Do I Need Insurance for My Electric Bike or Scooter?
Electric bikes and scooters have become a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly way to get around town. But as more people hit the road on e-bikes, many riders don’t realize they might not be covered by their homeowners or auto insurance. Before you take off, it’s smart to know what coverage you have—and what extra protection you might need.
Are E-Bikes and Scooters Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
A common myth is that your e-bike or scooter is just like a regular bicycle—covered by your homeowners or renters insurance for theft or damage. That’s only partly true.
Here’s how it usually works:
Pedal-only bikes are covered for theft or loss under your personal property coverage, usually anywhere in the world.
Powered bikes and scooters are different. Once a motor is involved, many homeowners policies limit or exclude coverage—especially for liability if you hit someone or cause property damage.
So while your policy may pay to replace an e-bike stolen from your garage, it might not cover theft while you’re out riding—or any injuries or damage you cause while riding.
Why Liability Is a Big Deal
With electric bikes and scooters, speed changes everything. If you hit a pedestrian, damage someone’s car, or cause an accident while riding, you could be sued for medical bills, repairs, or other costs.
Standard homeowners insurance rarely covers liability claims for motorized vehicles, including:
E-bikes that exceed certain power or speed limits
Stand-up scooters
Modified bikes with throttle power
If you’re in an accident and don’t have separate coverage, you could be paying these costs out of pocket.
Does My Auto Insurance Cover My E-Bike?
Typically, no. Auto insurance covers registered motor vehicles like cars, trucks, and motorcycles. E-bikes and stand-up scooters usually don’t qualify as motor vehicles under Ohio law—so your auto policy won’t help if you’re in a crash.
What E-Bike and Scooter Insurance Can Cover
If you own or ride an electric bike or scooter, a specialized policy or endorsement can help protect you. Coverage can include:
Theft and damage: Protection if your e-bike or scooter is stolen or damaged in an accident.
Liability: Covers injury or property damage you cause while riding.
Medical payments: Helps pay medical costs if you’re injured while using your bike or scooter.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: If you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough coverage.
When E-Bike Insurance Makes Sense
Here are a few examples of when you should strongly consider extra protection:
Your e-bike or scooter is expensive to replace (many cost $1,000–$5,000 or more).
You ride frequently on roads, trails, or in traffic.
You commute or carry passengers.
Local laws or your lender (if you financed the bike) require coverage.
What About Ohio Laws?
Ohio doesn’t currently require insurance for standard low-speed electric bikes, but your city might have local ordinances. Plus, liability is still your responsibility if you cause harm or damage—whether or not insurance is required by law.
How to Get E-Bike Insurance
At Hixson & Malinowski Insurance, we help Ohio riders protect their e-bikes and scooters through:
Homeowners endorsements: Some carriers offer limited add-ons for e-bikes.
Personal liability umbrella policies: Adds extra protection if you’re sued.
Standalone specialty e-bike insurance: Provides theft, damage, and liability coverage for full peace of mind.
We can explain your options and match you with the right plan for how you ride.
Tips to Stay Protected
Besides insurance, here are a few smart ways to protect your investment:
Register your e-bike with your local police department if available.
Use high-quality locks and store it indoors when possible.
Follow all traffic laws—don’t ride on sidewalks where it’s illegal.
Wear a helmet and ride defensively to avoid accidents.
How Hixson & Malinowski Insurance Can Help
We’re here for all the ways you move—whether it’s a car, a motorcycle, or your new e-bike. As an independent agency, we can:
Review your homeowners or renters policy for gaps.
Explain your liability risks.
Recommend specialized coverage for your e-bike or scooter.
Make sure you’re fully protected every time you ride.
Electric bikes and scooters make getting around easy and fun—but an unexpected accident or theft can quickly ruin the ride. Don’t wait until something happens to find out you’re not covered. Reach out to Hixson & Malinowski Insurance today—we’ll help you protect your ride and your peace of mind.
