What Kind of Security do Electric Bikes Have?

So you just bought your new electric bike and you’re worried about keeping it safe. As more and more people learn about electric bikes, more and more people learn that they are expensive and unfortunately easy to steal. Similar to normal bikes, e-bikes theft is incredibly common and its difficult to find your bike if its stolen. The industry continues to adapt to find more ways to secure your e-bike. Below are some steps that can be taken to secure your e-bike while enjoying your new hobby.

A Quality Bike Lock

A quality bike lock is incredibly important to keep your e-bike safe. Often people buy a new $3,000 e-bike and choose to lock it up with a $15 cable lock. Not only is this an expensive mistake, it can be easily avoided. Invest in a quality bike lock and be sure to lock it up properly.

Many thieves know that e-bikes are expensive, and because of that they are prepared to take further steps than they would take for a simple BMX bike. It may be necessary to use 2 different types of locks to keep your bike safe.

Bike locks are for quick trips inside of a store or while running to class, I would not choose to lock my bike up overnight in public. It is simply too easy to steal e-bikes. It would be best to find a good location to store your bike.

Storing Your Bike Safely.

Finding a good place to put your bike is the easiest way to avoid getting it stolen. Although bike locks may keep a thief from stealing your bike in the 10 minutes you’re inside of the grocery store, they will not keep them from being able to steal your bike overnight.

The simplest way to keep your bike from being stolen overnight is to bring your bike inside. If your home has the room to bring your bike inside, this would be the best way to protect your investment.

Some apartment buildings offer storage areas that are inside, monitored with security cameras or onsite security. It’s best to not learn the hard way that the spot you chose isn’t monitored. Take some time and use caution.

For those that can’t bring their bike inside, it may sound silly but multiple bike locks are necessary. Some other options are available too, for certain e-bikes, you could remove the battery from your e-bike and bring that inside with you.

At least if your bike is stolen it would be more difficult for the thief to get far. They may realize that it isn’t working properly and isn’t worth their time and choose to ditch the bike.

GPS Trackers

Some people may find that a GPS tracker may be the best way to help keep their bike theirs. Even if their bike is stolen, GPS trackers can be attached to help authorities locate your bike and return what is yours. Some thieves may attempt to remove your GPS or antitheft device, these GPS trackers must be discrete. One may think that if it’s clear there is a GPS tracker, it may prevent your bike from being stolen, however, it calls attention to the equipment and makes it more likely the GPS is removed. GPS is truly not an antitheft device, rather it’s more useful to get your bike back.

Built In Security Devices for Your E-bike

Unfortunately, the industry has not adapted to the issue of e-bikes being stolen. Most bikes do not offer some “built-in” locking system that keeps your bike from being stolen. Some bikes do offer a motor lock that will keep your bike from being pedaled if stolen. Some e-bike also have a built-in alarm system, similar to a car alarm that if triggered will let off a loud alarm informing people near by that your bike is being stolen. This may help deter thieves once the alarm goes off.

If your main worry is getting your bike stolen it may be best to get bikes that have motor locks. Unfortunately, this narrows your search significantly. Even if your bike does have a built-in motor lock, it’s best to also carry secondary locks that will help prevent anyone from stealing your bike.

E-bike Insurance

Sometimes, no matter how much security you invest in, your bike may still get stolen. Many insurance companies offer theft insurance for a low monthly price. For those who rely on their e-bikes to commute to work, this may be a great option to protect your investment. Although your bike is insured, you should still take the proper precautions to make sure your bike is safe, some insurance companies may deny your claim if you fail to take reasonable actions to protect your bike. Some policies can be found here.

Your E-bike Got Stolen, Now What?

Welp, despite all the security you invested in, your e-bike still got stolen. What do you do now? The first thing that should be done is to document, and take pictures. If the thief left behind a cut lock, or any other evidence that will help authorities and your insurance company, they should be photographed and documented.

Report your bike stolen, and contact your local police department using a non-emergency line. Provide them with the characteristics of your bike, color, model, and serial number.

If you have a GPS tracker attached to your bike, provide them with the information and location.

Consult the area and see if any security cameras can be used to see who stole your bike.

Often times bike thieves will wait a few days and list your bike for sale on eBay, OfferUp, and other used good marketplaces. Check those sites in your area and the wider area to see if your bike gets listed in the coming days. Do not attempt to confront the thief yourself! Inform the police that you may have located your e-bike on a 2^nd hand site, and see what they would like to do first.

Conclusion

No one wants to get their favorite e-bike stolen. The best way to prevent this is invest in quality bike locks, often times more then 1 type may be required. Avoid leaving your bike unattended for long periods of time, and never leave it unlocked. When possible bring your bike inside with you. Invest in bike insurance, so that if despite everything, your bike still gets stolen you can be reimbursed financially. GPS trackers are another way to make sure you can locate your bike and hopefully get it back.