Germany Aims to Hold E-Scooter Rental Companies Accountable for Accidents
Berlin, Germany – The German federal government is poised to significantly strengthen liability regulations for accidents involving e-scooters. The proposed changes aim to simplify the process for victims to receive compensation for damages. A draft bill from the Ministry of Justice is scheduled for cabinet discussion this Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
The move comes in response to a continuous increase in accidents involving electric micro-vehicles. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, the number of road traffic accidents involving e-scooters has nearly doubled, rising from approximately 4,000 in 2021 to almost 8,000 in 2024.
“E-scooters from sharing providers are particularly often involved in accidents,” stated Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig. She emphasized, “It should not be the case that victims are left to bear their costs simply because the driver has long since disappeared.” Hubig sees no reason to treat e-scooters from sharing providers differently from rental cars when it comes to liability.
Current Legal Landscape and Challenges for Victims
Under existing law, e-scooters are exempt from the stringent liability rules applicable to motor vehicles. To claim damages, victims have typically been required to demonstrate and prove fault, especially on the part of the driver. This has proven particularly challenging with rental scooters, and even more so when an accident is caused by a wrongly parked or overturned e-scooter on a sidewalk.
The new legislation proposes to introduce strict liability for the owner, irrespective of fault. For e-scooter riders, fault will be presumed, meaning they would also be liable unless they can prove otherwise. “The strict liability of the owner ensures that fleet operators must factor in occurring accident costs into their calculations,” states the draft bill, which has been obtained by the German Press Agency.
What Victims Need to Do
To obtain compensation, victims can directly approach the e-scooter driver, provided they can identify and locate them. However, they can always contact the owner. This could be a company that rents out e-scooters or a private individual who has lent their e-scooter. In Germany, every e-scooter used in public traffic must have a license plate. This plaque is only issued to those who have taken out e-scooter liability insurance.
Exclusions from the New Regulations
The draft bill covers electric kick scooters, stand-up scooters, and self-balancing vehicles, specifically including Segways. However, the new rules will not apply to small electric utility vehicles with a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour, such as ride-on lawnmowers or certain small construction vehicles. Motorized wheelchairs are also exempt from these proposed changes.
The legislative initiative, developed by the Ministry of Justice under Minister Stefanie Hubig, also responsible for consumer protection within the federal government, aims to enhance safety and accountability in the rapidly growing e-scooter market.
Source: radiowestfalica.de
