I miscalculated my range on a windy day and hit 0% battery 18 miles from my house. Pedaling a 60lb fat-tire bike with a dead motor is impossible. I called AAA. They said, “We tow cars, not bicycles.” I was stuck on the side of the highway until my partner could leave work to rescue me with the truck.
Key Takeaways
- AAA is Catching Up: In some regions (like AAA Colorado or Oregon), they do offer bike rescue. But it is not nationwide.
- Specialty Roadside: Better World Club is the “AAA for bikes.” They offer nationwide pickup for you and your bike.
- Insurance Add-Ons: Some standalone e-bike policies include “Roadside Assistance” for a few dollars a year.
- The 25-Mile Limit: Most bike towing services have a short radius (usually 25-30 miles). If you are deep in the woods, they won’t come.
The “Why” (Service Limits)
Towing a bike requires a specific truck (flatbed or rack). Standard tow trucks can’t safely secure a bike.
“Service is available only on accessible public roads.”
The Investigation: Who picks you up?
I called for a tow.
1. AAA (National)
- Result: Hit or Miss. You have to check your specific regional club. AAA Northeast? Yes. AAA South? Often no.
2. Better World Club
- Result: Yes. They send a service provider to pick you up. Cost is about $60/year for the membership.
3. Oyster / Velosurance Add-on
- Result: Yes. They partner with networks like Blink Roadside. It’s often cheaper to bundle it here ($10/year).
Comparison Table
| Service | Cost | Coverage |
| AAA (with Bike coverage) | $60 – $100/yr | 2 free tows/yr (limited miles) |
| Better World Club | $60/yr | Nationwide, dedicated bike support |
| Insurance Add-On | $10/yr | usually reimbursement based (you pay, they pay you back) |
| Uber XL | Pay per ride | No guarantee driver accepts a dirty bike |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Add the Coverage Today: If you have Velosurance or Oyster, log in and add Roadside. It is the price of one latte for a year of coverage.
- Verify Your AAA: Call your local AAA office and ask specifically: “Do you cover bicycle breakdown pickup?”
- Carry Tie-Downs: If you have to call an Uber XL, having your own blanket and bungee cords makes the driver much more likely to say yes to putting the bike in their SUV.
FAQ
Will they bring me a battery?
No. They don’t swap batteries like they jump-start cars. They just tow you home.
Do they come on trails?
No. Paved, accessible roads only. If you are on a singletrack, you are walking out.
[IMAGE: Graphic comparing AAA logo vs Better World Club logo]