diff --git a/packages/vue-app/template/index.js b/packages/vue-app/template/index.js
index 11d4821d26..06fb94f5c5 100644
--- a/packages/vue-app/template/index.js
+++ b/packages/vue-app/template/index.js
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ Vue.component(Nuxt.name, Nuxt)
 
 Object.defineProperty(Vue.prototype, '<%= globals.nuxt %>', {
   get() {
-    const globalNuxt = this.$root.$options.<%= globals.nuxt %>
+    const globalNuxt = this.$root ? this.$root.$options.<%= globals.nuxt %> : null
     if (process.client && !globalNuxt && typeof window !== 'undefined') {
       return window.<%= globals.nuxt %>
     }