No one is supposed to ignore the law, but sometimes it comes as a surprise. When it comes to insurance, we all know that it is mandatory to have one for cars or motorcycles, for example. This allows you to be covered in the event of an accident, whether you are responsible or not. However, other vehicles are subject to the same obligations, recalls the Road safetyand they are pretty amazing.
What does the law say about vehicle insurance?
The law is quite clear about vehicle insurance. It is obligatory for “any motorized land vehicle, that is to say any vehicle self-propelled intended to travel on the ground and which can be actuated by mechanical force without being linked to a railway track, as well as any trailer, even uncoupled“, indicates the insurance code.
What are the surprising vehicles that need to be insured?
Contrary to what one might think, there are a large number of vehicles that must be insured. Five of them are particularly astonishing.
Self-propelled mowers
The mowers that are “equipped with a seat which allows the driver to maneuver the machine” must be insured. This applies even if the mower does not leave your home.
Electric scooters
Whether personal or rental, an electric scooter must be insured. “Users of self-service scooters must ensure that the rental company offers insurance and take out one if this is not the case“, specifies Road Safety.
Monowheels or gyrowheels
We are seeing more and more of them, especially in urban areas. It’s a big wheel with some sort of footrest on each side. The driver stands up and moves forward using balance.
Self-balancing scooters
Self-balancing scooters appeared in France a few years ago. They were particularly popular with tourists, also abroad. It is a base on which the user can place his feet and which is connected to a handlebar by a handle.
Hoverboards
At one point, all children dreamed of it! The hoverboard looks like a self-balancing scooter, but without the handle. It is the user’s movements that will determine the progress of the device.
Do electrically assisted bicycles need to be insured?
More than 730,000 electrically assisted bicycles (VAE) were sold in 2022 in France. They have appealed to many French people because they save time and avoid the car or transport in certain cases. Insurance is compulsory from a certain power. In fact, VAEs “whose power exceeds 250 W or whose speed exceeds 25 km/h” must be insured. If this is not the case, the owner risks a fine of up to 3,750 euros.