Germany is set to pass legislation that will make rental e-scooter operators liable for accidents involving their vehicles, similar to car liability laws. The draft law, backed by the coalition government, aims to simplify compensation for victims hit by e-scooters on streets and pavements.
New Liability Rules for Operators and Riders
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig stated: "Those who earn money renting e-scooters should also take responsibility for the damage caused by these vehicles." The law, scheduled for a parliamentary vote on Thursday night, also holds riders liable for any "presumed fault" in collisions they cause, aligning with existing motor vehicle policies. E-scooters have been legal on German roads since 2019 for riders aged 14 and over.
Rising Accident Statistics
Government figures show e-scooter accidents with injuries or deaths more than doubled from 5,535 in 2021 to nearly 12,000 in 2024, accounting for about 4% of all traffic casualties. In 2024, 27 riders died, around 1,500 were seriously injured, and 11,400 sustained minor injuries. Insurance data indicates rental e-scooter users tend to be younger, less experienced, and more likely to ride on pavements than private owners.
Impact on Non-Riders
Non-riders hit by e-scooters rose to about 5,000 in 2023 from 1,150 in 2020. Currently, victims must prove the rider was at fault, which is difficult as riders are often hard to identify. The new law allows victims to claim compensation directly from rental companies. Beate Saupe from Saxony's consumer advice centre said: "The rights of affected passersby are being strengthened vis-a-vis the operating companies – they will no longer be left just to foot the bill."
Industry Concerns
Anna Montasser of the Shared Mobility lobbying group warned of potential fraudulent claims: "Damage caused to a person or property can simply be attributed to a provider, entirely regardless of fault." She added that the legislation could flood German courts with lawsuits. However, she noted that identifying riders from rental data is relatively easy, but tracing those responsible for improperly parked scooters remains challenging, as third parties often move them.
Public Support and Additional Measures
A YouGov poll found 67% of German voters favour the new liability rules. The government has also approved tighter safety rules from next year, requiring new e-scooters to have turn indicators and imposing higher fines for riding with two or more people. In Great Britain, nearly 500 people were seriously injured in e-scooter collisions last year, according to government statistics.
