Buying an e-bike this Xmas? Read this first

E-bikes boost your range, make hills a breeze, and, most importantly, are enormous fun to ride. If you're planning to go electric this Christmas, read on...

How heavy is an e-bike?
From the lightweight Brompton Electric at 15.6kg to the hefty Babboe Curve electric cargo trike tipping the scales at 73kg, e-bikes come in all shapes and sizes. Yes, they’re heavier than standard bikes, but the motor takes care of the hard work while riding. Unless you’re lugging it up stairs or tackling a mechanical issue, the extra weight is barely noticeable. If breakdowns worry you, e-bike-specific recovery cover is available for just £24 per year.

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How fast can an e-bike go?
Legally, the motor will assist you up to 15.5mph in the UK - beyond that, it’s all down to your legs. Any motor exceeding 250W or assisting beyond this speed classifies the bike as a motorcycle, which comes with licensing, tax, and insurance requirements. Police are wise to riders attempting to bypass these rules, and overpowered bikes can be confiscated for testing.

What about servicing and running costs?
E-bike motors, like the sealed Bosch units common on many models, are virtually maintenance-free and designed to last many thousands of miles. The added weight might mean you wear through brake pads and tyres a little faster, but this is a relatively minor expense. Likewise, charging costs are minimal—a full recharge might only set you back 13p, depending on your electricity tariff and battery capacity.

How far can an e-bike go on a charge?
Battery range varies widely, influenced by factors like terrain, rider input, and battery size. Some high-capacity batteries can deliver up to 80 miles on a single charge, while lighter use extends this further.

Is there a fire risk?
Like laptops and smartphones, e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, which are safe when used with the correct charger. The London Fire Brigade has warned against buying off-brand batteries or chargers online, as these can be a fire hazard. Stick to reputable suppliers and official accessories.

Do I need insurance?
While not legally required, insurance is worth considering. E-bikes are expensive and attractive to thieves. Good specialist policies often include theft protection, accidental damage, and even breakdown cover.

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What happens if the battery dies mid-ride?
You could pedal home unassisted, though on heavier models, that’s no small feat. Alternatively, services like Cycle Rescue, which can dispatch a recovery vehicle, offer peace of mind for as little as £24 a year.

Can I convert my bike into an e-bike?
Yes, retrofit kits are available, with popular options like Bafang offering hub or mid-drive motors. However, some kits exceed UK legal limits for motor power and speed, so be cautious to avoid inadvertently turning your bicycle into an illegal motorcycle.

Insurance for e-bikes

Our e-bike insurance includes everything you’d expect, like theft, accidental damage and vandalism cover – plus a few things you might not. For example, we have a no-quibble battery theft policy, zero devaluation for life, and if you break down on your electric bike, or run out of battery, you can call us 24/7 and we’ll arrange a rescue. Whether you ride a tricycle, folding, mountain or cargo electric bike, our comprehensive policy has you covered.

Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

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