E-bikes have become a regular sight on Irish roads, especially in urban areas, in recent years and e-bike ownership has become increasingly common as an eco-friendly and economical alternative to driving on busy city streets.
However, a recent court case may give e-bike owners pause for thought, especially around liability in the event of an accident and the requirement to insure some e-bikes.
A recent Dublin District Court decision in the case of a pedestrian injured in a collision with an e-bike who sought a private prosecution has raised questions about the regulation and insurance of e-bikes on Irish roads.
What is e-bike insurance?
E-bike insurance offers financial protection when your e-bike is involved in a collision and causes injury or property damage to another road user.
Legally, e-bikes are pedal-assisted electric bikes, fitted with an electric motor with a maximum power of 250 watts and a maximum speed of 25km per hour. Pedal-assisted means that the motor cuts off when pedalling stops.
An electronic bicycle that does not meet these technical requirements is categorised as an e-moped.
What does e-bike insurance cover?
E-bike insurance covers your e-bike from a range of risks associated with e-bike use such as:
Bikmo electric bike cover also includes family cover and a multi-bike discount if you insure more than one bike with them.
It is important to note that e-bike insurance offers protection against damage to the e-bike but does not cover injury or property damage to others due to your use of an e-bike in the same way as motorcycle or car insurance does.
How much does e-bike insurance cost?
An annual policy for an e-bike valued at €1,500 costs in the region of €150 per year. The same policy may cost slightly more if you pay monthly.
This will provide protection against accidental damage and theft, as well as up to €250 cover for accessories, and up to €250 cover for clothing.
Is e-bike insurance a legal requirement?
Generally, no. Pedal-assisted e-bikes with a motor below 250 watts that travel below 25km an hour do not need to be insured.
However, the law states that e-bikes that have a motor of above 250 watts, or that are capable of travelling above 25km per hour, are considered mechanically propelled vehicles (MPV’s) or e-mopeds, and these types of e-bikes do have to be insured.
The onus will be on e-bike owners to ensure that they are aware of the specifications of the type of e-bike they buy and use. If you’re unsure whether your e-bike crosses into MPV territory, it’s best to check its motor output, top speed, and whether it can operate without pedalling.
Who provides e-bike insurance?
Bikmo offers e-bike insurance that is restricted to e-bikes that are not MPV classified (i.e., have a motor of less than 250W and travel at less than 25km per hour) and offers protection against damage to and theft of e-bikes.
More powerful e-bikes will require insurance and may typically be covered under a moped or motorcycle insurance type policy.
Motorcycle insurance is provided by:
Get E-Bike cover today
As drivers become more environmentally and cost-conscious, e-bikes are becoming an increasingly mainstream way to get around.
Although there is no legal requirement to insure less powerful e-bikes, you may wish to consider e-bike insurance to protect your investment in an e-bike.
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