Are e-bikes covered under home insurance?

Many commuters are choosing to bike instead of driving these days, and it’s easy to see why—saving on gas and insurance, reducing environmental impact, and enjoying fresh air and exercise are all great perks. If you're among those who’ve made the switch to an e-bike, you might be wondering whether your home insurance covers bikes. Let’s find out.

Coverage of e-Bikes by home insurance

If you’ve got homeowners insurance or tenant insurance, there’s a good chance it offers some coverage for your e-bike, like protection against theft or other types of loss—but only up to your policy’s limits. Since e-bikes can be pricey to replace, it’s important to know exactly what’s covered and if those limits are high enough to protect your investment.

Every home and tenant insurance policy has a maximum claim amount, so if your e-bike’s value goes over that, you’d have to cover the difference out of pocket. If you're not sure about your limit, you can check your home insurance policy or ask your insurance broker to go over it with you.

Your home insurance can also help cover injuries if you collide with another bike, e-bike, or pedestrian under your liability insurance. However, if a motor vehicle is involved, any injuries would be handled through the driver’s auto insurance accident benefits.

It's important to note this only applies to e-bikes with pedals. If you take the pedals off, it’s treated like a moped or motor vehicle, which means it’ll need separate insurance and a licence.

What is an e-bike?

An electric bike, or e-bike, is basically a regular bicycle with a little extra power. It has all the usual features—pedals, handlebars, two or three wheels, and brakes—but it also comes with an electric motor for a boost.

Do I need insurance for my e-bike?

No, unlike auto insurance, e-bike owners are not required to have insurance coverage for their e-bike because they are not regulated under motor vehicle standards. That's because they are considered bicycles again, as long as they have pedals. Either way, we strongly suggest considering insurance coverage.

Electric bikes or e-bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles and can go faster and cover more ground, which means there’s a higher chance of accidents or other issues. If you’re in a situation where someone else or their property is affected, liability becomes a concern. That’s why it’s a good idea to think about electric bike insurance for theft, damage, personal injury protection, and liability coverage.

However, if you’re using your e-bike for business, it’s a good idea to let your insurer know. This ensures you’re fully covered with no surprises. When you use an e-bike for business—like working for a delivery service—it should be insured under business property insurance. This tells your insurer that your e-bike is a piece of equipment essential to your work as a self-employed person, which is different from personal e-bike coverage. Without proper business property insurance, you could be left without protection if you ever need to make a claim related to your e-bike.

Risks of riding without proper insurance

Riding without enough insurance coverage—or without adding your e-bike to your home or tenant policy—leaves you unprotected against damage. Imagine your e-bike’s battery suddenly combusting. It happens more than you’d think! Not only would you miss out on reimbursement for your e-bike, but the explosion could also damage your home if it’s stored inside.

On top of that, without proper coverage, you might find yourself lacking enough liability protection if there’s an accident involving a pedestrian or another cyclist. It's essential to check whether your policy covers these kinds of situations. If it doesn’t, adding specific e-bike insurance can save you from the steep costs of being underinsured.

That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your home or tenant insurance provider, declare your e-bike, and make sure your coverage is up to speed.

How much does e-bike insurance cost?

The cost of e-bike insurance in Canada depends on the provider and the policy you choose. It’s based on the price of your e-bike, plus a few other factors, like:

• Your age and riding experience
• Where you live
• How often you ride
• The type of coverage you want
• Your claims history
• Your deductible

Now, some home insurance companies see e-bikes as motorized vehicles, which means they may only cover theft, damage, or liability up to a certain limit. On the other hand, many auto insurance companies won’t cover e-bikes at all since they don’t require registration or a driver’s licence.

If you find yourself in this situation, this is where talking to your home insurance provider or broker about adding an endorsement or rider to your existing policy comes in. It’s always worth asking what options are available so you can ride with peace of mind.

Adding e-bike insurance to your policy

Custom e-bike insurance could be a great addition to your policy. You might get a specific endorsement that extends your standard policy or even take out a separate policy just for your e-bike. It’s generally recommended to cover fire, theft, personal injury, and collision.

Adding your e-bike to your insurance policy is easy—just give your insurance company or BrokerLink broker a call! We'll ask for details about your bike, like the make, value, and any special features. Sharing these specifics will help us get you comprehensive coverage tailored just for your e-bike. You might see a slight increase in your premium, but you'll gain peace of mind knowing your e-bike is fully protected.

Get the right coverage with BrokerLink

When it comes to e-bikes, your safety is a priority on and off the road. To learn more about adding your e-bike to your home insurance policy or about getting additional e-bike insurance, reach out to BrokerLink. Our BrokerLink insurance advisors are ready to answer any insurance questions you may have about your home or e-bike.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

1-866-724-2372

FAQs about e-Bikes and home insurance coverage

Can you claim an e-bike on house insurance?

 

Yes, if you have homeowners insurance, your e-bike may be covered if something happens to it. For instance, if it’s stolen, you’d file a claim just like you would for any other property. Just remember, you’d still need to pay the deductible on your policy. However, keep in mind that every insurance policy is a little different, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider or broker to make sure your e-bike is covered.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.