Electric scooter liability insurance primarily covers personal injury and property damage caused to other parties in the event of a traffic accident. The insurance is mandatory for all electric scooters weighing more than 25 kg or traveling at speeds exceeding 25 km/h. It protects the rights of injured parties to receive compensation, but does not usually cover the driver's own injuries or damage to the scooter. The need for insurance, coverage, and price vary depending on the characteristics and intended use of the scooter.
What does electric scooter insurance cover?
Electric scooter insurance mainly covers damage caused to third parties, rather than the driver's own injuries or damage to the scooter. Compensation for personal injury is the most important part of the insurance, covering medical expenses, loss of earnings, and permanent disability if the scooter driver causes injury to a pedestrian or other road user.
Motor insurance also covers property damage caused to others, such as damaged vehicles, buildings, or other property. It is important to note, however, that the insurance does not cover the driver's own injuries or damage to the electric scooter—these require separate comprehensive insurance.
The most common types of damage covered are:
- Collision with a pedestrian or cyclist resulting in injury
- Damage to another vehicle in a collision
- Injuries caused to other parties by the collision
- Damage to private or public property
However, insurance companies do not compensate for damage caused intentionally or through gross negligence. Damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also result in a reduction or complete denial of compensation.
Do you need traffic insurance for your electric scooter?
Yes, you need motor vehicle insurance for your electric scooter if it weighs more than 25 kg or has a top speed exceeding 25 km/h. Under Finnish law, the insurance obligation is mainly determined by the technical characteristics of the scooter. From June 2025, drivers of light electric vehicles equipped with engines will also be subject to a 0.5 per mille alcohol limit.
Factors affecting insurance liability:
- Weight: If the electric scooter weighs more than 25 kg, it must be insured for traffic.
- Speed: If the maximum speed of an electric scooter exceeds 25 km/h, insurance is mandatory.
- Power: Electric vehicles with a power rating of over 1 kW must be insured.
It is important to note that many Ego electric scooters, for example, exceed these limits, so they must be covered by traffic insurance. In particular, more powerful models such as the Ego Cobra with a 2000W motor, the Ego Master with a 4000W motor, and the Royal electric scooter with a 3000W motor definitely require traffic insurance.
If you are unsure about the classification of your scooter, always check with the seller when purchasing. Before using the vehicle on public roads, make sure that you have insurance in case of any accidents.
What is the difference between motor vehicle insurance and comprehensive insurance for electric scooters?
Motor insurance and comprehensive insurance differ in terms of both mandatory coverage and scope. Motor insurance is statutory and mandatory insurance that covers personal injury and property damage caused to other parties. Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand, is voluntary additional insurance that covers damage caused to your own electric scooter.
Motor insurance compensation limits only apply to damage caused to others, whereas comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own scooter in the event of, for example, a collision, theft, vandalism, or fire. The scope of comprehensive insurance varies depending on the insurance company and insurance package.
Comprehensive insurance is particularly necessary for more expensive electric scooters, such as powerful Ego models, which have more expensive batteries and other components. If you use your scooter regularly or in demanding conditions, comprehensive insurance provides significant additional security.
Comparison:
- Motor vehicle insurance: Compulsory, covers damage caused to others
- Comprehensive insurance: Optional, covers damage to your own scooter
- Motor insurance: No deductible for the injured party
- Comprehensive insurance: Usually includes an excess, the amount of which you can choose
What to do in the event of an accident involving an electric scooter?
In the event of a traffic accident, remain calm and act systematically. Your first task is to ensure your own safety and that of others involved, and to prevent further damage. If anyone is injured, call the emergency number 112 immediately.
Filing a claim is an important part of the process:
- Collect contact details and vehicle information for all parties involved
- Take photos of the accident site and damage from different angles.
- Record any eyewitnesses and their contact details.
- Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible, preferably within 3 days.
If the other party involved in the accident is a vehicle, fill out an accident report form together. In the event of more serious accidents or unclear situations, it is advisable to call the police. The police will draw up a report on the incident, which will be useful when insurance companies process compensation claims.
Insurance companies usually process claims within a few weeks. If you need help with the claims process or have any questions, please contact us or your insurance company directly.
How much does insurance for an electric scooter cost?
The price of motor insurance for electric scooters typically varies between €50 and €200 per year. The price is affected by many factors, such as the power, top speed, and value of the scooter. For example, insurance premiums for more powerful Ego electric scooters, such as models equipped with 2000-4000W motors, are generally higher than for basic models.
Average price information for different types of scooters:
- Basic electric scooter (less than 1000W): approx. €50-80/year
- Mid-range electric scooter (1000-2000W): approx. €80-120/year
- Powerful electric scooter (over 2000W): approx. €120–200/year
The driver's age and any accident history also affect the price of insurance. Prices are typically higher for young drivers (under 25). There are also significant price differences between insurance companies, so by comparing different options, you can save a lot of money.
Prices are also affected by the type of vehicle and the method of registration. If an electric scooter is registered as an L1e-B class moped (such as the Cobra, Master, and Royal models with COC certification), the insurance premium is calculated differently than for light electric vehicles.
When choosing insurance, it is worth noting that the cheapest option is not necessarily the most economical overall. Always check the terms and conditions of the insurance, compensation limits, and deductibles before making a decision.