Is electric bicycle insurance compulsory?

Question

José Manuel Alburquerque · Accepted Answer

An ordinary pedal-assisted bicycle, with a motor of up to 250 watts that only assists while you pedal and stops assisting at 25 km/h, does not need compulsory insurance. By contrast, those that assist above 25 km/h and those type-approved as mopeds must have compulsory motor insurance. If yours has a throttle or goes faster, check its technical specifications, because many of those sold with a throttle are not type-approved for use on the road. Even if it is not compulsory, it is advisable to have liability insurance, because anyone who causes harm with a bicycle is liable with their own assets. Not subject to compulsory insurance This applies to bicycles with a motor of up to 250 watts whose assistance decreases and cuts out on reaching 25 km/h or when you stop pedalling. Subject to compulsory insurance Bicycles whose assistance goes beyond 25 km/h. Vehicles in category L1e-B, which are two-wheeled mopeds. Pedal vehicles with assistance above 45 km/h. In addition to insurance, these bicycles need the type approval, registration and driving licence that correspond to their category, like a moped or a motorbike. Even if it is not compulsory If you knock someone down with your bicycle and it was your fault, you are liable. Many home insurance policies cover your civil liability as a cyclist. Cycling federation licences also usually include it. Check that your policy does not exclude bicycles with a motor and that the limit is high enough.