Electric bikes have soared in popularity over the past 5 years. There are approximately 60,000 sold every year in the UK and that number is set to rise dramatically.
Sadly, with this surge in popularity comes the risk of increased thefts and with a standard electric bike potentially setting you back £3000 plus, it’s no wonder that they’re being targeted by opportunistic thieves.
Why Are Electric Bikes Getting More Popular?
To understand this, you first need to know exactly what an electric bike is and how it works. Essentially, an electric bike is identical to a normal bike, apart from the fact that usually connecting to the bike frame is an electric battery and motor that is connected to the wheels.
The motor will usually have several settings which can be selected by the cyclist depending on how much work they want the motor to do in helping them cycle and thus we get to the main reason they are so popular.
With the help of an electric motor, people can cycle faster, further, and easier up inclines on electric bikes, making them much more efficient and loads more fun.
What is Electric Bicycle Insurance?
Electric bike insurance is cover purposefully designed to protect your electric bike, from not only general bicycle accidents and incidents, but ones that are specific to electric bikes too such as battery or motor cover.
Do All Insurers Cover Electric Bikes?
Not necessarily, and even if they do, they may not offer you any special protection for your electric bike. It’s really important you check the policy wording and exclusions to see exactly what your electric bike will be covered for, so if you do have to claim you won’t have any nasty surprises.
All insurers have to provide clear details about their cover before you purchase but it’s up to the consumer to make sure they don’t skip over any potentially vital info before they click buy.
It’s important to note that if your e-bike can go faster than 15.5mph then it will be classed as a motor vehicle and therefore will be required to be insured as such. If you’re unsure, check your e-bike’s specification right now.
What is Covered?
Cycle insurance policies can offer a range of different cover levels depending on how much you want to pay and which insurer you choose to go with.
Remember to always check your policy wording before you purchase your cycle insurance so you know exactly what to expect should you need to claim.
On top of all other regular cycle insurance benefits, electric bike insurance will sometimes offer certain unique policy add-ons:
Battery Cover
Should the battery of your electric bike get damaged or removed and stolen, with battery cover you will be covered for a replacement, up to a certain value (depending on the insurer you go with).
Motor Cover
Similar to battery cover, motor cover with provide you with protection if your motor becomes damaged. Wear and tear isn’t usually covered and will often be found under exclusions, but if as a result of an accident or crash, then it’s likely you’ll be reimbursed up to a certain amount to repair or replace your motor.
How to Find Out More
To find out more about bike insurance check out our FAQs section
