Anyone injured in an e-scooter accident in Germany is set to find it significantly easier to claim compensation, following a decision by the federal cabinet on Wednesday to approve a draft law that holds rental operators liable for accident damages caused by their electric scooters and tightens the liability rules for riders. "With clear liability rules, I want to ensure that e-scooters cause less trouble," said Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD).
"We are seeing that the number of accidents involving e-scooters is rising year on year," Hubig said. According to the Justice Ministry, the number of people involved in e-scooter accidents climbed from 6,000 in 2020 to more than 12,000 in 2024. However, the number of e-scooters on German roads grew even faster over the same period. According to the German Insurance Association (GDV), the accident rate per registered vehicle has actually declined slightly.
Shared e-scooters operated by rental providers are disproportionately involved in accidents, the minister noted. "It must not be the case that victims are left to bear the costs simply because the rider has long since disappeared," Hubig said.
Under the proposed legislation, the same liability rules that apply to accidents involving other motor vehicles, such as cars, will apply to e-scooter accidents. Holders of e-scooters will be liable for damages regardless of whether they are personally at fault. "There is no reason to treat e-scooters differently from cars, after all, the same responsibility applies to rental cars," Hubig said.
In addition, fault on the part of riders will be presumed under the new rules, according to the ministry. Riders will therefore also be held liable unless they can demonstrate that they were not at fault. "This will make it easier for victims to obtain compensation," the ministry said. The changes will also apply to other small electric vehicles such as Segway scooters. Motorised wheelchairs, agricultural and construction vehicles, and slow-moving motor vehicles are explicitly excluded from the new rules.
The changes will also apply to other small electric vehicles such as Segway scooters. Motorised wheelchairs, agricultural and construction vehicles, and slow-moving motor vehicles are explicitly excluded from the new rules.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
