Learn why electric bicycle owners need specific property and liability insurance.

Read about standard insurance coverage restrictions applicable to electric bicycles.

Electric bicycles are gaining traction with outdoor enthusiasts. Within the last two weekends alone, I’ve noticed several people riding them on the paved paths throughout the Cleveland Metroparks. Because of the pedal-assist and throttle features, it’s easy to ride longer and further than you might on a traditional bicycle. Seems like a win-win, that is, until you have an accident or your electric bike is stolen. YIKES!

As a rule of thumb, insureds should not rely on standard Homeowner’s and Personal Automobile policies to provide either property or liability coverage with respect to electric bicycles. While some homeowner’s insurance companies are starting to address the issue of coverage for electric bicycles, they are doing so individually, i.e. there is no industry standard. This is troublesome territory that many electric bicycle users are not aware of or have not considered.

For instructional purposes only, below is a short lesson highlighting gray areas, restrictions, and full exclusions in the standard Homeowner’s and Personal Automobile policies applicable to electric bicycles. Bear in mind:  a) actual policy terms, conditions, and limits apply; and b) different insurance companies may interpret policy language differently.

Standard Homeowner’s Insurance Policy:

• Electric bicycle meets the definition of “motor vehicle” i.e. it is a self-propelled land or amphibious vehicle. However, “motor vehicles” are not covered property under the property section.  Also, there is no theft coverage for electric bicycles.

• With respect to the liability section, “Motor Vehicle Liability” is excluded, with a few exceptions.  There is the possibility that liability coverage for an electric bicycle may fall within some of these exceptions, although the precise circumstances and facts of each liability claim would be investigated before an insurance company determines whether or not coverage applies.

• With respect to liability, there are two exceptions pertaining to a “motor vehicle” designed for recreational use off public roads. Still, gray areas exist in which you could be without liability coverage for accidents involving your use of an electric bicycle. One exception appears to grant liability coverage, if you do not own the electric bicycle and are using it recreationally. The other exception is very limited and applies only to an electric bicycle you own and use recreationally and the occurrence resulting in a liability claim takes place on a specifically described insured location.

• There is no underinsured or uninsured liability coverage in any Homeowner’s insurance policy.

Standard Personal Automobile Insurance Policy:

• An electric bicycle does not meet the definition of either “your covered auto” or “non-owned auto”. There is no property, theft, liability (including underinsured/uninsured liability) coverage for an electric bicycle.  Zero coverage for an electric bicycle.

Electric bicycles are fast and fun. YIKES! You are more prone to have an at fault accident riding an electric bicycle than riding a traditional bicycle. Before you buy, borrow, or rent an electric bicycle, consider what is at stake. If you own an electric bicycle, you absolutely should purchase property and liability insurance specifically naming the electric bicycle(s) you own. If you rent an e-bike, my recommendation is it is worth the extra dollars to purchase specific rental coverage offered by the rental store. Better to be safe than sorry.

Contact your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent at Richey-Barrett Insurance to discuss your personal lines insurance needs.