5 Ways to Protect Your E-bike
E-bikes offer a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. However, with the growing demand for e-bikes and high value comes more theft risk. In this article, we will share our tried and tested tips to protect your e-bike from theft, ensuring your investment stays secure and lasts for many years to come.
Your E-Bike Security Checklist
- Insure it
- Remove the computer
- Remove the battery
- Think about where you leave it and how what you lock it to
- Register it with bike register - add the UV dots
- Locks - Sold Secure Gold rated
- GPS Trackers
1. Start with Bike Insurance
Before thinking about how you secure your bike. Think about getting it insured. You have probably spent thousands on your new pride and joy, don’t scrimp when it comes to insurance. It gives you the confidence to take it anywhere and, more importantly, leave it anywhere. Read our Article about bike insurance here. Insurers of note at the moment include;
- Laka
- Pedal Cover (home and bike insurance)
2. Do the low or no-cost things
- When you leave your bike, take the cycle computer/head unit/display with you. If you have used the Bosch feature to lock it to your motor digitally, it will stop anyone from putting another screen on and starting your bike.
- If the battery is mounted on the frame or not secured in the frame, remove it. If you don’t, someone else might!
- Think about where you leave your bike. If you hide it down a side street away from public view, it might give a potential thief more time to try and break a lock or remove parts without someone seeing them. So instead, lock your bike in a public place with lots of pedestrian traffic. These people are more likely to stop and ask someone if they are trying to unlock your bike with bolt cutters or at least get a photo or video on their smartphone. Ideally, the area should be well-lit and with CCTV coverage.
- Lastly, register your bike with Bike Register. This doesn’t cost anything and is quick and simple to do. If your bike is recovered following a theft, it is the method the police use to find the rightful owner of the bike. There is also the option to buy UV kits and stickers to let thieves know it is trackable and thereby act as a deterrent.
3. Invest in a High-Quality Bike Lock
A high-quality lock should be recognised by insurance companies. There is a rating system operated by Sold Secure whereby they rate locks into Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond. It is a great system as you don’t need to study and understand the different types of materials used or how they operate. The least secure locks do not get a rating all the way up to those that are rated Platinum, which means they will be most resistant to attempted theft, even slowing an attack using something like a battery-powered angle grinder!
First and foremost, a high-quality bike lock should be made of strong, durable materials that are difficult to cut or break. Look for hardened steel or titanium locks, which offer the best protection against theft. Additionally, a quality lock should have a secure locking mechanism that cannot be easily picked or tampered with
Types of Bike Locks
When shopping for a bike lock, you will come across various types, including cable, U-lock, and chain locks. Each type of lock has advantages and disadvantages, so considering the right one for your needs is essential.
U-locks are considered to be the most secure and provide maximum protection. They are made of solid steel and are difficult to cut or break. However, they can be heavy and bulky, making them less convenient to carry around.
Chain locks are more flexible, securing your bike to more objects. They are also lighter and easier to carry than U-locks. However, they are less secure than U-locks and can be cut with bolt cutters.
Cable locks are the least secure option and should only be used as a secondary lock. They are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to carry around. However, they can be easily cut with wire cutters.
We recommend the following locks manufacturers:
ABUS Bordo – High-quality folding locks
Hiplok – Rated locks with e-bike-specific options
Litelok– Lightweight and extremely secure
4. How to Properly Lock and Store Your Ebike
Regardless of the type of lock you choose, there is a proper way to lock your bike to ensure maximum security. First, find a sturdy object to lock your bike to, such as a bicycle rack. Ensure the object is securely bolted to the ground and cannot be easily removed.
Next, lock your bike through the frame and back wheel with your chosen lock. This will prevent thieves from removing the wheel and taking the rest of the bike. Ensure the lock is tight and cannot be easily jiggled or removed.
Finally, ensure that pulling the bike off over the top of the object it is locked to is impossible. Thieves will often try to lift the bike over the top of the thing it is locked to, so make sure no slack in the lock would allow them to do so.
By following these simple steps and investing in a high-quality bike lock, you can significantly reduce the risk of your e-bike being stolen. Remember, prevention is always better than cure for bike theft!
5. GPS tracking
For added security, consider affixing a GPS tracking device to the frame of your e-bike. This can help you locate your bike if it is stolen.
Smart system Bosch motor-powered e-bikes such as Riese and Muller’s models can have the connect module installed. Using the Bosch Flow app, you can find out the location of your bike at any time via GPS tracking. The module can also act as an acoustic alarm to deter theft and alert the owner via phone.
Powunity is another great app which uses the BikeTrax GPS tracker to offer live tracking via their app and alerts following the unauthorised movement of the bike.
Remember, the more difficult you make it for a thief to steal your e-bike, the less likely they are to try. By taking these simple steps to register and mark your e-bike, you can help ensure it stays safe and secure.
If you would like more information on any of our Riese & Müller electric bikes call EDEMO on 01453 834300, email or follow the link to book an appointment.
