Electric cars and bikes have taken the world by storm. The biggest reason for that is that they are environmentally safe and do not contribute to pollution or global warming. In addition, they are attractive, have great resale value, and are easy to ride and maintain. However, they are also prone to accidents, natural disasters and thefts like traditional bikes. This means that if it requires a major repair or replacement, you will have to spend a lot of money out of your pocket. So, if you are wondering whether to take out a bike insurance policy for an electric bike, the answer is yes since it is better to be safe than sorry. Here is everything you need to know about electric bikes and the documentation you need to have for them:
Is a driver’s license necessary for an e-bike?
A driver’s license is one of the most recognizable and one of the most important documents to have for a vehicle owner. It is the primary measure that traffic authorities have to make sure that roads are safe and smoothly functioning. As a bike owner, you might remember the time you had to give a test of your driving skills in the presence of an examiner at the RTO. The purpose of that test is to check whether the candidate applying for the driver’s license can operate the vehicle effectively. Hence, the idea of making a driver’s license mandatory is to ensure that only capable drivers are allowed to drive on the roads. However, that applies to fueled bikes. Electric bikes operate differently thus, the same logic cannot be applied to them.
Currently, you do not need a license to drive an electric bike with a capacity of up to 250 kW and a maximum speed of up to 25 kmph. The minimum age for riding a bike or driving a car in India is 18 years. But people between the ages of 16 and 18 can still ride bikes without gear and motor. However, there is a proposal to amend the Motor Vehicles Act by imposing a mandatory license for children under the age of 16-18 to drive a vehicle with a capacity of 250 kW at a speed of 70 kmph.
Does your electric bike need insurance?
While the speed limit for most electric bikes is currently 25kmph, it is still enough to cause significant injury to you or others in the event of an accident. In addition, electric bikes are more expensive than their fueled counterparts in the same performance segment. That is, replacing or repairing your bike in the event of any damage to your bike in the event of an accident can be costly. Hence, insurance is recommended to protect you financially in the event of an unfortunate event. For adults, a license is still required to drive a bike whether it is conventional or electric.
Things to do if you have an e-bike
If your e-bike has a capacity of more than 250 kW and travels at a speed of more than 25 kmph, you will need a license and insurance coverage. In such cases, comprehensive coverage is the recommended option compared to third-party insurance. Also, consider the benefits of add-ons to further strengthen your coverage. As mentioned above, electric bikes are more expensive than their fossil-fueled cousins, have a longer lifespan and a more attractive resale value. Therefore, it makes sense to get a comprehensive insurance policy for the bike, as it also protects you from the possibility of theft. In addition, electric vehicles attract lower premiums and offer far more benefits than the cost of insurance.
In conclusion, insurance is important for two-wheelers, as, in the previous year alone, there were over 1.5 lakh accidents with two-wheelers, killing thousands of people and injuring even more. Therefore, go for comprehensive insurance and protect yourself and your e-bike from financial liability in the event of an accident. It is also advised that you should have a bike insurance app that allows you to contact your insurance provider whenever you need to.