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Electric motorbike insurance

Electric motorbikes aren't as popular as electric cars but they're certainly gaining ground with environmentally-minded bikers. Improving technology and infrastructure is also making them more desirable. If you’re ready to get a quote, select 'Get a quote' to compare prices and insurers.

You might be tempted to switch your ride to something a little more eco-friendly - or start your riding journey with an electric bike. Either way, we can help you navigate the various practicalities and questions you might have about owning an electric bike. From the pros and cons of electric motorbikes to electric motorbike insurance.

Louise Thomas, Motor Insurance Expert at Confused.com

Reviewed by: Louise Thomas Motor Insurance Expert 6 min read | Published 07/09/2023

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What is an electric motorbike?

There are 2 types of electric motorbike:

1. Electric motorbikes

Run on electricity rather than petrol. So instead of filling it up with petrol, riders charge it up with a rechargeable battery. Each motorbike has a maximum ‘range’ of miles before the battery dies.

After this, it has to be recharged overnight or at a charging point if you’re out and about.

2. Hybrid motorbikes

Have a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor that can self charge when not used. This gives riders the chance to use an electric engine for short trips around town.

When this runs out it switches back to petrol, the battery then self charges or is charged by a plug in like a full electric motorbike.

Do I need insurance for an electric motorbike?

Yes, it’s a legal requirement to be insured on a public road on an electric motorbike. Without motorbike insurance you run the risk of a fine and points on your licence. You could also lose out financially if you damage your bike or other people's property or vehicles. Even on a private drive or off the road, your motorbike could be stolen, vandalised or damaged.

In fact, your electric motorbike's higher price tag could make it more of a target for thieves compared to a regular petrol motorbike.

You're more likely to be hurt riding a motorbike than you are driving a car, so personal injury cover could be a good option. This may be available as an add-on to your electric motorbike insurance. Not having this cover could land you in financial difficulty if you end up having to be off work for recovery.

In addition to insurance, you also need to tax it, have a valid motorbike licence and an MOT.

What are the 3 types of cover?

Third party only

This is the minimum level of cover you need to ride on public roads. It only covers your passenger, and injury or damage to other riders and their vehicles or property in an accident.

Third party fire and theft

This provides third-party cover, and also covers your motorbike if it's stolen or damaged by fire.

Comprehensive

This is the highest level of cover as it provides cover for your electric motorbike if it's involved in an accident. This is in addition to the protection you get with third-party, fire and theft. This is also sometimes the cheapest level of insurance you can buy.

Do I need insurance for an electric moped?

Yes, electric mopeds are treated just the same as petrol mopeds or more powerful electric motorbikes. They need to be taxed and insured, and you must have passed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) or hold a valid licence to ride an electric moped on public roads.

Why should I buy an electric motorbike?

Whether you're trying to lower your emissions or your running costs, it's worth working out whether an electric motorbike is a sensible switch for you.

Pros:

Electric motorbikes are better for the environment
The UK wants to reach zero emissions by 2050 so these motorbikes help towards that aim
Most new models boast higher power and top speeds
Electric motorbikes use less power at a standstill, making them ideal for city commuting
Cheaper to run - costs vary between motorbikes but expect to pay around £2 per 100 miles
Cheaper to maintain without a fuel-powered engine
Although you do have to tax your electric motorbike, the tax charge is £0

Cons:

Battery life - depending on the model, you might not be able to do long trips
Acceleration is more gradual - you don’t feel the surge you normally experience on a petrol motorbike
For owners who enjoy projects or working on engines, there’s little to work on or modify
Even with government grants they're still expensive to buy
Accessibility to charging points is an issue for some

Do I need to tax an electric motorbike?

Yes, you do. But even though you still need to tax the motorbike, you pay nothing in tax for a full electric motorbike. So don’t avoid taxing your bike just because the cost is zero.

To get the zero rate, a vehicle must ‘use an external source or an electric storage battery not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving’.

If your motorbike is off the road then you must apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

What add ons can I get on my insurance?

A standard electric motorbike policy should cover your motorcycle and other road users. But you might want to consider some extra cover to suit your needs. Depending on the insurer, here are some add-ons you can add to your policy:

Pillion cover, which covers you if you carry passengers on the back of your motorbike or moped.
Helmet and leathers cover to protect your motorbike clothing if it’s damaged in an accident.
Legal expenses, helping you with legal costs following an accident.
Motorbike breakdown cover provides you with roadside assistance if you break down.

Sidecar insurance provides cover for your sidecar. A self-built sidecar might need specialist cover. Check with your insurance company to see what cover they offer.
European/overseas cover allows you to ride your bike abroad. Levels of cover vary between insurers.
Key cover can cover the loss and replacement of your motorbike’s keys.
Personal accident cover is designed to protect you and your family if you’re seriously injured or die in an accident.

Some of these add-ons might be included by insurers as part of their policy. But if they’re not included they come with an extra cost.

What our motorbike insurance expert says

''We work with lots of insurers who cover electric motorbikes, so you shouldn’t have too much of an issue getting a good range of quotes if you own a bike from a known manufacturer. Your choice of insurance policies will depend a lot on the brand of your bike. Insurers can be a little hesitant to cover emerging manufacturers that are widely unknown.''

''The best way to find out is to get a quote and compare your prices, to get the best deal and to see your options.''

Louise Thomas Motor Insurance Expert

Does the government offer electric motorbike grants?

Despite the government scrapping grants for buyers of electric cars, it still offers grants of 20% towards new electric motorbikes, up to a maximum of £1,500.

You don’t need to apply for this grant as it’s taken off the price by the dealership.

Dealers usually include this discount in the advertised price. After all, it’s in their interests to make the price look as competitive as possible. It’s always worth checking and making sure that it’s been included though.

Some of the eligible models are:

BMW C evolution
Energica Ego
Energica Eva
Scutum Silence S02
Torrot Muvi
Vmoto 100
Vmoto 120
Zero Motorcycles (all models)

You can find the full list of the criteria needed to qualify for a grant on GOV.UK.

Types of bike insurance

Motorbike insurance

Can offer you protection on the road. Whether your ride is a scooter, a classic, a superbike or something else, we can help you find your next policy.

Multi bike insurance

Get a multi bike quote to cover all of your bikes on the same policy.

Off-road bike insurance

Specialised protection for off-roading, green-lining, dirt and trial bikes.

Quad bike insurance

For those riding on four wheels for sport, agricultural or fun.

Scooter and moped insurance

Cover for bikes with small engines, commonly associated with first-time bike users.

Trike insurance

Protection for your three-wheeled pride and joy.

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