An e-bike is an electric powered bike, fitted with a motor and battery, that makes cycling less strenuous and more enjoyable. Here at RideOn, we hire and sell Super73, Van Raam and Urban Arrow e-bikes, so we have something to suit all abilities, confidence levels and personal requirements.
A motorbike has no option to pedal. It is powered solely by a motor and fuel. Also, by law you’ll also need to tax and insure a motorbike before being able to ride it. You’ll also need to hold a valid license and have passed a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. You will also need to be at least 17 years old to ride a motorbike or 16 to ride a moped
An e-bike on the other hand has pedals, so there is still manual work to be done! However, this can be assisted by the motor as and when the rider needs it.
Also, with an e-bike, the legal age to ride one 14 years old and the speed limit is 15.5mph when using the motor. If you’re using manpower, you can go as fast as your legs will take you! It’s also worth noting also that the maximum power of the motor should not be more than 250W.
No, it’s not. But if you don’t insure your e-bike, you have to bear in mind whether you can afford to repair or replace it in the unfortunate event that it gets damaged or stolen. Especially if you rely on your bike as the sole form of transport for getting around, including to work.
Yes, sometimes e-bikes are covered on home insurance. You’d have to check this with your own insurance company. If they are, they are usually only covered whilst on your property and you will most likely have to list your bike separately on the contents insurance, if the value is more than the specified value of a bike in the policy.
If you want protection whilst out and about, it is most likely that you will have to take out an added personal possession insurance at an extra cost.
All insurance policies are different depending on what you want covered, so it’s always worth checking the small print before taking out a policy, to be doubly sure that you’re covered for all the right things!
If you can’t get the cover you need on your house insurance, you will have to look into specific insurance for your e-bike. Areas you might wish this to cover are:
It’s also worth taking a note of the kind of things that an insurance policy doesn’t cover such as cosmetic damage, theft due to insecure bike, damage/accidents whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol, damage/theft when used by an uninsured rider. Be sure that you know what these limitations are before taking out a new policy.
There are a few online tools which will help you to compare different types of insurance such as Compare the Market, Go Compare and Confused which might be a good place to start, along with contacting your own home insurance policy.
Good luck!
