I took my “All-Terrain” electric skateboard to a mountain bike trail. I hit a root, cracked the battery case, and snapped an axle. I filed a claim. The adjuster asked for the location of the accident. When I said “Singletrack trail,” they pointed to the “Off-Road Vehicle” exclusion in my homeowners policy.
Key Takeaways
- Intended Use vs. Policy Limits: Just because the manufacturer calls it an “All-Terrain” board doesn’t mean your insurance covers off-road use.
- The “Designated Roads” Clause: Some policies only cover vehicles while on “public roads or premises insured.” Trails are neither.
- Specialty Policies Shine: Policies from Oyster/Velosurance usually cover “recreational use,” including trails, as long as it’s not a formal race.
- Dirt Bike vs. PEV: If your PEV is powerful enough (e.g., Sur-Ron), they might classify it as an unregistered dirt bike, which requires a specific off-road vehicle policy.
The “Why” (High Risk Terrain)
Riding on rocks and roots destroys equipment. Standard property insurance is for “normal” perils, not extreme sports abuse.
“Property Not Covered: Motor vehicles… used off public roads.”
The Investigation: Where can I ride?
I checked the map with adjusters.
1. Renters Insurance
- Result: Denied. “We don’t cover off-road vehicles.”
2. Progressive Motorcycle (for Sur-Ron)
- Result: Covered. You buy a “Dirt Bike / ATV” policy. It specifically covers trail riding.
3. PEV Specialty (Oyster)
- Result: Covered. As long as you aren’t racing. They understand that a Onewheel is designed for trails.
Comparison Table
| Vehicle Type | Riding on Trail | Insurance Needed |
| E-MTB | Covered | Specialty Bicycle Policy |
| Onewheel/EUC | Covered | Specialty PEV Policy |
| Sur-Ron/Talaria | Covered | Motorcycle/ATV Policy |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Classify Your Vehicle: Is it a bicycle, a skateboard, or a dirt bike? Insure it accordingly. Putting a dirt bike on a bicycle policy is asking for a denial.
- Describe the Location Carefully: “Riding on a path” is different from “Riding down a cliff.” Be accurate but don’t exaggerate the extreme nature of the ride.
- Get Skid Plates: Insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic scratches. Trail riding ruins the bottom of your board. That is wear and tear.
FAQ
Is a gravel road considered off-road?
Usually no. A named road (even dirt) is a road. A deer path in the woods is off-road.
[IMAGE: Photo of a PEV rider on a dirt trail with dust kicking up]