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Your answer to bike theft.
Join Tempo• Your homeowners or renters insurance probably doesn’t cover your ebike.
• Specialty bike insurance is too expensive.
• You haven’t heard about Tempo.
Electric bikes (or ebikes) are expensive—often costing over $1,000. They’re fast, convenient, and unfortunately, a prime target for bike theft. Unlike cars, most ebike owners simply lock them up outside and hope for the best. But what happens if your ebike is stolen?
The harsh reality: Your insurance probably won’t cover it.
Does Insurance Cover Ebike Theft?
If you want bike insurance for your ebike, you have three options:
1. Homeowners or renters insurance (which often excludes ebikes)
2. Specialty bike insurance (which can be expensive)
3. Tempo Theft Protection (an alternative to insurance, and the most affordable option)
Let’s break these down.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance for Ebikes
If you own a home or rent an apartment, you may assume your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your stolen ebike. But there’s a catch:
✅ Personal property coverage: Most policies cover bikes under their personal property protection.
❌ Ebikes are often excluded: Many insurers classify them as motor vehicles, not bicycles.
❌ High deductibles: Most policies have a $500 - $1,000 deductible, which means filing a claim may not even be worth it.
❌ Risk of non-renewal: Making a claim for ebike theft could affect your ability to renew your policy in high-risk areas.
If you want ebike insurance, you need to check with your provider to see if they classify electric bikes as covered personal property.
Specialty Bike Insurance for Ebikes
For better coverage, some ebike riders turn to specialty bike insurance. There are three major providers in the U.S.:
Markel, Velosurance, & Spoke (all sell the same policy from Markel Specialty)
• Cost: ~10% of your bike’s value per year, depending on your credit, location, and other risk factors.
• Example: A $2,500 ebike might cost ~$220/year with a $200 deductible.
• Coverage: Theft, damage, and optional coverages for liability and injury by an underinsured motorist.
Sundays (Tokio Marine)
• Cost: Starts at $8/month.
• Example: A $2,500 ebike might cost ~$17/month (or $200/year) with a $150+ deductible.
• Coverage: Theft, damage, and basic medical reimbursement.
BikeInsure (Great American)
• Cost: $16.99/month for damage; $24.99/month for theft + damage.
• Example: A $2,500 ebike costs $300/year with a $250 deductible.
• Coverage: Theft and damage up to $10,000, making BikeInsure a better deal for more valuable bikes.
The Drawbacks of Specialty Bike Insurance
❌ Expensive: $300-$900+ over three years.
❌ Deductibles: You need to pay $150-$500 before coverage kicks in.
❌ Doesn't protect your bike: No insurance actively works to prevent your bike from being stolen or to help you get it back.
Tempo Theft Protection: A Smart Alternative to Ebike Insurance
What if instead of just insuring your ebike, you could make it less likely to be stolen, easier to recover, and still get financial protection?
That’s what Tempo Theft Protection does.
✅ Anti-theft decals: Unique QR-coded decals give thieves second thoughts and help recover stolen bikes.
✅ Hidden UV markings: Permanent, invisible ID helps law enforcement identify and return your bike.
✅ Recovery assistance: Social media ads and community alerts help find stolen bikes.
✅ $2,500 theft reimbursement: If your stolen ebike isn’t recovered within 45 days, claim the original retail price of the bike (up to $2,500) with no deductible or depreciation.
Tempo costs $199 for three years of coverage ($67/year or $0.18.day).
Tempo vs. Specialty Bike Insurance
Should You Get Ebike Insurance?
If you’re an avid cyclist with a high-end bike, traditional bike insurance may be worth it. If you want injury or liability coverage, Markel specifically is your best bet.
But if your biggest concern is ebike theft, Tempo is the smarter choice:
• $199 for 3 years (vs. $300-900+ for insurance).
• No deductibles, no depreciation—you get up to $2,500 if your ebike is stolen and not recovered.
• Theft deterrence & recovery assistance—insurance doesn’t help you get your stolen bike back.
👉 Sign up for Tempo Theft Protection.
Final Thoughts on Ebike Theft and Insurance
Academic research shows that bike theft discourages people from buying, using, and enjoying their bikes. A stolen ebike can mean financial loss and frustration. Having some form of protection—whether through specialty bike insurance or Tempo Theft Protection—can give you peace of mind and let you ride more freely.
🔹 Want insurance? Check with your provider for ebike coverage or compare specialty bike insurance providers.
🔹 Want the most affordable protection? Tempo is just $67/year and helps you get your bike back.
Don’t let bike theft stop you from riding. Protect your ebike today. 🚲🔐