More and more French people have taken the step by investing in electric bikes. The growth has been steady for several years in this new ecological means of transportation and this trend is not likely to stop, despite the relative shortage of electric bikes.
Known to be expensive to buy, electric bikes have regularly decreased in price since, notably thanks to various subsidies from local authorities encouraging their citizens to travel by electric bike. But is it necessary to subscribe to insurance for an electric bike? What about civil liability coverage? Does my home insurance cover my own damages in case of an accident? We answer your questions in this electric bike insurance guide.
What are the different types of bikes available on the market
Just like traditional bikes, there are as many types of electric bikes as there are riding styles. Before subscribing to insurance for an electric bike, it is important to note that approval to ride on public roads in France necessarily requires a motor with a maximum power of 250W that can provide electric assistance only up to 25 km/h.
Beyond that, it is only by the strength of the calves that you have to push your two-wheeler. Note that the electric part only comes into play when its user continues pedaling. It cannot be a trigger to control its acceleration.
an electric bike (VAE)
The electric bike is found both on urban models such as city electric bikes and on folding electric bikes for ease of transport or storage.
Whether electric hybrid bikes or electric mountain bikes, the maximum power does not change and one must settle for a maximum speed of 25 km/h with electric assistance. The difference can however lie in the battery that equips the electric bike. The latter can offer more or less autonomy depending on the use of the electric bike.
An electric cargo bike
In exclusively urban environments, the electric cargobike is increasingly developing. Particularly robust with a often massive appearance, it is designed for transporting either goods or children, all with reduced effort.
Thus, the electric cargo bike can completely replace a car or even a small utility vehicle. It is therefore very practical as an ecological means of transport, with heavy loads and ease of maneuvering in the city. On these bikes, we find both electric two-wheelers equipped either with a large luggage rack at the front or rear or a towed trailer, as well as electric tricycles with 3 wheels for better stability.
a classic bike fitted with an electrification kit
There is now a relatively simple and effective method to convert your old classic bike into an electric bike. With an electrification kit including both an electric motor, a battery, and a controller, your old bike can be modernized very easily.
This one does not differ from a new electric bike in terms of insurance, as long as it complies with the 250W standard for its motor. It must still not exceed 25 km/h in its assistance, just like the requirement to pedal to continue activating the electric mode.
a speedbike with mandatory insurance
Called fast electric bikes, or Speedbikes, these two-wheelers do not comply with French regulations to be classified as "electric bikes". They fall into another category called mopeds. By allowing riding up to 45 km/h with assistance and equipped with a powerful electric motor, the speedbike is an alternative to the motorcycle or electric scooter. Their legislation has a specificity requiring mandatory helmet wearing when using them, having a license plate to circulate, as well as insurance.
Is electric bike insurance mandatory?
To answer simply, no, insurance is not mandatory to ride an electric bike unlike the electric scooter. However, it is recommended given the high cost of some electric bikes.
Due to the increasing number of thefts, the government has required cycle sellers to equip every new bike (electric or not) with a mandatory marking to more easily find the owner. But this is not the only goal. It is both to discourage theft and fencing, while offering better security to the user on a daily basis.
The helmet is also not mandatory but highly recommended for electric bikes
For electric bikes, wearing a helmet is not mandatory (except for children under 12 years old). However, it is highly recommended when cycling as it is very useful in case of a fall. Indeed, most bicycle accidents cause bruises and head injuries. It is therefore better to be protected, especially on an electric bike that can easily gain speed without effort.
If possible, please do not use a used helmet but a new bike helmet because you cannot know the possible damage a second-hand model has already suffered.
How to insure your electric bike (VAE)?
As we saw earlier, the electric bike is therefore considered the same as a classic bike without a motor and does not necessarily require electric bike insurance. However, depending on the price of the VAE, it may be wise to check with your insurer to know the most advantageous rates, especially if you ride regularly.
Don't forget that most insurance companies refuse to cover you if your electric assisted bike does not have approval. Make sure to check this point well before buying your approved bike!
Points to check before subscribing to bike insurance
As a preamble, it is useful to have the following documents in your possession, which will be requested by the insurer to carry out the necessary steps for electric bike insurance:
- the receipt of your electric bike (VAE)
- the serial number of your electric bike
- the receipt of a lock (a model listed among the brands authorized by the insurer)
With these documents in hand, you have all the cards to simply subscribe to an electric bike insurance and find the best rate.
civil liability insurance guarantee
If you do not have a multi-risk home insurance contract, it is advisable to take out a civil liability guarantee contract with an insurer. It covers the damage you might cause to others with your bike.
In the case of a multi-risk home insurance contract, this guarantee also covers members living under your roof. Useful if a family member, especially a child, has an accident with your electric bike.
material damage bike insurance guarantees
Be careful, however, because while civil liability insurance covers damage caused to others, it does not cover your own damages as well as those of your electric bike. To fully protect yourself in case of a fall, a collision with an animal for example, or an act of vandalism on your electric bike, you therefore need material damage insurance.
This coverage will then take care of repairing the electric bike or its replacement if repair is impossible.
bike insurance theft coverage
If the investment in an electric bike is relatively costly, we can only advise you to subscribe to theft insurance. If certified locks are mandatory for subscribing to this insurance, in the case of an electric bike the insurance company may require attachment by at least 2 locks. Usually with one lock attached to the electric bike frame, and a second to protect against battery theft if it is removable.
Note that since January 1, 2021, marking is mandatory when purchasing a new electric bike. If your electric bike was purchased before this date, consider equipping your bike with an affordable secure label allowing identification of your bike. Even if this marking does not prevent theft, it can act both as a deterrent to thieves and fences, but above all to contact you more easily if your bike is found.
Currently, nearly 2% of owners recover their cycle in case of theft. This figure could significantly increase with the installation of these tags allowing easy identification of owners in case of theft or even loss of the electric bike. Because if today there are about 400,000 bikes stolen each year, the police trace more or less long-term nearly a quarter of these bikes (about 100,000). Unfortunately, due to lack of identification, few are returned to their owners.
So remember to inform your electric bike insurance if it is equipped with such an identification system against theft. This should affect the insurance contract rate.
Is it ultimately useful to subscribe to electric bike insurance?
If electric bike insurance is not mandatory, we advise our clients to inquire with different insurers. While civil liability covers you daily on the road, purchasing an electric bike is an investment that in our view requires good coverage.
In case of theft or accident, coverage of various costs is often well reimbursed by insurance. It is up to you to take the steps to find the best rate for your bike insurance, depending on your budget.