DEVK is reducing its insurance premiums for e-scooters by up to 42 percent. According to the insurer, electric scooter involved in accidents less often than expected.
Some city dwellers find e-scooters a nuisance: Time and again, they are seen parked across the sidewalk, blocking it. Another argument against these vehicles, which were only approved in Germany in the middle of last year, is that they are far too dangerous: The high center of gravity combined with the small wheels suggests an increased risk of accidents. The insurance company DEVK sheds more light on the question of how dangerous these new vehicles actually are. In a press release, they stated:
"Actually, accidents involving e-scooters are less common than expected—at least compared to mopeds. That's why DEVK is significantly reducing insurance premiums starting in March."
DEVK cuts prices compared to mopeds by 42 percent
Instead of a metal license plate like mopeds, e-scooters in Germany require an insurance sticker to be legally permitted on German roads and bike paths. This sticker must be purchased annually starting March 1st, at the start of the new insurance period. E-scooter riders aged 23 and over previously paid €48. Starting this year, DEVK will only charge €28. This represents a price reduction of almost 42 percent. Those aged 18 to 22 will now pay €49, a 35 percent reduction. Only for underage riders will the insurer maintain its annual price of €99.
Knowledge instead of opinion
Since an insurance company calculates its premiums based on actual damage, it can be assumed that e-scooters are involved in accidents much less frequently than mopeds and conventional scooters, whose insurance license plates still cost 48 euros.
In contrast to public opinion, which is sometimes more guided by perceived truths, DEVK's pricing policy probably provides a more objective assessment of the danger posed by e-scooters. Of course, this doesn't address the nuisance of incorrectly parked scooters blocking the sidewalk.
