Safe and Secure: How to Defend Against E-Bike Theft
Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 16, 2025 | Time to read 7 min
Your e-Bike is your trusty steed— don’t let a thief turn it into their payday. With the right lock and tactics, you can outsmart those sneaky bike bandits.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
Cyclists really, really hate bike theft. Getting your bike stolen is not only a financial hit, but feels like an invasion of privacy and your personal life— after all, bikes are how we commute daily, exercise, and run errands.
Electric bikes can be a more attractive target for thieves because of their higher value compared to standard bicycles. I’m perhaps a bit more obsessed with theft prevention than your average cyclist, but there ain’t no way I’m making it easy for a bike bandit to make off with my trusty steed. In this article, I’ll share how to best defend against e-Bike theft.
How to defend against e-Bike theft
Preventing your electric bike from getting stolen is all about risk reduction. Be proactive in making your e-Bike difficult to steal and thus less attractive for thieves looking for a quick reward. Here are my top tips on how to stop bike theft in its tracks— or better yet, prevent it from being attempted in the first place.
1. Register your e-Bike
Something you can do right now— and for free— is adding your electric bike to a local or national registry. Many local police departments or city councils operate bike databases to help recover stolen bicycles. Simply upload your bike’s unique serial number and other information like model specs and photos— this way, you can prove the bike is yours when it’s recovered or flagged.
Upway proudly partners with the largest national bike registry, Project529, that links enforcement agencies, local bike groups, and bike shops for the best shot at tracking down your bike if it does end up in the wrong hands. This bit of proactive thinking can make it possible to recover your bike if it’s stolen.
2. Use high-quality bike lock(s)
Now for some straight-up defense tactics, it’s important to secure your e-Bike with a high-quality, heavy-duty bike lock. Not all bike locks are created equal— there are so many flimsy models out there that offer a laughable amount of “protection” and can be cut or removed in mere seconds by amateur thieves. High-quality locks can be expensive, but are a worthwhile investment to keep your bike safe.
- U-locks: Commonly called “D-locks”, these rigid locks are some of the most secure. They come in many sizes and thicknesses, with a metal core that’s hard to cut..
- Folding locks: These collapsible locks are more portable and still offer a high level of security.
- Chain locks: Made from metal chain links covered in tough fabric, these flexible locks can wrap around different structures like posts, fences, or bike racks and come in various lengths and thicknesses.
- Cable locks: Relatively lightweight and flexible, they are easier to cut through. However, they can be a good addition to secure wheels to the frame or a stronger lock.
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3. Lock your e-Bike properly
How should you lock up your e-Bike? I’ve seen my fair share of poorly secured bikes, essentially inviting bike thieves to snatch them up. Using proper locking techniques shows bike thieves that you’re serious about security and, if they actually attempt to take your bike, they’re going to have to do it the hard way.
Always lock your bike to a sturdy, immovable object, such as a bike rack, metal post, or tree. Make sure the bike rack or post is securely bolted to the ground. Lock your bike frame to the object, ideally also including the rear wheel. For maximum protection, use a second lock or cable lock that runs through the other wheel so all main parts of your bike are secured.
For extra points, minimize the unused space within the bike lock so thieves can stick a crowbar in there to leverage the lock open or achieve a good position with an angle grinder. Placing the lock lower to the ground also limits potential leverage for these types of attack.
4. Lock your e-Bike in well-lit, high-traffic areas
I think this tip is the most underrated piece of advice when it comes to preventing bike theft. As the real estate adage goes, it’s all about “location, location, location” and that’s true here, too. Thieves want to do their dirty work under the cover of darkness, in hidden alleys, or on unseen bike racks, and are less likely to steal in well-lit areas with lots of people.
When arriving at your destination, take a minute to find a suitable spot to lock up your bike, preferably where there’s light and people going by. This could be a block or two away from where you’re headed, but it could make the difference between having your bike waiting for you when you come back or not.
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5. Secure removable parts & accessories
Thieves don’t just take entire bikes, some just go with the easy pickings, such as removable accessories. You’ve probably seen locked bikes with the seat or seat post missing— where this surplus of stolen seats goes I don’t know, but this type of theft happens all the time. Bike thieves can also snag bike lights, cycling computers, quick-release wheels, and other e-Bike accessories.
Secure these parts with anti-theft bolts or replace the quick-release mechanisms with normal bolts that require a tool. There are anti-theft wheel skewers and small locks to secure your seat to the bike frame. The general rule of thumb is that if you can’t lock the item, take it with you. I remove my bike lights and mounted phone whenever I leave my bike unattended.
Gazelle e-Bikes, for example, all have an integrated rear wheel lock that can be used as a primary lock in low-risk areas (though I don’t recommend it). More importantly, those locks add a great layer of security when combined with a heavy-duty main lock.
6. Helpful e-Bike security technology
The tech-savviness of electric bikes can actually reduce the chance of bike theft, or at least inspire some other theft-deterrent ideas. Some e-Bikes come equipped with theft alarms, location-tracking apps, and remote cut-off, but those functions are by no means standard at the moment. I do like the idea of hiding an AirTag or similar tracking tile somewhere on your e-Bike, though.
Removable e-Bike batteries typically come with a key so you can lock the battery pack in place and defend against theft. That way, you don’t have to worry about your e-Bike’s most expensive part when it’s left unattended.
7. Consider purchasing e-Bike insurance
Bike and e-Bike insurance is becoming more and more popular to protect your ride in the case of theft or accidental damage. Upway partners with Sundays Insurance to help provide riders with excellent and affordable coverage for their e-Bike, preventing the unfortunate event of bike theft from snowballing into an even bigger nightmare. It’s definitely worth checking out!
What should I do if my e-Bike is stolen?
Bike theft happens, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance at recovering your stolen bike.
- Notify the local police and your e-Bike insurance company: This makes a record of the theft and allows you to make a claim with your insurance. It may also share automatic notifications with connected registries and marketplaces to keep an eye out.
- Report your e-Bike stolen to the registry: The registry will get the word out to groups, shops, and organizations in its large network.
- Share photos of your bike on social media: I’ve seen this strategy recover countless bikes thanks to the vigilant eyes of our neighbors and fellow cyclists in the community, especially if your bike is unique and still nearby.
- Browse popular reselling marketplaces: Bike thieves may be looking to cash in quickly, posting the bike to places like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or your local pawn shop.
Key Takeaways
- Layered security is key: Combine high-quality locks, smart locking techniques, and strategic parking to deter theft.
- Don’t overlook tech tools: Use GPS trackers, integrated alarms, and registries like Project529 to help recover stolen bikes.
- Plan for worst-case scenarios: Insurance and proper documentation ensure you’re covered even if theft occurs.
