All You Need To Know About E Bike Licence And Insurance
Before hitting the road on your e-bike, learn about licensing & insurance. Find complete procedures & details in our blog. Stay informed with Kotak General Insurance!
The market for electric bikes is steadily growing in India. The government is further encouraging the adoption of e-bikes by setting up supporting infrastructure and incentivising their purchase. An e-bike is also more environmentally friendly than traditional IC engine bikes.
However, more awareness is required regarding the relevance of a driving licence and bike insurance for an e-bike.
Check this post to know everything about e-bike insurance and licence requirements.
Do you need a driving licence for E-Bike?
According to the prevailing Indian motor vehicle guidelines, if an E-bike has a battery capacity of up to 250 watts and a top speed lower than 25 km per hour, it is not considered a motor vehicle. Hence, they don’t come under the transport rules. Therefore, these bikes don’t require a driving licence.
On the other hand, e-bikes with a battery capacity of more than 250 watts and capable of achieving a top speed of up to 60 km per hour are considered motor vehicles. Therefore, you would need the mandatory driving licence as well as the registration certificate before riding these bikes on the road.
However, it is recommended to acquire a driving licence irrespective of your e-bike’s capacity and speed for the following reasons.
• Safety and awareness
You gain valuable lessons regarding traffic rules, signs, and road safety regulations during the course of acquiring your driving license. The practical test conducted during the licencing exam ensures that you have the necessary driving skills and you can handle the bike with confidence.
• Insurance obligations
In the unfortunate event of an accident, the bike insurance provider will consider reimbursement of claims only if the rider has a valid driving licence.
Do i need to buy E-Bike insurance?
If your e-bike is classified as a motor vehicle, you must purchase the mandatory third-party two-wheeler insurance to adhere to government regulations. But, the adoption of e-bikes in India is still at a nascent stage. Therefore, you are unlikely to find a bike insurance plan specifically designed for e-bikes. However, you can purchase a regular two-wheeler insurance plan to protect your e-bike.
What does an E-Bike insurance cover?
The insurance coverage of your e-bike depends on the type of bike insurance you choose.
• Third-party insurance
The third-party insurance covers the damages or injuries caused by the insured bike to a third party - another property or a person. It doesn’t protect the insured bike or its rider.
• Comprehensive bike insurance
A comprehensive two-wheeler insurance plan provides full coverage to the insured bike. This includes damages caused to the third party as well as to the insured e-bike in the event of an accident. Moreover, a comprehensive plan also provides insurance coverage to your e-bike from natural calamities, theft, and other risks as per the terms and conditions agreed upon.
Due to its broad coverage, the premium for a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance plan is costlier than the liability-only third-party insurance plan.
E-bikes are new in the market, and the damages to their parts can cost you a significant amount of money. Therefore, it is recommended to go for a comprehensive bike insurance plan to provide full insurance protection to your e-bike.
Besides being a pollution-free alternative, e-bikes can also help save recurring expenses as you don’t need to worry about rising fuel expenses. Just take the right bike insurance plan along with a valid driving licence and enjoy your environment-friendly ride.
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