Insuring your electric scooter

Do you need to insure an electric scooter? It depends on where and how you ride. An admitted LEV on public roads carries a third-party liability obligation; if you ride only on private land, that's different. You may also want cover against theft or damage. We set out what's mandatory, what's sensible, and how legality and insurance go together.

Third-party liability for admitted LEVs

If you ride an electric scooter admitted by the RDW on public roads, it falls under the third-party liability (WA) insurance obligation — just like a moped or light moped. WA insurance (legal liability) covers the damage you cause to others or to other people's property with the scooter. In traffic that's no needless luxury, because in a collision the costs can mount up quickly.

Important to know: insurance does not make a non-admitted scooter legal for the road after all. RDW admission and the insurance obligation go hand in hand, but they are two separate conditions. If you want to go on the road, choose an admitted model from our 62 RDW-legal permitted scooters and arrange the insurance with it. That way you ride right and legally in one go.

Riding on private land

If you use the scooter exclusively on your own or private land — for instance an enclosed yard, a sports venue or an off-road course — the public-road liability obligation does not apply in the same way. That's exactly what makes the non-admitted models (68 in our range) suitable for sport and recreation, often with more speed and power than is allowed on the road.

Note, though: damage or injury on private land may still fall under your liability, for instance if someone else gets hurt. Therefore check whether your existing personal liability insurance covers anything here, certainly if children ride along or you let guests practise on your land. A good lock and a safe riding environment also prevent most problems.

Theft and liability

Besides the legal WA cover, there are optional covers worth considering, certainly for a more expensive model:

• Theft cover — an electric scooter is popular with thieves. A good lock is the first step; additional insurance can limit the financial loss if the scooter is stolen anyway.
• Comprehensive cover — for damage to your own scooter after a fall or accident, so you don't foot the repair bill yourself.
• Liability — check carefully what your personal or WA insurance does and doesn't cover when using a scooter, and whether any exclusions apply.

The exact terms and premiums differ per insurer and are tied to your model's legality status. Unsure whether your scooter is admitted and what exactly you need? Consult our legality hub or ask for expert advice in the showroom; we're happy to help you make the right choice.