While electric bikes (e-bikes) continue to grow in popularity, their higher price tag could make them more attractive to thieves. Plus, the rising cost of living and energy crisis means that not only are bikes perhaps more likely to be taken, but you’ll be keener to protect your belongings too.
Thieves can target the whole bike or unsecured parts and accessories or steal the whole thing if they can get away with it. However, there are a few simple and effective ways to reduce the risk of any of these scenarios from happening.
Here are a few tips on how to prevent bike theft.
Think wolf pack
Just how a wolf hunts in packs, your bike should never be on its own.
Forget the whole “out of sight, out of mind” saying, thieves will jump at the opportunity if they see your electric bike locked up down some alleyway on its tod where they are likely to be undisturbed.
While it might go against every natural instinct you ever had, leaving your e-bike around a busy and well-lit area will make it hard for a thief to steal and get away with it.
Take your battery
One of the most expensive parts of your electric bike is the battery. By removing it when you lock it up, the bike becomes less attractive to thieves.
Be inconsistent
This is another example which will challenge every prior instinct you ever had. However, if you cycle to work on your e-bike every day, a clever thief will monitor your pattern and habits.
This way, they can steal it knowing that you’re never going to catch them doing it.
Instead, secure your bike in a different location every day. Be spontaneous and sporadic so there’s no opportunity for them to figure out where it’s going to be.
You should also try to mix up the timing of your breaks throughout the day so you don’t give a thief any real indication of when you’ll return.
Lock it up
You may already lock your electric bike up, but how effective is it?
Firstly, never shy away from using more than one bike lock. In fact, the more the merrier!
A D-Lock is best, but don’t forget an extra cable if your wheels are quick-release. We recommend the Abus Granit 53 D-Lock Combo Pack. The PowerCell technology creates two completely separate locking mechanisms, while the 120cm loop cable allows you to secure both wheels and frame at the same time. Rated as ‘Gold’ in the secure rating system (which is what most e-bike insurers ask for), this combo pack gives you value and peace of mind.
Get techy
Sometimes a bike lock isn’t enough, so fixing the ImmobiTag Electronic Cycle Protection to your electric bike seat should help you sleep at night.
This neat piece of tech has a unique number that the police can identify and track if your e-bike was ever stolen. Keep it out of sight to the thief and the police will be able to return it in no time at all.
For extra gadgets, check out our previous blog: ‘Cycle tech – 7 things every cyclist needs’.