Do You Need Insurance for an Electric Scooter in Europe? (2026 Guide)
Electric scooters are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe’s cities, eco-friendly, fun, and perfect for urban commuting. But when you’re cruising around Amsterdam, Berlin, or Barcelona, one important question often comes up:
Do you need insurance to ride an electric scooter in Europe?
The simple answer is: it depends on where you ride, the scooter’s speed/weight, and local laws. Europe has been updating its rules rapidly, and some countries now require scooter insurance, while others don’t. Here’s what riders need to know in 2026.
How Insurance Rules Are Evolving in the EU
In recent years, the European Union has moved toward harmonizing rules for light electric vehicles (like e-scooters). A key criterion for whether insurance may be required is based on top speed and vehicle weight:
- If a scooter has a maximum design speed over 25 km/h, it’s more likely to be treated like a motor vehicle and may require insurance.
- If it weighs over 25 kg and can exceed about 14 km/h, it may also be classified under heavier mobility vehicle categories that could trigger insurance requirements.
Important: Not all EU countries require insurance even if these thresholds are met; many still leave it to national or city governments to decide.
Country-by-Country Snapshot
Here’s how some European countries treat electric scooter insurance:
Spain
New laws require compulsory civil liability insurance for many electric scooters and similar vehicles from January 2026. Owners must also register qualifying scooters and carry an ID plate. Failure to insure and register by the deadline can result in fines.
France
Electric scooter riders must have third-party liability insurance to use their scooters on public roads legally. This is a legal requirement, and compliance usually involves carrying proof of insurance.
Germany
Germany requires liability insurance and a visible insurance licence plate for e-scooters that are road-legal. Without it, riding is a criminal offence, and fines are common.
Italy
Italian law requires riders to carry insurance and meet other safety obligations, such as wearing helmets. These rules were introduced to address increasing accidents and improve overall road safety.
Netherlands
Low-speed electric bikes (under 25 km/h) generally don’t require insurance, but insurance may be advisable and might be required if the vehicle is faster or heavier.
Denmark and the UK
These countries specifically require legal liability insurance for e-scooter riders; riders must have coverage to ride legally.
Bulgaria
Private electric scooters do not require compulsory insurance, but riders must still follow local traffic rules.
Electric Scooter Insurance Requirements by Country (EU & UK)
| Country | Is Insurance Mandatory? | Registration/Plate | Key Notes for Riders |
| Germany | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (insurance plate required) | Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. Riding without insurance is illegal and can lead to fines or criminal penalties. |
| France | ✅ Yes | ❌ No plate required | Civil liability insurance is required for riding on public roads. Proof of insurance may be requested. |
| Spain | ⚠️ Yes (from 2026 for many scooters) | ✅ Yes | Mandatory insurance, registration, and ID plate for scooters over certain speed/power thresholds. |
| Italy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No plate required | Third-party insurance is mandatory. Helmet use and additional safety equipment are also required. |
| Netherlands | ✅ Yes (if road-legal) | ✅ Yes | Only approved scooters may be insured and used on public roads. Many private scooters are not road-legal. |
| Denmark | ✅ Yes | ❌ No plate required | Legal liability insurance is mandatory for electric scooters used in public spaces. |
| United Kingdom | ✅ Yes (for legal use) | Covered via operator | Private e-scooters are illegal on public roads. Rental scooters include insurance via the operator. |
| Austria | ❌ No | ❌ No | No compulsory insurance for standard private e-scooters under local limits. |
| Belgium | ❌ No (national level) | ❌ No | Insurance not mandatory nationally, but voluntary insurance is recommended. |
| Portugal | ❌ No | ❌ No | No compulsory insurance; riders must still follow traffic and safety rules. |
| Sweden | ⚠️ Conditional | ❌ No | Insurance required if scooter exceeds certain speed/weight thresholds. |
| Bulgaria | ❌ No | ❌ No | No compulsory insurance for private electric scooters. |
What Happens If You Don’t Have Insurance
Riding an electric scooter without required insurance can lead to:
- Fines and penalties, which vary by country
- Legal liability for injuries or property damage
- Confiscation of your scooter in some jurisdictions
In Germany, for example, riding without a valid insurance plate is treated as a criminal offence, and authorities have been known to enforce this strictly.
Additionally, countries that require registration and insurance are doing so to protect third parties, such as pedestrians and other road users, from financial loss after an accident.
What Type of Insurance Might You Need
If insurance is required where you live, the most common type is Third-Party Liability Insurance. This covers damages you might cause to other people or their property in an accident.
Some insurers also offer:
- Comprehensive coverage (for theft or damage to your scooter)
- Accident compensation (for rider injuries)
- Theft protection
Note: Always check whether your scooter insurance is valid on public roads; many home or gadget insurance policies do not cover electric scooters by default.
Practical Tips for EU Riders
Regardless of whether insurance is mandatory:
- Know Your Local Rules: Check your country or city’s specific e-scooter laws; they’re often updated at the national and municipal levels.
- Understand Vehicle Classification: How your scooter is classified (bike, PMV, moped) can affect whether insurance is needed.
- Keep Proof of Coverage: If you do need insurance, carry digital or physical proof while riding.
- Consider Optional Coverage: Even where not required, third-party liability or comprehensive scooter insurance can protect you financially.
Hiboy: Smart Riding, Smart Protection
As electric scooters and personal mobility vehicles grow in popularity, responsible riders do more than just follow local laws; they protect themselves and others.
At Hiboy, we design high-performance scooters with safety and reliability in mind. Whether you ride a sleek commuter model or a robust urban scooter in cities across Europe, pairing smart riding with the right insurance can give you peace of mind.
Pro tip: Even if your local rules don’t require insurance yet, consider getting third-party coverage, especially if your scooter can exceed 25 km/h, to protect yourself against unforeseen costs and liabilities.
Final Takeaway
Do you need insurance for an electric scooter in the EU? Yes, in some countries and for certain classes of scooters. National laws vary, and many European riders are now required to carry liability insurance, especially if their scooter goes faster than 25 km/h or is heavier.
Always check the most current local laws before riding — rules and enforcement are evolving fast as micromobility becomes mainstream across Europe.
