The issue of bike insurance, especially regarding electric and pedal-assisted bicycles, has generated a lively debate in Italy and throughout the European Union.
As these modes of transportation increase in popularity, legal and safety issues emerge that require clear understanding. This article aims to provide a complete overview of the current situation regarding the compulsory nature of insurance for e-bikes, based on European and Italian regulations and the opinions of industry experts.
Regulatory context
The original European directive defines which vehicles are subject to insurance, specifying that only those operated exclusively by mechanical force fall into this category.
This includes vehicles with a maximum design speed greater than 25 km/h or a maximum net weight greater than 25 kg and a maximum design speed greater than 14 km/h. Electric and pedal-assisted bicycles, whose action is primarily determined by muscular strength, assisted by an electric motor which stops in the absence of pedaling, do not fall within this definition and, therefore, the insurance obligation does not concern them directly.
Situation in Italy
Despite the conflicting interpretations that can be found in online forums and discussions among professionals, the situation in Italy is clear: insurance for electric bikes and scooters remains optional. This position was reiterated by the Court of Justice of the European Union with a ruling of 12 October 2023 in case C-286/22, confirming that light electric vehicles are not obliged to have RC (Civil Liability) insurance coverage.
The position of the ANCMA
The National Cycle and Motorcycle Accessories Association (ANCMA) underlines that, according to the European directive, there is no insurance obligation for electric or pedal-assisted bicycles. The key distinction is that e-bikes are considered pedal-assist bicycles, with the motor supporting the action of the legs rather than replacing them. This interpretation is crucial to understanding why insurance remains optional.
Implications for users
The decision not to make insurance for electric bicycles mandatory brings with it both benefits and challenges. On the one hand, it allows greater freedom and flexibility for users, who can decide independently whether or not to insure themselves based on their needs. On the other hand, however, this lack of obligation could result in less protection in the event of accidents, both for the users themselves and for third parties involved.
Optional bike insurance considerations
Given the absence of a formal obligation, the decision to insure or not an electric bicycle becomes a personal choice, influenced by factors such as the value of the vehicle, the use made of it and one's risk propensity.
However, given the growing numbers of accidents involving micromobility vehicles, many experts recommend seriously evaluating the option of a Head of family liability insurance policy, which covers damage caused to third parties by any member of the family, including those resulting from the use of electric bicycles and scooters, at a relatively low cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the current situation sees insurance for electric and pedal-assisted bicycles as aoptional in Italy, in line with European directives which exclude these vehicles from the insurance obligation applied to motorized vehicles.
However, the importance of insurance coverage, although not mandatory, should not be underestimated. The choice to insure yourself can represent a responsible balance between individual freedom and collective security. It is crucial that users are well informed and aware of the options available to best navigate the micromobility landscape. Meanwhile, individual responsibility and awareness of the legal and safety implications associated with the use of e-bikes will be key to promoting harmonious and safe coexistence in urban and extra-urban traffic.