Last week, we had an unexpected situation right outside our office. A customer called and reported that he had been hit from behind by an e-scooter just 30 meters from our office. I immediately rushed outside to help secure the scene of the accident and take personal details. Fortunately, the driver of the e-scooter, who had fallen after the collision, was not seriously injured.

This incident made me think, especially because I see how many e-scooters are on the roads every day, often without adequate insurance cover. In Switzerland, certain rules apply to e-scooters: They must not exceed a maximum speed of 20 km/h, and if they go on the road, they need personal liability insurance to cover damage to third parties. Unfortunately, many riders are not aware of this.

Why is personal liability insurance so important?

Personal liability insurance can cover damage that is accidentally caused to others. For example, if an e-scooter rider causes an accident, the financial consequences can be enormous without insurance. Therefore, anyone who uses an e-scooter should make sure that he or she has valid personal liability insurance.

Wear a helmet to protect yourself

Besides insurance, wearing a helmet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from serious head injuries in the event of an accident. Whether you're on an e-scooter, bike or other vehicle, a helmet can save your life.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know uses an e-scooter, keep this in mind:

ℹ Always wear a helmet: to protect yourself.
ℹ Check your personal liability insurance: to ensure that it covers damage caused by e-scooters.
ℹ Theft away from home: covers theft of the scooter away from home
ℹ Casco: covers damage to the scooter even in the event of an accident caused by your own fault
ℹ Velo Assistance: Helps you if for on-site repair or towing to the nearest garage (e-scooters are heavy)
ℹ Traffic legal protection: Supports you in legal disputes
ℹ Private accident insurance: Supplements the benefits of mandatory accident insurance under the KVG or UVG

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. It is therefore important to be prepared and act responsibly.