What is electric motorbike Insurance?

Key takeaways

• Electric motorbike insurance can cover your electric motorcycle, electric scooter or electric moped in the event of accident or fire damage or it being stolen

• You may be able to get optional extras like battery or charging cable cover if they’re not included in your electric motorcycle insurance policy

• Be aware that electric motorcycles have quieter operation, expensive batteries, need specialised repairs, and market competition can affect insurance premiums

What is electric motorbike insurance?

Electric motorbike insurance can cover your electric motorcycle, electric scooter or electric moped in the event of accident or fire damage or it being stolen.

Some insurance companies who specialise in electric motorbike insurance will offer cover for your bike’s battery and charging cable, like electric car insurance providers do.

Is it difficult to get electric motorbike insurance?

Yes, it can be as not all insurance companies offer electric motorbike insurance yet. That’s because it’s still a relatively small part of the market compared to petrol bikes.

But there are electric bikes available from traditional manufacturers like Honda and BMW, as well as specialist brands like Maeving, Zero, and Sur-ron, and as the market grows insurance should become more widely available.

Do I need electric motorbike insurance?

Yes, if you’re riding an electric motorbike, including an electric scooter or electric moped, on public roads it’s a legal requirement to have at least third-party insurance, otherwise you risk:

• A £300 fine

• At least six penalty points on your licence

• Being disqualified from riding

• Having your motorbike, moped, or scooter seized and destroyed

As well as legal protection, electric motorbike insurance can provide peace of mind should you be in an accident or have your motorbike stolen.

Top tip: Electric bicycles (or e-bikes) are treated much like pushbikes, where helmets and insurance are not mandatory, although it can be useful

What do I need to ride an electric motorbike?

• A valid driving licence appropriate to your type of bike

• A motorcycle helmet that meets British safety standards

• Insurance

• To register and tax your electric motorbike

• A compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate if you passed your driving test before 1 February 2001

Is an electric motorbike right for me?

The benefits of choosing an electric motorbike, electric scooter or electric moped include:

• Cost-effectiveness: With no fuel to purchase, fewer parts to service, and road tax of just £27, an electric motorbike can be cheaper than a combustion engine motorbike, especially if you charge at home on an off-peak electricity tariff

• Urban agility: Their lighter weight and nimbleness make them easier to manoeuvre in congested city traffic

• Eco-friendly: Zero emissions mean riding an electric motorbike, electric moped or electric scooter is a good choice if you’re environmentally conscious

However, it's worth noting that electric motorbikes may not be the best fit for everyone as:

• Their top speed and range limitations can be a drawback for those with longer commutes, although battery life is improving on newer models

• The upfront price is still higher than petrol equivalent motorbikes

Did you know?

You can no longer get a £500 government grant towards the cost of new electric motorbike as the plug-in motorcycle grant (PiMG) scheme ended on 5 April 2026.

What cover can I choose with electric motorbike insurance?

There are three levels of cover:

• Third-party only motorbike cover: This is the bare minimum to ride legally, covering damages to others in an accident

• Third-party, fire, and theft: This policy extends to theft or fire damage, in addition to third-party cover

• Fully comprehensive motorcycle cover: For the utmost protection, this cover protects your bike in a wide array of situations, and may even include battery cover in case your battery is written-off or stolen

What add-ons can I get with electric motorbike insurance?

If they’re not already included as standard with comprehensive cover, you may be able to add on:

• Battery cover: Covers the cost of your battery if it’s damaged or stolen, although won’t cover you for battery degradation

• Charging cable cover: In case your charging cable is stolen or damaged

• Breakdown cover: Provides roadside assistance if your motorbike breaks down while you're on the road

• Leathers and helmet cover: Protects your gear if it's lost, damaged, or stolen

How much does it cost to insure an electric motorbike?

Electric motorbikes can be more costly to insure than petrol bikes as they’re seen as higher risk by insurance companies due to their quieter operation, which may contribute to accidents.

The expensive batteries and specialised repairs, coupled with a less competitive market, can also inflate insurance premiums.

The cost of insurance will also depend on personal factors like your:

• Age

• Riding history

• Annual mileage and bike usage

• Where you live and how you store your bike

How can I cut the cost of electric motorbike insurance?

Some of the ways you can usually lower your insurance cost include:

• Improving security: Keep your bike stored in a locked garage, fit Thatcham-approved alarms and locks

• Riding fewer miles: Reducing your mileage will typically lower risk

• Building a no-claims bonus: If you can go a year or more without an incident you’l benefit from a no-claims discount

• Paying annually: This works out cheaper than spreading the cost over 12 monthly instalments as you won’t pay interest

How can I find the best electric motorbike insurance deal?

It’s a good idea to compare policies to ensure you're getting the best deal that aligns with your needs.

Platforms like MoneySuperMarket offer a convenient way to obtain tailored quotes from leading UK providers, although you might need to go to specialist insurer for electric motorbikes.