E-scooter use continues to surge across Hungary, but so do the risks. Last year alone, riders were responsible for at least 400 accidents resulting in personal injuries. According to insurance broker Netrisk, the actual number of incidents may be even higher, making liability insurance more crucial than ever.
While there’s no official registry of micromobility vehicles like scooters, Netrisk estimates that around 80,000 to 100,000 e-scooters on Hungarian roads require compulsory liability insurance. Thousands more likely operate uninsured.
The insurance mandate applies to vehicles capable of exceeding 25 km/h or weighing more than 25 kilograms, as well as those able to reach speeds of at least 14 km/h. This includes electric unicycles and Segways but excludes pedelec bicycles and mobility aids for people with disabilities.
At Netrisk, the average annual insurance premium for scooters was about 6,300 forints in 2023, with a median of around 5,200 forints. Some premiums even reached up to 26,000 forints. Managing Director Márton Besnyő highlighted the importance of comparing offers, as annual prices can vary by hundreds of thousands of forints depending on the provider and vehicle specifications.
Besnyő also recommended that Hungary introduce a registration system for electric scooters, similar to what Serbia has done. He added that the upcoming revision of the national traffic code (KRESZ) is expected to clarify the rules governing electric scooter use.
As micromobility becomes a bigger part of urban transport, the need for clear regulations and proper insurance grows. Without oversight, both riders and pedestrians remain at risk.
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