E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, which is not surprising, given the many advantages they offer: they are environmentally friendly, support a healthy lifestyle and offer greater flexibility and self-determination. But what about insurance? How should I insure an e-bike and what should I watch out for? We provide a useful guide.
What are e-bikes?
There are two different types of e-bikes. Before buying, you should consider whether you want to opt for a slower or faster e-bike. The choice will have an impact on performance, insurance and certain rules.
Slower electric bikes
- Classed as “light motorcycles”
- Speed: max. 25 km/h or 500 watts
- Driving licence: not required, except under the age of 16; in this case, the M driving licence is valid for 14- to 16-year-olds
- Helmet required: no – but strongly recommended
- Fixed lights: compulsory
- Number plate: no
- Insurance: no mandatory liability insurance required
Our recommendation: to make sure you are insured against damage, personal liability insurance is essential. This covers any damage you may cause to others.
Faster electric bikes
- Classed as “motorcycles”
- Speed: max. 45 km/h or 1000 watts
- Driving licence: at least an M driving licence (moped licence), minimum age: 14
- Helmet required: yes
- Number plate: yes – yellow number plate with insurance sticker to be changed annually
- Fixed lights: compulsory
- Insurance: mandatory liability insurance
- From 1 April 2024, faster e-bikes will need a speedometer. This requirement will apply to all new e-bike purchases from that date. E-bikes already in circulation must be retrofitted with a speedometer by 1 April 2027.
What are the advantages of e-bikes?
There are several reasons for buying an e-bike:
Cost efficiency
An e-bike is much cheaper than a car – in terms of purchasing, fuel and maintenance costs.
Health
E-bikes benefit your health. Even if your pedalling is assisted by a motor, you are still on the move and out in the fresh air. This has a positive effect on your health.
Self-determination
As with a bicycle, you are not tied to bus and train timetables and can decide for yourself when to set off.
Climate friendliness
An e-bike motor is quiet and energy-efficient. It does not produce emissions directly.
Mobility
In city traffic in particular, you can get around faster than by car. In traffic jams or slow-moving traffic, you can enjoy breezing past motor vehicles with ease in the cycle lane. It’s also easy to find a parking space, as there’s almost always enough room somewhere to squeeze in an e-bike.
Are e-bikes dangerous?
One thing is certain: e-bike accidents are on the rise. However, this does not mean that it’s getting more dangerous to ride an e-bike. E-bikes are simply becoming more popular. Sales of e-bikes have risen sharply in recent years – and with more e-bikes on the road, they will inevitably be involved in more accidents.
Always drive with care and attention, wear a helmet, make sure you have the fixed lights as required and abide by traffic rules. We recommend taking an e-bike course to refresh your knowledge of the rules. TCS, for instance, offers such courses.
E-bike theft insurance: which insurance pays?
If your e-bike is stolen, your insurance cover will depend on the type of e-bike you own.
Slower e-bikes are insured under your household contents insurance. To cover e-bike theft outside your home, you should definitely consider the “simple theft away from home” add-on and adjust the sum insured on your contents insurance policy to ensure it covers at least the value of your e-bike.
Faster e-bikes are classed as “motorcycles” and must be insured under motor insurance, valuables insurance or special comprehensive bicycle or e-bike insurance.
E-bike damage: which insurance pays?
If you want to insure yourself against damage to your e-bike caused by you, you should take out comprehensive insurance or valuables insurance.
Is it worth taking out special e-bike insurance?
Special e-bike insurance can be a good idea, as it includes breakdown assistance and battery damage as well as theft and vandalism. Make sure you check the insurance cover provided by the different insurers to find the ideal e-bike insurance for you.
Will my e-bike insurance apply abroad?
Are you planning a holiday abroad and are thinking of taking your e-bike with you to explore the area at your leisure? Some e-bike insurance includes breakdown assistance for the whole of Europe or even anywhere in the world. This depends on the individual insurance provider and the chosen cover. It is important to clarify these details before signing the contract.
What does e-bike insurance cost?
Depending on the insurance provider and scope of cover, the cost of e-bike insurance may vary greatly. The premium depends on the type of cover, the sum insured and the excess. According to Comparis, bicycle insurance with TCS costs CHF 57 per year. It is worth comparing and working out what prices and cover are right for you.
Which is the best e-bike insurance?
Which e-bike insurance is best for you depends entirely on your personal requirements as regards cover. It’s worth comparing in order to save money.
Questions?
Do you have questions about your insurance cover? Let our experts advise you.
Source: iStock
