one insurance year. This starts on the first of March and ends on the last day of February the following year. After that, you will need a new sticker in the current year's colour.
Is my fourteen-year-old allowed to ride my insured e-scooter?
Yes, generally any person who has reached the minimum age of fourteen is allowed to ride an e-scooter, provided there is valid insurance for the vehicle. However, some insurers have age limits for the policyholder or the youngest driver, which can affect the premium. It's best to clarify this directly with your insurance provider.
What does the e-scooter liability insurance cover?
The e-scooter liability insurance covers personal injury, property damage, and financial losses caused to third parties by your e-scooter. It also defends against unjustified claims. Coverage amounts are often very high, for example up to one hundred million euros.
Does an e-scooter require an operating permit?
Yes, to be able to use and insure an e-scooter on public roads, it requires a General Operating Permit (ABE) or an Individual Operating Permit (EBE) from the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
