No compulsory European insurance for e-bikes

“New forms of transport such as e-bikes are an alternative to the car and deserve a boost. An insurance made compulsory by Europe could scare off potential buyers.” MEP Anneleen Van Bossuyt reacts with relief to the decision of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of the European Parliament that Europe may not impose compulsory insurance for e-bikes, Segways and electric scooters. Anneleen Van Bossuyt is the chair of that committee.

A bridge too far

The European Commission wants to impose compulsory liability insurance on owners of among others e-bikes, Segways and electric scooters, as is the case for cars. “For a number of vehicles with a higher impact risk, European compulsory insurance is justified. For cars, for example. Because before they can be put on the market, they have to pass a number of European tests. But for e-bikes, Segways and electric scooters with a limited impact risk and low autonomous speed, that is a bridge too far,” MEP Van Bossuyt argues.

Protection as the starting point

The member states are free to impose insurance themselves. That is appropriate for new forms of transport that can reach speeds over 25 kilometres an hour. The obligation already exists for mopeds that can reach that speed. “This point of reference could also apply for the new forms of transport. Member states have to think about the possible safety risks that the new forms of transport bring with them. The protection of the users of these new forms of transport and other road users must be the starting point,” Anneleen Van Bossuyt concludes.