How to properly insure your electric bike?

What is an electric bike?

Before starting this article, it seems important to us to define what an electric bike is. Indeed, many still confuse the electric bike with the electric bike. Similar in name, but completely different in practice.

First of all, you should know that the electric bike falls into the category of “mopeds”: a regulatory category of vehicle with two or three motorized wheels. And this is in particular where all the difference is with an electric bike. For an electric bike, taking out insurance is therefore mandatory, while for a VAE (electric bike), there is no legal insurance obligation.

The electric bike will therefore require the mandatory wearing of a helmet and gloves, registration, insurance and above all: a ban on cycling on a bike path.

Electric bike without insurance: what are the risks?

As you might expect, or using an electric bike without insurance, you expose yourself to a lot of risks.

First, in the event of a collision or fall with a third party, bike damage and damage incurred by the cyclist himself cannot be compensated if the cyclist is considered responsible for the accident.

The same will be true for bicycle equipment (gloves, helmet, etc.), they cannot be taken care of. In addition, any collateral damage caused by an electric bike accident (battery-related fires, etc.) will not be taken care of either. Finally, bike theft (away from home) will not be protected by insurance.

All of these risks can be fully covered and protected by real electric bike insurance. We therefore strongly recommend that you take out insurance for your electric bike.

Your home insurance guarantees

You should know that home insurance can cover disputes on your Electrically Assisted Cargo Bike (VCAE) in some cases. However, to be sure of being covered at 100%, you must subscribe to specific guarantees specific to your insurer. You should know that your home insurance includes civil liability coverage that will cover you if you are responsible for damage caused to others. Whether it is simple material damage or physical damage (bumped pedestrians). However, if you are the cause of an accident or if you fall by yourself, you may suffer physical damage. Civil liability cannot cover this type of damage. You should find out about individual accident insurance (school insurance, “life accident guarantees”). They complement health insurance compensation in the event of an accident.

Things to check with your insurance

It is important for you to pay close attention to where your insurance coverage applies. Check with your insurance company that during a robbery, for example (theft by trick or assault), that it is not excluded from compensation.

The anti-theft device

To make the theft guarantee applicable, many insurers want to secure your bike on public roads with an anti-theft device. Pay particular attention to the make and model that your insurer requires!

The franchise

The majority of contracts require a franchise, which can often be significant.

Outdated clauses

In the event of theft, you won't get a refund or a new replacement. Insurance companies apply a reimbursement discount linked to the “dilapidated” of your machine. Indeed, the older your bike is, the less you will be reimbursed. This discount is often 1% per month of seniority.

Buying a VUF is a certain investment, so you have to protect your property. Multi-risk home insurance can cover you against theft if the bike is stored at home. On the other hand, on the street, you need to subscribe to an additional option with your insurance company. This cost may vary depending on your insurer, but it is on average €5 per month

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