These new individual electric vehicles (NVEI) – electric scooters, the most numerous, gyrowheels, gyropods, balance bikes, hoverboards, skateboards – are classified by decree of October 23, 2019 in the category of “land motor vehicles” or VTM, which brings them into the area of mandatory insurance, Article L 211-1 of the Insurance Act. These machines can be operated by persons aged 14 and over.
Compulsory liability insurance (RC). This compulsory insurance covers the damage you may cause to persons and property while driving your machine. Above all, this specific liability insurance should not be confused with the liability insurance for your home. The latter does not cover your machine.
The choice you make to insure or not to insure results in two situations:
1) If you have taken out statutory liability insurance, your insurance company will do what is necessary to compensate the injured party, whether for minor injuries or lifelong disability.
2) If you have not taken out statutory liability insurance, your personal liability will be sought immediately. Initially, the insurance guarantee fund will provide compensation to the injured party, and then this fund will turn against you to recover the amounts awarded to the victim. You then mortgage your financial situation for a very, very long term and perhaps even for life.
If you rent or operate one of these machines yourself, make sure that liability insurance is taken out. Ask for proof.
Insurance not mandatory, but supplementary and recommended When riding one of these machines, you can fall without any third party being involved. To protect you against the costs of a fall, it is strongly recommended that you take out individual accident insurance.
Theft, breakage, property damage insurance S Depending on the price of your scooter, it may be in your best interest to insure it.
Mandatory and optional equipment You must wear reflective equipment at night or in case of poor visibility during the day. Your NVEI must have headlights, taillights, brakes, a horn and reflective devices. Ask the seller about the certificate of conformity.
It is not mandatory to wear a helmet in urban areas. However, it is strongly recommended that you wear gloves.
