Agile Underwriting Services has launched an insurtech third party product for the emerging e-scooter hire sector, with Neuron the first to take it up.

For the first time riders of Neuron’s scooters in Queensland, NT, ACT and SA will have insurance cover if they are involved in a collision that injures a third party or causes damage to property.

Neuron says the extended cover complements its existing $20 million public liability insurance, and personal accident insurance.

“The provision of third party rider liability insurance goes well beyond what is required by law and further demonstrates our commitment to operating in the safest, most responsible, way,” it says.

“Third party cover represents an important step forward for the e-scooter industry in Australia and New Zealand, bringing the level of protection associated with Neuron’s service similar to more traditional transport modes.”

Agile’s Head of Accident & Health Adam Bohacek told insuranceNEWS.com.au that the company has been working on the product for months.

“We’re the first to market to address this form of transport and make sure the rider has third party cover,” he said.

“It’s been a long time coming and we’re very excited. There are not a lot of insurance companies that understand this new form of transport.”

Mr Bohacek says he analysed data from other similar modes of transport and used strong relationships in London to secure cover from Lloyd’s.

He expects the use of e-scooters to grow across the country and other companies to follow Neuron’s lead.

“We’ve been in conversations with numerous scooter hire companies,” he said. “It’s inevitable that other cities will open up to this environmentally friendly form of transport.”

Senior Associate at Shine Lawyers in Brisbane Kylie Carson welcomed the new insurance.

“If you take a walk through Brisbane’s CBD and inner suburbs, you can’t escape e-scooters – they’re everywhere,” she said.

“The risk of pedestrians being struck by e-scooter users on a shared bike path or footpath continues to increase.

“Until now, anyone injured by an e-scooter rider had no insurance cover and minimal chances of being properly compensated.

“Neuron has laid down a challenge for all other e-scooter providers, especially Lime, to introduce third party rider liability insurance.”