On the safe side: E-bike insurance in a country-by-country comparison

What is popular inevitably attracts the attention of thieves. In the wake of the increasing popularity of e-bikes, it is hardly a surprise that the topic of e-bike insurance is also coming into focus with more and more e-bikers. But how does e-bike insurance help? And what are the special features of e-bike insurance cover in Germany, Austria and Switzerland? In this article, we look at the special features of e-bike insurance in these three countries and show you what you should be looking out for.

WHAT IS AN E-BIKE INSURANCE?

Good e-bikes cost between 3,000 and 6,000 Swiss francs – the price alone shows why insurance coverage for e-bikes makes perfect sense. Such an e-bike insurance not only protects you and your e-bike against the financial consequences of theft, but can also provide protection in the case of vandalism or an accident.

This means that a specific e-bike insurance goes far beyond the basic protection of a personal liability insurance or household contents insurance, which can also offer some insurance coverage depending on the type of e-bike, claim, country, insurance provider and type of insurance. In addition to the classic bicycle insurance, there are other more specific types of insurance for your electric bike – such as battery protection and roadside assistance.

WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR AN E-BIKE?

The different types of insurance mentioned above already show that the right insurance coverage greatly depends on your individual situation and type of bicycle – this applies toGermany, Austria and Switzerland alike. One thing up front: Even if the subject sounds complicated at first, in the end it is not. However, it’s a good idea to do a certain amount of basic research before taking out an e-bike insurance.

Before you buy e-bike insurance, you should always clarify which basic requirements apply to you personally. Typical questions you should answer are:

• Do I own an e-bike with assistance up to 25 km/h or an e-bike with assistance up to 45 km/h? There are big differences here. In Germany, for example, it is mandatory to insure an S-pedelec with motor liability insurance. In Switzerland, too, liability insurance or a license plate is required. E-bikes up to 25 km/h or pedelecs, on the other hand, are treated like classic bikes.
• Which claims are covered by my personal (liability) insurance? Usually this covers property and personal damage that you have caused to third parties by using your bike.
• Which claims are covered by my household contents insurance? Many household contents insurance policies also cover pedelecs – for example, if the e-bike is stolen from the basement or garage in the event of a burglary. Whether cover is provided and what specifically is covered greatly depends on the insurer and the level of insurance.
•  What claims can e-bike insurance cover in addition? Again, it greatly depends on the insurance provider. In principle, however, the protection of a specific e-bike insurance goes far beyond the insurance policies mentioned. A specific e-bike insurance can also provide protection against theft when you are out and about, crashes and defects on the e-bike.
• Which claims can supplementary insurance cover specifically? Battery protection covers battery damage caused by moisture, for example. Roadside assistance – such as membership in a transport club/association – provides assistance on the road. Here, too, it depends on the company concerned.

E-BIKE INSURANCE SWITZERLAND: AN OVERVIEW

In Switzerland, e-bikes and pedelecs are particularly popular due to the steep topography and well-developed bike network. A distinction is made between e-bikes that provide assistance up to 25 km/h and 500 watts and faster S-pedelecs (up to 45 km/h and 1,000 watts). You should keep the following in mind when considering e-bike insurance in Switzerland:

• S-pedelecs: While e-bikes up to 25 km/h are treated like bicycles in terms of insurance, S-pedelecs require liability insurance and a yellow license plate with a valid insurance sticker. You get the latter from the Road Traffic Licensing Department in your canton of residence.
• Liability: Covers damage you inflict on third parties. Personal liability insurance is responsible for e-bikes up to 25 km/h, and motorcycle liability insurance is required for fast e-bikes.
• Anti-theft protection: Household contents insurance often applies to e-bikes up to 25 km/h for theft at home. A distinction is often made here between “simple theft” and “simple theft away from home” – the latter also applies to theft from a train station. This often requires additional e-bike insurance. In the case of S-pedelecs, cover for motorcycles is again required.
• Own damage: Either through a supplement in your household contents insurance (depending on the insurance company) or through personal comprehensive plus collision cover or your own e-bike insurance with the corresponding provisions.
• Battery insurance: Optional, covers damage to the often expensive battery.
  

E-BIKE INSURANCE GERMANY: AN OVERVIEW

In Germany, there is a similar distinction between pedelecs and S-pedelecs as in Switzerland. While personal liability cover is often sufficient for the former, additional insurance is necessary for S-pedelecs.

• S-pedelecs: Considered to be light motorcycles with low performance or mopeds and therefore require motor liability insurance and an insurance plate.
• Liability: Motor liability insurance is responsible for S-pedelecs and personal liability insurance for e-bikes up to 25 km/h.
• Anti-theft protection: As in Switzerland, either via a household contents insurance or supplemented by a specific e-bike insurance.
• Own damage: With your own e-bike insurance. The distinction between partial accidental damage insurance and comprehensive accidental damage insurance is important here. The latter offers all-round protection and is especially recommended for high-quality e-bikes.
• Battery insurance: Either through your household contents, your existing bicycle insurance or as a supplementary insurance policy.

E-BIKE INSURANCE AUSTRIA: AN OVERVIEW

Whether theft or an accident, e-bike insurance is booming in Austria too. Here, however, the market revolves mainly around e-bikes with assistance up to 25 km/h, as S-pedelecs hardly play a role due to the strict legal regulations.

• S-pedelecs: S-pedelecs are classed as vehicles of category L1e-B and therefore, in the eyes of the law, are mopeds. Accordingly, moped insurance coverage is necessary.
• Liability: As in Germany. Protects against damage caused to third parties, such as scratches on a car caused by riding too close.
• Anti-theft protection: Basic protection via household contents or household insurance, but often not sufficient for the respective claims. Supplementary or your own bicycle insurance is recommended here.
• Own damage: With your own comprehensive accidental damage insurance, you are protected against traffic accidents and parking damage. Partial accidental damage insurance serves as basic protection for e-bikes.
• Battery insurance: Either as part of a complete protection package or as an add-on.

21.11.2023