Are you entitled to compensation after an electric scooter injury?
Do you own an electric scooter? Electric scooters became extremely popular a few years ago. Several hundred thousand electric scooters have been sold in Norway, and this has left its mark in terms of accidents and compensation claims. The debate has centred on the many accidents that have occurred, which rules apply to electric scooters, whether you can be held liable to pay compensation if you injure someone, and whether you are entitled to compensation if you yourself are injured, among other issues. In addition, questions have arisen regarding which insurance policies cover injuries resulting from the use of electric scooters.
It took a long time before necessary legislation regulating compensation for injuries caused by the use of electric scooters was introduced. Discussions regarding regulation of where electric scooters may be used and parked are still ongoing.
HIT BY AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER – AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?
The applicable rules are set out in the Motor Vehicle Liability Act and the Tort Compensation Act if you are injured in connection with the use of an electric scooter.
Following an electric scooter accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Loss of income incurred
- Future loss of income
- Expenses
- Tax disadvantage
- Loss of pension accrual
- Loss of household work capacity
- Non-economic damages
- Legal costs
INSURANCE RULES FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
From 01.09.22, new rules were introduced for the rental of electric scooters. Companies offering electric scooter rentals are now required to have third-party liability insurance covering compensation for injuries resulting from the use of the scooters they rent out.
For privately owned electric scooters, the Motor Vehicle Liability Act has applied since 01.01.23, and owners must have taken out third-party liability insurance by the turn of the year. From 01.01.23, it is illegal to use a privately owned electric scooter without valid liability insurance. This means you may be penalised for illegal use and, in addition, you will be personally liable to pay compensation for any damage caused by your riding.
AM I ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION IF I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCIDENT?
If the insurance company believes that you contributed to the accident or that your injuries were more severe than necessary due to your manner of riding, they may notify a reduction in compensation. This means that the compensation you are entitled to is reduced. Compensation following electric scooter accidents may, for example, be reduced if you fail to give way and this caused the accident. If you do not wear a helmet, compensation following a collision with, for example, a car may be reduced if you sustain head injuries.
Whether there are grounds for a reduction and the extent of any reduction must be assessed individually in each case. Several factors are relevant, such as the seriousness of the fault, whether the fault actually contributed to your injuries, the severity of the injuries, and how they affect your future. If you are notified of a reduction in compensation following a traffic accident, you should contact a solicitor to assess whether the reduction is justified.
Useful to know!
As a general rule, the insurance company covers reasonable and necessary legal costs when the personal injury case falls under the Motor Vehicle Liability Act.
COMPENSATION FOR UNINSURED ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
Riding an electric scooter without insurance is both unlawful and potentially very costly. Insurance policies also require lawful use of the scooter, meaning that the person riding it must have permission to do so. If you do not have permission, the insurance does not apply, and you will be personally liable to pay compensation for any damage you cause.
WHAT DOES INSURANCE FOR A PRIVATELY OWNED ELECTRIC SCOOTER COST?
Prices vary between insurance providers. One company may charge NOK 60 per month, while another may charge NOK 100. It is therefore advisable to compare several insurers.
In addition, the electric scooter must be “clearly and permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name, model designation, and serial number” according to regulations. There are also technical requirements regarding speed and other specifications that must be met in order for the scooter to be insurable.
SHOULD I CONTACT A SOLICITOR IF I AM INJURED?
A number of legal and practical issues often arise after an accident—issues that may be of great importance to you.
Our solicitors specialise in compensation law and have many years of experience. We have particular expertise in traffic injuries and occupational injuries. If you contact us, you will receive a free telephone consultation, answers to your questions, and an assessment of whether you are entitled to compensation following the accident. You then decide whether you want us to assist you with your case. Insurance companies are obliged to cover reasonable and necessary legal costs.
