How will e-bike insurance raise premiums in NSW? Here’s what we know
Love 'em or hate 'em, e-bikes may soon have the same requirements as regular vehicles in NSW.
A rising number of collisions involving e-bikes has sparked conversations around whether riders must take out CTP insurance.
The push for the regulation change is being driven by several doctors and lawyers.
The Australian Lawyers Alliance and the NSW Bar Association, in particular, are the primary drivers to the proposed change, demanding privately owned vehicles to be registered in addition to insured.
"E-bikes should be treated just like any other motor vehicle, yet the government is treating them more like children's toys," said Barrister Andrew Stone SC, a member of the Australian Lawyers Alliance.
"E-bikes can weigh as much as motorbikes and if you're struck and knocked to the ground by one of these devices, you can be left with life-long injuries and may not be able to work again."
Get motorcycle insurance
Start comparing
In NSW, two types of e-bikes are permitted to be driven: electrically power-assisted cycle which has a maximum continuous rated power of up to 500 watts and power-assisted pedal cycles, a vehicle that has a motor attached and a combined maximum power output of up to 200 watts.
There's no definitive answer or promise right now as to whether these regulation changes will be put into practice, however, Transport Minister John Graham confirmed the government has asked the NSW Treasury to explore insurance options for privately owned e-bikes.
This will include discussions around what insurance policies may look like and their price and how Australians injured by e-bikes will be supported.
What will e-bike insurance mean for premiums?
At the moment, there are only a handful of specialised insurers catering to e-bike drivers, offering coverage for bike components, third-party liability, accidental damage and theft.
Should plans for e-bike CTP requirements go ahead, we may start to see more mainstream insurers refresh their policies.
Whether or not it will make a difference in overall premiums is difficult to say, though highly unlikely, as car insurance premiums are determined by several factors specific to the driver.
While it could be some time before we see a rollout of e-bike-specific insurance, riders should still consider doing their due diligence by seeking protection beyond a sturdy helmet.
Ask a question