I was renewing my renters insurance when I casually mentioned my new Trek Allant+ 8S, which assists up to 28mph. The agent stopped typing, went silent for ten seconds, and then said, “I have to revoke your personal property quote.” Because the bike exceeds 20mph, their system flagged it as a “motor vehicle” requiring a motorcycle policy, but since it doesn’t have a VIN, they couldn’t sell me that either, leaving me completely uninsurable with them.
Key Takeaways
- The 20mph Cutoff: Most standard insurance policies draw the line at Class 2 (20mph). Class 3 (28mph) is often legally classified as a “low-speed motorcycle” in insurance terms.
- The VIN Problem: You can’t get auto/motorcycle insurance because the bike has no VIN, but homeowners won’t cover it because it’s “too fast.” You are in the “Grey Zone.”
- Don’t Lie: If you claim it as a “bicycle” and the adjuster sees “Class 3” on the serial number lookup, they will deny the claim for material misrepresentation.
- State Laws vs. Policy Language: Just because your state says it’s a “bicycle” doesn’t mean your private insurance contract agrees. Policy definitions win.
The “Why” (The Motor Vehicle Definition)
Insurers use old definitions. To them, if a machine can propel you at nearly 30mph, the risk profile is closer to a Vespa than a Huffy.
“We do not cover motorized land conveyances… unless designed for assisting the handicapped or not subject to motor vehicle registration.”
While Class 3 bikes usually don’t need registration, many policies have added a specific exclusion: “Any motorized bicycle capable of speeds in excess of 20 mph.” This sentence is the killer.
The Investigation: I Quoted the Big Three
I tested the market with a Class 3 bike to see who would actually write the paper.
1. Travelers (Homeowners)
- The Verdict: Denied.
- The Details: I read their specific “E-Bike Endorsement.” It strictly applies to Class 1 (pedal assist, 20mph max). Class 3 was explicitly listed under “Property Not Covered.”
2. Progressive (Motorcycle Division)
- The Verdict: Confused.
- The Details: I tried to insure it as a moped. They asked for a VIN. I said it has a serial number. They said, “We can’t input that.” I was stuck in a loop.
3. Oyster (Specialty)
- The Verdict: Covered.
- The Details: They don’t care about the 20mph vs 28mph distinction for theft coverage, as long as it is a factory e-bike and not a home-made modification.
Comparison Table
| Bike Class | Speed Limit | Standard Homeowners Coverage | Specialty Coverage |
| Class 1 | 20mph (Pedal Assist) | Likely Yes (Check limits) | Yes |
| Class 2 | 20mph (Throttle) | Maybe (Throttle often triggers exclusion) | Yes |
| Class 3 | 28mph | NO (Almost always excluded) | Yes |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Identify Your Class: Look at the sticker on your bike frame. If it says “Class 3” or mentions “28 mph,” assume your renters insurance is void regarding the bike.
- Search Your Policy PDF: Ctrl+F for “20 mph.” If you see that number in the exclusions, you have no coverage.
- Go Standalone: Do not try to argue with a legacy carrier. Move the bike to a specific e-bike policy that explicitly defines “Electric Bicycle” to include Class 3.
FAQ
Can I just tell them it’s a Class 1?
No. In 2026, adjusters use image recognition and serial number databases. They will know the factory specs of your bike instantly.
Does this affect liability if I crash?
Yes. If your policy excludes “motor vehicles” and defines your Class 3 bike as one, you have no personal liability protection if you hit a pedestrian.
[IMAGE: Close up of a Class 3 sticker on a bike frame showing “Max Speed 28mph”]