Bike Stolen? Don’t Let It Happen to You — Prevention Guide
With the increasing popularity of bicycles, bike stolen incidents have also risen, especially when it comes to e-bikes. According to an article in the Público newspaper, it is estimated that around 28,500 bicycles are stolen every week. Although unfortunate, bicycle theft is a common crime. As such, here are some tips from our electric bike security guide to help you protect your e-fatbike.
Avoid Isolated Areas
Although it may be unavoidable at times, try to avoid riding in areas with little traffic. Choose well-lit places with pedestrian and vehicle movement. Similarly, avoid leaving your e-fatbike in dark, secluded areas with little visibility and few people around. The more witnesses there are, the harder it will be for a thief to steal your e-bike. Also, remember that being in isolated areas poses not only a risk to your e-bike but also to your personal safety.
Invest in a GPS
Even the best locks in the world may not be enough to protect your e-bike from a highly motivated thief. Therefore, consider investing in a GPS for your e-bike. With a GPS, you can receive alerts on your smartphone about any movement of your e-fatbike, allowing you to track it in real-time. On our website, you can find a GPS model that triggers a motion alarm directly on your smartphone, providing peace of mind in the event of theft.
Choose a Good Lock
If you need to leave your bike parked on the street, make sure to use a quality lock. Here are some tips for choosing the right lock:
- Security level: Locks have different security ratings. Don’t underestimate these scales—consider the purchase of a lock as an investment in protecting your e-bike.
- Avoid round-key locks: These are easier to break. Opt for locks with high-quality cylinders.
- Certifications: Ensure that the lock you purchase has relevant security certifications.
- Resistant to freezing spray: Thieves often use freezing spray to break locks, so make sure your lock can withstand such methods.
When locking your bike, place the lock as low as possible, with the locking mechanism facing downward. The more difficult it is to access, the more likely it is that a bike stolen incident will be prevented.
On our website, you can find several models of locks for your e-fatbike, such as the Kryptonite lock, featuring a new design with a double hardened shackle, offering extra protection against twisting attacks. We also offer the Tex-Lock with U-lock, a textile lock with grommets and a hardened metal core. It protects against theft using bolt cutters, saws, and even fire, while its soft textile surface prevents scratches on your e-bike and avoids noise during use.
Be Prepared
To prevent theft, one of the first steps is to make sure that when you buy your e-bike, you keep the receipt with the frame number. This will make it easier to track your bike in case of theft.
In some countries, it is mandatory to register your e-bike. For example, in the European Union, there is a clear distinction between different types of e-bikes:
- Pedelecs (Pedal Assist): E-bikes with a motor up to 250 watts and a maximum assisted speed of 25 km/h usually do not need to be registered, as long as the motor stops assisting at this speed.
- S-Pedelecs (Speed Pedelecs): E-bikes with motors above 250 watts or that exceed the speed of 25 km/h may be classified as mopeds or light motorcycles, requiring registration, insurance, and in some cases, a driver's license.
Be sure to check local laws to avoid surprises. One of the main advantages of registering your e-bike is the identification process. This includes a unique identification number or a license plate associated with the bike, which helps in its recovery in case of theft. This is a crucial part of any electric bike security guide.
All of these tips are part of a comprehensive electric bike security guide and can help protect your e-bike, but there are many other precautions to consider. The most important thing is to protect both yourself and your e-fatbike as best as you can. Remember, being well-prepared is your best defense!