I spent three months building a custom enduro bike using a generic frame and a powerful 72v kit from a forum group buy. It rips. It’s also worth about $4,500 in parts. When I tried to insure it, the drop-down menu on the quote page didn’t have “Stealth Bomber Clone” listed. I selected “Other,” uploaded photos, and got an immediate rejection email.
Key Takeaways
- The “Factory” Requirement: 99% of insurers only cover bikes from established manufacturers with a valid serial number and public spec sheet.
- No VIN, No Serial: DIY frames often lack unique identifiers, making them impossible to track or prove ownership of in a theft database.
- Fire Risk: Homeowners insurance hates DIY batteries. If your soldering job burns the house down, they will investigate “unpermitted electrical work” and potentially deny the fire claim.
- Liability Black Hole: If your throttle sticks and you hurt someone, no insurer will defend a non-DOT, non-CPSC certified homemade vehicle.
The “Why” (Valuation and Safety)
Insurers rely on “Replacement Cost.” If you built it, there is no catalog price. They can’t mail you a check for a “2026 DIY Kit.”
“Property Not Covered: Items constructed or assembled by the insured where no manufacturer warranty exists.”
The Investigation: Can you insure a Frankenstein?
I tried to force a policy through.
1. Velosurance
- Result: Rejection. “We only insure commercially available electric bicycles.” They need a brand they can Google.
2. Motorcycle Insurance (Geico)
- Result: Rejection. “Does it have a 17-digit VIN?” No. “We can’t insure it.”
3. Personal Articles Policy (State Farm)
- Result: Possible (with Appraisal).
- The Hack: If you get a bike shop to formally appraise it and assign a value, some local agents might write a Personal Articles floater. But you have to disclose it’s a kit. If you don’t, and they find out later, it’s fraud.
Comparison Table
| Bike Type | Insurability | Liability Coverage |
| Trek/Specialized | Easy | Yes |
| Sur-Ron (Stock) | Moderate (Motorcycle Policy) | Yes |
| DIY / Kit Build | Near Zero | None |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t Rely on Insurance: If you build a DIY 72v bike, accept that you are self-insuring. Put a GPS tracker on it. Use three locks.
- Separate the Battery: When charging, do it in a fire-safe bag or outside. Protect your home insurance from the fire risk.
- Keep All Receipts: If you do find an agent willing to write a “Miscellaneous Property” policy, you need receipts for every screw, motor, and controller to prove the $4,500 value.
FAQ
Can I stamp my own serial number on it?
You can, but it doesn’t make it a recognized manufacturer. It helps with police recovery, not insurance validation.
What if I frame swap a Giant bike with a kit?
Technically, you modified a factory bike. Most insurers will deny this as a “performance modification.”
[IMAGE: Photo of a DIY e-bike with exposed wiring and a massive hub motor]