Your JOYOR Has ABE Approval. What Comes Next?
A German ABE is the basis for legal road use, but it does not mean you can ride your new e-scooter on public roads immediately. Before your first ride, you still need valid E-Scooter liability insurance and the corresponding insurance sticker.
Short answer: check the ABE and vehicle information, buy E-Scooter third-party liability insurance, receive the insurance sticker, attach it correctly, and only then ride on German public roads.
1. Why ABE Alone Is Not Enough
ABE stands for General Operating Approval (General Operating Approval). It confirms that an approved scooter model meets the relevant German requirements and can serve as the basis for public-road use.
Insurance is a separate requirement. A road-approved JOYOR e-scooter may only be used on public roads when it also has valid insurance coverage and displays the required insurance sticker.
A JOYOR model with valid German ABE or another valid operating approval.
Valid E-Scooter third-party liability insurance.
A valid insurance sticker attached visibly to the scooter.
2. eKFV and ABE Explained
The German E-Scooter Regulation (eKFV) is the German regulation governing electric micro-vehicles on public roads. It defines technical and operating requirements; the ABE confirms that a particular model has passed the relevant approval process.
| Term | What it means | Why it matters to you |
|---|---|---|
| eKFV | The legal framework for road-approved electric micro-vehicles in Germany. | It sets the technical and usage conditions for public-road operation. |
| ABE | The operating approval for a vehicle type that meets the applicable requirements. | It allows you to complete the insurance process for an approved scooter. |
| insurance sticker | The visible sticker proving that valid insurance is in place. | It must be installed before the scooter is used on public roads. |
Key requirements for approved E-Scooters include a design speed of no more than 20 km/h, a steering or holding bar, two independent brakes, compliant front and rear lighting, and an audible warning device. The approved vehicle must also remain in the configuration covered by its operating approval.
3. Which Insurance Does a JOYOR ABE Scooter Need?
The mandatory cover is E-Scooter third-party liability insurance (third-party liability insurance). Its purpose is to cover damage you cause to other people or their property, subject to the policy terms.
| Cover | Required? | Typical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| third-party liability insurance | Mandatory | Third-party personal injury, damage to another vehicle, and damage to public or private property. |
| optional comprehensive cover | Optional | Depending on the provider and tariff, it may include risks such as theft, fire, weather-related damage, or certain damage to the scooter itself. |
Liability insurance is not primarily designed to reimburse the cost of your own scooter. If you want protection for risks such as theft, compare the optional optional comprehensive cover terms carefully.
4. What to Prepare Before Buying Insurance
Prepare the following information before starting your insurance application. The exact form may vary by insurer.
Vehicle Documents
Find the key vehicle information in your vehicle data confirmation or ABE document.
FIN / VIN
The FIN / VIN is the unique identification number of your individual scooter.
Personal Information
- Full name
- German address
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Telephone or other contact details
Payment & Additional Information
- Payment information, including IBAN if requested
- Technical information requested by the insurer, such as maximum speed or motor power
Important: Check Your FIN / VIN Before Applying
Only apply after you have received your scooter and confirmed its actual FIN / VIN. Make sure the number entered in the insurance application exactly matches the number on your scooter and vehicle documents.
5. How to Buy JOYOR E-Scooter Insurance in Germany
You can usually arrange the insurance online or through an insurance office or agent. The website and form will differ by provider, but the core process is the same.
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Confirm that the scooter qualifies
Check that your JOYOR is the ABE-approved model shown in your vehicle documents and that the scooter remains in the approved configuration.
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Choose an insurance provider
Compare the mandatory liability cover, the price, optional optional comprehensive cover, customer service, claims handling, application method, and how quickly the provider can supply the sticker.
Examples of German insurers offering E-Scooter insurance include:
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Select the insurance type
Choose the required third-party liability insurance. Add optional comprehensive cover only if its extra cover and conditions match your needs.
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Enter the scooter details
Use the ABE document or vehicle data confirmation to enter the manufacturer, model, ABE information, FIN, and any technical data requested by the provider.
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Enter your personal details
Complete the policyholder, contact, address, and payment fields. Check every entry, especially the FIN, before submitting the form.
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Submit the application and pay
Confirm the selected cover and complete payment according to the provider's instructions. Save the confirmation and insurance documents.
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Receive and install the insurance sticker
The provider will send the insurance sticker to your address or, in some offices, hand it to you directly. Do not ride on public roads until it has arrived and is correctly attached.
Buying online
Best suited to customers who are comfortable completing the form themselves. Have the ABE documents, FIN, personal data, and payment details ready before starting.
Buying offline
Visit an insurer's office, local agent, or relevant service location if you want help checking the documents or would prefer to ask whether the sticker can be issued directly.
How to Buy E-Scooter Insurance Online in Germany
Get your insurance in just a few minutes and receive your Versicherungsplakette by post.
Choose an Insurance Provider
Visit the website of a German insurance company and look for its E-Scooter insurance service.
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Select E-Scooter Insurance
Find the option for “E-Scooter Versicherung” or “Elektrokleinstfahrzeug” and start the online application.
Enter Your Vehicle Information
Use your ABE or vehicle data document to enter the manufacturer, model, ABE number and FIN (vehicle identification number).
Complete the Application and Payment
Enter your personal details, select the insurance period and complete the payment using the methods offered by the provider.
Receive Your Insurance Sticker
After successful registration, the insurer will send the Versicherungsplakette to your address by post.
Done! You’re Ready to Ride Legally.
Once you receive the insurance sticker, attach it correctly and follow the applicable German road rules.
6. Receive and Install the Insurance Sticker
The insurance sticker is the visible proof that your e-scooter has valid insurance. Do not use the scooter on public roads until the sticker has been received and correctly attached.
How You Receive It
- By post to the policyholder's address
- Directly from certain insurance offices or agents
Before You Attach It
- Use the current sticker for the active insurance period
- Attach it securely and keep it clearly visible
- Do not cover, damage, or obscure the sticker
Where Should the Insurance Sticker Be Installed?
The sticker should be attached to the designated rear area of the e-scooter so that it is clearly visible and readable from behind.
- Install it in the designated rear area of the scooter.
- Keep it clearly visible and unobstructed.
- Make sure it is securely attached and remains readable.
Remember to renew: E-scooter insurance and its sticker are valid for a limited insurance period. Renew the cover when required and replace the sticker with the new valid one before continuing to ride.
7. Basic Riding Rules in Germany
Insurance and ABE approval make lawful road use possible, but riders must still follow the eKFV and German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
- Riders must be at least 14 years old.
- No driving licence is required for an approved e-scooter.
- Use cycle paths, cycle lanes, and bicycle streets where applicable.
- If suitable cycle infrastructure is unavailable, use permitted roads.
- Do not ride on pavements or in pedestrian zones unless signs specifically allow it.
- In traffic-calmed areas, ride only at walking speed.
- Only one person may ride the scooter; passengers are not permitted.
- A helmet is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended.
- Keep front and rear lights, brakes, tyres, and other safety equipment in working condition.
- Make sure the current insurance sticker remains clearly visible.
Store the ABE or vehicle data confirmation, insurance documents, and purchase receipt safely. The vehicle document does not generally need to be carried on every ride, but it must be kept and provided to the competent authority on request. Carrying personal identification can also be useful during an inspection or after an accident.
8. Keep Your JOYOR ABE Scooter Road Legal
Use the scooter in the configuration covered by its approval. Modifications that affect the speed, motor, controller, or other key components may affect ABE validity, compliance with the eKFV, and insurance coverage.
Avoid speed unlocking, changes to motor or controller specifications, and replacement of approval-relevant parts with non-approved alternatives. Regularly check the brakes, tyres, lights, and insurance status.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance if my JOYOR already has ABE approval?
Yes. ABE approval and insurance are separate requirements. You need valid E-Scooter liability insurance and a valid insurance sticker before using the scooter on public roads.
Can I buy insurance before my scooter arrives?
Wait until you have received the scooter and confirmed its correct FIN. The FIN identifies the individual vehicle and must match the number in the insurance application.
How much does E-Scooter insurance cost?
The price depends on the provider, the rider and the selected cover. Compare current quotes and policy terms instead of choosing by price alone.
Is optional comprehensive cover mandatory?
No. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. optional comprehensive cover is optional and may add cover such as theft or fire protection, depending on the tariff.
Do I need a driving licence or helmet?
A driving licence is not required for an approved E-Scooter. A helmet is not legally required, but wearing one is strongly recommended.
Does the insurance sticker need to be renewed?
Yes. The insurance is valid for a limited period. Renew it when required and attach the new valid sticker for the next insurance period.
Can I modify my JOYOR ABE scooter?
For public-road use, keep the scooter in its approved configuration. Changes affecting speed or approval-relevant components may affect the ABE and insurance coverage.
Official regulations: Read the current German E-Scooter Regulation (eKFV) and § 56 FZV (insurance sticker) on the German Federal Ministry of Justice's legislation portal.
Insurance forms, prices, coverage, processing times, and renewal conditions can differ by provider. Check the current policy terms and official rules before riding.
