Electric Bike Insurance

the challenge

When considering insurance for your electric bicycle, finding suitable coverage can be challenging.

On an electric bicycle, we save fuel, sidestep the challenge of finding parking in the city, and avoid stressful traffic jams with car noises and breathable pollution. Those two wheels symbolize freedom and exercise, sometimes getting us to our destination faster than other alternatives.

However, like any vehicle, moving around involves risks. It's natural to think that a bicycle, as a velocipede, is more exposed than automobiles.

Concerning insurance, the typical coverage sought includes body damage (covering ourselves), civil responsibility (injuries to others), or even coverage for our own vehicle.

The challenge lies in the fact that not all insurance companies offer the same advantages or policies.
While conventional bicycles have plenty of choices, finding suitable insurance for electric bikes can be tricky. Even for us, it was a challenge.

THE LAW

According to the European directive 2002/24/EC, there are two types of electric bicycles designed for velocipedes or light electric vehicles (LEV) weighing up to 400kg, with two or three wheels.

Pedelec: This refers to a vehicle with a backup motor that does not exclusively handle locomotion. For instance, if you stop pedaling, the motor assistance ends.

E-bike: In this category, the motor can be the primary method for locomotion, and an acceleration option does not require pedaling, similar to mopeds.

Another essential aspect to consider is the assisted speed allowed by the motor. Beyond 25 km/h, electric bicycles fall into the s-pedelec category, where the drive unit assists until 45 km/h.

However, there exists a grey area that requires specific legislation, at least...

In Portugal, as of January 8th, the decree-law nº 102-B/2020 was unsuccessful. The Portuguese Road Code underwent a change, categorizing electric scooters and other electric vehicles in the same group as conventional velocipedes.

This means that rules for all conventional velocipedes and electric velocipedes are nearly identical.

Velocipedes that do not adhere to these guidelines, such as having an auxiliary motor with a maximum continuous power of 1.0 kW and/or allowing locomotion even when not pedaling, reaching a speed exceeding 25 km/h, are subject to a fine ranging from 60 to 300€, and the vehicle is immediately impounded.

The way around

This is not the electric bicycle solution "per se," but essentially, it represents the current market reality.

Certainly, one could explore alternative solutions outside of it, such as seeking house insurance that covers theft prevention for objects, including bicycles, or obtaining transportation coverage when transporting the bike in a car trailer. However, reiterating the point, as of now, no insurance in Portugal specifically covers electric bicycles.

For those wondering about solutions for high-speed pedelecs, the situation becomes intricate.

In Europe, each country can decide how to categorize these vehicles. Some consider them as still falling under the definition of a velocipede, while others are grappling with the specifics of how an electric bicycle can achieve a speed of 45 km/h.

Then, there are countries, like Portugal, that classify any vehicle with a motor not exceeding 4 kW of power, with a displacement not exceeding 50 square centimeters, and a maximum speed not exceeding 45 km/h as a moped. In this case, the electric bicycle must be registered and display a license plate.

Unfortunately, the "closest" solution is to obtain insurance for your electric bicycle as if it were a scooter, which, as you can imagine, comes with its inconveniences.

CONCLUSION

Until the law changes again or some European authority establishes a comprehensive rule for everyone, this is the current situation.

As of now, Zurich Ciclista is the only insurance company with a proposal for electric bicycles. If you own a high-speed pedelec, the available solution is treated as that of a moped.

In conclusion, we extend an open invitation to other insurance providers.

Feel free to contact us via email at hello@ciclo-ebikes.com or give us a call at +351 933 405 845.