Published on
10/07/2026 - 14:13 GMT+2
Germany is moving to close a legal loophole that has left e-scooter accident victims unable to claim compensation by making rental companies such as Lime and Bolt directly liable for accidents involving their vehicles.
The bill would also cover accidents caused by scooters left blocking pavements. Under the new rules, operators face strict liability as owners regardless of fault, while riders will be presumed at fault unless they can prove otherwise.
Meanwhile under the current rules, victims of scooter accidents must prove the rider was at fault — a standard that is often impossible to meet when the rider cannot be identified. The new law would make it significantly easier to claim compensation
