E-bikes are a special vehicle that attracts attention. Just like regular bikes, they are taken apart and stolen in their entirety. This is due not only to the lightness and mobility of the e-bikes but also to the presence of expensive parts such as the motor and battery. Electric bike owners should be very vigilant when it comes to locking their vehicles.
Imagine a situation where you bought an expensive e-bike for a few thousand dollars and had it stolen because of a broken locking system. Of course, no one wants to be in that situation. Do not leave intruders any chance to steal your bike – read how to keep your electric bike safe and secure and follow my recommendations.
Store your bike where there are no prying eyes
It would be best if you had a safe place designed specifically for storing your e-bike. Remember that e-bikes theft is not a spontaneous idea of an intruder. Of course, there are situations like this, but they still happen much less frequently. Mostly, it’s a well-planned act. Before stealing a bicycle, thieves circle the neighborhood to see what they can. Don’t give them that chance – keep your bicycle out of sight.
Keep in mind that the more secure the place where your bike is stored, the better. The idea is to store your bike inside the house, although not everyone has this option.
If you choose to store your bike in a barn or garage, then keep in mind that:
- ideally, when the bike storage area is located in a place that is open to bike thieves. If a thief thinks your bike is worth dismantling the shed, he or she will do so. So, store your bike in a secure shed or garage that is protected by secure deadbolts and ebike locks;
- the lighting of the area helps to spot the thief at night easily;
- an alarm system for your garage or the entire house is a very good idea;
- don’t leave tools out in the open that an intruder could use to break into your garage or shed.
Keep your ebike serial number
If your e-bike happens to be stolen, you’ll need its serial number more than ever. You should provide it to the police and the insurance company.
Manufacturers usually put the electric bike’s serial number on the bottom bracket. Some abusers have gotten to the point of writing off the serial number of the electric bike. Hide a piece of paper with contact information in the handlebars or seat tube.
In addition, it is recommended that all owners of electric bikes register with a special bicycle registration service. Today some companies offer this service. It can be free of charge. The employee of the service will simply record your serial number in the database, which can be checked by the police.
You can also pay for additional services that make it easier and faster to identify your e-bike. For example, special markers may only be visible under ultraviolet light.
5 popular bike locks for securing electric and regular bikes
Let’s list the 5 most common options for securing an e-bike:
1 – chain bike lock
The chain and locking device must be of equal strength. The most reliable locks include two parts: the lock and the chain which are made of good steel.
If you are going to use this method, you need chains long enough so that you can run them through the e-bike and lock as many of its parts as possible.
However, some experts say that the chain locks can be cut through easily. But if you also have a U-lock that you attach over the chainring, the signal will be loud enough to avoid theft and catch the thief.
2 – U-lock
U-locks are the most popular to use. Such a lock closes easily and is quite strong. Fasten the U-lock so that there is as little space as possible inside its construction. This will prevent an intruder from using any tool at hand to break into it.
The U-lock is completely unsuitable for some posts and trees. By adding a chain lock, you can attach it to more stable objects.
You should not buy budget U locks. The safety and electric bike security are worth much more. So take care to find a good lock that will protect your vehicle well from intrusion.
3 – the folding lock
This is a relatively new model of e-bike lock. It is as flexible as a chain mechanism and as strong as a U-lock. However, because of its novelty, manufacturers do not offer a large selection of such devices.
4 – e-bike safety locking systems
Some electric bikes have a special locking system that works by locking the wheels. However, this technology does not guarantee 100% protection, because a thief can simply put an e-bike in his car and drive away.
But in places where crime is low, it can be used. In addition, you can also use a locking mechanism. A wheel lock is desirable as an add-on, not as the main lock.
5 – disc brake bike locks
These attachments should be considered spare bike locks. The method works only if your bike is equipped with disc brakes.
A significant disadvantage is that an intruder if desired, can dismantle the wheel of the bike and steal it.
However, a second lock will be a plus if you have a primary lock.
6 – cable locks
A traditional cable lock can easily be cut with pliers or bolt cutters.
It is certainly not the best idea, but it can be used as a secondary lock. Do not underestimate its importance, as it will be another serious obstacle for the burglar to spend time and effort on.
Ideally, it is best to use more than one type of bike lock. If your e-bike is secured with a chain lock, wrapped a rope around it, and used a U-lock, a disc brake, and a burglar alarm, you’re giving the thief a serious challenge because he’ll have to solve a difficult problem. If you park in a crowded area on top of that, the intruder will have no chance of stealing an e-bike at all.
The main advantage of a cable lock is that it is not as heavy as U-lock. But when it comes to saving ebike, it is better to use maximum security.
In addition, you can decide where and when to apply different types of locks. For example, if you come to a meeting that will last a maximum of 15 minutes or if you go to the store to buy water, you can use a medium-security lock. However, in other cases, it is worth taking a more serious approach to security, if you do not want to be an owner of a stolen bike.
How to protect your electric bike on the street?
When you go outside and leave the ebike in the parking lot, you should remember that it is most vulnerable. However, following the guidelines will help you avoid bike theft while keeping your bike in one piece.
What makes a place for e-bikes safe
The following tips will tell you how and where to park if you want to keep your ebike secure:
- places with heavy traffic and crowds are good for parking expensive e-bikes.
Even professional thieves are unlikely to want to steal a bike in plain sight. Locks equipped with an alarm system also work well in busy areas;
- don’t leave your bike locked up in a public place at night.
Darkness is a thief’s best friend. A bike thief can easily cut through the e-bike rack and get to the locked bike. Don’t be lazy to learn about the most common places where are stolen bikes. You can get this information from a local forum where the bicycle community meets;
- the lighting is also very important, so make sure you always park in a well-lit area in the evening.
Good lighting and a crowded place are great deterrents to keeping your e-bike safe;
- places with video surveillance are great for parking your bike.
Look around carefully to see if there is a camera near where you have come, and park your bike nearby;
- choose different places to park.
Before committing an act of theft, intruders carefully plan their actions, and you make it much easier for them if your bike is always parked nicely in the same spot;
- it is better to store your bike in a well-locked cellar at night than in an open space.
Many places also have secure, guarded parking lots
Pay special attention to how you lock your bike. Determine a locking point securely anchored to the ground and of great thickness. A concrete post is ideal. This kind of support is impossible to hack or cut.
Here are some other reliable options:
- A sturdy tree, lamppost, or street sign. Make sure, however, that the bike cannot be lifted over the support;
- A secure fence;
- A handrail securely attached to a wall or sidewalk.
A good locking technique is a key to keeping your ebike safe and secure
Securing your bike means you should lock the bike frame and rear wheel. If you have an extra lock, you can lock the front wheel as well. Leave minimal space near the locks to prevent thieves from working with tools.
Of course, taking heavy locks with you is quite a hassle. Some cyclists leave their locks in secure places near work, for example. This is very convenient and saves the cyclist extra weight.
Recommendations for securing your bicycle:
- strap your bike in places where there is a lot of human traffic;
- leave your helmet with your bicycle. If you are in an area with a high risk of theft, you may want to route the cable from your bike through special air vents. Running the cable through the straps of your helmet is also a good idea;
- if your e-bike has removable headlights or a display, take these with you. This will prevent a thief from getting away on your e-bike with an electric bike;
- you can also remove your bike’s battery. This will disable the bike and make it less valuable to the intruder. Some cyclists even remove the wheels and seat posts from their electric bikes, but in that case, you would have to leave them somewhere or carry them with you in your car. Therefore, this option is not practical.
Whether you leave your bike at home or in a public place, with these simple rules you can keep your bike as safe as possible.
6 expert tips for securing e-bikes
Since an electric bicycle is a valuable bike that attracts the attention of thieves, it is not unreasonable to reassure yourself and secure your e-bike as much as possible.
1. Remove removable bike components and valuables
It is not just the entire e-bike itself that is of great interest to intruders. It makes sense to remove the battery and store it separately. Thieves can easily forge a key to steal it. It is also worth securing parts such as the headlights, handlebars, monitor, and seat post.
2. Securely fasten the bike parts
If you’re leaving the battery behind, it’s ideally best to attach it and other important components to the bike.
Run a safety device through the handle of the battery and add a chain on top to protect the frame. You can also run a lock through the wheel and hub motor.
3. Change your electric bike riding schedule
By parking in the same spot every day, and riding strictly on the same schedule and route, you become predictable to intruders who can easily calculate your absence time and steal your bike. By not changing anything in their behavior, thieves will be perfectly prepared. If they think your bike is worth it, they will study you for weeks and months. This way, they will have a great plan according to which they can easily reach their goal.
4. Use a GPS tracker
GPS tracker is an extra layer of bike security. With a program available on your smartphone, you can easily identify the location of your vehicle. Even if your bike doesn’t have this option for some reason, you can buy GPS-tracking accessories.
5. Get insurance for your electric bike
Homeowner’s insurance claims can help you cover costs if your electric bike is stolen. It probably won’t cover the full price of the bike, but you won’t have to pay the full cost of a new electric bike.
6. Buy a high-quality bike lock
Bicycle locks are a must-have. But which? A U-lock, chain, or armored cable provides the best protection. A simple frame lock, such as those built into some e-bikes, is much less secure. Thieves can steal your bike if a frame lock is not attached to a fixed object.
FAQ
Is it OK to keep the electric bike outside?
If you want to keep your e-bike safe and secure, you are better off not storing it outside. To do this, you need to use e bike secure lock that will prevent thieves from stealing your bike.
Is it easy to steal batteries from electric bikes?
Recently, cases of battery theft have increased significantly. It happens very often in big cities. It is easy to remove the battery of an e-bike, even if the vehicle itself is securely fastened. To avoid this case, you can remove the battery and store it separately in a safe place if you leave your e-bike for a long time.
What is the best way to lock your bike?
The best way to keep your bike safe and secure is to invest in the best locks and use several types of locks. You will never know what a stolen e-bike is if you use multiple locks chain lock, ropes, U-lock, motion alarm, and a locking system. That way, an intruder would have to hack several devices to steal your e-bike.