There's no question that having your electric bike stolen is a bad experience. Not only is it a violation of your property, but it's also a personal blow to be without your electric bike; your source of fun and adventure! In this guide, we'll offer solutions to help prevent your electric bike from being stolen, along with tips for recovering it if it's taken.
Anti-Theft Tips: Preparing for the Worst
Take Note
One of the first things to do when you get your electric bike is document its serial number—the unique number that will identify your eBike. The serial number is usually stamped on the frame on the underside of the bottom bracket (where the cranks are) or on the headtube (where the fork connects to the frame). Some brands also print the serial number on the eBike's packaging.
Keep the serial number handy in case someone steals your electric bike. When you notify the police, local bike shops, bike registries, and social media, the serial number confirms the eBike is yours.
Tracking
Bluetooth tracking devices are great tools for locating your bike if it's stolen. While you can purchase these as an accessory, some eBikes come with GPS tracking built into the frame, letting you access your eBike's location through a companion app.
Some of these tracking devices can share an internet link with the police, so they can track down your electric bike. But, please, be cautious. It's best to let the police do the work of recovering your bike, as recovering it yourself can be dangerous.
Lock It Up
The most effective way to deter a thief from stealing your bike is simply to put a lock on it. While locks aren't always foolproof, they are about as close as you can get. Here are a few examples of common eBike locks:
- U-locks: Named for their "U" shape, U-locks have been the standard for many years. They are generally pretty tough to break and can dissuade a thief from even trying.
- Folding locks: These locks provide good protection while being relatively small for easy transport. However, they tend to be a bit more expensive than a U lock.
- Lightweight locks: This style of lock isn't good for long-term parking in high-risk areas, as they are not indestructible, but they're easy to carry and perfect for quick errand stops.
- Component locks: You can lock your wheels, seat, seatpost, and handlebars. These are some components that a thief may go after if they can’t get the whole bike. By having these individual components secured with their own locks, you can focus on securing the eBike frame to a solid parking structure.
Some of these locks have high-tech features that can emit a car alarm sound if the bike is tampered with. Additionally, some locks have keyless opening/closing systems that require a smartphone, making them harder for thieves to unlock.
In general, it's a good idea to lock your electric bike to a solid bike parking structure located in a high-traffic area. The more people around, the better the chances of someone noticing a thief trying to steal your bike.
Take Valuable Components with You
Taking your battery with you is a good way to make your electric bike less desirable to steal. Batteries are one of the most expensive components of any eBike, and riding away with an unpowered electric bike is pretty challenging. Similarly, if you remove the display from your electric bike, it will make it harder to ride away with.
Use a PIN code
On some eBikes, the display is hard-wired into the rest of the system and not easily removed. If so, check if your eBike offers a PIN code system on the display. Models equipped with this feature use a number password that stops the motor from turning on until the PIN code is entered. While a PIN code may not stop a thief from stealing your eBike, it will prevent the from using the bike's features until the code is entered, lowering its resale value. That being said, make sure you don't forget your own code!
Motion Alarms
Modern GPS-based cycle-computers offer motion alarms that can be armed and disarmed via your mobile phone. If you need to make a brief stop during your ride, these motion alarms can be a great help. You can typically turn the alarm on and off using the app on your mobile phone. If the eBike moves while the feature is enabled, the head unit will sound an alarm.
Store Your eBike Inside When Possible
Storing your electric bike inside and out of sight is a good way to keep it safe, especially when compared to leaving it visible and accessible on the street. Some workplaces and schools have designated places to store a bike indoors or in a protected courtyard.
Stolen eBike Recovery Tips
Bike Registry
Bike registries, such as Bike Index, keep a database of bikes and provide information on stolen bikes. You can register your bike with the manufacturer, including the serial number and component information. If your bike is stolen, you can mark it as such on the website, which will alert its community and partners. Additionally, some used-bike buyers will cross-check a bike listed on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace with a bike registry and notify the owner if they recognize it as stolen.
Inform the Police, Local Bike Shops, and Social Media
As soon as you know your eBike is stolen, notify the police and provide the bike manufacturer, serial number, and general description. Some police departments may find it helpful to have pictures of your bike for easier identification. Let them know if you get any tips from a bike registration or other leads.
Lastly, don't underestimate the power of the internet. Post pictures of your stolen bike on social media, and ask your community to share the post with their own communities. Also, let your local bike shops know your bike has been stolen; many have social media channels where they can post the information you provide. You can even reach out to bike clubs with social media platforms and ask them to post about your predicament.
Watch Craigslist, Facebook, OfferUp, etc.
Bike thieves are often not the brightest bunch, and they may end up posting your eBike on an online marketplace such as Craigslist, Facebook, or OfferUp. Check these places often. In some cases, you can set up a keyword alert for your eBike so you are notified if a related listing is posted. If you come across your bike online, notify the police immediately and take a screenshot of the listing for reference, just in case the thief takes it down.
Keep on Riding
You can't control whether your bike gets stolen, but you can control what you do to keep it as secure as possible. Use strategies such as noting of your bike's serial number, adding a tracking device, and using a trusty lock to deter potential theft. But, in the unfortunate event that someone takes your eBike from your possession, you'll be equipped with ways to fight back.