Electric scooters, or e-scooters, have seen a rapid rise in popularity across the UK in recent years. With increased interest in eco-friendly commuting options and micro-mobility, many people are now choosing e-scooters as a practical, low-cost alternative to cars or public transport. But as ownership grows, so do the questions — particularly around insurance. Can you insure an electric scooter in the UK? The short answer is: it depends. The long answer involves legal classifications, usage scenarios, and evolving policies.
This article will walk you through the current legal landscape, available insurance options, what’s covered, and what to expect in the future.
Legal Status of Electric Scooters in the UK
Before diving into insurance specifics, it’s important to understand how e-scooters are classified under UK law. At present, electric scooters are considered Powered Transporters, a broad category that includes a range of personal transport devices powered by motors.
This means privately owned e-scooters are currently illegal to use on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes. You can only ride them on private land with the landowner’s permission. However, the Department for Transport (DfT) has been running trials in various parts of England where rental e-scooters are allowed on public roads and cycle lanes under specific conditions.
Under these trials, rental e-scooters are treated similarly to motor vehicles. They require insurance, which is typically provided by the rental company. Privately owned scooters, on the other hand, cannot be legally insured for public road use because they’re not permitted on those roads to begin with.
So, can you insure an electric scooter? Yes — but it depends on whether it’s for private use, part of a rental scheme, and where you intend to ride it.
Insurance for Privately Owned E-Scooters
As of now, if you own an e-scooter, your legal use is limited to private property. Despite this, some insurance providers have begun offering policies for e-scooters used off public roads. These policies are generally limited in scope and may cover:
- Theft and vandalism
- Accidental damage
- Third-party liability (on private land)
Theft and Accidental Damage
Electric scooters can be expensive, often ranging from £300 to over £1,500. Just like bicycles, they’re also highly attractive to thieves. Insurance for theft or accidental damage can be valuable, especially if you use your scooter frequently or store it in a shared or unsecured area.
However, policies often come with conditions — you may be required to use a certain grade of lock or store the scooter indoors overnight. Failing to meet these terms can void your claim.
Third-Party Liability (on Private Property)
If you injure someone or damage property while riding your scooter on private land, third-party liability cover can protect you financially. Some insurers offer this, but it’s not standard. Additionally, some household insurance policies may include or offer optional cover for personal liability that extends to riding electric scooters on private land. However, the limits of such coverage vary, and it’s not guaranteed.
Insurance for Rental E-Scooters
If you’re using a rental e-scooter as part of one of the government trial schemes, insurance is typically included as part of the rental agreement. Operators like Voi, Lime, and Tier provide coverage that includes:
- Third-party liability
- Accident and injury
- Damage to the scooter
You’re not usually required to take out your own policy, though the cover can be basic. For example, some operators might exclude personal injury caused by rider error. Always read the terms before hiring.
It’s worth noting that you still need to meet certain conditions to use rental scooters legally, such as:
- Being at least 16 years old
- Holding a full or provisional driving licence
- Following the Highway Code
If you’re found to be riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or breaking road rules, the insurance may not apply, and you could be held personally liable.
Is Insurance Required by Law?
For privately owned e-scooters, insurance is not legally required, but that’s because their use on public roads is illegal. If legislation changes in the future — and there have been calls for reform — then insurance requirements could follow.
For rental scooters, insurance is legally required, and it is provided by the rental company. This is one reason why rental schemes are the only legal way to ride an e-scooter on public roads in the UK at the moment.
What Types of Insurance Are Available?
At this stage, the UK insurance market for e-scooters is still developing. However, a few types of policies exist for specific use cases:
1. Personal Accident Insurance
This can provide compensation if you’re injured while riding your scooter, even if the incident is your fault. It can cover:
- Broken bones
- Permanent disability
- Loss of earnings
- Hospital costs
It’s not always scooter-specific and can sometimes be included in broader personal accident policies.
2. Contents or Home Insurance Add-ons
Some home insurance providers allow you to add high-value items like electric scooters to your policy. This can cover theft and accidental damage, both in and out of the home. But these add-ons may not include third-party liability or cover usage outside the property, so check the small print.
3. Specialist Micro-Mobility Insurance
A few UK providers now offer specialist micro-mobility insurance, including e-scooters. These tend to cover:
- Theft
- Damage
- Third-party liability
- Legal expenses
Brands like Laka and Bikmo have started offering such policies. However, they still restrict coverage to usage on private land due to the current legal framework.
Cost of E-Scooter Insurance
The cost of insuring an electric scooter depends on:
- Its value
- Where and how it’s stored
- How often it’s used
- What coverage you need
For a basic theft and damage policy, prices can start from around £5 to £15 per month. Third-party liability and personal injury cover can add to this. If bundled into a home insurance or broader personal policy, it may cost less overall, but the protection could be limited.
What Happens if You Ride Without Insurance?
For private scooters ridden on public roads — which is currently illegal — the issue isn’t just lack of insurance, but unlawful use of the vehicle itself. If caught, you could face:
- A fine of up to £300
- Six penalty points on your licence
- Confiscation of the scooter
Additionally, if you’re involved in an accident and cause injury or damage, you could be held personally liable for all costs, including medical bills and legal fees. No insurance company will protect you if you were riding illegally.
What Could Change in the Future?
There is growing pressure on the UK government to update laws surrounding electric scooters. Many argue that with the right regulations, e-scooters can be a safe and sustainable mode of transport.
If legislation is reformed, likely outcomes include:
- Legalising private e-scooters for road use
- Mandatory insurance similar to that for motor vehicles
- Helmet recommendations or requirements
- Licensing or registration systems
If these changes come into effect, insurance options will expand and likely become standardised. Insurers will have more clarity on risk and usage, and consumers will benefit from more choice and legal protection.
Final Thoughts
So, can you insure an electric scooter in the UK? Yes, but only under specific conditions. If you own a private e-scooter and use it legally (on private land), you can take out specialist cover for theft, damage, and sometimes third-party liability. If you use a rental scooter in a trial area, insurance is provided by the operator.
However, the broader issue remains the current legal ban on private scooter use on public roads. Until this changes, insurance options will remain limited and conditional.
Anyone considering buying an e-scooter should be aware of the legal restrictions and make sure any usage or insurance aligns with current laws. For now, ride responsibly — and only where it’s allowed.
