How to stop thieves from stealing your e-bike
Owning an e-bike can be a blast, but figuring out exactly how to keep the bike safe is far from that.
For the uninitiated are electric bikes expensive, making them prime targets for thieves. After spending more than $2,000 on a two-wheeled toy, you want to be sure that your e-bike (or e-scooter) stays in the right hands—your own.
Luckily, there’s a whole ecosystem of tools and services designed to keep you reassured, including heavy-duty locks, attachable alarms and — if you’re lucky — a dedicated cadre of bike hunters who can be deployed to locate your bike at E-Bike Loss.
This is your complete anti-theft guide to owning an e-bike.
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1. Locks
First things first: lock it up. We’re not talking about just any lock either. Regular bike locks and flimsy chains can easily be bypassed with $10 bolt cutters—that’s a small investment given the prospect of walking away with $2,500 worth of wheels.
While there are countless brands when it comes to bike locks, Kryptonite has earned a reputation as one of the toughest. For convenience, the site even provides customers with a case-by-case recommendation as to which lock is best for each scenario.
If you have what Kryptonite calls a “regular” e-bike (think something similar to a Citi pedal-assist bike), the Evolution 1090 with integrated chain should cover your needs. The chain itself is made from 10mm heat treated manganese steel, so regular bolt cutters are barely enough to cut your e-bike from its chain. It also comes with a patent pending lock and drill proof cylinder to deter more determined intruders.
Arguably the best thing about Kryptonite locks (apart from being effective) is the warranty that comes with them. Everyone has their own “anti-theft offer” that insures you up to a certain amount of money if your e-bike lock is cracked or forced open. That’s the kind of confidence you want from a brand that offers e-bike security.
Alternatively, if a chain lock is too bulky for your liking, U-locks are an excellent alternative. While they won’t fit every style of e-bike, those with thinner frames are ideal candidates. For those looking for something lighter and more portable than a heavy chain lock, this Abus option features a 13mm thick alloy steel shackle and weighs 3 pounds.
It may not offer the same level of security as a thicker chain lock, but if you want to sacrifice toughness for convenience, U-locks are a good choice.
2. Alerts
Knowledge is power, even with e-bikes. To keep up to date with the status of your e-bike, an alert is recommended, and you have several options on that front.
The middle tech
There is an ecosystem of motion-activated alarms with a variety of accessible price points. Just install the alarm anywhere on your e-bike, activate it when you walk away and that’s it. (Pro tip: Always place the alarm somewhere out of sight, such as under the seat. Alarms can be an effective deterrent, but not if they get blown to bits before they can sound.)
The high tech
If believing that your alarm will deter thieves isn’t enough, internet-connected systems paired with an app can give you more security. Bosch’s ConnectModule, for example, allows you to track your e-bike and let you know when it’s being moved and possibly tampered with. The part is also connected to your motor, so you can switch your e-bike on or off remotely.
To bring the benefits of the Bosch system to your e-bike, you can buy the module and (if you’re a little clever) connect it to your motor. Alternatively, you can find a local bike shop that can do this for you. Using Bosch’s Flow app is free for a year with the purchase of a ConnectModule, but costs $40 per year thereafter.
3. Brands
If you’re the kind of person who worries about something being stolen before you’ve even bought it: congratulations – not because of the fear, but because of the preventive advice you’ll receive.
Bike manufacturers are aware that theft is a problem among e-bike owners and have responded with their own anti-Thieves. VanMoof, a Dutch bike company that sells high-end bikes, has its own dedicated team of bike hunters. You can read the stories of the hunters yourself, but the gist is this: your bike gets lost, and you are going to find it.
More proactively, VanMoof also offers app integrations with anti-theft technology, including bike tracking and remote locking, so you don’t have to wait for your e-bike to be stolen to know it’s in danger.
While VanMoof’s security measures are particularly robust, it’s not the only e-bike brand with built-in anti-theft protection. Wing, a New York-based company, offers built-in tracking for its e-bikes in addition to vibrating alerts. The Freedom 2 e-bike, for example, has remote locking and “tamper detection”.
The bottom line is that safety should be part of your e-bike shopping checklist. When looking for your perfect e-bike, be sure to look for potential anti-theft features—they can only save you from burning a hole in your $2,000 pocket.
4. Chop
tracker
Maybe you’re not excited about the purchase more Stuff for your expensive e-bike or are in a pinch until your extra security assistance arrives. If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to use tools you use do have available.
Apple’s Air Tags, for example, can be a great sit-in for a networked tracking system. The Bluetooth item trackers won’t tell you if your e-bike is tampered with, but if it’s lost you can track where it went.
battery
Sometimes a deterrent is enough. Not all e-bikes have removable batteries, but some do, and detaching your e-bike battery while you’re not around can be a great way to deter would-be intruders. With that in mind, the Cowboy e-bike offers an elegant solution to the detachable battery design, with the bike’s unique tubular design that allows the rider to slide the battery in or out.