By Brandon Thompson, CEO & Co-Founder, MBG Insurance
Ride the Razorback Greenway on any weekend and you’ll see as many e-bikes as regular bikes. Northwest Arkansas has embraced them, and so have teenagers across the state. Here’s what most riders don’t know: Arkansas law treats an e-bike like a bicycle, but your homeowners policy may not.
State Law vs. Your Policy
Arkansas’s Electric Bicycle Act says a qualifying e-bike is not a motor vehicle. Riders aren’t subject to the state’s vehicle insurance, licensing or registration requirements. (Ark. Code § 27-51-1703)
To qualify, the e-bike must have working pedals and a motor under 750 watts, and fit one of three classes. (Ark. Code § 27-51-1702)
- Class 1: The motor assists only while you pedal, up to 20 mph.
- Class 2: It can be throttle-powered, up to 20 mph.
- Class 3: The motor assists only while you pedal, up to 28 mph.
Your homeowners policy has its own definition of “motor vehicle,” and that’s what decides whether you’re covered. The policies we review generally take one of three approaches:
- Excluded. The policy calls anything “self-propelled” a motor vehicle. If your teen hits someone on an e-bike, there’s no liability coverage, even for a claim against you as the parent.
- Covered by endorsement. The policy specifically says a qualifying e-bike is not a motor vehicle. It’s treated like a regular bicycle.
- Silent. The policy never defines “motor vehicle,” so state law and how the policy is interpreted decide the answer.
No approach makes one carrier better than another. The right fit depends on whether your family rides.
E-Scooters
Arkansas defines an electric scooter as having handlebars and a floorboard, weighing under 100 pounds, and topping out at 20 mph. (Ark. Code § 27-51-1902) Cities like Bentonville and Fayetteville can set their own scooter rules. (Ark. Code § 27-51-1905)
E-scooters have no pedals, so they don’t benefit from e-bike policy language. Away from your property, most homeowners policies treat a scooter as a motor vehicle.
Not Every “E-Bike” Is an E-Bike
Sur-Ron, Talaria and similar bikes are often marketed as e-bikes, but most exceed 750 watts and 28 mph. They’re electric dirt bikes that need powersports coverage, not a homeowners policy.
Let Our Bentonville Team Take a Look
We represent many carriers in Arkansas and can show you how each one handles e-bikes. Learn more about our homeowners insurance options or contact our Bentonville office.
FAQ
Are e-bikes motor vehicles in Arkansas?
No. A qualifying Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bike is not a motor vehicle under Arkansas law and doesn’t need insurance, a license or registration.
Does my homeowners policy cover my e-bike?
It depends on how your policy defines “motor vehicle.” Some policies cover qualifying e-bikes, some exclude them, and some are silent.
Are electric scooters covered by homeowners insurance?
Usually not away from home. E-bike protections require pedals, so most policies treat stand-up scooters as motor vehicles.
Here is a recent KY3 News feature on E-Bike interviewing Kirk Reisner with MBG Insurance.