The surge in electric scooter has been accompanied by certain well-publicized concerns concerning scooter safety. Some of these reservations are valid. Almost all studies have found that scooters pose the same risks as bikes. Adding to being less familiar to the general population. This surge in all types of micro mobility, not just scooters. And has resulted in improved public education and infrastructure for lightweight electric vehicles. Therefore, this guide will answer the question Do you need insurance for an electric scooter UK and How much is it?
Electric Scooter Insurance UK
Electric scooters are not yet included as alternate vehicles under UK transportation safety laws. Though they do have guidelines for electric bikes, which do not require a license, registration, or insurance. Electric scooters were outlawed on all highways in most of the country. But this is changing due to the pandemic, and rules are expected to alter more permanently. As seen by public demand and the places in the UK where shared scooters are now authorized.
Riders should contact their local transportation agency to learn more about their legal responsibilities. It is critical to indicate the type of car you own. This can be perplexing because the term “scooter” can refer to a variety of micro-mobility vehicles.
The following are some general classifications of electric scooter insurance UK:
#1. Kick scooters
They are usually two-, three-, or four-wheeled push scooters with no seats. These are frequently connected with children’s toys. Kick scooters can be non-motorized or driven by gas or electricity (more below).
#2. A motorized scooter
Often known as a stand-up scooter or an electric kick scooter. It is a type of scooter that is propelled by a motor. The name refers to a vehicle that does not have a seat and has a top speed of 30 miles per hour. Unagi and other personal electric scooters are commonly “motorized scooters” or “powered kick scooters.”
#3. Moped
A compact, two-wheeled motorized vehicle is comparable to a motorbike. But with a smaller engine capacity and a top speed of less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Motor scooters are comparable to mopeds but have engines that are larger than 49cc.
Some of these cars must be registered and insured, while others do not. Riders of electric motorized scooters like Unagi’s Model One do not need insurance in the United States, at least. However, there are some essential considerations to consider, such as whether or not you should get insurance to cover accidents on an electric scooter. And whether or not you can even get scooter insurance.
What Happens If You Get Into a Car Accident?
Most of the preceding also apply to riding a personal scooter. If the rider is judged to be at fault, they are liable for both their own and the other party’s damages. Most insurance companies have yet to produce plans that specifically cover motorized electric scooters, and some openly indicate that their auto insurance would not cover scooter accidents.
Is Electric Scooter Insurance UK Available?
Riders of electric scooters should, at the very least, have health insurance to protect themselves in the event of an accident. Currently, most major insurance carriers will not cover users of privately-owned scooters, with the exception of Nationwide, which does offer scooter insurance.
An “umbrella policy,” which covers injuries and damages outside the home, may be an exemption. Umbrella insurance, such as those offered by Allstate, Nationwide, and State Farm, now frequently covers liability claims for electric scooter accidents as well. That is, they may cover medical bills if others have wound or property damage. They will not pay for the insured’s medical bills. Riders would need to speak with an insurance agent about the specifics of these policies. They may be a good choice for riders who commute by scooter on a regular basis or ride on heavily congested highways.
How Much is Electric Scooter Insurance
How much electric scooter insurance depends on your needs and how frequently you make use of it or want to use it.
Up to £30,000 in theft and damage
Electric scooters are not inexpensive. A simple electric scooter, as you may know, costs between £200 and £400, while more advanced ones can cost well into the thousands.
Repairing them isn’t always cheap, especially if they’ve sustained substantial damage. Keeping this in mind, what if your electric scooter broke and you had to pay for repairs yourself?
Worse, what if your electric scooter was a victim of theft and you had to purchase a new one? Would you be willing to pay thousands of dollars for this because you didn’t have the proper insurance? We’d wager that it’s unlikely.
Furthermore, as in previous incidents, having your electric scooter stolen is upsetting enough without the added complication of losing money because you are not adequately protected.
Personal Accident Insurance
Electric scooters can travel at rates that, if you fall off while riding one, could result in catastrophic injury. You may have broken something or require emergency dental care, hospitalization, or rehabilitation.
If this occurs, our Personal Accident coverage will assist in covering the costs. It includes the aforementioned cases as well as recompense for permanent disability and death.
While you may be cautious, accidents can occur even with the best intentions, especially when traveling at speeds of up to 15 mph. That is why it is critical to insure.
Up to £5 million in public liability insurance
Of course, just as electric scooters have the potential to damage you, they also have the potential to injure another person.
Depending on the degree of their injuries, that person may decide to file a claim against you
If this occurs, our Public Liability will cover your legal fees. We provide up to £5 million in Public Liability insurance if you injure someone else or damage someone else’s property while riding. This way, you’ll know you’re safe in the event of an accident.
Please keep in mind that, due to the present rules governing the use of electric scooters. We cannot cover damage to members of the public if the scooter is used in a public place. We also cannot provide coverage for your family members for Public Liability.
Are electric scooters insure by homeowners insurance?
Many people are unaware that their house insurance policy most likely does not cover their electric scooter outside of the home.
So, if you ride your electric scooter outside and something happens to it. Or if you injure yourself or someone else while riding it, you’re probably not insured if your electric scooter is safe by your house insurance policy.
However, if you have expert electric scooter insurance, you will know that your scooter is insured if you are on private ground and have permission from the proprietor.
Is Electric scooter legal in the UK?
Electric scooters are legal in the UK, but only on private property and with the permission of the landlord. In the UK, there is currently a prohibition to ride an electric scooter on public land, including cycle routes, parks, pavements, footpaths, and roads.
If the cops find you, you’ll be fine for breaching the law, and our insurance will not cover you if you ride on public property. You also cannot get our insurance if your scooter has been impound by the authorities.
Riders of electric scooters in the United Kingdom must be at least 16 years old and have a full or provisional driving license.
Conclusion
Electric scooters are not yet include as an alternate vehicle under UK transportation safety laws. Though they do have guidelines for electric bikes, which do not require a license, registration, or insurance.
Electric Scooter Insurance FAQ’s
Do you need tax and insurance for electric scooter?
This would be very dangerous for you to use on a public road around normal vehicles, and so the rule is in place for your safety. Because it’s not a road-legal vehicle, you don’t need tax, insurance, or any kind of license to ride it.
How do I make my e-scooter road legal?
Complete the registration process including verifying your age and driving license. – Complete the mandatory in-app training before your first ride. – You will then be able to find an e-scooter. – Use a QR code or vehicle ID displayed on the e-scooter to unlock that e-scooter in the relevant operator’s app
Why are e-scooters illegal?
E-scooters have been ban from all public transport in London from today. It comes amid fire safety concerns after one e-scooter caught fire on a Tube train. … It applies to all TfL services, including the Tube, buses, Overground, TfL Rail, Trams, and DLR.
