German Bundestag makes e‑scooter rental firms liable for accident damages

The German Bundestag has passed a law that imposes strict, fault‑independent liability on operators of rental e‑scooters. Under the new rules, companies such as Lime and Bolt must cover compensation for injuries and property damage when the rider cannot be identified, and also when a parked scooter causes an accident. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig explained, “Wer mit der Vermietung von E‑Scootern Geld verdient, muss auch Verantwortung für die Schäden übernehmen, die mit seinen Fahrzeugen verursacht werden.”

Accident numbers have roughly doubled in recent years, rising from about 5,900 cases in 2020 to roughly 12,500 in 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office. Insurance claims by third parties have increased from 1,150 in 2020 to 5,000 in 2024, while rental scooters, which made up about one‑fifth of insured e‑scooters in 2023, were responsible for around 40 % of those claims. The legislation applies only to self‑balancing vehicles such as e‑scooters and Segways, excluding e‑bikes and other mobility devices.