Electric bicycle insurance

Electric bike insurance isn't compulsory, but could be worth it.

Electric bicycles are an expensive buy, which could put a dent in your pocket to repair or replace should you ever need to.

If you've got an existing home contents policy, it could be worth checking if your electric bike's already covered. If not, you could compare prices for home contents insurance with us. Or opt for specialist electric bike insurance.

Do I need electric bike insurance?

Electric bicycles are a great way to get you from point A to B faster than your average bicycle - and the exercise is a bonus!

Buying electric bike insurance isn't a legal requirement in the UK, but it could protect you from spending a lot to recover or replace your bike.

If you use your electric bicycle daily, you're likely to be in situations where you need to stop to lock your bike publicly. For example, outside of a coffee shop or a train station. Although there's no way around this, doing this is risky business as there's a chance am opportunistic thief has their eye on your bike.

Bicycle theft is slowly on the rise. It's been reported that 77,465 bikes in 2021/22 were stolen in England and Wales, compared with 77,302 in the previous reporting year.

But it's not just theft you need to worry about. Your bike could also get damaged, which can become costly to repair. That's why getting electric bike insurance could help give you a peace of mind, allowing you to freely ride knowing you're covered.

How much does electric bike insurance cost?

It 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.

Does my home insurance policy cover my electric bike?

If you already have an existing home insurance policy, check with your insurer to see what's covered for your electric bike. Or if there is any existing cover.

Most contents insurance that do 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.

But talk to your insurer, as all policies are different.

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 instead.

What extra cover can I get with my electric bike insurance?

When deciding to get electric bike insurance, make sure you've got extra protection such as:

• 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.

When does an electric bike become a moped?

An electric bicycle by UK law is defined by producing no more than 250 Watts of power, which reaches a maximum of 15.5 mph. A bicycle that meets this definition can be legally ridden by anyone over the age of 14, without needing the regulations of a motorcycle.

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. Once that's all sorted, you should be good to go - just make sure you're protected with the right motorcycle gear.

Tips for cheaper electric bike insurance

• 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.
• Make sure you store your bicycle overnight securely. Preferably, store your electric bike away from public view, locked in a garage or shed. If you choose to secure your valuable bike here, make sure your home insurance policy also covers your outbuildings.
• Secure your electric bike with a sturdy lock, one that's hard for thieves to break through.
• Increase your voluntary excess if you can. Paying more excess could reduce the price of your home insurance.
• 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.