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E-Scooter Insurance: Am I covered?

What is an Electric Bike?

An electric bike, commonly referred to as an e-bike, is a technologically enhanced bicycle equipped with an integrated electric motor and battery to assist with propulsion. While retaining traditional bicycle components—such as pedals, handlebars, wheels, and brakes—e-bikes offer riders the flexibility to pedal manually, use electric power, or combine both for a seamless riding experience.

Key Features and Mechanics for E-Scooter:

  • Motor and Power:

E-bikes are powered by a motor (typically 500W or less in Canada) that activates via pedal assistance (pedelec) or a throttle. Pedal-assist models provide power only when the rider pedals, while throttle-controlled models allow motor engagement without pedaling.

The motor assists up to a regulated speed of 32 km/h (20 mph) in most provinces, after which it automatically disengages.

  • Battery and Range:

Lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable via standard outlets, provide an average range of 40–100 km per charge, depending on terrain, rider weight, and assist level.

  • Classifications:

In Canada, e-bikes are categorized by their power output and speed capabilities. Most fall under “low-speed” models (≤32 km/h), exempting them from licensing, insurance, or registration requirements.

  • Benefits of E-Scooter:

E-bikes promote eco-friendly commuting, reduce physical strain, and enable longer distances compared to traditional bikes. They’re ideal for urban commuting, recreational trails, and tackling hilly terrain.

 

 

E-scooters appeared on the streets of Montreal and Calgary recently and they’re proving to be incredibly popular. While these e-scooters are limited to 20km/h, it seems that’s plenty fast enough to cause some injuries

  • Damage to the scooter
  • Damage to other property
  • Injury to rider
  • Injury to another person

Insurance provided by Lime/Byrd

Home/Renter/Condo Insurance

 

Who Can Ride an E-Bike? Regulations in Canada

While e-bikes share similarities with conventional bicycles, provincial laws impose specific rules for riders, particularly regarding age, licensing, and safety. Regulations vary widely, so understanding local requirements is crucial.

Age Requirements by Province:

  • Province : Ontario (ON)
  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Province : British Columbia (BC)
  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Province : Prince Edward Island (PEI)
  • Minimum Age: 16
  • Province : Quebec (QC)
  • Minimum Age: 14
  • Province : Manitoba (MB)
  • Minimum Age: 14

 

Licensing and Safety Rules for E-Scooter:

  • Licensing: Most provinces (e.g., BC, ON, AB) do not require a driver’s license for e-bike use.
  • Helmet Laws: Mandatory in all provinces for riders under 18. Adults in provinces like BC, NB, and NL must also wear helmets.
  • Operational Restrictions: Prohibited on highways with speed limits >80 km/h (e.g., Ontario’s 400-series highways).
  • Passengers and Cargo: Most provinces forbid passengers unless the e-bike is designed for two riders. Cargo must not obstruct handling.

 

Safety and Best Practices for E-bikes:

Training: While not mandatory, beginners should practice in low-traffic areas.

Lighting: Front/rear lights and reflectors are required for night riding.

DUI Laws: Impaired driving penalties apply to e-bike riders in all provinces.

 

Electric Bike Insurance in Canada

Seemingly overnight, dozens of new additions have popped up on our city sidewalks, bike racks and bike paths. What are they? Lime Bikes are the first major step in Calgary’s new bike share program. The city recently approved some 375 electric-assist bicycles so that Calgarians and visitors can use them (so long as they have the app). Yep, that’s right – the new Lime Bikes are rented through an app. You’ll have to buy a certain amount of credits before you can use them on a bike around the city of your choice. Luckily, their bright green colour makes them pretty easy to spot. If you can’t find one, the app will actually help you find the nearest bike available using your location.

After you’ve located a bike, you’ll need to scan the barcode with your app. Then you just adjust the seat to your preference, pop on a helmet, and get going to where you’ve got to be. Just be mindful of your time: Lime Bikes cost a flat rate of $1 and an additional $0.30 per every minute you’re riding.  Be careful where you park, too. The Lime website has strict regulations as to where you can park in the city of Calgary and encourages riders to use proper hand signals.

So what’s there to know when it comes to insurance? Well…

 

 

Insurance Requirements for E-Bikes and E-Scooters Used for Work in Canada

Using an e-bike or e-scooter for commercial purposes, such as food delivery or courier services, introduces unique insurance considerations. While personal e-bike insurance may suffice for casual riders, commercial use often requires specialized coverage to protect against work-related risks. Below is a detailed breakdown of insurance needs, provincial nuances, and practical steps to ensure adequate protection.

Types of Insurance for Commercial E-Bike/E-Scooter Use

  1. Business Property Insurance
    • What It Covers: Protects the e-bike/scooter itself against theft, damage, or vandalism while used for work. This may extend to business accessories (e.g., delivery bags, phone mounts, or locks).
    • Why It’s Needed: Most personal home or renter’s insurance policies exclude coverage for business equipment used off-premises.
    • Expert Insight:

      “If the e-bike is used for business purposes, it must be insured as Business Property,” advises Chris Bayly of Square One Insurance. This treats the e-bike as essential work equipment, similar to a laptop or tools.

  2. Liability Insurance
    • What It Covers: Protects against legal/financial responsibility if you cause injury to a pedestrian, damage to property, or collision with another vehicle.
    • Why It’s Needed: Delivery riders face higher exposure to accidents in urban areas. Without liability coverage, you could face out-of-pocket legal costs.
    • Provincial Note: While liability insurance isn’t legally mandated for e-bikes in most provinces, it’s strongly recommended for commercial riders.
  3. Personal Accident Insurance
    • What It Covers: Medical expenses, rehabilitation, or income replacement if you’re injured while working.
    • Why It’s Needed: Workplace safety coverage (e.g., WSIB) typically doesn’t apply to gig workers, leaving self-employed riders vulnerable.
  4. Commercial Auto Insurance (Rare Cases)
    • When It Applies: If your e-bike/scooter exceeds provincial power/speed limits (e.g., motors >500W or speeds >32 km/h), it may be classified as a motor vehicle, requiring registration and commercial auto insurance.

Lime Carries All Necessary Insurance That Law Requires

According to its user agreement, Lime states that it will carry all required insurance that the law decrees.  However, as a rider, you agree to pay any fines, penalties, fees, impounding charges, court expenses, tolls, traffic tickets and whatever charges you may incur as a result of parking your Lime Bike improperly or in a manner/location that violates the law. Under Lime’s user agreement, you are fully responsible for any losses, damage, liability or claims that may arise from your use of Lime Bikes.

There is no requirement to purchase E-Bike insurance. Due to their novelty, many insurance companies do not currently offer specific policies for electronic bicycles such as the ones that Lime produces and offers for use to their members. It may be possible that some existing homeowner’s policy will cover damage to Lime E-Bikes and third party liability. Optionally, an umbrella policy may be purchased by a Lime User to provide this type of protection.

While Lime Bikes are largely used by individuals who do not own cars, an existing vehicle insurance policy may be extended to possibly cover the Bike. Alternatively, a brand new motorcycle policy could be purchased which can offer accident benefits coverage if the user is injured while using their Lime Bike. This depends on the policy, however.

The Lowdown on Lime Bike Insurance

When in doubt, speak to your insurance broker. You may want to ask them numerous questions regarding Lime Bikes, such as:

  • If your policy will include accident benefits coverage should you be injured while riding;
  • If your policy will offer liability coverage if you are sued as a result of an incident;
  • If your policy covers damage to another vehicle; and
  • If you may need to purchase an endorsement or additional policy to cover the usage of E-Bikes.

In order to maximize your safety while making use of Lime Bikes and other E-Bike sharing services around Calgary, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations as listed on the company’s website. Also, contact your insurance broker to discuss whether you might require additional coverage in order to be insured for anything that might happen while using these Bikes. Be safe and ride with caution.