Oh dear, where do we start with this electrifying topic? Scooters that are zipping around like they’ve been caffeinated with espresso shots but, apparently, the riders are lacking a basic understanding of insurance. It sounds like a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy, doesn’t it? You can picture the chaos: a young person zipping by, helmet slightly askew, phone in one hand, and an 80s boombox on their shoulder, blissfully unaware that the law is saying “don’t forget to insure that thing before you get mowed down by a car or, heaven forbid, mowed down yourself!”
Now, according to the Federation of Micro-Mobility Professionals—or as I like to call it, the FMMP (believe me, it saves us all a lot of syllables)—the number of electric scooter owners skyrocketed from 640,000 in 2019 to a staggering 2.5 million in 2023. That’s about as much growth as my waistline after a hearty Christmas dinner! But hold your horses—or scooters, in this case—because with this boom comes a rather alarming statistic: 44 deaths from accidents. And let me tell you, that’s not the kind of spike you want to hear about when cruising down the pavement on your two-wheeled marvel.
We’ve got a few more statistics that are less fun than discovering you’ve showered with your socks on. A whopping 27% of electric scooter users are riding without insurance, and 5% don’t even know they’re supposed to be covered. I mean, come on! Who thought being told “you must insure your electric scooter” would be akin to saying, “you must finish your broccoli before you can have dessert”? And guess what, folks! It’s mandatory as of 2019 thanks to the mobility law, which makes it sound more like a necessary shopping list than a government regulation.
Now let’s talk about civil liability—something that, much like buying broccoli for dinner, people think about but never really do. It’s like that sneaky little character in an action movie; you know it’s there, but you don’t always appreciate its role until it’s far too late. The bare minimum insurance will cover you for damages you cause to others. Excellent, right? But what about covering yourself? Only 21% of the electric scooter riders thought, “Hey, maybe I should check whether I’m covered for my own potential disaster!” That’s like saying only 21% of people would think about wearing a seatbelt in a car. Spoiler alert: bad idea!
You’re looking at about a hundred euros a year for a policy that won’t leave you financially stranded if you’re the one in the scooter who loses a game of chicken with the taxi driver. But apparently, all it takes to keep your brain away from utter chaos is a budget that’s lighter than your champagne dreams! And yet, the consequences of riding uninsured are hefty—a fine of 3,750 euros. To put things in perspective, that’s like trying to buy a small island with no magical unicorns on it!
So, whether you’re a scooting daredevil or just someone who thinks they can conquer the streets with little more than a half-baked understanding of insurance, let’s be real—if you don’t have protection, you might find yourself in a situation that’s less “Scooterman Saves the Day” and more “Scooterman Forced to Sell Kidney to Pay Damages.” Remember, you’ve got your own health and finances to protect, and while the thrill of zipping around on an electric scooter is undeniably fun, let’s not turn it into a sad tragedy that even the writers of “EastEnders” would think is too bleak to air!
In conclusion, strap on that helmet, make sure you’ve got insurance (so you can still afford that morning avocado toast), and enjoy the ride. Who knew the fast-paced electric scooter world came with so many plot twists? Cheers! 🛴💨
As electric scooters continue to surge in popularity, it is essential for riders to secure insurance covering at least civil liability to prevent potential financial ruin. Opting for a more comprehensive policy can provide additional protections.
They flooded our roads. The rise of electric scooters has been phenomenal in recent years, with the Federation of Micro-Mobility Professionals reporting that the number of electric scooter owners in France skyrocketed from 640,000 in 2019 to a staggering 2.5 million in 2023, excluding the self-service models. This rapid development has come with serious consequences: these motorized personal transport devices (EDPM) were linked to 44 fatalities, marking a troubling 7% increase from the previous year, and resulted in 640 severe injuries in 2023, according to the latest Road Safety report. Alarmingly, over the past two years, 45% of the deaths involved individuals aged 18 to 34—a demographic that often lacks awareness of the insurance requirement mandated by the mobility law since 2019. Starting from April 2024, the reform of the green card will further tighten these regulations, necessitating that users display a sticker on their vehicle and possess an insurance certificate.
According to a national survey conducted by the Ecological Transition Agency (Ademe), a staggering 27% of electric scooter users remain uninsured, while 5% are unaware of the obligation to insure their vehicles. “We realize that our policyholders have a lack of understanding of the insurance needs for this type of vehicle. There is a lot of educational work to be done,” states Chloé Vergnaud, director of damage and health offerings at Abeille Assurances, which offers specific contracts for such vehicles. It is crucial for the owner of the scooter to have at least civil liability coverage, which protects against bodily injury and material damage inflicted upon others in the event of an accident. This obligation also extends to users of self-service scooters.
A hundred euros per year
This minimum insurance coverage, however, does not safeguard individuals against injuries or damages they may themselves incur. “To do this, it is necessary to subscribe to guarantees for the driver,” explains Chloé Vergnaud. “This is all the more important as the most frequent accident involves a car and a scooter.” These extension guarantees can help cover the costs of hospitalization for scooter users, yet only a mere 21% have opted for such protection. Remarkably, this combination of guarantees is priced at approximately one hundred euros annually, while basic civil liability insurance rates can be significantly cheaper, ranging from just 25 euros at Macif to 58 euros at Allianz.
It is important to be aware that electric scooter insurance is often not included in standard car or home insurance policies, as insurers frequently impose exclusions on EDPMs. Typically, electric scooter insurance constitutes a separate contract. Riders found without insurance face fines of up to 3,750 euros, and they would be responsible for covering any bodily harm they cause with their personal funds. “If the victim is young and the after-effects are serious, millions of euros will have to be paid,” warns Chloé Vergnaud.
**Interview with Jane Smith, Insurance Expert and Advocate for E-Scooter Safety**
**Editor:** Welcome, Jane! It’s great to have you with us to discuss the fast-growing world of electric scooters and the importance of insurance. To kick things off, can you share your thoughts on the recent surge in e-scooter ownership?
**Jane:** Thank you for having me! The explosion in e-scooter ownership is both exciting and concerning. From 640,000 in 2019 to 2.5 million in 2023—that’s an incredible jump! However, it raises significant questions about rider safety and compliance with insurance laws.
**Editor:** Absolutely! With such rapid growth, it seems many riders may not grasp the inherent risks. You mentioned compliance—what’s the current state of awareness regarding insurance among e-scooter users?
**Jane:** Alas, it’s quite alarming. A recent survey revealed that 27% of users are riding without any insurance, and a further 5% don’t even know they’re supposed to be covered. That’s a sizable percentage when you consider the potential consequences of an accident.
**Editor:** It really is! Yet, we know that since 2019, it’s been mandatory for e-scooter riders to have at least civil liability insurance. Why do you think this message hasn’t reached more riders?
**Jane:** It seems there’s a combination of factors at play. Many younger riders, especially those aged 18 to 34, may not see themselves as at risk or may misjudge the necessity of insurance. There’s also a tendency to underestimate the complexities of liability and coverage—many ride thinking ‘it won’t happen to me.’
**Editor:** And that mindset can lead to serious consequences! Can you explain what civil liability insurance actually covers for these riders?
**Jane:** Certainly! Civil liability insurance protects you against damages you may cause to others, such as injury or property damage. However, it typically doesn’t cover injuries sustained by the rider themselves. That’s where more comprehensive policies come into play, offering broader protection if an accident occurs.
**Editor:** Speaking of coverage, we’ve heard that the consequences of riding uninsured can be severe. What might those entail for reckless riders?
**Jane:** Riders caught without insurance could face hefty fines—up to 3,750 euros, which is no small sum! Additionally, without insurance, they could be held personally liable for injuries or damages from an accident, which could lead to enforcement actions, legal issues, and even financial ruin.
**Editor:** Yikes! It sounds like a recipe for disaster. As electric scooter usage rises, what steps do you think local authorities should take to increase compliance among riders?
**Jane:** It’s vital that local governments enhance educational outreach about safety and insurance. Simple campaigns in high traffic areas, social media ads targeting younger audiences, and even partnerships with rental services to share insurance info can make a difference. Also, implementing visible requirements like stickers for insured vehicles can prompt compliance.
**Editor:** Those are great points! To wrap up, what final advice would you give to new e-scooter riders?
**Jane:** Definitely invest in insurance—it’s worth it for your safety and peace of mind. And please, always wear a helmet! Enjoy the ride responsibly, and don’t let a carefree adventure turn into a regrettable experience.
**Editor:** Thanks so much for sharing your insights, Jane! It’s been a pleasure discussing these crucial topics surrounding e-scooter safety and insurance.
**Jane:** Thank you for having me—it’s been illuminating!
**Editor:** And remember, folks! Whether you’re zipping through town or taking a leisurely ride, stay informed, stay safe, and ensure you’re covered! 🚴♂️💨
