Do You Need Insurance for an Electric Scooter? Everything You Need to Know

Most U.S. states do not legally require insurance for electric scooters—they're typically classified similar to bicycles rather than motor vehicles. However, with electric scooters costing $400-$3,500 and theft rates rising in urban areas, plus potential liability for accidents causing injury or property damage, insurance provides valuable financial protection even when not mandatory. This comprehensive 2025 guide covers state-by-state requirements, insurance costs ($75-$200/year typical), coverage options (liability, comprehensive, collision), and how to determine if insurance makes sense for your situation.

Quick Answer: Do You Legally Need E-Scooter Insurance?

In most U.S. states: NO, insurance is not legally required for electric scooters.

Exception: North Carolina requires e-scooter insurance (same requirements as mopeds): minimum $30,000 bodily injury liability and $25,000 property damage liability.

2024-2025 Development: New York and Texas rolled out low-cost liability insurance pilots ($25-$40/year) for personal scooters up to 20 MPH.

Recommendation: Even when not required by law, insurance is recommended for scooters valued at $500+ or for riders in high-traffic urban areas where accident/theft risk is elevated.

State-by-State Insurance Requirements (2025)

Most States: No Insurance Required

The majority of U.S. states treat electric scooters similar to bicycles or e-bikes, meaning no mandatory insurance, registration, or license plates.

States where e-scooters typically don't require insurance include:

• California


• Florida


• Texas (except for voluntary pilot program)


• New York (except for voluntary pilot program)


• Illinois


• Washington


• Oregon


• Arizona


• Colorado


• And most others

However, local city regulations may differ—some cities impose additional requirements beyond state law. Always check local ordinances.

Exception: North Carolina (Insurance Mandatory)

North Carolina is the only U.S. state currently requiring insurance for electric scooters, classifying them as mopeds.

Required coverage in North Carolina:

• Bodily injury liability: Minimum $30,000 per person injured in accident


• Property damage liability: Minimum $25,000


• Penalty for no insurance: Fines, potential scooter impoundment, suspended driving privileges

Why North Carolina differs: State law classifies e-scooters as motorized vehicles rather than bicycles, triggering motor vehicle insurance requirements.

Emerging Pilot Programs (New York, Texas)

In 2024-2025, New York and Texas introduced low-cost insurance pilot programs for personal electric scooters:

• Cost: $25-$40 per year


• Coverage: Basic liability insurance


• Eligibility: Scooters up to 20 MPH


• Status: Voluntary (not mandatory, but encouraged)


• Purpose: Test affordability and participation rates before potential mandates

These pilots suggest growing regulatory interest in e-scooter insurance—more states may follow in 2025-2026.

Federal Position on E-Scooter Insurance

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) classified e-scooters as "low-speed vehicles" in 2023, meaning they're not subject to the same safety standards as cars or motorcycles.

NHTSA recommendation: While not requiring insurance federally, the NHTSA recommends e-scooter riders obtain insurance for financial protection.

Federal vs State authority: Without federal mandates, insurance requirements remain state-by-state decisions.

How Much Does E-Scooter Insurance Cost?

Typical Annual Costs (2025)

E-scooter insurance costs vary based on coverage type, scooter value, location, and rider history:

Basic liability coverage:

• Annual cost: $50-$75/year (ultra-basic policies)


• Monthly equivalent: $4-$6/month


• Coverage: Liability only (injury/property damage you cause to others)

Standard coverage (liability + comprehensive):

• Annual cost: $75-$150/year


• Monthly equivalent: $6-$12/month


• Coverage: Liability + theft + vandalism + fire/weather damage

Full coverage (liability + comprehensive + collision):

• Annual cost: $150-$200/year


• Monthly equivalent: $12-$17/month


• Coverage: All risks including accident damage to your scooter

Factors Affecting Insurance Cost

• Scooter value: $400 scooter insures cheaper than $2,000 scooter


• Coverage limits: Higher liability limits ($50,000 vs $25,000) increase premiums


• Location: Urban areas with high theft rates = higher premiums


• Rider age: Younger riders (under 25) typically pay 10-20% more


• Claims history: Previous claims increase rates


• Deductible: Higher deductible ($250 vs $100) lowers annual premium

Cost Comparison: Is Insurance Worth It?

For a $1,200 scooter with $100/year insurance:

• 3-year total cost: $300 in premiums


• Break-even scenario: If scooter stolen once in 3 years, insurance saves $900 ($1,200 replacement - $300 premiums)


• Liability scenario: Single accident causing $5,000 in medical bills to pedestrian—insurance saves $4,900

Insurance is financially worthwhile when: Scooter value exceeds $500, you ride in high-traffic areas, you park in public spaces, or you ride daily (higher accident exposure).

Types of E-Scooter Insurance Coverage

Liability Coverage (Most Important)

Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others while riding—the most critical insurance for e-scooter riders.

Bodily injury liability:

• What it covers: Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering of others injured in accident you caused


• Typical limits: $25,000-$100,000 per person, $50,000-$300,000 per accident


• Example scenario: You accidentally hit pedestrian who breaks arm—insurance pays their $8,000 medical bill and $2,000 lost wages


• Cost: $50-$100/year depending on limits

Property damage liability:

• What it covers: Damage to others' property (parked cars, storefronts, bicycles)


• Typical limits: $10,000-$50,000


• Example scenario: You crash into parked car, denting door—insurance pays $1,800 repair bill


• Cost: Included in liability coverage (typically bundled)

Why liability is critical: Without insurance, you're personally liable for 100% of damages—a serious accident could result in $20,000-$100,000+ in medical bills and legal fees.

Comprehensive Coverage (Theft and Non-Collision)

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to YOUR scooter from non-accident causes:

What comprehensive covers:

• Theft: If scooter stolen, insurance pays replacement value (minus deductible)


• Vandalism: Intentional damage (slashed tires, spray paint, broken display)


• Fire: Scooter damaged in fire


• Weather damage: Flood, hail, hurricane damage


• Animal damage: Rare but possible (rodent chewing wires)

What comprehensive does NOT cover:

• Accident damage (collision coverage needed)


• Normal wear and tear


• Mechanical breakdowns

Cost: $30-$80/year added to liability coverage

Worth it if: Scooter valued at $600+, you live in area with high theft rates, or you frequently park in public unsecured locations.

Collision Coverage (Accident Damage)

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace YOUR scooter if damaged in accident:

What collision covers:

• You crash into obstacle (car, wall, pole, curb)


• Another vehicle hits your scooter


• Scooter tips over causing damage


• Single-vehicle accidents

How it works:

• Insurance pays repair costs minus deductible (typically $100-$250)


• If repair cost exceeds scooter value, insurance pays replacement value

Example scenario: You crash avoiding pothole, breaking fork and damaging motor—$500 repair bill. With $100 deductible, insurance pays $400.

Cost: $40-$100/year added to base policy

Worth it if: Scooter valued at $800+, you ride in challenging conditions (heavy traffic, rough roads), or you're beginner rider with higher accident risk.

Medical Payments Coverage (Optional)

Medical payments coverage pays YOUR medical bills after accident, regardless of fault:

• Coverage limits: $1,000-$10,000 typical


• Covers: Emergency room, hospital, surgery, X-rays, ambulance


• Works with health insurance: Covers deductibles and copays


• Cost: $10-$30/year

Worth it if: You have high health insurance deductible ($2,000+) or no health insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Pays if hit by driver without insurance or insufficient insurance:

• Covers: Your medical bills and scooter repair if driver at fault has no insurance


• Cost: $20-$50/year


• Worth it if: You ride in areas with high uninsured driver rates

When You SHOULD Get E-Scooter Insurance (Even If Not Required)

Insurance is highly recommended in these scenarios:

High-Value Scooters ($800+)

• Scooters costing $800-$3,500 represent significant investment


• Theft or total loss without insurance = 100% financial loss


• Annual insurance ($100-$200) is 3-6% of scooter value—reasonable protection

Urban/High-Traffic Areas

• Accident risk: Heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic increases collision probability


• Theft risk: Urban areas have 5-10× higher scooter theft rates than suburban/rural


• Liability exposure: More potential accident victims = higher liability risk

Daily Commuters

• Riding 5-7 days/week dramatically increases accident exposure


• Annual mileage (1,000-3,000 miles/year) multiplies risk compared to occasional riders


• Insurance provides peace of mind for daily transportation dependency

High-Speed Scooters (25+ MPH)

• Higher speeds = higher accident severity


• Greater potential for serious injury to others (higher liability claims)


• Increased personal injury risk

Frequent Public Parking

• Parking at work, shops, transit stations increases theft opportunity


• Unsecured public parking 3-5× higher theft risk than home storage


• Comprehensive coverage protects against theft during daily activities

Insurance Alternatives and Partial Coverage

Homeowners or Renters Insurance

Your existing homeowners or renters insurance may provide some e-scooter coverage:

What's typically covered:

• Theft from home: If scooter stolen from garage, apartment, or home property, homeowners/renters policy may cover replacement (check policy limits and deductible)


• Typical coverage: Personal property coverage applies—usually covers up to $1,000-$2,000 for individual items


• Deductible: $500-$1,000 typical (higher than dedicated scooter insurance)

What's NOT covered:

• Liability while riding: Most homeowners policies exclude motorized vehicle liability


• Theft away from home: Many policies don't cover theft from public locations


• Accident damage: Collision damage typically excluded

Action item: Call your homeowners/renters insurance agent and specifically ask about e-scooter coverage—many riders assume coverage that doesn't exist.

Personal Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella policies provide additional liability coverage beyond primary insurance limits:

• Cost: $200-$400/year for $1-$2 million coverage


• May cover: E-scooter liability if underlying policy excludes it


• Check with insurer: Coverage varies by carrier—explicitly confirm e-scooter incidents included

Credit Card Purchase Protection

Some premium credit cards offer purchase protection:

• Theft protection: 90-120 days from purchase date


• Damage protection: 90 days from purchase


• Limitations: Short time window, claim limits ($500-$1,000), doesn't cover liability

Where to Get E-Scooter Insurance

Dedicated E-Scooter Insurance Providers

Several insurers now offer specialized e-scooter and micro-mobility insurance:

VOOM Insurance:

• Specializes in electric micro-mobility (scooters, e-bikes, mopeds)


• Coverage: Liability, comprehensive, collision, medical payments


• Pricing: $75-$200/year depending on coverage and location


• Online quotes and instant digital proof of insurance

Dairyland Insurance:

• Motorcycle and scooter specialist


• Covers electric scooters classified as mopeds


• Pricing: $80-$180/year

Traditional Insurance Companies

Major insurers increasingly offer personal mobility coverage:

State Farm:

• Offers moped/scooter insurance in most states


• Bundle with auto/home insurance for discounts


• May cover some e-scooters depending on speed/power classification

Progressive:

• Personal mobility insurance available


• Liability and comprehensive options


• Online quotes available

Geico, Allstate, Nationwide:

• Coverage availability varies by state


• Often requires calling agent (not available online)


• May bundle with existing policies

How to Get a Quote

Information you'll need:

• Scooter make, model, and year


• Purchase price or current value


• Motor wattage and top speed


• Where you store scooter (home garage, apartment, outdoor)


• Annual mileage estimate


• Your age and driving/riding record

Pro tip: Get quotes from 3-5 providers—rates vary significantly ($50-$200 range for similar coverage).

Self-Insurance: Pros and Cons

"Self-insurance" means accepting financial risk yourself rather than paying premiums:

Pros of Self-Insurance

• No annual premiums: Save $75-$200/year


• No deductibles: No out-of-pocket cost before coverage kicks in


• Simplicity: No paperwork, claims processes, or policy management

Cons of Self-Insurance

• 100% financial risk: You absorb all costs (theft, damage, liability)


• Catastrophic liability exposure: Single accident could cost $20,000-$100,000+ without insurance


• No theft protection: Scooter stolen = total loss


• Uncertainty: Can you afford unexpected $1,000-$3,000 expense?

When Self-Insurance is Acceptable

• Low-value scooter: Under $400 (replacement cost manageable)


• Low-risk riding: Occasional use, private property only, low-speed (<15 MPH)


• Strong emergency fund: $5,000+ savings to cover unexpected costs


• Minimal liability exposure: Riding in areas with few pedestrians/vehicles

How to File an Insurance Claim

Theft Claim Process

1. File police report immediately: Required for insurance claim (obtain report number)


2. Contact insurance within 24-48 hours: Report theft with details (time, location, circumstances)


3. Provide documentation: Police report, proof of ownership (receipt, serial number, photos)


4. Await investigation: Insurer verifies claim (typically 5-10 days)


5. Receive payment: Replacement value minus deductible (10-15 days after approval)

Accident/Damage Claim Process

1. Document accident scene: Take photos of damage, location, involved parties


2. Exchange information: If other parties involved, get names, contact info, insurance details


3. File police report if serious: Any injuries or property damage over $1,000


4. Contact insurer within 48 hours: Report accident details


5. Get repair estimate: Authorized repair shop or mobile technician


6. Insurer approval: Review estimate (3-7 days)


7. Repair or replacement: Pay deductible, insurance covers remainder

Conclusion: Is E-Scooter Insurance Right for You?

While most states don't legally require e-scooter insurance, it provides critical financial protection for common risks—theft (especially in urban areas), liability for accidents causing injury or property damage, and repair costs after collisions.

Key decision factors:

• Get insurance if: Scooter valued at $500+, ride in high-traffic urban areas, daily commuter, frequent public parking, or ride high-speed scooter (25+ MPH)


• Consider self-insurance if: Low-value scooter ($400 or less), occasional recreational use, private property riding, strong emergency fund ($5,000+)

Recommended approach:

1. Check state requirements: Verify if your state requires insurance (North Carolina only state with mandate as of 2025)


2. Review existing coverage: Call homeowners/renters insurance agent to understand what's already covered


3. Get multiple quotes: Compare 3-5 providers (VOOM, Dairyland, State Farm, Progressive)


4. Start with liability: At minimum, get liability coverage ($50-$75/year)—protects against catastrophic financial loss from accidents


5. Add comprehensive for high-value scooters: If scooter worth $800+, add theft protection ($75-$150/year total)


6. Consider full coverage for premium scooters: Scooters over $1,500 warrant full coverage including collision ($150-$200/year)

Final recommendation: At $75-$150/year for liability and comprehensive coverage, e-scooter insurance is affordable protection against risks that could cost thousands. For daily riders with scooters valued at $600+, insurance is financially prudent—offering peace of mind and protection that far exceeds the modest annual cost.