How to ride an e-scooter in Germany and avoid a fine? Don’t forget that from 1 March 2026, you must get insurance and a new insurance sticker (Versicherungsplakette). This rule has been in force in Germany since 15 June 2019.
Bear in mind that the number plate colour changes every year, so riding with last year’s green plate is not allowed. This will only show that you do not have new insurance.
The colour of number plates for e-scooters in Germany for the Verkehrsjahr (traffic year) from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027 is BLACK.
In Germany, insurance and a number plate are required for any e-scooter with a design speed of over 6 and no more than 20 km/h. And to get insurance, you must have a valid operating licence.
Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence under § 30 PflVG: up to 1 year’s imprisonment or a fine, in case of negligence - up to 6 months or up to 180 daily rates. Furthermore, the scooter may be confiscated (§ 30 (4) PflVG, the Compulsory Insurance Act) (source).
What has already changed in 2026 and what will change on 1 March 2027 is explained below, in the section on the reform of the eKFV (Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance).
How do you get number plates for e-scooters, and who issues them?
An electric scooter number plate in Germany is a sticker measuring approximately 6.5 × 5.3 cm. The design is specified in Annex 18 of the FZV (Vehicle Registration Ordinance), and it features a hologram to prevent counterfeiting. It is affixed at the rear, the bottom edge no lower than 50 mm above the carriageway, the inscription must be legible from 8 metres (§ 56 FZV).
Since 1 March 2026, the colour of the e-scooter number plate has been black (In 2025, the colour of the number plates was green).
The licence plate is sent by the insurance company after the contract is concluded.
Verkehrsjahr — this is the period from 1 March to the end of February (§ 52 FZV). The colours follow a fixed cycle of black – blue – green and are repeated: 2026/27 - Black, 2027/28 - Blue, 2028/29 - Green. The text and the border on the white background are coloured, not the entire sticker.
The insurance is not renewed automatically: the policy expires on 28 February, and you need to apply for a new sticker every year.
How much does insurance for an e-scooter cost?
The cost of insurance depends on which company you take out a policy with, as well as the level of cover you require.
For e-scooters, you need Haftpflichtversicherung (third-party liability insurance). It covers damage caused to other people. For example, if you accidentally hit a pedestrian, causing them bodily injury or even just damaging their phone, the insurance will cover the costs.
Cost: roughly 19 to 45 euros a year for riders aged 23 or 25 and over, depending on the insurer. Riders under 23 years old pay noticeably more: around 50 to 80 euros.
Those who have an expensive electric scooter might want to consider Teilkasko (partial cover), so that there is protection against fire, storm, hail, glass damage and theft.
Teilkasko is an extra 25 to 60 euros on top of Haftpflicht. Together it usually comes to 60-95 euros a year. The excess is normally 150 euros, and for theft often a separate 300 euros.
Important: standard Privathaftpflichtversicherung (personal liability insurance) does not cover e-scooters — legally, an e-scooter is a Kraftfahrzeug (motor vehicle), so it needs a separate insurance policy.
Vollkasko (comprehensive cover) for e-scooters is offered by only a handful of insurers – most stop at Teilkasko.
The policy is always issued from 1st March for one year. If you register later, the fee is calculated proportionally for the remaining months.
Who else needs a licence plate and insurance: Mofa, Moped, Scooter, S-Pedelec
If you have:
- Mofa, Moped, Mokick, Roller (mopeds and scooters) — up to 50 cc or up to 45 km/h (up to 60 km/h for mopeds first put on the road in the former East Germany by 28 February 1992). A metal Kennzeichen (number plate) is required
- Light quadricycles L6e, Microcar, trikes up to 45 km/h. A metal Kennzeichen is required.
- Powered wheelchair faster than 6 km/h. A metal Kennzeichen is required
- S-Pedelec — pedelec up to 45 km/h. A metal Kennzeichen is required
- E-Scooter and self-balancing vehicles (Segway) — for them it’s a sticker, not a metal number plate.
- A pedelec with assistance up to 25 km/h requires neither insurance nor a licence plate. It is not a Kraftfahrzeug.
All these vehicles must be insured and carry a number plate, otherwise you will be considered an offender. The penalty under § 30 PflVG: up to 1 year’s imprisonment or a fine, and in the case of negligence, up to 6 months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 180 daily rates. The vehicle may be confiscated.
Black number plates for e-scooters in Germany in 2026 – a mandatory requirement!
How much does an e-scooter cost in Germany?
Models approved for public roads start at around 210 euros. Between 250 and 350 euros you get scooters with a 30 to 40 km range and air-filled tyres; between 350 and 500 euros, versions with suspension and a range of up to 70 km. Above that the premium segment begins.
The biggest pitfall when buying is road approval. Without an allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (ABE, general operating permit) you may not ride on public roads, and no insurer will issue a number plate for such a scooter. Cheap models from online shops often have no ABE, so check for it before you pay, not after.
The price of the scooter also tells you whether Teilkasko is worth it. Haftpflicht is always compulsory, but it does not cover theft — only Kasko cover (Teilkasko or Vollkasko) pays for that. The risk is high: according to the GDV (German Insurance Association), 6850 e-scooters with Kasko cover were stolen in Germany in 2023, which is 277 thefts per 10 000 vehicles against 4 per 10 000 for cars. Teilkasko costs an extra 25 to 60 euros a year with a 150-euro excess. On a 250-euro scooter it approaches the purchase price within three years; on a scooter from 500 euros upwards it pays for itself with the first theft.
What is the eKFV (Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung)?
Since 2019, only small electric vehicles that have undergone mandatory certification have been permitted to take part in road traffic.
Approved models feature a manufacturer’s plate bearing the following information:
- Manufacturer
- Type
- ABE number (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis – general operating permit)
Owners of small electric vehicles without an ABE must first contact the vehicle manufacturer to enquire about the possibility of obtaining an operating permit. Individual approval is possible in principle, but the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority) is not responsible for it. In this case, please contact an officially recognised motor vehicle expert.
Take out insurance for an e-scooter:
You can take out insurance yourself for an e-scooter or any other vehicle that needs a new number plate from 1 March. We have picked a great-value policy from Die Bayerische for you:
Arrange insurance for other types of transport
Small two-seater motorcycle, fitted with a kickstarter, with a maximum engine capacity of 50 cc
A small two-seater moped with a maximum engine capacity of 50cc
Single-seat motorised bicycle capable of reaching a top speed of 25 km/h.
A step-through scooter (electric or petrol) with an open space between the front panel and the seat.
And other types, such as light quadricycles, Segways, S-Pedelecs, motorised wheelchairs, etc.
A step-through scooter (electric or petrol) with an open space between the front panel and the seat.
And other types, such as light quadricycles, Segways, S-Pedelecs, motorised wheelchairs, etc.
eKFV reform: what changed in 2026 and what will happen from 1 March 2027
On 30 January 2026, the eKFV amendment was signed, and it was published on 6 February 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 32). It has two different effective dates — this is where almost all websites get confused.
Already in effect from 1 April 2026 (technical section): mandatory VIN and manufacturer’s plate; independent front and rear brakes on multi-axle models; stricter requirements for battery and electrical safety; approval of e-scooters with recognized EU or EEA certification.
Indicators. Since 1 April 2026 § 5 Abs. 4 eKFV has required them — the wording “zulässig” (permitted) was replaced by “vorgeschrieben” (mandatory). However, the transitional rule in § 15 Abs. 4 eKFV keeps the old version until 31 December 2026 for e-scooters put into circulation earlier and approved before 1 April 2026. In practice this means the requirement hits new models going on sale from 2027. The activation must be both visible and audible to the driver. There is no need to retrofit an already purchased scooter — full Bestandsschutz (grandfathering) applies (§ 15 paragraphs 3-4 eKFV).
From 1 March 2027 Sections 9–13 will be removed from the eKFV and the rules of conduct will move to the StVO (Road Traffic Regulations). In effect, e-scooters will be treated like bicycles: any sign bearing the “Radverkehr” (cycle traffic) symbol will also apply to them; they will have to use cycle lanes; they will be allowed to ride side by side (provided this does not hinder anyone) and to park on the pavement and in pedestrian zones. It is still forbidden to carry a passenger.
Regarding the “new rules from May 2026”: The internet is awash with posts about changes allegedly taking effect in May 2026. The official text (Artikel 5) contains no such dates: Artikel 1 is from 1 April 2026, and Artikel 2-4 are from 1 March 2027.
Separately: Halterhaftung (owner liability). On 9 July 2026 the Bundestag passed a law extending strict liability (Gefährdungshaftung) to e-scooters — liability of the owner without fault (§ 7 StVG) and a presumption of fault for the rider (§ 18 StVG). The law is not yet in force: the Bundesrat approved it on 25 September 2026 (it had raised no objections in May either, when it first considered the bill), but it has not yet been published in the Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette). It will come into force on the first day of the quarter following publication: if it is published by the end of 2026, that will be 1 January 2027. There is no retroactive effect: accidents that happened earlier are covered by the previous version (§ 65 Abs. 4 StVG). According to the bill’s own estimate, premiums will rise by a few euros a year.
From what age can you ride, and do you need a licence?
You can ride an e-scooter in Germany from the age of 14 (§ 3 eKFV). The 2026 reform did not change this rule.
No driving licence is needed. No Mofa-Prüfbescheinigung (moped test certificate) is needed either — there is no test to pass.
Rental e-scooters are a completely different story. Sharing operators usually only allow people aged 18 and over behind the handlebars, but this is their own rule rather than a legal requirement.
Where you can ride an e-scooter, and where you can’t
Where you can ride: Cycle tracks and cycle lanes are the priority. If they are not available, use the carriageway.
Where it is forbidden: pavements and pedestrian zones (unless a sign expressly permits riding there), motorways and any Kraftfahrstraße (motor-vehicle-only road), and riding the wrong way down a one-way street unless a sign permits it.
Riding two-up is prohibited — an e-scooter is designed for one person. This rule remains in place after the reform.
A helmet is not compulsory — there is no legal obligation, only a recommendation. Given the injury statistics, it is a recommendation worth taking seriously.
From 1 March 2027 the rules are changing: signs for cyclists will also apply to e-scooters, there will be a requirement to use cycle paths, and pavement parking will become permitted.
Fines for e-scooter drivers in 2026 and drink-driving
It is important to distinguish between two levels. Driving without a sticker — that is an Ordnungswidrigkeit (administrative offence), a 40 euro fine. Driving completely without insurance — that is a criminal offence under section 30 of the PflVG. The conviction is entered in the Bundeszentralregister (Federal Central Register), and the scooter can be confiscated. A first conviction with a fine of up to 90 daily rates does not appear on your Führungszeugnis (criminal record certificate).
| Violation | Until 28/02/2027 | From 01/03/2027 |
|---|---|---|
| No valid sticker | 40 € | 40 € |
| Sticker not presented or incorrectly affixed | 10 € | 10 € |
| Driving without insurance | criminal case, Section 30 of the PflVG | the same |
| No ABE / Betriebserlaubnis | 70 € | 70 € |
| Riding on the pavement or in a pedestrian zone | €15 · with obstruction €20 · with endangerment €25 · with damage €30 | 25 € · €30 · €35 · €40 |
| Riding double | €5 (BKat No. 97) | 25 € |
| Running a red light | €60, 1 point | the same |
| The red light stayed on for more than a second | €100, 1 point | the same |
| Phone in hand | 100 €, 1 point | €55, 1 point |
The higher fines set out in the amendment will only come into force on 1 March 2027. The old rates apply until 28 February 2027. Using a phone is the only item that will actually get cheaper in 2027: at the moment an e-scooter counts as a motor vehicle and it costs 100 euros, from 1 March 2027 it will be 55 euros, as for a cyclist. Some websites already list the new amounts as being in force — that is premature.
Alcohol. Legally, the e-scooter is classified as a ‘Kraftfahrzeug’, so the regulations are the same as for a car.
| Per mille | Consequences |
|---|---|
| 0.0 — under 21 or during the Probezeit (probationary period for new drivers) | €250, 1 penalty point, compulsory seminar, Probezeit extended to 4 years |
| 0.5–1.09 with no signs of intoxication | €500, 2 penalty points, 1-month Fahrverbot (driving ban) |
| 0.3–1.09 whilst showing signs of intoxication or in the event of a road traffic accident | criminal case (§ 316 / § 315c StGB) |
| from 1.1 | criminal case, licence revoked, often an MPU (medical-psychological assessment) |
Key point: the sanction hits the car driving licence, even if the person was riding a scooter. Anyone who does not yet hold a licence gets a Sperrfrist (a period during which a licence cannot be issued). Disputes over fines and licence revocation are covered by legal expenses insurance with Verkehrsrechtsschutz (motor legal protection), and the implications for your driving licence are also worth bearing in mind when choosing your Kfz-Versicherung (motor insurance).
How dangerous is it? Statistics on road traffic accidents involving electric scooters
Destatis statistics for 2025 (published in July 2026) explain why insurance is not just a formality here:
16 496 road traffic accidents with casualties involving e-scooters — 38 % more than in 2024. 38 dead and 1’895 seriously injured. 53,6 % of injured riders were under 25. The main causes attributable to the e-scooter rider were: incorrect use of the carriageway (21.6 %) and alcohol (10.9 %).
Haftpflichtversicherung only covers damage you have caused to others. It does not cover your own injuries — this requires Unfallversicherung (personal accident insurance).
Do you need help and advice?
If you have any questions, you can always contact us:
By email: [email protected]
On Telegram: t.me/Finber_de
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is e-scooter insurance?
Electric scooter insurance is a special type of insurance that provides cover in case of accidents related to the use of electric scooters. It can include third-party liability, protection against theft, and damage.
Is insurance mandatory for an electric scooter in Germany?
Yes. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory for all e-scooters with a design speed exceeding 6 km/h. Proof of this is the insurance sticker (Versicherungsplakette) on the rear of the scooter; for the insurance year from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027, it is black. Operating an e-scooter on public roads without valid insurance is punishable under § 30 PflVG.
What types of insurance are available for e-scooters?
We offer various types of insurance for electric scooters, including basic cover that includes third-party liability, and optional extras such as theft and damage insurance.
How do I get insurance for my electric scooter?
You can arrange insurance for your electric scooter by filling out the form on our website. You will need to provide some information about yourself and your electric scooter, then select the appropriate type of insurance and pay for the policy.
What should I do if I want to change or cancel my insurance policy?
If you wish to change or cancel your insurance policy, please contact our customer support. We will help you make the necessary changes or provide information on any potential penalties and cancellation deadlines.
What should I do after an e-scooter accident or theft?
In the event of an accident or theft of your electric scooter, you should immediately report it to the police and then contact our customer support. We will provide you with instructions on how to proceed and assist you with compensation, if covered by your insurance policy.
What documents will I need to arrange insurance?
To arrange insurance, you will need to provide a copy of your passport or identification document, details of your electric scooter (make, model, serial number), and information about previous insurance policies, if any.
How much does insurance for an electric scooter cost?
Haftpflicht (third-party liability cover) for the 2026/27 insurance year costs roughly 19 to 45 euros a year — the exact amount depends on the insurer and the rider’s age: riders under 23 pay more, around 50 to 80 euros. Teilkasko (partial cover: theft, fire, natural hazards) adds 25 to 60 euros with a 150-euro excess; together with Haftpflicht that is 60 to 95 euros a year. For theft there is often a separate 300-euro excess. If you take out the policy in the middle of the insurance year, the premium is calculated pro rata for the remaining months.
Is my e-scooter insured outside Germany?
A German Versicherungskennzeichen (insurance plate) is valid in all EU countries: cover follows the rules of the country you are visiting, but is never lower than the sums insured under your policy. For trips abroad, the insurer issues a Green Card (Grüne Versicherungskarte) as confirmation of insurance cover. The German policy does not cover the permanent use of a scooter abroad. Check local regulations separately: in a number of countries, private electric scooters are not permitted for road traffic.
What requirements must an electric scooter meet for insurance and registration in Germany?
The scooter must comply with the eKFV requirements: a design speed of 6 to 20 km/h, a motor power of up to 500 W (up to 1400 W for self-balancing scooters), handlebars or a handrail, two independent brakes, a bell, and lighting. An Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (ABE – general operating permit) is mandatory – its number is indicated on the manufacturer’s sticker. Scooters without an ABE cannot be insured, and riding them is punishable by a €70 fine and a point in Flensburg.
From what age can you ride an e-scooter, and do you need a licence?
You can ride an electric scooter in Germany from the age of 14 — this is laid down in § 3 of the eKFV. A driving licence is not required, nor is a Mofa-Prüfbescheinigung. Wearing a helmet is not required by law for any age group, but according to Destatis statistics, 53.6 per cent of injured scooter riders are under 25, so wearing a helmet is strongly recommended.
What colour is the insurance sticker for an electric scooter in 2026?
In the insurance year from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027, the sticker is black. The colours alternate in a three-year cycle, as stipulated in § 53 FZV: 2027/28 - blue, 2028/29 - green. The sticker is not automatically renewed: a new one must be applied for and affixed by 1 March, otherwise the scooter is considered uninsured.
What are the penalties for riding an e-scooter without insurance?
This is not an administrative offence, but a criminal offence under § 30 PflVG: up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine; in cases of negligence, up to six months or 180 daily rates. Additionally, the scooter may be confiscated (§ 30 (4) PflVG). The situation is different if insurance has been taken out but the sticker has not been affixed: this is an Ordnungswidrigkeit (administrative offence) with a fine of around 40 euros.
What is the blood alcohol limit on an e-scooter?
The same rules apply as for a car because an electric scooter is legally a Kraftfahrzeug (motor vehicle). From 0.5 per mille, there’s a fine of €500, 2 points in Flensburg, and a one-month driving ban. From 1.1 per mille, you are considered absolutely unfit to drive: criminal proceedings and, as a rule, the revocation of your car driving licence. For drivers under 21 and during the Probezeit (probationary period for new drivers), the limit is 0.0 per mille. Even from 0.3 per mille, the consequences become criminal if an accident occurs or signs of intoxication are noticeable.
Where can you ride an electric scooter, and where can’t you?
Riding is permitted on cycle paths and cycle lanes, and in their absence, on the carriageway. Pavements and pedestrian zones are off-limits unless there is a separate “E-Scooter frei” (e-scooters allowed) sign nearby; riding against the direction of traffic in an Einbahnstraße (one-way street) is forbidden. The fine for riding on the pavement is between 15 and 30 euros, for running a red light it is between 60 and 180 euros and a penalty point in Flensburg, and for riding double on one scooter it is 5 euros (25 euros from 1 March 2027).
Are indicators needed on an electric scooter?
Indicators are mandatory for electric scooters first approved for road use from 1 January 2027. For models already in use before this date, Bestandsschutz (grandfathering) under § 15 para. 3-4 eKFV applies – retrofitting is not necessary, and there will be no prohibition on their use.
Does Privathaftpflicht (personal liability insurance) cover damage caused by e-scooters?
No. An electric scooter is a Kraftfahrzeug (motor vehicle) subject to compulsory insurance, and private liability insurance explicitly excludes such damage. You need a separate Haftpflicht with an insurance sticker. Privathaftpflicht only covers ordinary bicycles and pedelecs up to 25 km/h.
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Hi. Thanks for the info. How can I get my blue licence plates to be green? I have a Roll’d 50cc.
Hi,
You can make it here:
https://finber.de/en/e-scooter/
Good afternoon! Unfortunately, I can’t figure out whether this e-scooter is suitable for German roads?
Juicease TX01
Hello.
If you find your model when arranging insurance, it means the scooter is suitable for German roads.
Good morning, the Ninebot F2 Pro e-scooter appears to be one of the approved models. However, I am a resident of Italy, and Die Bayerische confirms that they only provide insurance for residents of Germany. How can I insure the e-scooter for use in Germany whilst being resident in Italy? Is it possible to take out Italian insurance that is valid abroad (including Germany)?
Good afternoon.
To insure a scooter it is necessary to have German registration, this is a condition of the companies. If you have an address in Germany, you can take out insurance.
Hello,
I am from Norway and will be travelling in Germany next year with my motorhome and will bring with me 2 Ninebot MAX G30D. These already have liability insurance (mandatory in Norway as well) that applies throughout Europe. But if I understand German legislation correctly, we must have insurance that also gives us registration plates. How can I, who live in Norway, get this?
Hello,
Your scooter is not certified for use on German roads. It is impossible to obtain registration plates and insurance for it.
I have not received the sticker personally yet, but I have the digital plate. Can I ride my e-scooter yet?
Good afternoon.
You need to wait for the scooter sticker. It will arrive within 3-5 business days.
How do I insure my scooter if I wasn’t given documents for it?
Hello.
You can download the certification, if available, from the manufacturer’s website.
The main thing is that your scooter is approved for use on German roads.
There is a link to all certified models in the article above. If your scooter is on this list, it is approved and can be insured.
Hello. Is insurance compulsory for a e-scooter SoFlow SO3, vehicle class P145?
Hello.
Your scooter is on the list of approved vehicles.
I.e., insurance and registration plates are compulsory for it.
Hello. What is the fine for riding an e-scooter without insurance and a registration plate?
Good afternoon, Elena!
Actually, they’re dreadful! Anyone who uses an e-scooter in traffic without valid insurance is in breach of the Compulsory Insurance Act. This can lead to a fine of between 150 and 500 euros and up to a year’s imprisonment. In the event of an accident, it will cost even more!
Therefore we advise you to arrange it in advance 🙂 you can do it quickly and conveniently by following the links in our article — https://finber.de/e-scooter/
I bought this Aovopro ES Max electric scooter and now I’ve run into a problem with insurance. Where and how can I find out if I can get insurance for this type of scooter?
Hello.
If you cannot find the model using the link on the page, it means it is not approved for use on public roads in Germany.
Good evening, please could you tell me how I can order licence plates by post from you to take out insurance for an electric scooter
You can take out an insurance policy via the link in the article.
If I took out insurance for my e-scooter at Media Markt, can I cancel it there as well?
Any insurance policy can be cancelled within 14 days without giving a reason.
Hello, if I’ve taken out e-scooter insurance at Media Markt and want to cancel it, can I go there and ask them to cancel it?
Hello.
How to find out which e-scooter is subject to insurance in Germany?
Good afternoon.
If the scooter cannot be found when attempting to insure it, it means it cannot be ridden on public roads in Germany.
Also, the list can be found by link.
Good afternoon!
Could you tell me what to do in a situation like this?
My husband was passing through Germany for a couple of days.
He was riding a scooter that he had brought with him in the boot. The police stopped him. It turned out that insurance was required. He did not know about this.
Now a letter from Germany has arrived at home, the fine is not stated, but it says to provide an explanation for committing a crime. Please tell me what to do in such situations. What are the consequences?
Thank you
Good afternoon.
This risks a fine. Which one — I cannot say.
Could you please tell me, when taking out insurance, will a scooter registration number be issued and within what timeframe?
Hello.
The number arrives within 3-5 working days.