[aoanevdus]

I’m sure if I get hurt on my bike, my medical insurance coverage will not care at all whether the injury is from riding an e-bike.

If I hit somebody else on my bike… I don’t think I have insurance for that liability? I don’t think my auto or homeowner’s insurance policy mentions me riding bikes at all, let alone an exclusion for DIY e-bikes.

[alistairSH]

Often, in the US, your normal home-owners/renters policy has some level of umbrella liability coverage. Check with your plan to be sure.

The problem is (IMO) e-bikes that are more "motorcycle" than "bicycle". Which includes a massive number of the kits.

There currently is no national framework for classifying e-bikes. There's the 3 tier system that some industry groups use, but it directly conflicts with most state's moped/motorcycle regulations.

Safe bet for an e-bike is a "class 1" bike from a major brand. 20mph cap, no throttle, the most "bicycle" of the 3.

Class 2 bikes keep the 20mph cap, but add a throttle (don't need to pedal). This probably makes it a moped or small (50cc) scooter in some states.

Class 3 removes the throttle, but bumps the top speed to 28mph. Again, this speed probably makes it a moped or scooter (or possibly even a full motorcycle).

And then there's the e-bikes that are more motorcycle than bike. 30+mph, powerful engines, and the pedals are truly vestigial. Supe73 and Surron bikes fall in this category.

[fwipsy]

IIRC The 3-tier system is law in California. Of course, many people use more powerful bikes and there's little enforcement.

[brianaker]

US Law, i.e. Federal Law, for e-bikes is 15 U.S.C. 2085(b) and additionally Title 28 Chapter I Part 36 Subpart A § 36.105.

Pedaled vs throttle is an ablest issues; not everyone has picked up on this.

[alistairSH]

Huh, interesting that regulation exists (and since 2008?), as basically nobody follows that 20mph speed limit. Certainly the options from Specialized, Trek, etc usually provide assist to 28mph.

I’m ambivalent about throttles - much more concerned about the mass and speed of some e-bike when they inevitably get used on sidewalks, multi-use paths, etc.

[peheje]

Fair points, but that’s exactly my point—you’re assuming rather than knowing for sure. Medical insurance probably covers you, but some policies exclude high-risk activities or DIY mods, so it’s not always that simple.

And if you don’t think you have liability coverage, that’s exactly the risk. If your policy doesn’t mention bikes, it’s more likely not covered than automatically included. The more you do things outside the norm—like DIY e-bikes—the higher the chance standard policies don’t cover it.

Not saying you’re wrong, just that it’s worth checking so you don’t get caught off guard.

[Sayrus]

In my case (not US), home insurance cover bikes but not ebikes or escooters. For that you need a dedicated plan (<50€ per year). If I remember correctly, without that additional plan, I'm covered for my own injuries, but I'm on the hook for any injury I may cause in case of accident.

[steeeeeve]

I _just_ went through this when my child had an ebike accident (AAA, southern california). You need specific ebike insurance. Auto/homeowners doesn't apply for different reasons.

[aoanevdus]

Would it be different for non-e bikes?

[steeeeeve]

Oddly, yes. A regular bike accident would have been covered. And it would have been covered on a moped as well even though she's too young to have a license.