Rising fuel prices, heavy traffics, air pollution and global warming are the reasons that make an electronic bike a blessing in present times. An E-bike is a two-wheeler that runs on stored electricity. The E-bikes market, in India, is still in its nascent stage but it has great potential.
Companies are taking initiatives to go green and launching innovative products in this category. These bikes stand out from fuel bikes because they are environment-friendly, free from any noise, easy to operate, no maintenance required, and save time as no more waiting at fuel stations. E-bikes work on complex electrical and computer technology, which has the risk of failure. So it is a good idea to have E-bike insurance to cover any losses due to technical damage.
What is an E-Bike License?
As per the current guidelines, an electric bike with a power capacity upto 250 watts and a top speed less than 25kmph is not considered a motor vehicle so no transport rules apply to such vehicles. It is not mandatory to have a driving license to ride such a bike.
For e-bikes with a capacity of more than 250 watts and top speed upto 60kmph, a driver needs a driving license and a registration certificate for the vehicle because such bikes are considered motor vehicles.
However, to be able to ride on the roads irrespective of the speed and power capacity of your e-bike, you must have a driving license. Having a driving license ensures that the driver is aware of all traffic rules, signs, signals and road safety regulations and can be traced in case of a mishap. Also, in case of an accident, you can not claim any damage without having a driving license.
What is an E-Bike Insurance Plan?
E-bike insurance in India is not yet very popular; however, as these are expensive bikes insurance is important to provide financial protection against any damage or risk. Companies are coming up with specific plans for such vehicles.
Since these bikes have limited speeds, the insurance cover for these is cheaper because of the low risk. Like regular two-wheeler insurance, you can have either third party liability only insurance or comprehensive insurance for your e-bike. While third party insurance only provides the basic coverage for any third-party liability, comprehensive insurance provides coverage against a variety of risks.
What is covered under E-Bike Insurance Plans?
The risks covered by your insurer under e-bike insurance include
- Road Accidents - Any loss or damage to the bike during an accident is covered.
- Repair & Replacement Costs - The cost of repair or replacement of a damaged part is also covered by the insurer.
- Theft - In case your vehicle is stolen, compensation is provided as per the clause of your policy.
- Fire - Damage due to fire is also covered. In case of a total loss, the insurer provides compensation.
- Natural Calamity - Any damage caused by a natural calamity such as flood, earthquake, storm, etc. is also covered.
- Third-Party Liability - It is the most basic and mandatory cover that protects against any damage to a third party in an accident.
To understand the coverage of your insurance better, read the policy document carefully. You can add optional coverage using add-ons to meet your specific requirements. However, there are certain things not covered by insurance. Check the exclusions in your policy to understand better. A few examples are drunken driving, driving without a license, expired policy, etc. In case of an accident or any damage, you can easily file a claim for your electric bike insurance online.
Things to Check Before Buying an E-Bike
Range -
It is the distance your bike can travel with a battery charge. Depending on the purpose of your travel, choose a range that suits your requirement. A 70 km range is good for daily commute within the city.
Battery Quality -
How long your bike’s battery can last decides the performance of your vehicle. For instance, a lithium battery gets fully charged in 6 hours and lasts for an entire day.
Cost -
There are many options available in the market priced differently. Depending on your budget and your purpose, you can shortlist a model and brand.
Test Drive -
Test driving before buying is very important to judge its performance as these are fairly new products in Indian markets.
Take Away
E-bikes are the need of the hour and a futuristic product for Indian markets. These bikes may pose a much lesser risk compared to fuel bikes, but considering the state of traffic and Indian roads, it is a must to have a driving license and insurance before you drive your fancy bike on road.
Also Read: 6 Winter Riding Tips that Restrain You From Claiming Bike Insurance
