Germany Overhauls e-Scooter Liability Rules for Operators and Renters

Germany's Bundesrat unanimously passed sweeping new liability regulations for electric scooters (e-Scooter) on September 25, fundamentally changing how accidents and injuries are handled legally. Under the new rules, which take effect immediately, e-scooter rental operators and vehicle owners become liable for damages caused by riders, regardless of whether the operator bears fault—a principle known as "strict liability" that mirrors existing rules for cars and motorcycles.

What Changed

• Previously, strict liability was excluded for vehicles with a maximum speed of 20 km/h; now e-scooters fall under standard vehicle liability frameworks
• Rental companies (like Lime, Tier, Voi) must now carry insurance covering rider injuries and property damage
• Riders remain liable if they directly cause an accident, but operators and owners are liable regardless of fault
• Hires to private users, shared-use schemes, and commercial rentals all affected equally

The law targets the growing number of e-scooter accidents in German cities. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have seen rising injury claims from bystanders and riders. The regulation aims to protect consumers by ensuring a responsible party—with insurance—covers costs.

For expats and visitors using rental scooters, this means operators must be properly insured. If you're injured using a rented e-scooter in Germany, you now have clearer legal grounds to claim damages. Conversely, if you damage property or injure someone while riding, your liability depends on whether you caused the accident or were simply riding negligently.

Sources

• Bundesrat — E-Scooter Haftung (September 25, 2026)