Imagine cycling around the city, parking, and locking your e-bike to take a quick break: hop to a store, grab a cup of coffee, or launch with friends. So, you return, but your bicycle is gone. It’s a nightmare for any rider. Unfortunately, the situation is not uncommon. Statistics show that nearly 2.4 million bikes are stolen every year in the United States alone. Since electric models are more expensive, they are especially vulnerable to theft. Therefore, we will give you some efficient tips on how to secure an electric bike properly and choose the best lock to keep your e-bicycle safe wherever you go.
Why Locking Your Electric Bike is Crucial
Selling stolen bikes and their parts is a lucrative business. And as long as there are platforms allowing thieves to do this, the rush for easy money will continue. Despite a great diversity of cycles presented on today’s market, electric bikes are a prime target for theft.
Indeed, pedal-assist models often cost between $1,600 and $2,300, resulting in a higher resale value. They also contain valuable components like batteries and motors, which can be sold separately. On top of everything else, the popularity of e-bikes is on the rise, including on the black market, so thieves can sell them pretty quickly.
Consequences of improper locking:
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Complete bicycle loss
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No insurance coverage, as many policies do not cover theft if a bike was not locked or was locked improperly
Best Types of Locks for e-Bikes
U-Locks
U-locks offer robust protection for any electric bike. They consist of two components: a U-shaped bar made of hard steel and a bulky locking mechanism designed to resist chisels, hammers, and similar instruments thieves typically use.
Pros:
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High security level
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Difficult to crack
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Convenient to carry on a bike
Cons
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Fixed shape makes U-locks less flexible, so you can attach them to a limited range of objects
Chain Locks
Chain locks are a popular choice for securing e-bikes. The best of them are made from the highest grade steel and have strong locking mechanisms. The chains are also covered with a cloth sleeve to prevent damage to the frame and keep your bike’s paint safe.
Pros:
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Enhanced security and flexibility
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Can be easily locked to a variety of objects
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Best for locking two or more bicycles together
Cons:
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Take up a lot of space
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Heavy to carry on a 2 wheeled bike
Also Read: Benefits of Electric Bikes
Folding Locks
Folding locks were introduced recently but have already proven themselves as a reliable option for protecting e-bikes from thieves. They are made from a number of flat steel plates attached to each other, and you can fold them in different directions.
Pros:
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Compact and easy to carry
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Give lots of locking opportunities
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Often come with a bracket for convenient transportation
Cons:
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Low-quality locks are easy to crack
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More expensive
Cable Locks
Cable or spiral locks are great for extra security and often used in combination with other locks. They are made from a twisted steel cable covered with a plastic coating. Some of them have a built-in lock, while others come looped at both ends so that you can use them with a U-lock.
Pros:
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Lightweight and convenient to carry
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More affordable
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Can be wrapped around unusually-shaped objects
Cons:
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Weaker security
Where to Lock Your e-Bike
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Locking point: always lock your electric bike to immovable objects fixed to the ground and make sure a thief cannot lift or cut them using regular tools. The best options include thick bicycle stands, steel fences, handrails, road signs, trees, and concrete posts.
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Location: lock your bicycle on busy, well-lit streets. It’s best to choose areas with CCTV coverage (city center, government buildings, college campuses, shopping malls, etc.).
How to Lock Up an Electric Bike Properly
There’s no single correct way to lock an electric bicycle since each model has its own design and specifications. The type of your lock also matters. However, some simple tips can still make a difference, enhancing your bike safety:
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Lock the frame and rear wheel together
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If the front wheel is removable, release it and lock it together with the rear wheel and frame
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Lock the bicycle around the bottom bracket instead of the top tube
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Leave as little space inside the lock as possible
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Take all bike accessories with you when you leave
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If possible, remove the battery
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Never leave your bicycle unattended for more than 12 hours
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Keep the bike locked even when you store it in your house
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Invest in a top-quality lock
Read Also: How to Ride Electric Bike: Complete Guide for Newbies
Additional Security Tips
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GPS tracking devices: although GPS trackers do not protect electric bikes against thieves, they increase your chances of finding a cycle if it’s stolen. Thanks to their small size, these devices can be discreetly placed on the frame, under the cargo rack or water cage, in the panniers, etc.
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Alarm systems: this is an acoustic bicycle protection that activates when someone moves or touches your bike. A permanent alarm of up to 110 dB makes it a great addition to mechanical locks.
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Double-lock method: the option involves using two different types of locks for enhanced security (e.g., U-lock and cable lock). Hence, you can protect the wheels or saddle separately or fix them to the frame when locking your bicycle.
Conclusion
Speaking about bike security, it's crucial to understand that even the strongest lock may not save you if a thief is truly determined to steal your electric cycle. However, our tips will help you make the task much more difficult for criminals, as a strong lock and proper locking technique take a lot of time to defeat. Be vigilant, take good care of your electric bike, and share this guide with other riders to help them stay safe!
