Electric Motorbike Insurance

Electric motorbikes are becoming increasingly popular throughout the UK as more people continue to look for eco-friendly modes of transportation. Unlike their petrol-powered counterparts, electric motorbikes are powered by 100% electricity, meaning the produce no emissions, along with many other benefits. Despite their popularity, lots of people are unsure about electric motorbike laws and regulations.

Do electric motorbikes need insurance? How much does the insurance cost? What insurance providers offer coverage for electric motorbikes? The below guide covers all the information that you need to know about electric motorbike insurance!

What is an Electric Motorbike?

An electric motorbike is a type of motorcycle powered by an electric motor. A traditional motorbike is powered by a combustion engine, requiring petrol to fuel the engine. Beyond the difference in motors, both types of motorbike look and function the same way!

What are the Advantages of an Electric Motorbike?

Driving an electric motorbike offers a host of benefits for motorists, including:

• Environmentally Friendly – Electric motors produce no emissions, making them better for the environment than petrol powered vehicles.
• Cost-Effective – Electricity is cheaper than petrol while, meaning running costs are much more affordable than other vehicles.
• No Road Tax – Electric motorbikes don’t require road tax.
• Government Grants – Electric motorbikes fall are eligible for the UK plug-in grant, which offers up to 20% discount on the vehicle price, up to a value of £1,500.
• Low Maintenance – Electric motorbikes run on electric motors, which require virtually no maintenance compared to vehicles with combustion engines,
• Better Batteries – Modern electric motorbike batteries have a longer runtime and are much faster to charge, making them more convenient than ever.

Do You Need Insurance for an Electric Motorbike?

Yes, just like a petrol motorbike, you need insurance to drive an electric motorbike on UK roads.

In fact, electric motorbikes fall under the same category as petrol motorbikes, meaning you must follow all the same laws when it comes to obtaining a licence and insurance for the vehicle. Similarly, you need insurance if you want to use an electric moped.

Do You Need a Licence to Use an Electric Motorbike?

Yes, you need at least a provisional driver’s licence in the UK to legally ride an electric motorcycle. Furthermore, you also need to hold CBT. A CBT is a type of compulsory training course that you must pass to use any motorbike, whether it’s petrol or electric powered. Many electric motorbikes only require a provisional licence and a CBT, as they are restricted to speeds of 28mph. These types of electric motorbikes fall under the L1e-B category, which is the same category that applies to small motorbikes with 50cc petrol engines.

Electric motorbikes with slightly more power (up to 35kW) than L1e-B fall under the L3e-A1. These also only require a CBT and provisional driver’s licence. You need to use L plates when riding electric motorbikes in a L1e-B fall or L3e-A1 category. Also, if you already own a full UK driver’s licence in an AM or P stamp, then you won’t need to a CBT. These stamps are usually found on licences issued prior to 2001. If you have a full licence issued after 2001, then you still need to pass a CBT course.

What Happens if I Don’t Insure an Electric Motorbike?

It’s against the law to drive an electric motorbike on UK roads with insurance. So, if you’re caught driving without insurance, you could face a fine of up to £300 and receive six points on your licence. Additionally, if involved in a serious incident, you may find yourself in court facing an unlimited fine and possibly lose your licence. Therefore, it’s essential that you have proper insurance for an electric motorbike – the risks simply aren’t worth it!

How Expensive is Electric Motorbike Insurance?

Like any type of vehicle insurance, the cost of electric motorbike insurance varies from each provider. Factors that influence the cost of insurance include the type of insurance, anti-theft features on the motorbike, and whether you’re an experienced rider (e.g., age 25 and above).

Types of Electric Motorbike Insurance

There are various types of insurance available for an electric motorbike, including:

Third Party Only (TPO)

Third party only (TPO) insurance is the minimum level of insurance required for an electric motorbike. It’s a basic form of insurance that only provides coverage for people and property damaged in an accident that was your fault. TPO doesn’t cover damages for your electric bike, or any injuries caused by your own driving.

Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT)

Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT) insurance offers the exact same coverage as TPO, but also covers damages if your motorbike is stolen or damaged by fire.

Comprehensive

As the name suggests, comprehensive insurance provides full coverage for your motorbike. Comprehensive insurance includes all the benefits of TPFT, while also covering damages to your bike and any injuries when involved in an auto accident.

Is it Difficult to Insure an Electric Motorbike?

Despite their increasingly popularity in the UK, it’s still difficult to find a wide selection of motorbike insurance policies. Because electric motorbikes aren’t as widespread as other vehicles, insurance providers aren’t offering the same variety of policy options. As a result, shopping around for a good deal on electric motorbike insurance is more challenging compared to conventional vehicles. Thankfully, as the use of electric motorbikes continues to grow, so too will the insurance options available for drivers!