E-Scooter Insurance 2026
New Black Plate Required
From March 1, 2026, every e-scooter in Germany needs a new black insurance plate. Last year's green plate is no longer valid. Riding without the new plate is a criminal offense.
Green plates (2025) invalid from March 1, 2026!
Riding without valid insurance is a criminal offense under German law
What You Need to Know
Deadline
March 1, 2026. New insurance year starts. Black plate required.
Cost
Set per insurance year, based on your age and cover. HUK-COBURG quotes from 16 EUR/year for riders 23+ (10.09.2026).
How to Get It
Sign up online with an insurer. Plate ships to you within a few days.
What Changed for 2026?
The e-scooter insurance year in Germany runs from March 1 to the end of February. Every year, the plate color changes. For 2026, the color is black. The 2025 green plate stopped being valid on February 28.
Plate Color Rotation
Germany rotates through three colors for insurance plates, so enforcement officers can instantly spot expired ones:
- 2024: Blue
- 2025: Green
- 2026: Black
- 2027: Blue (cycle repeats)
Coverage Types
Liability (Haftpflicht), mandatory
Covers damage you cause to other people or their property. Required by law for every e-scooter used on public roads. Without it, you cannot get a plate.
Partial Coverage (Teilkasko), optional
Protects your own scooter against theft, fire, storm damage, and vandalism. Worth considering if your scooter cost more than a few hundred euros. Read our full Teilkasko guide.
E-Scooter Rules in Germany
If you just got an e-scooter or moved to Germany, here are the rules that actually matter:
Where to ride
Bike lanes first. If none available, use the road. Sidewalks are illegal, no exceptions.
Speed limit
Maximum 20 km/h. E-scooters that go faster are not street-legal in Germany.
Minimum age
14 years. No driver's license needed, but insurance is mandatory regardless of age.
One rider only
No passengers. One person per scooter, always.
Penalties for Riding Without Insurance
This is not a minor traffic ticket. Riding without valid e-scooter insurance is classified as a criminal offense (Straftat) under German law. The consequences:
- Intentional: up to one year in prison or a fine (§ 30 (1) PflVG)
- Negligent: up to six months, or a fine of up to 180 daily rates (§ 30 (2) PflVG)
- The scooter can be confiscated (§ 30 (4) PflVG)
- Full personal liability for any accident damage
Different case: if you are insured but have not fixed the plate to the scooter, that is an administrative offence under § 77 FZV, not a crime.
Rental vs. Private Scooters
Rental scooters (Lime, TIER, Bolt)
The rental company carries the insurance. You do not need to buy anything extra. Just unlock and ride.
Your own scooter
You need your own liability insurance and a valid plate. Order online from an insurer before your first ride.
How to Get Insured: Step by Step
Pick a provider
Compare prices online. Liability-only is cheapest; add Teilkasko if your scooter is worth protecting.
Sign up online
Enter your details and pay. Most providers handle everything digitally.
Receive your plate
The insurer ships the plate to your address. Delivery usually takes one to three business days.
Stick it on and ride
Attach the plate to the back of your scooter. Done. You are insured and legal.
Looking for other insurance comparisons? Check our full insurance overview, motorcycle insurance, or car insurance comparison. Need a loan? We compare those too.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new e-scooter insurance plate start?
March 1, 2026. From that date, all e-scooters need a new black insurance plate. The previous green plate (2025) is no longer valid.
How much does e-scooter insurance cost in 2026?
There is no single market price. The premium is set for the whole insurance year starting 1 March and depends on the insurer, your age and whether you add Teilkasko. As one example, HUK-COBURG quotes from 16 euros a year for the 2026/2027 insurance year for riders aged 23 and over (checked 10 September 2026). Always get the current figure from the insurer.
Is e-scooter insurance mandatory in Germany?
Yes. Liability insurance is legally required for all electric scooters in Germany. Riding without a valid insurance plate is a criminal offense under German law, not just a traffic violation.
What does e-scooter insurance cover?
Liability covers damage you cause to other people or their property. Optional partial coverage (Teilkasko) protects your own scooter against theft, fire, and storm damage. Some providers also offer vandalism coverage. Check our detailed e-scooter Teilkasko guide for verified prices and provider comparisons.
What happens if I ride without insurance?
Riding without valid insurance is a criminal offence in Germany (Straftat). Under § 30 PflVG that means up to one year in prison or a fine if intentional, and up to six months or a fine of up to 180 daily rates if negligent. The scooter can also be confiscated, and you are personally liable for any accident damage.
Do rental scooters (Lime, TIER, Bolt) need their own insurance?
No. Rental and sharing services carry their own liability insurance. You do not need to buy a separate policy when using a rental scooter. This only applies to scooters you own privately.
How do I get an insurance plate?
Choose an insurer, sign up online, and they ship the plate to your address. Most providers deliver within one to three business days. Stick the plate on the back of your scooter and you are good to go.
Can I ride my e-scooter on the sidewalk?
No. E-scooters must use bike lanes where available. If there is no bike lane, use the road. Riding on sidewalks is illegal and carries a fine. Minimum rider age is 14 years.
Related Topics
Legal basis
§ 52 FZV (insurance year), § 53 FZV (plate colour and mounting), § 30 PflVG (penalties), § 1 eKFV (definition).
Last updated: . CheckAlle.de editorial team. This guide is not legal or tax advice.