Hey Peter,
Great question! As someone who’s been cycling around the UK for years, including on an e-bike, I’m happy to help clarify things for you.
Firstly, you don’t need to worry about insurance being mandatory for electric bikes in the UK, as long as they meet certain criteria. If your e-bike is a standard pedal-assist model, which means it only provides assistance when you’re pedaling and doesn’t exceed 15.5 mph (25 km/h) with a motor power of up to 250 watts, then it’s treated just like a regular bicycle. This means it doesn’t need to be registered, taxed, or insured.
However, even though insurance isn’t required by law, it’s still something worth considering. Many people opt for it for peace of mind, especially if you’re using your e-bike regularly for commuting or longer rides. Insurance can cover things like theft, damage, and third-party liability in case you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property or injure someone.
Given the increasing popularity of e-bikes, and the fact that they can be a bit pricier than standard bikes, having insurance could save you a lot of hassle and expense if something goes wrong. Plus, some policies even cover things like breakdown assistance, which can be handy if you have an issue far from home.
On the other hand, if you’re confident in your ability to take care of your bike and you have a secure place to store it, you might decide that insurance isn’t necessary. It really comes down to your personal circumstances and how much risk you’re comfortable with.
Hope this helps.