Out of all cyclists, mountain bikers are the type that most often identify cyclicing as an integral part of their lifestyle. It’s also not surprising that they spend a significant amount of time and money pursuing their hobby and are more likely to own more than one bike. With many riding styles, from cross-country to downhill, bunched under a single umbrella of mountain biking, it’s easy to see how this hobby can captivate the attention of many.

Those “not in the know” think of mountain biking as an extreme sport. While definitions are subjective, the statistics do not lie: the injury rate in mountain biking is higher than any other type of cycling. Crashing is simply an integral part of mountain biking, it's something that happens when riders push their personal limits while trying to progress. Unfortunately, personal injury is not the only risk that mountain bikers subject themselves and their bikes to.

As the most accident prone of cyclists, mountain bikers could benefit from additional coverage to protect themselves from unexpected financial losses. Optional Medical Payments can cover the gap created by out-of-pocket deductibles and copays, and those who chase the thrill of mountain biking internationally, can extend coverage to anywhere in the world with the Worldwide coverage option.

Is it undoubtedly true that experienced mountain bikers crash less, but even those with years of experience are not immune. By its very nature, mountain biking is a physically demanding and challenging sport, and there is always a risk of crashing when riding on rough terrain or attempting tricks or stunts. Luckily, most of the crashes are not serious, often resulting in nothing but a bruised ego and a few scratches on the bike. But once in a while there’s an unlucky crash that can make you question your choice of a hobby, and that’s when people start thinking about insurance.

While mountain bikes are designed to be robust and capable of handling the demands of off-road riding, they fare much worse in side impact situations, especially when the frame or protruding parts such as the derailleur, meet a rock. Carbon fiber has an exceptionally high specific strength, but being stronger than steel and aluminum, is not as impact-resistant.

Our base policy provides coverage for crash and accidental damage. It also provides up to $500 coverage for the riding apparel, gloves, shoes, sunglasses, and the helmet. If you have a spare wheelset or other spare parts, they are also covered up to $500 per loss, $1,000 limit for the policy term.

The new enthusiasm around bikes paired with logistical challenges, threw off the balance in the bicycle market, spiking the demand amidst limited supply. This perfect storm has increased bike theft by approximately 24% since 2019. To make matters worse, bike theft is the most underreported and least often solved crime.

A wide availability of battery operated cutting tools makes bike theft incredibly easy: most U-locks, chains and cable locks provide less than a minute of security against an electric angle grinder. Thieves are now casing public garages, shopping mall parking lots and even residential neighborhoods.

The basic bicycle insurance policy from Velosurance provides coverage for theft from and away from home. When left unattended away from home, the bike must be secured to an immovable object, such as a cemented bike rack.

A higher risk of injury when mountain biking is not a surprise for anyone, it’s a reality riders accept when they decide to try this sport. While most injuries aren’t serious, the more one rides, the higher the likelihood of eventually suffering an injury that will require serious medical attention.

Riding a mountain bike without adequate health coverage is generally not a good idea. A broken collar bone or a torn ligament is enough to land one in an emergency room and require surgery followed by a lengthy recovery period. The final bill might be large enough to cause financial strain, or even bankruptcy.

Medical payments is an optional coverage on a policy from Velosurance designed to cover the remaining medical bills, once your primary health insurance takes care of their share. This usually includes the out-of-pocket deductible and emergency room and facility copays.

Not so long ago electric mountain bikes were very polarizing with the riders, trail advocacy groups and the regulators, all trying to find a compromise with those who discovered how fun eMTBs actually are. Electric mountain bikes are exciting because they offer the same thrilling experience of traditional mountain biking with the added benefit of electric assistance.

In addition, e-mountain bikes can provide a sense of adventure and exploration, as the electric assistance can allow riders to venture further and tackle more challenging trails. They can also be a great option for riders who want to keep up with faster friends or who are looking to push their limits and try new things on the trails.

Today, Class 1 e-bikes, which are pedal-assist only, have no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, are either permitted or under consideration on most trail systems, parks and BLM land. An insurance policy from Velosurance covers Class 1, 2, and 3 electric mountain bikes just like it would a regular bike, for theft and accidental damage with optional coverages including liability, medical payments, and vehicle contact protection.

A part of the mountain biking lifestyle is traveling and exploring new trails, be that in the next town or next continent over. Mountain bikes spend a significant amount of time on car racks, in care of airlines and postal couriers.

Unfortunately, both accidents and honest mistakes happen, like driving your car into a garage with the bike still on the roof rack. Or failing to properly secure the bike to the rack and it coming loose on the highway. In other situations you might have no control at all, like an airline damaging the bike, or the bike not showing up at your destination at all.

Replacing a bicycle in the “new normal” is neither easy nor cheap. With a policy from Velosurance, you can travel with a peace of mind, knowing that damage and loss in transit are covered.

Members of USA Cycling, USA Triathlon, and International Mountain Bicycle Association (IMBA) receive discounts on Velosurance bicycle insurance products.

Velosurance provides bicycle insurance policies in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.