Parents should know this rule. An e-scooter accident can cost several million

Electric scooters have become a common means of transport in Norway in recent years. At the same time, data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (SVV) show that twice as many people were injured while riding electric scooters in 2025 as in 2023. The consequences of accidents are therefore also increasing.

In Tromsø and the Troms region, official statistics remain relatively low, but data from the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) indicate at least 33 accidents in 2025. This may mean that some incidents are not included in official records. Data from the SVV and the Trygg Trafikk organisation also show that riding an electric scooter involves a five- to seven-times higher risk than riding a regular bicycle.

Since 1 January 2023, electric scooters and other small electric vehicles in Norway have been classified as small electric motor vehicles. This means they are subject to vehicle liability regulations. Owners must therefore take out separate third-party liability insurance. However, data from Finans Norge show that only around 20 percent of the estimated 500,000 electric scooters in the country are insured.

Kenneth Havrevoll from the insurance company If points out that insured vehicles account for only a portion of all scooters in use. Tobias Kvalvik Henriksen from the insurance company Gjensidige notes that the figure of 500,000 may also include vehicles that are no longer in use. The data nevertheless indicate a large number of scooters without the required policy. In Troms alone, Gjensidige has registered around 500 insured electric scooters.

One of the pitfalls is the belief that liability connected with a child riding a scooter is covered by standard household insurance. Gjensidige stresses that this is not the case. A private electric scooter requires separate third-party liability insurance, and for people under the age of 18, parents are responsible for taking it out. The lack of a policy can have consequences even if the owner does not use the vehicle personally.

If an uninsured scooter causes injury to a person or damages a car or building, the Norwegian Motor Insurers' Bureau (TFF) may handle the case. The injured party will then receive compensation, but the TFF may subsequently seek reimbursement from the owner or rider. Gjensidige reports that in cases of serious injuries or fire, the amounts may reach several million NOK. If also knows of cases involving damage worth hundreds of thousands of NOK, for which the user or owner of an uninsured vehicle was financially liable.

Taking out a policy alone does not eliminate all financial risks. In Tromsø and Troms, police have confiscated modified scooters, while increasing their speed above 20 km/h and carrying more than one person are prohibited. If points out that breaking these rules may lead to a refusal of payment under one's own insurance and liability for damage caused to others.