E-bikes have become a popular way for kids and teenagers to get around. They are fast, convenient and, from a kid's perspective, a lot more exciting than an ordinary bicycle.

But before buying or renting one, parents should add one more item to the shopping list:

Call your insurance agent.

Why? Because an e-bike occupies an unusual space in the insurance world. It looks like a bicycle, but it has a motor. And that distinction could become very important if your child is involved in an accident. You should know what class of e-bike you are purchasing or renting. 

The Coverage You Think You Have May Not Be There

Most families have homeowners’ insurance. Many also have auto insurance and perhaps an umbrella policy. It would be understandable to assume that, somewhere among those policies, an accident involving your child's e-bike is covered.

That assumption may be wrong.

Insurance policies contain definitions and exclusions that determine what is, and is not, covered. With an e-bike, one particularly important question is whether the policy treats it as a bicycle or as some form of motorized vehicle.

That distinction can matter both for damage to the bike itself and, much more importantly, a claim that your child injured someone or damaged someone else's property.

Your automobile policy isn't necessarily the answer either. An e-bike may not meet the policy's definition of a covered vehicle.

The result can be a gap between the coverage a family thought it had and the coverage it actually purchased.

Ask Before You Buy

Fortunately, this is an insurance question that is much easier to address before there is an accident.

If your family owns an e-bike, or you're thinking about buying one, contact your insurance agent and provide the information about the particular bike. Then ask some specific questions:

• Is this e-bike covered under our homeowner’s policy?
• If my child hits a pedestrian or another cyclist, do we have liability coverage?
• What if my child damages a parked car or someone's property?
• Is the e-bike covered if it is stolen or damaged?
• Does the motor, speed or type/class of e-bike affect our coverage?
• Do we need an endorsement or separate policy?
• If we have umbrella coverage, does it apply to an accident involving this e-bike?

Don't be afraid to ask your agent to confirm the answer in writing.

A Five-Minute Phone Call Can Prevent an Unpleasant Surprise

We're not suggesting that parents shouldn't buy e-bikes. We suggest that families understand the insurance consequences when they do.

An insurance policy is not something you want to read for the first time after your child has been in an accident.

So, before the new e-bike comes home, call your insurance agent, tell them exactly what you're buying, and make sure you understand how your family is protected.

That's a conversation worth having before your child takes the first ride.

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