Is it mandatory to insure an electric scooter in France?

Electric scooters have become a very popular means of transport in major French cities, offering an eco-friendly and fast alternative to daily travel. However, with their increased use, many legal questions arise regarding their use, including: is it mandatory to insure an electric scooter in France? In this article, we answer this question by detailing the current laws and the options available to insure your scooter.

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1. French Legislation on Electric Scooter Insurance

Since the entry into force of the revised Highway Code in 2019 , electric scooters have been classified as motorized personal transportation devices (EDPM) . This classification has led to the establishment of specific rules concerning their use on public roads.

Regarding insurance, French law does not impose any specific mandatory insurance for electric scooters. However, it is crucial to understand that this does not mean that you can ride without coverage. In fact, several types of insurance may be required to ensure your safety as well as that of other road users.

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2. Civil Liability Insurance: An Obligation for All Drivers

Although specific insurance is not mandatory for electric scooters, civil liability is mandatory. This means that you must be covered in the event of an accident involving other people, whether it is a pedestrian, another cyclist or a motorist.

Civil liability covers damages that you may cause to others while using your electric scooter. It is part of the basic insurance that covers the use of motorized personal transport devices, such as electric bicycles or electric scooters. In addition, this insurance is generally included in multi-risk home insurance or in certain personal insurance policies .

Why is it important?

If you are at fault in an accident, liability insurance protects you against property damage or bodily injury that you may cause. For example, if you hit a pedestrian or are involved in a car accident, you could be held liable. Without adequate coverage, you would be held personally responsible for repairs and medical expenses.

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3. Cases Where Additional Insurance May Be Necessary

Although liability is generally included in basic insurance, certain situations may require additional or specific insurance, including:

A. Comprehensive Insurance or Stolen Helmets

If you own a high-value electric scooter, you may want to take out comprehensive insurance , which covers damage to your own scooter in the event of an accident, theft, or vandalism. Traditional liability insurance does not cover this type of damage.

Additionally, some insurance companies offer specific options for theft protection, coverage that is particularly useful for people who leave their scooters in unsecured public spaces.

B. Personal Accident Insurance

Personal accident insurance can also be a good option for electric scooter users. In the event of an accident where you are injured, this coverage allows you to receive compensation for your medical expenses, as well as support in the event of temporary or permanent incapacity to work.

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4. Insurance for Rented Electric Scooters

If you’re using a shared electric scooter (e.g., scooters offered by Lime, Circ, or Dott), the situation is different. That’s because the companies that rent out these scooters are required to include insurance to cover any accidents. However, this coverage doesn’t usually extend to all types of damage, such as theft or damage to the scooter by the user. Therefore, it’s always wise to check the terms and conditions of the rental app before committing.

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5. Penalties in the Event of Absence of Insurance

Although specific insurance is not mandatory to drive an electric scooter in France, civil liability is, and riding without insurance is risky. In the event of an accident, you may be required to cover significant costs. In addition, if you are involved in an accident and are not insured, you risk legal action to obtain compensation for the damage caused.

Lack of insurance for property damage or bodily injury can have serious financial consequences. Therefore, although the law does not formally require it, having liability insurance coverage remains an essential security measure.

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6. How to Take Out Insurance for an Electric Scooter?

Taking out insurance for your electric scooter is simple and can be done through several options:

• Your home insurance : Many home insurance policies include coverage for accidents related to personal mobility devices. Check with your insurer to see if this coverage applies to your scooter.
• Specialized insurance : Some insurance companies offer insurance specifically designed for EDPMs, including liability, theft protection and property damage. This is a good option for getting comprehensive coverage.
• Comprehensive insurance : If you are looking to cover the repair or replacement of your scooter in the event of damage or theft, you can take out comprehensive insurance .

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Conclusion: Insurance Recommended, but Not Mandatory

In conclusion, although the law does not specifically require insuring an electric scooter in France, it is strongly recommended to take out liability insurance to cover the risks of accidents. In addition to liability insurance, you can also opt for additional insurance that covers damage to your scooter, theft or personal injuries. Be sure to check your coverage with your insurer to be protected in all situations.