E-scooter insurance: who pays if there’s an accident or my scooter is stolen?
E-scooters are a common form of transport in cities. But what happens if I have an accident or my scooter is stolen? Am I covered by insurance? Comparis explains what you need to know.
06.12.2023
iStock/LeoPatrizi
1. Does my electric scooter need insurance?
Yes, it’s usually worth taking out insurance. If you have an accident with your uninsured e-scooter, you may have to pay high costs for damages to property or people.
As a rule, personal liability insurance offers sufficient protection. This is because most liability insurance policies cover damage that you cause to third parties with an e-scooter. Check your insurance conditions for more information about this.
How is liability for rentals regulated?
E-scooter hire is popular in Swiss cities. Usage usually includes cover against property damage and personal injury. However, this cover is limited to the period of use.
2. E-scooter accident: when will accident insurance pay out?
Anyone who causes an e-scooter accident and injures themselves is protected against financial damage by obligatory accident insurance. Employees who work at least 8 hours per week are automatically insured by their employer.
Anyone who does not have accident insurance from their employer must include accident cover in their basic insurance. A deductible is payable when making a claim.
3. What technical requirements do e-scooters have to meet?
E-scooters fall under the light motorcycle category. The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) lists the exact requirements for e-scooters and similar devices in the regulations for electric vehicles .
Please note: it’s your responsibility to review the technical requirements.
The following applies to e-scooters:
| Max. speed | max. 20 km/h |
|---|---|
| Drive power | max. 500 W |
| Gross vehicle weight | max. 200 kg |
Consequences of defective e-scooters
Anyone driving a prohibited device on the road risks a fine. In addition, costs can be very high for someone causing an accident. As a result, your personal liability insurance company may restrict your benefits or claim back the costs from you.
4. E-scooter insurance: who pays if my scooter is stolen?
E-scooters with a max speed of 20 km/h are regarded as bicycles when it comes to insurance. This means your home contents insurance covers you against theft committed at your home.
Comparison of e-scooter insurances
Still looking for suitable home contents insurance? Compare different providers now and find the right cover for your e-scooter.
Would you like to be insured even when you’re out and about? Choose the “simple theft away from home” add-on for your home contents insurance.
5. Insurance: what conditions apply to other electric vehicles?
The rules and insurance conditions for what is known as light motorcycles are generally uniform. It’s usually irrelevant whether it’s a classic e-scooter or a similar vehicle.
By the way: the same vehicle category also includes what is known as “weak e-bikes”. However, there is one small difference: e-bikes with pedals may reach a higher speed than e-scooters, namely 25 km/h instead of 20 km/h.
What about e-skateboards and so on?
From time to time, you may see electric skateboards, solowheels or smartwheels on the road. These devices can only be used on private land or cordoned-off areas.
Breaking this rule may result in a fine. If you have an accident, your personal liability insurance company may restrict your policy benefits or demand the costs back from you.
This article was first published on 11.06.2019
