Insurance and electric bike kits: complicated or straightforward?
Electric bikes equipped with an electrification kit are becoming increasingly popular, and to make sure of this, it’s important to know the steps to follow. In this article, we’ll take you through the basics of electric bike kits and explain how to take out the right insurance for your needs. Above all, how can you be sure (sic!) that you are properly insured once the electrification kit has been installed (as there are still a few grey areas among insurers on this subject)!
Introduction to the world of electric bike kits
Electric bike kits enable you to transform a conventional bike into an electrically-assisted one by adding a motor and battery. These kits are an excellent solution for those who want to enjoy the benefits of an electric bike without investing in an entirely new model.
Converting your bike to electric: how does it work?
Converting a conventional bike into an electric one involves installing a kit, such as a pedal motor with torque sensor like our super TSDZ2b. The kit includes a motor that attaches to the bottom bracket of the bicycle and a battery. When you pedal, the motor provides electric assistance to make it easier to get around, especially on uphill gradients. At this stage, however, you have modified your bike and therefore forfeit both the homologation and the manufacturer’s warranty. In the following chapters, we’ll look at the impact of these two important changes.
The benefits of switching to an electric bike for everyday commuting
First of all, it’s worth remembering that there are many advantages to using an electric bike on a daily basis. First of all, leaving the car in the garage helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. Secondly, the electric bike, with its assistance system, makes it much easier to get around without having to make strenuous efforts, especially for people with physical limitations. Last but not least, cycling is a great way to keep fit and improve your health, especially if you opt for a torque sensor motor. So don’t wait any longer and switch to an electric bike for your daily commute!
Understanding bicycle electrification kits
Electrification kits let you transform your conventional bike into an electrically-assisted one. These kits are available in several versions, each offering different advantages depending on how you intend to use your electric bike.
The different types of electric bike conversion kits
There are three main types of conversion kits, depending on the position of the motor:
Rear wheel motor
The rear-wheel motor is located directly in the hub of the bicycle’s rear wheel. This type of kit is generally more efficient than front-wheel motors, as it offers better traction. This engine offers a greater sense of thrust under acceleration.
Front wheel motor
The front-wheel motor is integrated into the hub of the bike’s front wheel. This type of kit is particularly appreciated for its ease of installation. It also offers the advantage of being the cheapest solution (but not the most efficient 😉 ).
Pedal motor
The pedal motor is installed in the bottom bracket of the bicycle. This type of motor offers more powerful, more even assistance and better weight distribution, making the bike more stable and pleasant to ride. It also makes better use of the bike’s gears, offering optimum performance. We’ll also see later that it delivers the most torque while remaining within the legal power range (250W maximum).
Choosing the right electrification kit for your needs
To choose the ideal electrification kit for your bike, it’s essential to take into account how you’ll be using it and your preferences in terms of riding feel. The crankset motor is often considered the best choice, thanks to its superior performance and harmonious weight distribution on the bike. What’s more, it provides a better match between electric assistance and the bike’s mechanical gears, improving the overall efficiency of your ride.
Legal requirements for electric bicycle kits
When you convert your conventional bike into an electric bike using an electrification kit, certain legal obligations apply to ensure your safety and that of other road users.
What standards apply to electric bike kits?
The EN 15194 standard applies to electrically-assisted bicycles (EABs) and electrification kits. It establishes performance, safety and operating requirements for these products. To be compliant, your bike fitted with an electric kit must respect a maximum power rating of 250 W and assistance cut-off at 25 km/h (and require pedaling to activate). This standard will be the reference for your insurer when you contact them.
Registration and equipment rules
In France, your electric bike doesn’t need to be registered if it complies with the above-mentioned standards and limits. However, your bike must be equipped in accordance with current regulations: front and rear lighting, reflectors, bell, front and rear brakes, etc.
Mandatory safety equipment
When it comes to safety equipment, it’s recommended, if not compulsory, to comply with the rules in force for cyclists. Wearing a helmet is compulsory for children under 12, and strongly recommended for all other cyclists. In addition, it is essential to obey the Highway Code and the speed limits for cycle lanes. Remember to wear a reflective vest when riding at night, outside built-up areas or in bad weather. In this way, you promote your own safety and that of others, while complying with the legal requirements for your electric bike.
Electric bike insurance: why is it necessary?
Taking out insurance for your electrified bike is essential to guarantee your protection in the event of an accident or material damage. Let’s take a look at why it’s so important to be insured, and what cover is available.
Risks associated with electric bikes
Because of their electric assistance and financial value, electric bicycles present specific risks. They are more likely to be stolen than conventional bicycles, and can cause accidents due to their more frequent use (commuting, shopping, etc.) and higher average speed. Moreover, material damage (such as to the battery and motor) can be costly to repair. Electric bike insurance covers you against these risks and protects you in the event of a claim.
Civil liability
Third-party liability is compulsory, and is often included in your home insurance contract. This is basic coverage for damage caused to others, but not for damage to your own electric bike. It’s vital to check that your liability insurance covers your electrified bike. It will no longer be approved (but legal on public roads) and your insurer may not cover you in this case. To check your Civil Liability coverage, simply call them and asker if your coverage is maintained or if it requires additional insurance. In general, once you’ve made the declaration to your insurer, the latter will cover you. You’ll need to specify whether you did the installation yourself or whether it was carried out by a professional (a criterion sometimes mandatory for some insurers).
While this may be sufficient for some, we recommend that you take out a more comprehensive electric bike insurance policy to cover all the risks associated with using your bike.
Other types of warranty
In addition to third-party liability, insurers generally offer additional coverage tailored to electric bikes. These include warranty flightwhich indemnifies you in the event of theft of your bicycle, the warranty all-accident damage, which covers you in the event of damage to your bike, regardless of the cause, as well as assistance, which accompanies you in the event of a breakdown or puncture. Take the time to compare the different insurance offers and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget, so you can enjoy your electric bike with complete peace of mind.
Bike insurance comparison: how do I find the best deal?
Finding the best insurance for your electric bike can be a challenge, given the number of offers available on the market. To help you make the right choice, here are a few comparison criteria to consider in your search.
Comparison criteria
To effectively compare different bicycle insurance offers, it’s important to consider several criteria. This will help you choose the right insurance for your needs and budget.
Accident damage coverage
Before you sign an insurance contract, make sure you understand the scope of the coverage offered. Some policies only cover damage caused to others, while others also include damage to your bike in the event of an accident. Choose an insurance policy that protects you and your bike against the risks you are exposed to.
Prices and franchises
Bicycle insurance rates can vary considerably (between €6 and €20 per month), depending on the insurer and the cover offered. When making your comparison, also take into account the deductibles, i.e. the amounts you will have to pay in the event of a claim. More expensive cover may offer better conditions for deductibles.
Theft-specific insurance
As electric bikes are particularly prone to theft, specific theft insurance can be a valuable asset (especially in the city 😒). When comparing offers, check whether this warranty is included, and what the conditions are for triggering it (approved anti-theft device, parking conditions, etc.).
By taking these criteria into account, you can choose the electric bike insurance best suited to your needs, and optimize your protection while keeping your expenses under control.
Tips for taking out electric bike insurance
Taking out insurance for your electric bike is essential to protect you in the event of an incident. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right insurance for you.
Assessing your insurance needs
Before taking out insurance, first assess your needs. Take into account the value of your electric bike, its use and your parking habits. This will help you identify the coverages that are most important to you, such as coverage against theft, accidents or property damage.
Gather the necessary documents
To take out electric bike insurance, you’ll need to gather certain documents. So have the invoice for the bike or electrification kit ready, along with your personal details. These documents may be requested by the insurer at the time of the subscription.
Registering your electric bike correctly
When subscribing, be sure to declare your electric bike and mention any modifications you’ve made using the electrification kit. Don’t forget to specify whether you delegated the installation to a professional or did it yourself. This will save you from potential problems in the event of a claim.
My feedback: Civil liability insurance validated in 5 minutes flat
Let’s take my example with my insurer MAIF. I contacted them by phone and got an advisor who, in 5 minutes (after checking with headquarters, however, as the question was unusual😇 ), we have confirmed as part of our home insurance, our civil liability did cover the use of our electric bike equipped with a kit legislation, even if we did the installation ourselves.
This example shows how important it is to find out from your insurer what cover you already have, and what additional cover you may need. It’s also a good illustration of the breakthrough of bicycle electrification in the EAB and soft mobility market. Some forums and blogs present a different and often dated opinion, here’s some feedback that makes the subject less anxiety-provoking 👍
By adopting these best practices, you’ll be able to enjoy your electric bike rides to the full, safe in the knowledge that you’re covered in case of the unexpected.
Conclusion: insuring your bike with an electrification kit is very simple if your kit complies with standard EN 15194.
All in all, insuring a bike fitted with an electrification kit can be a simple task if you take the time to find out all you need to know, and if your kit complies with the EN 15194 standard. This standard not only guarantees the safety and performance of your bike, but also makes it easier to take out insurance that covers your legal responsibilities, such as third-party liability.
To do this, don’t hesitate to contact your insurer, as in the MAIF example, to check what cover you already have under your home policy. Next, compare electric bike insurance offers, taking into account the criteria mentioned above, such as damage coverage, prices, deductibles and specific guarantees.
Finally, assess your insurance needs, gather the necessary documents and properly declare your electric bike equipped with an EN 15194-approved electrification kit. By following these tips, you’ll be able to ride your electric bike safely, protected by the right insurance and hassle-free.
By adopting these best practices, you’ll be able to enjoy your electric bike rides to the full, safe in the knowledge that you’re covered in case of the unexpected.
