Insuring an electric bike
What type of insurance for an electric bike?
Does your electric bike need motor liability insurance? Does home insurance cover a broken electric bike? How do I protect my e-bike from theft? Find advice on this page!
Insuring an electric bike depends on the bike’s output and maximum speed. Unlike with other vehicles, the weight of an e-bike does not play a big role even after the amendment to the Motor Liability Insurance Act (1 June 2024), as motor insurance does not cover electrically assisted bikes, which make up the majority of e-bikes on the market.
Up to 250 W and max. 25 km/h – Home insurance
The majority of e-bikes on the market belong to this category of electrically assisted bikes, as do all Helkama’s e-bikes. The motor of an electrically assisted bicycle has a maximum output of 250 W, and the electrical assistance is switched off when the bicycle reaches a speed of 25 km/h. Without pedalling, electrically assisted bikes can travel at a maximum speed of 6 km/h with so-called starting assistance. The weight of the bike has no effect if the other conditions are met. Electrically assisted bicycles are covered by home insurance and do not require motor liability insurance.
Up to 1 kW and max. 25 km/h – Motor liability insurance, no registration
E-bikes with a maximum power of 1 kW and assistance that is deactivated at 25 km/h are officially motorised bikes. These require statutory motor liability insurance but do not need to be registered.
More than 1 kW or more than 25 km/h – Motor liability insurance and registration
E-bikes with an output of more than 1 kW or with electric assistance at speeds exceeding 25 km/h are not roadworthy bicycles; they are registered as mopeds. According to the Road Traffic Act, motor liability insurance must be taken out for them. You should also take out voluntary comprehensive motor vehicle insurance.
There are differences in home insurance policies when it comes to e-bikes
Different insurance companies have different home insurance policies, so you should read the terms and conditions of your own home insurance carefully to find out how they view electrically assisted bikes*. For example, there are differences in the compensation limits, i.e. the value of the bicycles that are compensated through home insurance.
As there are differences in insurance policies, the following answers are general in nature and everyone should check the terms and conditions of their own insurance company.
Does home insurance cover accidents involving e-bikes*?
As a rule, home insurance includes liability insurance, unless you have chosen to exclude it. Liability insurance covers damage caused by the e-bike to external persons or property. This also covers damage caused by a leased e-bike for which the cyclist is liable. Any damage suffered by the cyclist is compensated with the cyclist’s accident insurance.
Does home insurance cover a stolen or broken e-bike*?
If the insurance includes criminal protection for movable property, it generally covers theft and vandalism of locked e-bikes. In order to receive compensation, a crime report must usually be filed.
Does home insurance cover an e-bike* that breaks down during use?
As a rule, home insurance does not cover a bike that breaks during normal use or as a result of wear and tear. If the bike is damaged as a result of an accident, such as a fall, home insurance usually covers the damage.
*Home insurance only covers e-bikes with a maximum power of 250 W and whose assistance is deactivated at speeds of 25 km/h. The official term for these is electrically assisted bicycle.
Locking your electric bike
Electric bikes are something that interest thieves, so you should lock them carefully and store them in the safest possible place.
It is always a good idea to lock your electric bike with a strong U-lock or chain lock to a solid and sturdy object, such as a fence or pole. Insert the lock through both the frame and the discs, leaving as little space as possible for the potential thief’s tools.
It’s not a bad idea to lock the bike with two different locks – even seeing them can get the thief to give up because destroying two locks takes time.
Whenever possible, it is of course advisable to store your e-bike in a locked space, with the bike locked as well. However, when you’re in the city, it’s worth choosing bright areas with lots of people. It is also worth choosing places with security cameras.
Always remember to take all the detachable small parts and any belongings with you! Please note that proper storage of an electric bike also affects its service life.
