German Parliament adopts stricter e‑scooter liability rules for 2026

On 9 July 2026 the German Bundestag passed a comprehensive amendment to liability law for electric micro‑mobility vehicles. The reform extends fault‑independent holder liability to e‑scooter sharing operators and other commercial holders, meaning that victims of personal injury or property damage can claim compensation even when the rider cannot be identified.

The legislation also clarifies driver responsibility, imposing presumed fault liability for riders who are suspected of causing an accident. Additional safety measures include mandatory turn‑signal lights for new models, stricter parking requirements for sharing fleets, and reinforced obligations for municipalities to manage e‑scooter traffic. Existing rules such as the minimum age of 14, insurance with registration plates, and alcohol limits remain unchanged.

These changes aim to close legal gaps created by the rapid growth of e‑scooter use, improve victim protection, and encourage operators to adopt safer fleet management and user‑identification systems.