Properly insured e-bikes

Whether for theft, property damage or accident: make sure your e-bike is properly insured

It’s definitely worth insuring your e-bike properly. What type of cover you need depends on how powerful your e-bike’s motor is.

E-bikes with a top speed of 25km/h are classed as bicycles and are insured as follows:

• Third-party damage: not mandatory. We recommend personal liability insurance. This gives you optimum protection if you accidentally cause injury or damage to other people, animals or property.
• Theft: If an e-bike capable of travelling at 25 km/h is stolen, either at home or away from home, household contents insurance will pay up to the agreed sum insured. At CSS, this amounts to a maximum of CHF 20,000 per claim.
  
• Damage: If an e-bike with a top speed of 25km/h is overturned, for example, or if you have a fall and the motor gets broken, household contents accidental damage insurance is liable in many cases. Please ask your provider for more details. This insurance cover can be taken out with CSS from the start of 2024.
• CSS has special accidental damage insurance for bicycles that covers damage to e-bikes of up to CHF 20,000.

Don't forget: Include theft away from home as an optional add-on to your insurance.

E-bikes with a top speed of 45km/h are classed as motor vehicles and are insured as follows:

• Third-party damage: Liability insurance is mandatory and is paid for via the annual road tax sticker (‘vignette’) for the number plate. This insurance covers you for any injury or damage to other people, animals or property when out and about on your e-bike.
• Theft: Ask your insurance company whether fast e-bikes are covered under your household contents insurance. Household contents insurance from CSS pays up to CHF 20,000 per claim.
• Damage: If an e-bike capable of travelling at 45km/h is overturned, or you have a fall and the motor gets broken. Many household contents accidental damage policies offer this insurance cover as an option. This insurance cover can be taken out with CSS from the start of 2024.
• CSS has special accidental damage insurance for bicycles that covers damage to e-bikes of up to CHF 20,000.

Don't forget: Include theft away from home as an optional add-on to your insurance.

All about e-bikes

Around 500,000 e-bikes were sold in Switzerland in 2022. These can generally be divided into two categories.

1. E-bikes with a top speed of 25km/h: Bikes with a less powerful motor have a maximum power of 500 watts. Young adults aged between 14 and 16 need a category M moped licence to ride them. People aged 16 and over don't require a licence.
2. E-bikes with a top speed of 45km/h: The more powerful bikes have motor power of up to 1,000 watts. These e-bikes must have a yellow number plate, vehicle registration papers, fixed lights and a rear-view mirror. In addition, the rider must wear a helmet and have at least a category M moped licence.
   

FAQs about bike insurance

Is my e-bike always covered under household contents insurance?

Yes. Both e-bike categories are normally covered under household contents insurance. However, depending on your provider, your insurance may be subject to older conditions that exclude ‘fast’ e-bikes with a top speed of 45km/h and require them to be insured separately. Please check your policy or ask your insurer.

Who pays if my fast e-bike gets stolen?

You must ask your insurer about this, as not every company includes the more-powerful e-bikes in its household contents cover. If you’re insured with CSS, your fast electric bicycle is included in the cover.

Do I need ‘simple theft away from home’ as an add-on?

Yes, because only then will your e-bike be covered if stolen while you're out and about. The correct sum insured is also important.

What do I need for an e-bike capable of up to 45km/h?

Vehicle registration documents, road tax sticker, number plate, at least a category M moped licence and mandatory liability insurance. You must also wear a helmet, have a rear-view mirror and install a fixed light on the frame.

Can I ride my electric bike without lights?

No. Since 1 April 2022, all e-bikes must have their lights on when ridden, even during the day. Otherwise, riders could be faced with a fine and a reduction in benefits if involved in an accident.