Experts: Many e-scooter riders are unknowingly breaking the law

TALLINN - Current Estonian law requires owners of certain light mobility vehicles, including some electric scooters, to have third-party liability insurance. However, awareness of this requirement remains low, and many riders are unsure if their vehicle falls under this obligation.

According to Darja Lukašenko-Tšistotini, a traffic safety expert at the Estonian Transport Administration, confusion arises from the fact that not all electric scooters automatically require insurance. "The insurance obligation depends on the vehicle's specific technical parameters, such as its factory-set top speed and weight," explained Lukašenko-Tšistotini.

Third-party liability insurance is mandatory if a light mobility vehicle's factory-set top speed exceeds 25 km/h, or if its top speed is over 14 km/h and it weighs more than 25 kilograms. "If the factory-set top speed is over 25 km/h, the vehicle is no longer classified as a light mobility vehicle but as a motor vehicle, which is subject to a different set of rules," says Triin Kääramees, product development manager for vehicle and machinery insurance at IIZI.

According to Kääramees, if an accident occurs and there is no insurance, the at-fault party can face significant financial liability. "Although the victim is compensated for their damages, the amount is later reclaimed from the person at fault," she said, noting that costs can run into thousands or even tens of thousands of euros. "This could happen, for example, if a scooter rider injures a pedestrian they couldn't stop for, or damages a parked car," Kääramees added.

The growing popularity of light mobility vehicles has led to a rise in accidents. According to the Estonian Transport Administration, there were 314 traffic accidents involving riders of these vehicles that resulted in injuries in 2025, down from 413 the previous year. While the number of accidents has decreased, the problem remains. In 2025, 290 riders were injured, along with 14 pedestrians and eight cyclists.

Lukašenko-Tšistotini stated that the most common incidents involve falls and collisions. "Frequent causes of accidents include losing control of the vehicle, speeding or riding too fast for the road conditions, inattentiveness in traffic, and riding under the influence," she listed.

In addition to official figures, hospitals treat hundreds of scooter-related injuries each year, many of which are never recorded in police statistics. An estimated 500 to 1,000 electric scooter-related injuries are treated annually in Tallinn alone.

Modifying the vehicles can also pose additional risks. For instance, removing a speed limiter can reclassify a scooter as a motor vehicle, subjecting it to different rules and prohibiting it from regular traffic. "Light mobility vehicles are often ridden by minors, so parents should be especially vigilant. Aside from safety concerns, riding a non-compliant vehicle can lead to unexpected financial burdens for the family," Kääramees remarked.

Another challenge in the insurance sector has been the limited availability of the service. "Previously, getting insurance typically involved submitting a written request and waiting for a response. Now, insurance for light mobility vehicles can be obtained quickly and conveniently online," Kääramees said.

The insurance broker IIZI has created an online calculator that allows owners of light mobility vehicles to check whether their vehicle requires insurance. On the same platform, users can also compare offers from various insurance providers and purchase a policy.

Experts advise riders to review the specific requirements for their vehicles before the season begins to avoid potential legal and financial risks.