Germany is poised to crack down on rental e-scooter companies in the wake of a significant spike in accidents involving the vehicles. Under proposed new legislation, operators would be held directly responsible for damages, making it easier for victims to claim compensation.
Victims currently face a challenging task in proving fault on the part of the rider to secure payment – often complicated by difficulties in identifying individual riders or determining liability when scooters are improperly parked. The draft law aims to shift this burden onto rental companies such as Lime and Bolt, meaning they would assume liability similar to car owners.
Figures show a doubling of e-scooter-related accidents from 5,535 in 2021 to nearly 12,000 in 2024 – accounting for around 4% of all traffic incidents resulting in injuries or fatalities. In 2024 alone, 27 people died in e-scooter accidents, with all victims being the riders themselves.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig, a sponsor of the bill, has stated that those profiting from e-scooter rentals should also bear responsibility for any damage caused. Consumer groups have welcomed the proposals, but industry representatives have expressed concerns about potential surges in fraudulent claims and court cases.
A YouGov poll indicates strong public backing for enhanced operator liability, with 67% of German voters supporting the new rules. The legislation also tackles another pressing issue: e-scooters obstructing footpaths and pavements – a problem operators and local authorities are under pressure to resolve.