Electric scooter street legal: Here's what you need to watch out for
Electric scooters are no longer just a hype. They are an integral part of public road traffic – and are the green alternative to classic scooters and cars. Especially in the warm months, e-scooters are a lot of fun. But do you also get a street legal license with the purchase of an electric scooter - and you don't have to worry about anything anymore? Or do you have to register the electric scooter with an official body? And what should you pay attention to when it comes to admission and registration? We have all the information.
Just buy street legal electric scooters?
No vehicle tax, no parking problems, no nerve-racking trips to the TÜV and above all: a green conscience. These are just a few of the advantages of an electric scooter. Above all, driving is a lot of fun. The season starts in March at the latest and you can enjoy the wind again while buzzing through the city. If you are looking forward to that, make sure that your scooter comes with a general operating permit (ABE). It contains important information such as the manufacturer, the vehicle identification number, the type of drive and the year of manufacture. If you got your ABE you can take part in road traffic with your electrically powered scooter. The ABE is usually a matter for the manufacturer. Both versions of the unu e-scooter (Pro and Move) have an ABE. This way you can easily buy your street legal electric scooter.
Do I have to take my electric scooter to the registration office?
No. That's the beauty of e-scooters with a maximum speed of 45 km/h. They are not only good for the environment, but also wonderfully uncomplicated if they come with ABE. So you don't have to register your electric scooter. You don't have to go to the admissions office and stand in the long queue. You also don't pay any road tax. All you need is valid insurance. A separate liability insurance policy. You can't go out on the street without them. You have to renew the liability insurance for your e-scooter every year. You can do this online, for example, as long as you are able to show the ABE. You will then receive your colored insurance number plate. All you have to do is attach it under the rear light and you can start driving.
Why do I need insurance?
With your electric scooter you are on the road with other drivers. This means that accidents can always happen. Liability insurance covers claims for damages, for example, if third parties are injured in an accident. If you want to protect yourself further, for example against theft or damage, you can also take out partially comprehensive insurance.
You can find more information about electric scooter insurance in our guide article.
How much does a street legal for the electric scooter cost?
The ABE in combination with the liability insurance serves as a valid street legal for the electric scooter. The costs are manageable. The ABE is already included in the purchase price of your unu. The liability insurance, in turn, amounts to around 40 to 80 euros per year.
For comparison: Registration of a car alone costs around 30 euros, plus motor vehicle liability insurance of around 250 euros per year and motor vehicle tax, which averages 194 euros per year.
In short: With the e-scooter you get away much cheaper. And the driving pleasure is priceless!