Insuring a fat bike in 2026: Why It's Getting More and More Complicated
On paper, a legal fatbike is just like any other electric bike: pedal assistance limited to 25 km/h, a maximum motor power of 250 watts, no license plate, no mandatory helmet, and no required liability insurance. In theory, then, there’s nothing to worry about. In practice, it’s a different story.
Insurers have largely abandoned this category in recent years—the ANWB stopped offering new fatbike insurance policies as early as 2023—and anyone looking to insure their fatbike against theft in 2026 must settle for a handful of companies, with strict conditions. In this article, I explain why fat bikes have become such a complicated insurance category, what insurers require today, and what you need to check before buying one, new used.
Key points to remember
- Legally, a compliant fatbike falls under the electric bicycle category, but insurers apply their own, much stricter acceptance criteria—or simply refuse to cover this category altogether.
- An unregulated fatbike is no longer considered an electric bike: in the event of an accident, personal injury claims could amount to hundreds of thousands of euros, all of which would be your responsibility.
- Insurability has become a purchasing factor: Before buying, check which insurers cover your model and what requirements apply regarding anti-theft devices and tracking devices.
Fatbikes vs. Traditional E-Bikes: A Comparison of Insurance Options
| Criteria | Fatbike | Classic electric bike |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Limited, a handful of insurers | Large |
| Premium | Often higher | Standard |
| Anti-theft Requirements | ART2 anti-theft device; tracker sometimes required | ART anti-theft device is generally sufficient |
| Risk of unbridling | Under close scrutiny by insurers | Almost never a problem |
| Image | In charge | Neutral |
| Parts and Service | Varies greatly depending on the brand | Generally well-organized |
| Liability for Illegal Use | Significant risk | Rarely an issue |
| Ideal for | Who checks everything in advance? | Who wants peace of mind? |
When is a fat bike legally considered an electric bike?
The line is clear. A fatbike is considered an electric bike as long as the motor assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, the motor does not exceed 250 watts, and any throttle does not propel the bike beyond 6 km/h in start-assist mode. Within these limits, the same rules apply as for any electric bike: no license plate, no license, no mandatory helmet, and no required insurance. Your liability coverage is simply provided by your family’s insurance policy.
Beyond these limits, everything changes. A fatbike with greater power assistance, one that has a “unrestricted” mode, or one that can be ridden without pedaling is legally classified as a moped or light motorcycle—requiring a license plate, helmet, driver’s license, and insurance. And since almost no one registers their unrestricted fatbike as a moped, this group is effectively riding without insurance. In the event of an accident resulting in injuries, the costs involved could destabilize a family’s budget for years. To clarify the precise legal limits, our article on fatbikes with throttles details everything you need to know before crossing the line.
Why Insurers Are Pulling Out
Insurers don’t look at the law; they look at claims statistics. And the numbers for fatbikes aren’t favorable: high risk of theft, many young riders, numerous unrestricted or modified models, and inconsistent quality among inexpensive imported brands. When the ANWB discontinued its coverage in 2023, it explicitly cited the extremely high theft rates and the practice of removing speed restrictions as reasons. By early 2026, only one major company still accepted fatbikes under its standard bicycle insurance policy, and only under certain conditions—with some insurers limiting coverage to existing customers. These technical risks, which we detail in our article on why fatbikes are more dangerous, directly contribute to the statistics that insurers look at.
In my view, the culture of speed-limiter removal is at the heart of the problem. It’s not about the tires or the look, but the ease with which a segment of the market circumvents the 25 km/h speed limit. Every fatbike with its speed limiter removed that ends up in the accident statistics makes insurance for legal models more difficult and more expensive. The honest buyer ends up footing the bill for the cheater. The market is evolving, though: a few specialized insurers are now relaxing their tracking device requirements for new policies. But we’re still a long way from widespread acceptance.
What Insurers Require Today: Anti-Theft Devices, Trackers, and Conditions
Finding an insurer that covers fatbikes means accepting stricter conditions than those for a standard e-bike. The common requirement: at a minimum, an ART2-certified lock, and for many companies, an active, certified tracking system—think of Kiwa SCM-certified tracking. An AirTag doesn’t count in this context: it’s handy for finding your bike yourself, but it’s not a certified tracker as defined by the policy terms.
Insurers also require a frame number, proof of purchase, and an undamaged original battery. Modified or illegal fatbikes are explicitly excluded from the terms and conditions. In my opinion, security measures are simply part of the purchase price: anyone who buys a fat bike without factoring in the cost of an ART2 lock and a tracker is deluding themselves about their actual budget. Add these costs to the listed price before comparing it to a conventional e-bike—the comparison often favors the conventional e-bike more than the store window would have you believe.
Used or refurbished Fatbikes refurbished What to Check First and Foremost
With a used fatbike, there’s an extra layer to consider: it’s not just about making sure the bike is in good working order, but also about ensuring it complies with the law. Check that the motor assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, that there are no tuning chips, no app-based unlocking features, and no modified controllers, and that the motor label clearly states a maximum of 250 watts. A seller who says, “It can go faster, but you can turn it off,” isn’t doing you any favors—they’re telling you exactly why you should walk away. To learn everything you need to know before buying, check out our guide to buying an electric fatbike.
Next, check the bike’s condition, just as you would with any used e-bike: have the battery tested, look for signs of wear and tear, check the brakes, and ask for the original charger as well as information on the availability of replacement parts. And call or check with your insurance provider before you pay—not after. If you’re looking above all for a reliable, hassle-free, and easy-to-insure mode of transportation, a refurbished inspected e-bike is often simply the best choice. You get the same pedal assistance, without the headache of insurance.
FAQ
Is fatbike insurance required?
No. Legally speaking, a fatbike is classified as an electric bicycle, for which insurance is not required. However, theft and damage insurance is still recommended given the high risk of theft—provided you can find an insurer that covers this category.
Is an unregistered fat bike insured?
Generally speaking, no. An unregulated fatbike falls outside the category of electric bikes, which means that your bike insurance—and often your liability insurance—will no longer cover you. In the event of an accident resulting in injuries, you alone are responsible for costs that can reach several hundred thousand euros.
Is an ART2 lock enough to secure a fatbike?
Not always. An ART2-certified anti-theft device is the minimum requirement for almost all insurers, but many companies also require an active, certified tracking system. Check the policy terms before purchasing, as requirements vary from one insurer to another and change regularly.
Is an AirTag enough as a tracker?
Generally speaking, no. Insurers that require a tracking system usually ask for a certified solution, such as a Kiwa SCM-certified tracking device. An AirTag can help you find your bike, but it does not count as a certified system under the terms of the policy.
Can I insure a used fat bike?
Sometimes, under the same strict conditions as a new model new verifiable legal status, frame number, proof of purchase, an ART2 anti-theft device, and possibly a tracker. Before purchasing, verify that the bike has not been modified to remove speed restrictions and that your insurer accepts the model—otherwise, you’re buying a bike that can’t be insured.
Written by: Jos Mans | Published on: July 9, 2026 | 6-minute read
About the Author: Jos Mans
Jos is both a writer and a cyclist—and more often than not, he does both at the same time. With thousands of kilometers under his belt and just as many words on paper, he combines his two great passions: being on the road and telling stories.