Electric bike insurance: which coverage to choose?
It has been a few years since the electrically assisted bicycle appeared on the two-wheel market. A means of transport favored by communities, the VAE is intended to be practical and useful. Its purchase also benefits from certain subsidies. As this is a significant investment, it is essential to maintain it as best as possible.
Another point not to be overlooked, although optional, taking out electric bike insurance is strongly recommended. Insurance will allow you to benefit from good coverage in the event of an accident. But you are wondering which guarantees to choose? This is what we invite you to discover in this article.
What type of vehicle is electric bike insurance suitable for?
An electrically assisted bicycle is a two-wheeler equipped with an electric motor. It provides assistance to the cyclist to pedal more easily. Thus, when having to travel long distances, the cyclist will tire less quickly and will not have to exert great effort. Whether you are driving, walking or riding an e-bike, accidents are sometimes unpredictable.
Hence the need to sign an insurance contract, and in particular to wear a helmet in order to minimize injuries. An e-bike insurance is a coverage that allows you to insure theft and damage related to the use of an electric bike, whether it is an electric fatbike or an electric cargo bike.
As a general rule, insurance companies suggest varying levels of guarantee and coverage solutions. This allows you to opt for the alternative that best meets your budget and your situation. Electric bike insurance is aimed at owners of classic e-bikes equipped with a motor providing pedaling assistance below 25 km/h. These are mainly used on cycle paths or on the road.
It also concerns electric cargo bikes that can support heavy loads, as well as speed bikes whose motor can travel up to 45 km/h. These latest models fall into the category of mopeds. Basically, VAE insurance is dedicated to all types of electric bikes: folding eBike, electric mountain bike, electric fatbike, two-seater electric bike, etc.
The reasons for concluding an VAE insurance contract
Even if it is not compulsory, VAE insurance is more than necessary. Civil liability insurance is strongly recommended, despite the fact that it is very often included in comprehensive home insurance.
Electric bike insurance: to cover damage in the event of an accident
VAE insurance will be of great help to you if your car is damaged in a road accident. It can also be used in the event of a fall. And it goes without saying that if you insure your bike for material damage, it will also be entitled to coverage if natural disasters were to damage it.
VAE insurance: useful in the event the bike is stolen
You will especially see the usefulness of insurance if you have a brand new e-bike, equipment that thieves have in their sights. Regardless of the model you purchased, purchasing an electric bike is a big investment. As you probably know, the price of such a vehicle requires a budget of at least a thousand euros.
So, to aspire to compensation in the event of theft, it is more than recommended to take out an insurance offer. In some cases, insurers require that you have an anti-theft device. There are several types: U-lock, anti-theft cable, anti-theft handcuffs , anti-theft chain, etc. Also, to claim coverage from certain insurance companies, you must connect the rear wheel and your frame to a fixed point, using the anti-theft device.
But then, what type of VAE insurance should you take out?
To offer protection to yourself and your electric bike, taking out insurance is therefore essential. In this context, several options are available to you. It's up to you to select the one that best suits your needs.
Accidental damage warranty
The accidental damage guarantee provides coverage for repairs to be carried out on your machine, or even its replacement. This is if it has suffered accidental damage, such as a collision or a fall.
The liability insurance
By opting for civil liability insurance, you will be protected against physical and material damage that you may have caused to a third person while riding your electric bike. If your e-bike can reach a speed of 25 km/h, you are advised to seek the advice of your insurer.
It will tell you if your insurance protects the use of your e-bike. Otherwise, they will offer you an extended warranty. You will therefore be able to benefit from good coverage. Obviously, you will have to contribute more.
Coverage in case of theft of the e-bike
You can protect yourself against bicycle theft with specific insurance. You will be entitled to compensation, whether the theft took place at home, on public roads or elsewhere. Be careful though, as some warranties only cover battery theft.
Choose an extension of the comprehensive home warranty
You can also extend your comprehensive home insurance and adapt it to cover your electrically assisted bicycle. This may be more advantageous if you do not wish to purchase damage insurance or individual coverage for the e-bike driver.
Some guarantees included in electric bike insurance
As has already been mentioned above, the insurance can include additional guarantees in order to offer you complete coverage of your e-bike in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
The assistance and repair guarantee
Many VAE insurance contracts include assistance and breakdown cover. If you decide to take out this guarantee, only opt for assistance at a maximum distance of 20 km. This is more than sufficient, knowing that the usual use of an electric bike is carried out over a short distance.
Additional warranty for repairs
The electric bike can benefit from insurance covering repairs, as well as the restoration of the machine following a fall, accident or fire. This may also be the case if your e-bike is stolen. Sometimes guarantees even cover vandalism. And to be entitled to a total guarantee, you can add a driver's guarantee to your insurance contract.
The documents required to take out VAE insurance
The steps for taking out electric bike insurance are relatively simple. However, the presentation of certain papers is required. Here is the list of documents to provide to the insurer:
- An VAE insurance application form that you will have obtained from the insurance company;
- Your identification document;
- Your bank account statement;
- Certificate of purchase of the bicycle: sales contract, invoice or other document which proves that the bicycle belongs to you;
- A copy of your AM license if you own a speed bike;
- Your registration certificate for insurance dedicated to a speed bike;
- Some information about the VAE: name of the bike, model, serial number, etc.;
- Invoice for the purchase of a bicycle lock.
The criteria determining the price of insurance for an electrically assisted bicycle
It would be complicated to determine an exact price for VAE insurance, given that insurance companies offer various packages. In addition, insurers very often include guarantees for electric bicycles in multi-risk home contracts, for an additional contribution.
In any case, insurance companies have a range of guarantees, more or less comprehensive. These make it possible to cover any damage noticed on the device. In certain cases, the guarantees can insure the damages suffered by the driver. Sometimes, the insurer offers a guarantee capable of covering certain equipment.
The cost of insurance may increase or decrease depending on these guarantees. It may also vary depending on the maximum value granted on the electric bike and the place where the driver usually rides. This criterion is taken into consideration in order to define the flight frequency, which is especially important in urban locations.
Some points to know about insuring a speed bike or fast VAE
To finish this article, let's talk about the insurance of a speed bike, because recently, many cyclists have chosen to turn to types of e-bikes of this type. Just like a conventional bicycle, an electrically assisted bicycle is not subject to any obligation to take out insurance. In most cases, it has coverage included in your family civil liability.
However, this is not the case for a speed bike or fast electric assisted bicycle . In reality, the speed of the speed bike can go beyond 25 km/h. In addition, it can run even without the driver pedaling. Thus, it is considered a land motor vehicle in the moped category. Driving it then requires taking out third-party insurance and holding a driving license.
If you ride a speed bike without insurance, you risk receiving a financial penalty of around €500. This can even reach €3,750 depending on the situation. All this is stipulated by article L.324-2 of the Highway Code.
