E-bikes are a great way to get more freedom, stay fit, and be more convenient. But thieves are targeting them more and more because they are both valuable and in high demand. E-bikes are especially appealing for resale because they cost more than regular bikes and have removable parts like batteries.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to keep your bike safe and feel safe. You can make it much harder for opportunistic thieves to get away with their crimes by using different types of protection on top of each other. Most of them will quickly move on to an easier target. We'll look at the best ways to keep your e-bike safe from theft below.
1. Invest in a High-Quality Lock
A strong, reliable lock is the best thing you can buy to keep your e-bike safe. A lot of riders want to buy a cheap cable lock because they think it will work, but unfortunately, most of these can be cut in seconds with basic bolt cutters. Your bike could be gone before you even finish your coffee if that happens.
The answer is to use Sold Secure-approved locks, which have been tested to keep thieves from getting in. These locks are made to resist attacks that use brute force and tools, so you can feel even safer every time you lock up.
We have a carefully chosen selection of the best locks in our store that we recommend:
- Foldable Bike Lock that has been approved by Sold Secure. It's small, flexible, and easy to carry.
- U-Lock Sold Secure Gold Rated: A heavy-duty security system that's great for city riders.
- Gold Sold Safe Rated Combination Chain Lock: This lock is strong and flexible, making it great for locking to a lot of different things.
Each of these locks is meant to keep even the most determined thieves from getting in. Many experienced riders actually use two different types of locks together, like a U-lock and a chain. This makes it even harder for anyone to come with the right tools.
2. Lock the frame and both wheels.
A lot of bikes get stolen because they aren't locked up right. Thieves know they don’t have to take the whole bike — if only the wheel is secured, they can simply detach it and carry off the rest.
- To avoid this, always check that your lock protects:
- The frame (this is very important)
- At least one wheel
- A bike rack or lamppost that is very strong and can't be moved
If you're leaving your bike in a high-risk area for a long time, you might want to use a second lock to keep your other wheel safe.
3. Park wisely
The safety of your e-bike can depend a lot on where you park it. Thieves who take advantage of opportunities do well in dark corners and lonely places. Park your bike in whenever you can:
- Busy, well-lit places where people are likely to see strange behaviour
- Designated bike racks are usually stronger and watched more closely.
- If you commute every day, park in different places. Parking in the same spot every day makes it easier for thieves to plan.
Smart parking is still important, even when you're at home. It's always better to keep your e-bike in a locked garage or shed than to leave it in the garden or hallway.
4. Take out or secure the battery
The battery in your e-bike not only powers it, but it is also one of the most expensive parts. A lot of thieves know this, and if the battery can be removed, they might try to take it even if they can't take the whole bike.
It's best to take the battery out of your e-bike and take it with you if you're going to be away from it for a while. Some riders use a lockable battery mount to feel safer. This makes it much harder for anyone to take the battery out without a key.
5. Use GPS trackers
When it comes to stopping theft, technology can be one of your best friends. You can hide discreet GPS trackers inside the frame, handlebars, or even the seat post of your e-bike. These trackers work with your smartphone so you can see where your bike is at all times.
If your e-bike is stolen, a GPS tracker makes it much more likely that you'll get it back and may also help the police find it. A lot of modern trackers are small, cheap, and have batteries that last a long time, so they are a good extra line of defence.
6. Sign up for your bike
Registering your bike is an important step in making it possible to get it back, even if it doesn't stop a theft from happening. Make a note of your e-bike's serial number, keep the receipt for your purchase, and take a set of clear pictures from different angles. You can also register your bike for free in many places online.
These records prove that you own the e-bike, which makes it easier for the police to find it and give it back to you if it is ever stolen.
7. Safe at home too
People often think their e-bike is safe just because it's at home. In fact, a lot of thefts happen in gardens, driveways, and shared hallways. To keep your bike safe at home:
- Put it inside when you can.
- If you can't stay inside, use a shed or garage that is locked.
- Put in anchors on the wall or floor and lock up your bike inside. It will be safe even when the doors are closed.
- Keep in mind that your bike will be safer the harder it is to get to and take away.
8. Get insurance for your e-bike
You can never be sure that theft won't happen, even with the best security. That's why a lot of people who ride e-bikes get insurance for them. A good policy can protect you from theft, damage, and even roadside recovery in some cases, which will give you peace of mind about your finances.
If you use your e-bike to get to work every day or if you bought a high-end model, insurance is especially useful.
Final Thoughts
It doesn't have to be hard to protect your e-bike, but you do need to plan ahead. A strong lock, smart parking choices, and good habits like taking out the battery or using a GPS tracker are all important parts of a layered security system. Every step you take adds another obstacle, and the more obstacles you put in the way, the less thieves will want to steal your bike.