Falling victim to bike theft can make your heart sink. No matter if you have an old beater or a brand spanking new powerhouse, regardless, getting your ebike stolen sucks. We all know the feeling of taking your brand new shiny ebike out for a spin, a great option for daily commutes and exercise while keeping the planet green. Ebike popularity has risen, especially during a pandemic, with that comes increased bike theft. So to keep your heart from breaking and wheels intact, here are some tips to avoid a cyclist's worst nightmare.
Bike Theft Prevention Tip #1
Double-check You Locked Your Ebike
Everyone is always on the go, rushing from one place to another. From the grocery store to brunch dates and everything in between, we can be careless when locking up our ebikes. Tug on the lock and the ebike to make sure nothing is loose. You can easily avoid having your bike stolen by double-checking the ebike is connected to the lock and the lock is securely fastened.
Bike Theft Prevention Tip #2
Double Up On Locks
Invest in a high-quality lock. Yes, they're expensive, but not as expensive as buying a new ebike. Just like how you invest in your safety when you ride an ebike, invest in your ebike's safety when you’re not there to protect it. U-locks are considered the most secure as they're made of steel but will limit how much of the bike you can secure due to its size and shape. We recommend doubling up on the U-lock with a hefty steel chain or another U-lock. Even though cable locks offer the flexibility to thread through the ebike, they can easily be cut in seconds with bolt cutters. But by all means, you can use all three locks if you have them! Thread the U-lock through the rear or front wheel through the bike frame, then to the structure. Then use the cable lock or steel chain and loop it through the back wheel to the front wheel, then through the U-lock. Bike thieves are creative and will do anything to cop your ebike. Spending money on a good quality lock can slow down theft times and save you from losing your travel buddy.
Bike Theft Prevention Tip #3
Where To Lock Your Ebike
Where you lock your ebike is very important. There are a few things to consider when picking out where to leave your precious cargo-not all locations are made equal. Avoid thin fences, moveable structures, wooden fences, thin steel objects, anything that can be easily cut or removed with bolt cutters. If you choose a bike rack, make sure the rack is fastened to the concrete. The same goes for any street sign or pole. If these structures are damaged or loose, thieves can shake them out of place and slide your ebike off. Your ebike will only be as secure as the structure it’s attached to. So take every precaution and choose immovable structures that can’t be easily broken. Bike thieves usually strike in the evening, whenever possible, bring your ebike inside where you can keep an eye on it. If you can’t, at least take your battery inside and lock the frame up in a well-lit area with security cameras.
Bike Theft Prevention #4
Take Your Valuables
Remember all those extra accessories you bought? Bike thieves will take them too. If you can’t risk losing those fancy extras take them with you. Sure, some accessories can be replaced, but why go through the hassle. You can even purchase modifications such as a locking system for your wheels or a seat clamp for added security. With your ebike, you should never leave the key inside the battery. Better yet, take the key and battery with you as you never know what might happen.
Bike Theft Prevention #5
Know Your Ebike's Serial Number
Sometimes bike thieves get the better of us, but in the unfortunate event that your ebike is stolen, knowing the serial number can streamline its whereabouts. This number can help law enforcement search local pawn shops, street markets, and any online sales to find out if anyone has sold a bike with that number. If you live in Vancouver, you can register your bike with 529 Garage. Most cities will have a registry where you can register your bike online. If your ebike is stolen, increase your chances of its return by taking photos and personalizing it as much as possible. This can help identify key features and differentiate them from generic-looking ebikes.
Bicycle theft is on the rise, especially in Vancouver which is a bike predominant city. No matter if your bike is your daily commuter, recreational toy or anything in between, take the necessary precautions to make sure it doesn’t roll into the wrong hands. An added tip, if your ebike does get stolen check your homeowner's or renters' insurance- In some cases, it will cover a stolen bike. If you don’t have insurance you could always purchase it with a private company, but your ebike must be insured before it gets stolen. If you're not sure where to get a lock we have a variety of options for you to choose from. If you're in need of a new ebike contact us and we can set you up with a test ride! We hope these tips help you to best protect your wheels!
