There’s nothing worse than getting your electric bike stolen, but there are many ways to reduce the likelihood of e-bike theft. In addition to using approved bike locks, riders can register their bike and purchase e-bike insurance to ensure they’re covered in the unfortunate event of theft.
Discover the tips and tricks to thwart theft at every turn so that your e-bike stays put right where you left it.
Project529, one of the largest national bike registries, estimates that over 2 million bikes are stolen each year in North America— that’s one stolen bike nearly every 30 seconds! Electric bikes are at an even higher risk of theft due to their increased value and expensive electric batteries. Bike theft is bad news all around— it can discourage people from cycling and adds a financial burden by requiring affected victims to purchase a new bike and accessories. Luckily, there are proven techniques to defend against bike theft and increase your chances of recovering your e-bike if it ends up stolen.
Reducing the possibility that your e-bike gets stolen begins long before locking up your bike at the bike rack. Taking steps to proactively avoid bike theft can assist in recouping the cost or even locating your actual bike if you end up in that unfortunate situation one day. Follow the recommendations below and ride with the peace of mind that your e-bike is as safe as possible.
Uploading your e-bike’s information to your local bike registry is a quick and free way to add a level of security. This first line of defense offers the best chance of recovering your e-bike if it’s ever stolen. Many local police departments or city governments have a bike registry database where you can upload your e-bike’s serial number along with model specs and photos. The largest national bike registry is Project529 which connects hundreds of law enforcement agencies, universities, bike clubs, and bike shops around the world.
The team at Frontenac Cycles in Ontario, Canada, offers a great introduction to Project 529 in their YouTube channel, 'How to Properly Lock and Register Your Bike.'
“When locking your bike, you want to remember that securing your frame and wheels is important, but the U-lock can’t always get both wheels. So, we recommend that you lock the rear wheel with the frame because its more expensive to replace with the additional cost of the cassette.”
—Graeme Healey, owner of Frontenac Cycle
While it won’t actively deter theft, having your e-bike within the registry can help locate the bike if it is found on the street or on a reselling platform. Registering your e-bike can also provide a way to prove that a recovered bike actually belongs to you. Electric bikes have a serial number located on the frame as well as unique serial numbers for the motor and battery. While registries may not ask for all three numbers, it’s a good idea to keep a record of them for your own tracking.
E-bike insurance is an effective method to protect yourself from unexpected situations such as theft. Traditional homeowners or renters policies often have low limits on coverage for sporting equipment like e-bikes. Furthermore, those policies rarely provide coverage if your e-bike is stolen away from home. Dedicated e-bike insurance from Sundays covers theft from and away from your home so you’re protected wherever you ride. Sundays makes it easy to file a claim in the unfortunate event of theft and your premium won’t increase by making a claim either.
High-quality bike locks ensure your electric bike stays right where you left it, even if a thief dares to tamper with your bike and its parts. But not all bike locks are created equal— there are several styles and many models with varying levels of security. To help riders find the right lock, Sundays regularly updates its large database of approved locks from trusted brands that offer the best protection.
High-quality bike lock manufacturers stand by their products and brands like Kryptonite and OnGuard will issue a payout if your bike is stolen while locked appropriately with one of their locks. It’s worthwhile to invest in an approved bike lock that will protect your e-bike for many years to come.
The most secure method involves locking the electric bike through each wheel and the frame to an immovable object. This may require two locks or riders can remove the front wheel and position it next to the rear wheel (assuming the single lock is large enough). Leaving the frame or wheels unsecured means parts of the bike can still be stolen even if the entire bike can’t be taken. E-bike batteries are locked into place on the frame, but the safest option is to take the battery with you when needed.
These days, riders can easily enhance their electric bike’s security with compact tech and bike trackers. Small GPS trackers such as AirTags or Tile can fit inside a bike frame or other components, meaning the thief won’t even know that the bike is equipped with location tracking. Some e-bikes even come with built-in alarms or location-tracking apps that can be activated in case of theft. For more options and details on these check out Cycling weekly's Best GPS Bike Trackers 2024.
A large proportion of reported bike theft involves stolen parts and accessories rather than the theft of the entire bike. Components that can only be quickly removed with specific tools are at much less risk of theft. The more preparation and time that potential thieves have to spend on removing a bike component, the less likely they are to try to steal it in the first place.
A general rule of thumb for keeping accessories safe is “If you can’t lock it, take it with you”. When parking your e-bike in public, remove any items that aren’t securely mounted to the e-bike such as phone holders, detachable lights, or other attractive accessories. There are also many versions of these accessories that can be secured with bolts to prevent easy grab-and-go theft.
Ideally, a thief won’t ever come close to your electric bike. Strategically parking and locking your e-bike in well-lit areas with plenty of passersby makes it more likely a potential thief will be seen or caught in the act, discouraging them from approaching the bike in the first place. This underrated tip is one of the most effective methods to proactively protect your e-bike!
Bike racks are typically a good choice, but not always. Bike racks are often located near the entrance to a building or business where there is higher foot traffic and decent lighting at night. But they can get damaged and less secure with time so it’s best to always check that the structure is still securely bolted to the ground. Some people also recommend occasionally changing where you park your bike. Using the same spot every day and at the same time can make it easy for a vigilant thief to know your schedule.
Take precautions in shared garages and shared bike storage. These spaces normally require an access key but aren’t a sure-fire way to prevent theft. Thieves can take their time to break into these infrequently visited areas and any video surveillance is probably not monitored in real time. It can be easy to forget to lock your e-bike in shared spaces like these, especially after a long day at work or school, but it leaves your bike exposed and vulnerable to theft. Continue to properly lock your e-bike in these spaces or keep your e-bike inside your own condo or apartment.
In the unfortunate case of having your e-bike stolen, follow these steps to increase the chances of recovering your e-bike:
Bicycle theft goes largely unreported but informing law enforcement about the incident can help them understand where theft is occurring, potentially leading to better infrastructure and safety measures in the area. Make a claim with your e-bike insurance company which can help you recover the value of your stolen e-bike. Sundays Insurance guarantees that your premium won’t increase simply by making a claim.
If your e-bike was previously registered, report it stolen as soon as possible to reduce the chances of the bike being resold illegally. Many registries can automatically cross-reference reselling platforms to help locate a stolen bike. Registry users and community members within a certain distance may also receive a notification informing them of a stolen bike in the area, increasing the likelihood of finding the bike quickly.
Let your community know that your e-bike was recently stolen by posting images and any additional information that could be useful. This way, you can have many more sets of eyes watching out for your bike.
Many bike thieves are trying to make a quick buck and will post the bike on online platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also check local pawn shops or consignment stores. If you identify the supposed reseller, ask for assistance from local authorities to recover the bike.
Sundays recommends choosing a high-quality bike lock from our list of approved locks. The list includes U-locks with keys, folding locks, and chain locks that are less than two years old. If you are unsure if your lock is approved, you can send us an email with the lock's brand, model and value and we’ll let you know if it is approved!
Yes, e-bike insurance from Sundays covers theft from and away from your home. Homeowners or renters insurance typically won’t cover items such as e-bikes, so having a dedicated e-bike policy ensures that you are covered.
Keeping your e-bike at home or stashing it in the shed doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. It’s a good idea to still lock your e-bike, even when at home, to prevent theft if someone ends up breaking into the garage or shed. You can even lock multiple bikes together since it’s much more difficult to steal two heavy e-bikes chained together.
Project 529 bike registry — Supported by Sundays.
project529.com
Cycling Weekly — The Best GPS Bike Trackers 2024: Why you need one and how to choose
cyclingweekly.com
Frontenac Cycles youtube channel
@frontenaccycle
