Amend European bike insurance laws

The Issue

As it stands all ebikes above 250w are illegal. A VIN number is required to insure but the bike manufacturers cant/wont supply these so they can't be insured.

Living with heart failure poses daily challenges, one of which is maintaining my ability to exercise safely and effectively. Riding an electric bike has offered me a perfect balance between physical activity and the assurance that I can get home safely. When my strength wanes, I rely on the throttle to help me along my journey back home, while still enjoying the ride and its health benefits. 

However, the current regulatory framework in Europe complicates this vital routine. European laws stipulate that electric bikes with power outputs between 1000w and 4000w must be insured and registered. This requires the bike to have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is currently not provided by manufacturers. Instead, manufacturers equip bikes with unique serial numbers, leaving many bike users like myself in a regulatory limbo.

The solution to this complex problem is both straightforward and implementable. By allowing manufacturers to register these bikes using their existing unique serial numbers instead of a VIN number, we can streamline the registration and insurance processes, aligning with the reality of what manufacturers provide.

This change would not only dilute the unnecessary complication of insuring a bike, but it would also make safe, emission-free commuting more accessible to many individuals who, like me, depend on electric bikes for mobility and exercise.

By amending these laws, Europe will take a significant step forward in promoting sustainable transport while supporting the mobility needs of its citizens, particularly those with specific health conditions.

I urge the lawmakers in the European Parliament and relevant regulatory bodies to consider this proposal as it holds the potential to improve the quality of life for countless electric bike users. Please sign this petition to advocate for a change that makes sense and supports the health and mobility of European citizens. Together, we can make a difference.

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The Issue

As it stands all ebikes above 250w are illegal. A VIN number is required to insure but the bike manufacturers cant/wont supply these so they can't be insured.

Living with heart failure poses daily challenges, one of which is maintaining my ability to exercise safely and effectively. Riding an electric bike has offered me a perfect balance between physical activity and the assurance that I can get home safely. When my strength wanes, I rely on the throttle to help me along my journey back home, while still enjoying the ride and its health benefits. 

However, the current regulatory framework in Europe complicates this vital routine. European laws stipulate that electric bikes with power outputs between 1000w and 4000w must be insured and registered. This requires the bike to have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is currently not provided by manufacturers. Instead, manufacturers equip bikes with unique serial numbers, leaving many bike users like myself in a regulatory limbo.

The solution to this complex problem is both straightforward and implementable. By allowing manufacturers to register these bikes using their existing unique serial numbers instead of a VIN number, we can streamline the registration and insurance processes, aligning with the reality of what manufacturers provide.

This change would not only dilute the unnecessary complication of insuring a bike, but it would also make safe, emission-free commuting more accessible to many individuals who, like me, depend on electric bikes for mobility and exercise.

By amending these laws, Europe will take a significant step forward in promoting sustainable transport while supporting the mobility needs of its citizens, particularly those with specific health conditions.

I urge the lawmakers in the European Parliament and relevant regulatory bodies to consider this proposal as it holds the potential to improve the quality of life for countless electric bike users. Please sign this petition to advocate for a change that makes sense and supports the health and mobility of European citizens. Together, we can make a difference.

The Decision Makers

Derek Darling
Derek Darling
Founder

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Petition created on 4 October 2025