A Comprehensive Guide to E-Bike Insurance: Navigating the Options for Protection

Lots of riding fun – high price: You can easily pay 3,000 euros for a good e-bike, and some models are significantly more expensive. This is justified in view of the built-in technology, because the electric bicycles in this price segment come up with modern, durable and resilient components that you can enjoy for years – as long as no accident happens or bicycle thieves strike.

Instead of driving fun, there is great grief, because without insurance, even minor accidents can become really expensive, and if the car is stolen, there is a risk of total loss. Because the number of e-bike riders in Germany has long been in the millions, insurers have also taken on the issue.

There is now a veritable oversupply of tariffs, providers and conditions. This is also due to the fact that normal household contents insurance (even if it also insures bicycles) is often not tailored to the special requirements and properties of e-bikes.

We clear the insurance jungle and present the strongest e-bike insurances.

The best e-bike insurance

All insurance policies listed here cover damage caused by theft (including individual parts), vandalism, accidents and improper handling. Electronics damage or damage caused by moisture is usually also insured. The monthly contribution always depends on the insured e-bike and usually ranges between around 5 euros per month (value up to 1,500 euros) and 15 euros per month (value up to 4,500 euros).

The collection of damaged e-bikes, the so-called pick-up service, is also part of the service package for all e-bike insurances presented here.

Tipp: Insurance policies with an additional cover letter are often a bit more expensive, but they offer a particularly strong service: This includes roadside assistance, a 24-hour hotline, transport to the workshop and sometimes the reimbursement of accommodation costs.

Our favourites: The top 3 e-bike insurance policies

helden.de

One of the best e-bike insurances currently comes from helden.de. Insured persons can get out of the contract immediately without any notice, there are no specifications for the lock to be used and the provider insures worldwide – including downhill rides. In addition, there is generous damage management, which also covers battery wear and tear, you can claim several claims a year and accessories such as locks and helmets are also insured.

Even if you get stranded somewhere with a broken e-bike, you can have accommodation costs reimbursed thanks to the accident insurance letter. An e-bike for 2,500 euros is insured by helden.de for 90 euros per year.

Ammerland insurance

Ammerlander was one of the first providers of e-bike insurance in Germany, but the offer is still impressive today. Accessories are generously insured up to an individual value of 500 euros, downhill rides are covered and signs of wear and tear are replaced up to 5 years after the e-bike purchase date.

In addition, the provider scores with a very short notice period (1 day) and fair prices: the basic tariff for e-bikes up to 2,500 euros is already available for 50 euros a year. However, in order to also cover wear and tear on wheels and brakes, to take out insurance for competitions or to obtain a cover letter, you have to switch to the next tariff level and add another 15 euros a year.

GMO insurance

Die GMO insurance for e-bikes, you deserve a place on the winners’ podium with a generous scope of services that covers wear and tear, vandalism and theft. In addition, there is a strong letter of protection that promises carefree bike tours far beyond your own home.

On-board computers also find a place under the insurance umbrella, there is no obligation to connect the e-bike to a fixed object and the maximum sum insured is 15,000 euros (only 10,000 euros in the basic tariff). Even animal bites are covered. An e-bike for 2,500 euros can be insured here at the basic rate for around 55 euros per year.

FAQ: This is what matters when it comes to e-bike insurance

Because there is a veritable jungle of tariffs and many special rules for e-bike insurance in Germany, we address the most important questions about the topic in this FAQ.

Which bikes can be insured?

Almost every two-wheeler can be protected with insurance today. This also includes cargo bikes, bicycles used for commercial purposes, private or company bikes and, of course, e-bikes. An exception are S-Pedelecs, which must be insured with motor vehicle liability insurance. Dirt bikes, bicycles without proof of purchase, fully faired bikes or self-made bicycles are generally rejected by insurance companies.

Incidentally, you can also insure used e-bikes if you can present a purchase contract. It is best to include both the purchase price and the frame number of the bike. Such bicycles may not be older than 5 years with many insurance companies.

What information do you have to give to the insurance company?

Insurers need this information above all for a contract:

• Bicycle brand (manufacturer)
• Purchase price and date (preferably with invoice)
• Bike type (road bike, mountain bike, etc.)
• serial number/frame number
• Color

Up to what amount is insured?

That depends on the insurer, but new bikes can usually be insured for up to 10,000 euros. Higher sums are also possible in some tariffs.

What does fully comprehensive bicycle insurance cover?

Pretty much. From theft of the entire bike to fire damage to the theft of individual components (e.g. the battery), insurers compensate for the most common types of damage and losses. Saddle, luggage rack, lock or handlebars are usually also insured.

In addition, there is protection against willful damage (vandalism), against damage in the event of accidents and sometimes even the replacement of signs of wear and tear. Rust damage, on the other hand, is not covered by insurance, nor are flat tires.

Good insurance is also valid abroad and for adventurous activities such as downhill rides or competitions.

Is my insurance also valid abroad?

In most cases yes. Europe-wide insurance is common, and this usually includes Switzerland. If you also want to be on the road with your e-bike outside the EU, you have to check your individual insurance cover with the provider, but global insurance cover is not uncommon.

How to proceed in case of damage?

If possible, you should document the accident or the event of damage for your insurer. This includes a written description of the event, photos of the damage and, if necessary, even a cost estimate for the repair in your bicycle workshop.

How do I have to take out an insured e-bike?

If you leave the e-bike at the train station at night without a lock, most insurance companies will object in the event of theft. Insurance coverage almost always requires that you lock the bike properly. Some insurers even apply minimum prices for the lock used, frame or combination locks are often excluded, because such types of locks only offer minimal protection against theft.

Will the new price be replaced in the event of theft?

Usually yes, if the e-bike is not already a few years old. Some providers only insure e-bikes that are no more than five or three years old. In addition to a cash payment, it is sometimes also possible to assume the costs when buying a new e-bike.