In 2023, the police found that electric bike thefts in the UK were skyrocketing, with the number of reported thefts doubling in the space of just twelve months.
Whether you’re using your e-bike recreationally, or to commute and run errands around the city, there are a whole host of cheap and easy measures you can take to keep your e-bike safe from theft or vandalism.
7 Simple and Effective Ways to Keep Your E-bike Safe From Theft
Use a Gold Standard Secure Bike Lock.
A gold standard rated bicycle lock is able to provide “a high level of resistance against a dedicated thief”. The only higher security level is the diamond rated lock, which also protects against angle grinders. As well as offering a high level of protection against the majority of thieves, most e-bike insurance policies require electric bikes to be secured using at least a Gold Standard Secure bike lock. This Hygge Gold Standard bike security lock is a robust and reliable choice.
Bring Your E-bike Inside With you.
The best way to protect your electric bike against theft, vandalism, and even the elements is to bring it inside with you. If you like the idea of keeping your e-bike by your side as much as possible, it may be worth exploring some convenient and compact folding e-bike options.
Remove Your E-bike’s Battery.
An electric bike’s battery is usually its most expensive component. Removing the battery and keeping it with you will not only make your e-bike more difficult to steal (since it can’t run without the battery), but it’ll also make it less valuable to potential thieves.
Install a GPS Tracker.
Attach a small GPS tracker (like an Apple AirTag) to an inconspicuous area of your electric bike, like inside the battery compartment or under the saddle. Not only can this be helpful if you forget where you parked, but it can also assist authorities in tracking down your e-bike if it’s stolen.
Park Your Electric Bike in a Well-lit Area.
Naturally, thieves like to go unnoticed. Parking your e-bike securely in a busy and illuminated area is therefore one of the simplest ways to protect it from thieves. Spots directly under street lamps are a great option, as are busy areas with a good CCTV setup.
Vary Your Daily Routine.
This step is particularly important for commuters who take the same journey and park in the same spot every day. It’s well known that thieves study behaviour patterns over time to find the perfect opportunity to strike. Taking a different mode of transport every now and then (e.g., the tube or bus), or parking your e-bike in a different spot each day are both great ways to make your routine less predictable to thieves.
Invest in Electric Bike Insurance.
A great e-bike insurance policy can offer repairs, replacements, and financial support if you get injured in an accident, or if your electric bike gets lost, stolen, or damaged. While it’s not a legal requirement to get your e-bike insured in the UK, it’s a smart backup in case your preventative safety and security measures fail.
Essential Maintenance to Keep Your E-bike Safe
Keeping your e-bike safe and secure should also include vital maintenance. By prioritising the following five electric bike upkeep non-negotiables, you can keep your e-bike running smoothly and, most importantly, safely. In turn, this will help you avoid accidents and long-term damage to your electric bike.
-
Keep an eye on the brakes. Regularly inspect your electric bike’s brakes, checking for issues like loose cables, worn brake pads, or accumulation of dirt and oil. Always test your brakes before setting off, and keep an eye out for any signs of brake issues while riding. Common indicators of brake problems include reduced braking performance, noisy braking, and lever sinking.
-
Maintain the chain. If you’re used to riding a traditional pushbike, you might find that your e-bike’s chain requires more frequent lubrication. In fact, many electric bikes benefit from a lubricant application after every ride.
-
Maintain optimum tyre pressure. Not only will under-inflated tyres reduce your e-bike’s efficiency, but under or over-inflated tyres can cause lack of grip and potential safety issues. Be sure to check your electric bike’s tyre pressure at least once a week, and make sure there’s no debris on the tyre that could cause a puncture.
-
Maximise the battery’s range. Protect your electric bike battery’s health and range by keeping it partially charged and stored in a cool, dry place (preferably indoors).
-
Get your electric bike serviced. It’s always a great idea to get your e-bike professionally serviced every 6-12 months (or 1000km). This will help ensure your e-bike is in top condition, functioning safely and in a way that will increase its longevity. We partner with Cycle Tech UK to provide our customers with premium electric bike servicing and support. Find out how to book your convenient service here.
Keep Your E-bike Safe With E-bikes Express
We stock a whole host of great electric bike safety and security products, and when you purchase an electric bike from us, you’ll also receive 14 days of free e-bike insurance from our trusted partner, Cycler.
Get in touch to find (and protect) your dream electric bike today.
