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You’ve probably seen electric scooters that you can hire on the sidewalks you live on. Thanks to the popularity of companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin, more than 85,000 scooters were made available to the public in 100 American cities in 2018, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).

It can be easy to download a scooter rental app, log in with your payment information, and go on a city cruise. Before leaving, however, think about the impact of your trip on insurance. Here’s what you need to know about scooter sharing and insurance coverage.

Does my car insurance cover if I rent a scooter?

Insurance coverage for personal automobile insurance does not extend to a rented electric scooter. This means that if you are involved in an accident while driving a rental scooter, your auto insurance will not pay for medical expenses or repairs to the property (yours or someone else’s). If you have an insurance policy for your own scooter, you are unlikely to be covered if you rent an electric scooter.

What if I am in a scooter accident?

Before downloading a scooter sharing app and taking a ride, you need to check the terms of use of the scooter business. Some companies claim that the driver assumes full responsibility for injuries, costs, and even damage to the scooter (less normal wear and tear). This means that if you are driving the scooter and have an accident:

You may have to pay out of your own pocket to repair the property damage to the scooter.

You may have to pay your own medical costs if you are injured. You can also use your health insurance.

If you injure a pedestrian, you may be held responsible for your medical expenses.

If you damage someone else’s property (such as your car) with a scooter, you may be responsible for repairs.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the scooter sharing service user agreement to learn more about your responsibility as a driver.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR IS DAMAGED BY A COMPARTMENT SCOOTER?

If your car was damaged in a scooter rental accident, you may be able to apply for your own auto insurance. Suppose you turn around to prevent someone from riding an electric scooter and crashing. If you have collision coverage, you can pay for damage to your vehicle up to your coverage limit, less your deductible.

If you accidentally injure a scooter driver, your liability insurance can help pay for your medical expenses.

Renting an electric scooter can be a fun way to get around town. Scooter sharing companies recommend that all scooter drivers wear a helmet and comply with local traffic regulations. You can also check the safety tips for scooters and the parking sign. This way you stay safe and protect yourself and others on your way.

It is also important to understand that electronic scooters have an impact on insurance so that you are better prepared for the unexpected.