ADAC has discovered its heart for its pedaling members – and is now visibly opening it wider. In addition to the “eRide” program, through which members can temporarily use e-bikes at a discount, so to speak as “e-bike as a service,” or buy tested used e-bikes at a discount, as well as purchase e-bikes from the German manufacturer Metz with considerable price advantages, there is now also competent help in case of an accident or breakdown.
The offer, which summons a yellow angel in an emergency, is valid throughout Germany and of course not only for bikes purchased through ADAC, but for every bicycle and e-bike, provided its owner is an ADAC member. Therefore, no app or extra registration is necessary, membership is sufficient. The on-call service is available around the clock. If the helping angel cannot repair the bike on site, the offer also includes a transfer to the nearest specialist workshop or professional transport to the pilot’s home or another location, as long as this is not much further away than the workshop in question. The recovery of the vehicle, if necessary, is also included, including the luggage or the load, if it is a cargo bike.
Important for e-bikes: in the case of a non-functioning battery, the offer of assistance applies, likewise if the battery is completely without driving current through no fault of its own.
And finally, the protection also applies to underage children of members, for example if the tires run out of air or spokes or other components break on the way back from the swimming lake.
Of course, there are also limitations: The service does not apply abroad, nor is assistance possible if the angel cannot easily reach the location of the damage, such as in the forest, on a beach or on mountain trails. And, of course, help is not provided if the damage was caused by gross negligence, so to speak. Also commercially used personal transporters, i.e. rickshaws, are excluded. And if you suddenly can’t find your bike because it’s been stolen, you’ll have to cope on your own. ADAC’s own bicycle insurance is not affected by the offer.
The phone number: 089 20 4000
Why has the ADAC recently started offering this service? Because the bicycle or e-bike is increasingly being used as a means of transport as a result of changing mobility behavior. All roadside assistance staff have been trained in this regard. One result: During the pilot phase, 88 percent of defects could be repaired on site.
Text: Werner Köstle
Image: ADAC
