Germany is prepared to pass legislation that will hold rental e-scooter operators responsible for accidents. The new law will shift liability for damages from accident victims to the operating companies, such as Lime and Bolt.

Under the proposed legislation, rental companies will be held responsible, allowing victims to receive compensation directly from the firms. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig stated, "Those who earn money renting e-scooters should also take responsibility for the damage caused by these vehicles." The draft law was put forward by the right-left coalition government.

Beate Saupe, a representative from the Saxony state consumer advice center, indicated the new law strengthens the rights of affected pedestrians. "The rights of affected passersby are being strengthened vis-a-vis the operating companies – they [the victims] will no longer be left just to foot the bill," Saupe said. Victims are currently required to prove the e-scooter rider was at fault to file a claim.

The legislation aims to address damage caused by high accident rates involving e-scooters, particularly those improperly left on footpaths and pavements. The German government reported that e-scooter accidents resulting in injury or death increased from 5,535 in 2021 to nearly 12,000 in 2024. In 2024, e-scooter accidents constituted approximately 4% of all traffic accidents leading to casualties in Germany. That year, 27 people died in e-scooter accidents, all of whom were riders, while about 1,500 people were seriously injured and around 11,400 sustained minor injuries.

Anna Montasser of the Shared Mobility lobbying group expressed concerns regarding the legislation. Montasser stated that the industry anticipates an increase in fraudulent claims. She also said, "Damage caused to a person or property can simply be attributed to a provider, entirely regardless of fault." Montasser further warned that the legislation could lead to an increase in lawsuits, potentially "inundate German courts."

The law specifies that riders will share liability with operators for any 'presumed fault' in a collision. These liability rules for riders align with existing policies for other motorized vehicles, including cars. The law does not cover other motorized rentals like e-bikes. E-scooters have been permitted on German roads since 2019, with usage restricted to individuals aged 14 and over. A YouGov poll indicated that 67% of German voters support the new liability rules for operators.

The government also approved tightened safety rules for e-scooters to be implemented next year. Under these updated regulations, new e-scooter models will be required to have turn indicators. Additionally, higher fines will be imposed for individuals who ride e-scooters with two or more people on board.

Why It Matters

This legislation represents a shift in liability for e-scooter accidents in Germany, placing a greater burden on rental operators rather than individual riders or victims. The move by the German government comes in response to an increase in e-scooter accidents that have resulted in injuries and fatalities since their introduction in 2019. The new law seeks to provide a more direct path for victims to obtain compensation and hold companies accountable for damages, similar to existing regulations for other motorized vehicles.