Electrical scootter and bicycle mandatory insurance: changes in June 2025!

Cities in Portugal are changing due to electric mobility. We now use scooters, e-bikes, and other light vehicles on a daily basis. More users, however, will also mean new regulations.Certain electric vehicles must have third-party liability insurance as of June 20, 2025.

It is crucial to determine if you are protected by this new rule if you own an electric scooter or bicycle.

What is said in the new law?

According to two criteria, Decree-Law No. 26/2025 mandates third-party liability insurance for specific electric personal mobility vehicles (DEMOP):

• If a car can travel more than 25 km/h, it needs insurance.

• Or exceed 14 km/h and weigh more than 25 kg.

If your car fits any of these criteria, you must have insurance in order to drive it lawfully. Exception: This requirement does not apply to electric wheelchairs or cars for those with limited mobility.

Does your e-bike or scooter require insurance?

You must verify your vehicle's weight and top speed in order to determine whether insurance is required:

• User manual: Refer to the printed handbook or search the brand's website for the digital version.

• Manufacturer specifications: Look up the model of your scooter or e-bike on the manufacturer's official website. Internet search: Look up "Xiaomi Mi 3 scooter weight" on Google if you know the model.

• To drive your car legally, you need insurance if it meets any of these requirements.

  
  

Exception: Electric wheelchairs and vehicles for people with restricted mobility are exempt from this rule.

Is insurance necessary for your e-bike or scooter?

To find out if insurance is necessary, you must confirm the weight and top speed of your car:

• User manual: Look for the digital version on the brand's website or consult the paper guidebook.

• Manufacturer specifications: Visit the official website of the manufacturer to find out the model of your e-bike or scooter.

• Internet search: If you know the model, look for "Xiaomi Mi 3 scooter weight" on Google.

Without this insurance, you might have to cover all of the expenses in the case of an accident, which could potentially total thousands of euros.

What does a civil liability insurance policy not cover?

Damage to your scooter or e-bike; breakdowns, theft, or normal wear and tear; and your personal medical costs in the event of an injury are all excluded from this insurance. Consider adding the following for additional protection:

• Own damage insurance, which covers your automobile against theft, vandalism, or total loss;

• Personal accident insurance, which covers medical treatment, hospitalisation, and rehabilitation.

Examination and penalties

Fines will be imposed by the PSP on June 20, 2025. You will face sanctions from the law if you are found to be operating a vehicle without the required insurance.

As the driver, it is your obligation. Even while the car is stopped, the insurance must always be in effect and current.

FAQ Are you an Uber, Bolt, or other scooter user?

You don't need to worry if you utilise shared scooters like those offered by Bolt, Lime, Circ, or Uber; these firms already cover the cost of the journeys.

Even if you use the scooter occasionally, you still have to abide by the law if it belongs to you.

What if you ride a scooter that you've borrowed?

Yes, that is required as well.Even if a friend or relative lends the car, the driver is nonetheless accountable for carrying current civil liability insurance.