I bought a Begode Master that hits 50mph. I tried to insure it under a standard “E-Bike/Personal Mobility” plan. The agent asked for the top speed. When I said “45 plus,” the quote disappeared. They told me I needed a “High Performance” or “Motorcycle” policy, which cost four times as much.
Key Takeaways
- The 20mph / 28mph Wall: Insurers use e-bike classes. Class 2 (20mph) and Class 3 (28mph) are the standard. Anything faster is often categorized as a “Motorcycle” or “Unregistered Motor Vehicle.”
- Misrepresentation Fraud: If you tell the insurer it’s a “20mph scooter” but the serial number links to a 60mph scooter, and you crash at 40mph, they will deny the claim for fraud.
- Liability Exposure: Riding a 50mph vehicle on a bike path is often illegal. Illegal acts void liability coverage.
- Specialty Tiers: Companies like X-Insurance or specific motorcycle carriers are the only ones writing liability for “Hyper-Scooters” and high-voltage EUCs.
The “Why” (Actuarial Risk)
Kinetic energy increases with the square of speed. A crash at 40mph is 4x more violent than at 20mph.
“Excluded: Vehicles capable of speeds in excess of 28 mph on level ground.”
The Investigation: Insuring a Beast
I tried to insure a Wolf King GT (50mph scooter).
1. Progressive (Motorcycle)
- Outcome: Possible. If your state allows you to register it as a moped/motorcycle (VIN required), they cover it. If it has no VIN, they usually decline.
2. Velosurance
- Outcome: Strict. They stick to the E-Bike definition (usually 750W / 28mph limit). They won’t insure a hyper-scooter.
3. X-Insurance (Specialty Liability)
- Outcome: Yes. They specialize in “uninsurable” risks. They will cover a 60mph EUC, but you will pay high premiums (think
80−80−100/mo) for liability.
Comparison Table
| Vehicle Speed | Policy Type | Est. Cost |
| < 20 mph | Renters/E-Bike | Cheap / Included |
| 20 – 28 mph | E-Bike Specialty | $20 – $40/mo |
| > 28 mph | High Risk / Motorcycle | $80+/mo |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check the Specs: Don’t guess. Look at the manufacturer’s stated top speed.
- Be Honest: Tell the agent: “It is an electric scooter capable of 50mph.” Let them reject you. Better to be rejected now than denied later.
- Seek “Personal Liability” Extensions: Look for carriers who cover “Personal Mobility Devices” without a speed cap clause. They are rare but exist (mostly in high-net-worth packages like Chubb).
FAQ
Can I software lock it to 20mph?
Adjusters know about “Race Mode” unlocks. Unless it is permanently hard-limited, they rate it at its maximum potential speed.
[IMAGE: Dashboard of a scooter showing “Speed: 48 mph”]