You own an e-bike and are wondering if insurance is necessary. More and more people in Germany are using e-bikes:
2018: 4.7 million owners
2023: 12.4 million owners
The theft rate remains high, as shown in the following table:
Category |
Number of thefts per year |
|---|---|
Total bicycles |
300,000 |
E-bikes |
Tends to be higher |
Insurance is highly recommended, as the clearance rate for thefts is only 9.9%.
Key Findings
E-bike insurance is especially important if you own an expensive model or use your bike frequently. It protects against theft, vandalism, and accidents.
Pedelecs do not require special insurance, whereas S-pedelecs and fast e-bikes require motor vehicle liability insurance. Check the regulations for your model.
The cost of e-bike insurance varies between 50 and 200 euros per year. Factors such as the purchase price and the scope of coverage influence the premium.
E-Bike Insurance Obligation & Necessity
Legal Regulations for E-Bikes
You want to know if you have to insure your e-bike. In Germany, there is no general insurance requirement for all e-bikes. The regulations differ depending on the type. The following table shows you what applies to your model:
E-bike type |
Insurance requirement |
Driver's license required |
|---|---|---|
Pedelecs |
No insurance requirement |
No |
S-pedelecs |
Motor vehicle liability insurance required |
Yes (Class AM) |
E-bikes (45 km/h) |
Motor vehicle liability insurance required |
Yes (Class AM) |
Pedelecs travel up to 25 km/h and only support you while pedaling. You do not need special insurance for them. S-pedelecs and fast e-bikes travel up to 45 km/h. For these models, you must take out motor vehicle liability insurance and possess a class AM driver's license.
When is e-bike insurance useful?
E-bike insurance is particularly useful if you use your bike often or own a new, expensive model. It protects you against theft, vandalism, accidents, and crash damage. Defects in the motor, battery, or electronics are also covered. The insurance applies not only at home but also when traveling and in everyday life.
Tip: The value of your e-bike is highest in the first three years after purchase. The motor and battery often account for half of the total value. Insurance helps you avoid financial losses.
You benefit especially if you use your e-bike daily or are often on the go.
Differences from liability and household insurance
Many wonder whether household or liability insurance is sufficient. The following table shows you the most important differences:
Insurance type |
Coverage |
Special features |
|---|---|---|
Liability insurance |
Required for e-bikes over 25 km/h |
Does not cover damage to your own e-bike, only damage to third parties. |
Household insurance |
Often covers only part of the value, usually at the insurance location |
Night clause can restrict protection. |
Special e-bike insurance |
Comprehensive protection, especially against theft and damage |
Covers full value, even outside the house. |
Special e-bike insurance offers you more protection than household insurance. It covers the full value of your bike and also protects it on the road. Damage to components and electronics is usually included. You only need liability insurance for fast models. However, it does not protect your own e-bike, but only others if you cause an accident.
E-Bike Costs, Services & Processing
E-bike insurance costs
You want to know what e-bike insurance costs. The prices vary depending on the provider and the scope of services. The following table shows you the average annual costs in Germany:
Cost range |
Average costs (Euro) |
|---|---|
E-bike insurance |
50 - 200 |
With a purchase price of about 1000 euros, you pay approximately 76 euros per year. Some providers like ADAC start from as low as 29.70 euros annually.
Many factors influence the premium amount:
The purchase price of your e-bike
Its age and equipment
The chosen scope of services
The duration and payment interval
The amount of the deductible
The original price also plays an important role. The more expensive your e-bike, the higher the premium. The insurance often calculates the value based on the gross new price.
Covered services
E-bike insurance protects you against many risks. The most important services can be found in this overview:
Service |
Description |
|---|---|
Theft protection |
Insures the e-bike, accessories like battery, saddle, and helmet |
Repair protection |
Covers accident damage, fall and crash damage, vandalism |
Battery and motor protection |
Protects against electronic damage, moisture damage, and wear |
Protection letter |
Offers roadside assistance, towing, replacement bike, and other service benefits after an accident |
Many insurance companies offer basic and premium tariffs. The basic tariff usually includes theft, vandalism, and accident damage. Premium tariffs additionally offer electronic protection, roadside assistance, new value compensation, and travel protection.
Not all damage is covered. The following table shows you typical exclusions:
Exclusion reason |
Description |
|---|---|
S-pedelecs and fast e-bikes |
No protection for models over 45 km/h |
Operating errors |
Damage due to improper handling is excluded |
Vandalism |
Not always insured |
Material defects |
Damage due to material defects is often not covered |
Night clause |
Some policies exclude theft between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. if the bike is outside |
Tip: Always check whether your contract contains a night clause. This way you know when your e-bike is protected.
Waiting period and contract duration
Many insurance companies set a waiting period before protection begins. This is especially important for used or older e-bikes. The table shows you typical waiting periods:
Age of the e-bike |
Waiting period |
|---|---|
older than 12 months |
6 weeks |
older than 3 years |
4 weeks |
The contract duration is usually between 12 and 60 months. Many contracts automatically renew for one year if you do not cancel in time. The notice period is often 1 to 3 months.
There are special features for older e-bikes. Many insurance companies exclude damage due to wear and defects. Battery damage is often not covered for older models.
Required documents
To take out e-bike insurance, you need some documents. The following table gives you an overview:
Document |
Description |
|---|---|
Purchase receipt or invoice |
Proof of purchase, value, and age of the e-bike |
Bicycle passport |
Contains important information about the e-bike |
Frame number |
Identification number of the e-bike |
Proof of bicycle lock |
Confirmation that a lock is available |
Current photos |
Images for identification |
Always request the original proof when purchasing. A bicycle passport helps you collect all important data. The frame number proves that the e-bike belongs to you.
Insuring multiple e-bikes
You can insure multiple e-bikes in one policy. Many insurers offer discounts if you insure more than one bike. The following table shows you possible discounts:
Number of bicycles |
Discount per bicycle |
|---|---|
3 |
10% |
4 |
20% |
This way you save money if you have a family or own multiple e-bikes.
You don't need e-bike insurance, but it provides comprehensive protection. The costs and services differ significantly. Pay attention to waiting periods and important criteria when signing up:
Note |
|
|---|---|
Age |
Best directly at the time of purchase |
Purchase price |
Observe value limits |
Lock |
Prescribed lock type |
Personal consultation helps you find the right offer.
FAQ
What happens when you sell your e-bike?
You report the sale to your insurance company. The policy ends or you transfer it to your new e-bike.
What does e-bike insurance not cover?
Damage due to gross negligence
Wear parts like brakes or tires
Races and competitions
What must you do in the event of damage?
Report the damage to your insurer immediately. Have your receipt, photos, and the frame number ready.