Having insurance for your electric bike isn't a legal requirement in the UK, but it could protect you from spending a lot to recover or replace your bike.
Depending on its value, you should be able to add your electric bike to your contents insurance policy. But there are also specialist policies available for extra peace of mind.
Here's what you need to know.
What is an electric bike?
An electric bike (e-bike), is a electric-assisted pedal bicycle.
It's a hybrid form of transport that requires part of the power to came from the rider pedalling, and part from the assistance of a electrical motor. This applies up to 15.5mph, which is the current legal limit for electrical assistance.
Some people say 'electric bike' when they mean 'electric motorcycle'. These are entirely different things, and require their own motorbike insurance policy.
When does an electric bike become a moped?
The electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC) regulations states the requirements for electric bicycles are:
- Bicycles must be fitted with pedals capable of propelling it.
- A maximum continuous rated power that doesn't exceed 250 Watts.
- Electrical assistance must cut off at 15.5 mph. You can go faster than this, but under your own pedal power.
If your bike exceeds the requirements above, then it's considered to be an electric moped. And anything above 4kW of power becomes an electric motorcycle.
If you do own a moped or motorcycle, you need to:
- Have a valid driving licence
- Take a compulsory basic training (CBT) course
- Pay for MOT and tax.
By law, you also need to have motorbike insurance.
Does my home insurance policy cover my electric bike?
If you already have a home insurance policy, check with your insurer to see if your electric bike is covered as part of your home contents.
Most contents insurance policies that cover bicycles typically have a low cover limit. This means they're unlikely to cover the full value of your electric bicycle. They're also unlikely to cover bicycle theft away from your home.
You could find out from your insurer whether you can add bicycle theft away from home as an optional extra to your policy. If so, it could end up costing less than if you were to choose a specialist bicycle insurance policy.
When you compare home insurance quotes with us, we'll ask you "Do you want to insure any bicycles or laptops worth over £150 each?"
You can add your electric bike here. We'll need:
- A brief description of the ebike. For example, 'Black Carrera Vengeance electric mountain bike'
- It's value to the nearest £
- Whether you want to add cover away from home
Does my home insurance policy cover my electric bike?
If you already have a home insurance policy, check with your insurer to see if your electric bike is covered as part of your home contents.
Most contents insurance policies that cover bicycles typically have a low cover limit. This means they're unlikely to cover the full value of your electric bicycle. They're also unlikely to cover bicycle theft away from your home.
You could find out from your insurer whether you can add bicycle theft away from home as an optional extra to your policy. If so, it could end up costing less than if you were to choose a specialist bicycle insurance policy.
When you compare home insurance quotes with us, we'll ask you "Do you want to insure any bicycles or laptops worth over £150 each?"
You can add your electric bike here. We'll need:
- A brief description of the ebike. For example, 'Black Carrera Vengeance electric mountain bike'
- It's value to the nearest £
- Whether you want to add cover away from home
Can I get a specialist electric bike insurance policy?
Yes, these are available. Electric bike insurance policies usually let you add extra protection, including:
- Breakdown cover
- Third party liability
- Personal accident
- Bicycle accessories
- Cycling abroad
Breakdown cover
This covers your electric bike if you were to break down while riding. Check to see if you get breakdown cover by your home as well as while you're out and about on your bicycle.
Third party liability
This helps cover you in case you accidentally run into another person and injure them while you're riding. It also covers you if you cause damage to another person's property. This could be their car, house or another bicycle. Electric bicycles are faster than your average bike, increasing the risk of an accident.
Personal accident
If you were to fall off your electric bicycle and end up injuring yourself, or die, then this cover helps provide a cash pay-out to you or your family. It's best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Electric bicycle accessories
This covers you for any items that could get lost, stolen, damaged or vandalised on your bike. For example a GPS system, helmet, clothing, or lights.
Cycling abroad
You could choose to ride your electric bicycle in countries other than the UK. But remember, if you're cycling abroad to complete a race or tournament you may need separate cover for taking part in competitive cycling.
How much does electric bike insurance cost?
Much like electric car insurance, insurance for your electric bike depends on a wide range of factors that insurers calculate to determine the risk of your electric bike being stolen or damaged. These factors include:
- Your postcode
- Local area crime rate
- Make and model of your e-bike
- Current market value of your e-bike
- Whether you take part in competitive cycling
It's difficult to say exactly how much you need to pay for electric bike insurance, but you can find out by getting a home insurance quote with us. You need to list your electric bicycle as part of your home contents, accurately calculating the total value so you don't end up under or over paying.
Tips for cheaper lower your home insurance costs with an electric bike
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Shop around and compare contents insurance to find the best deal for you. If you require a more specific cover you could find a specialist electric bike insurance policy, but they tend to be more expensive.
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Make sure you store your bicycle overnight securely. Preferably, store your electric bike away from public view, locked in a garage or shed.
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Secure your electric bike with a sturdy lock, one that's hard for thieves to break through.
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Increase your voluntary excess if you can. Paying more excess could reduce the price of your home insurance. But make sure you're able to pay this amount if you need to make a claim.
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Pay for your home insurance annually rather than monthly, if you can. Monthly payments may be more convenient, but it's almost always more expensive. Insurers can charge interest and admin fees on top of your normal payments.
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