eBike Security Tips

The last thing you want is someone else riding away on your brand new eBike. Let's go through some of the best practices for protecting what's yours!

How to secure your eBike Properly

• Lock Both Frame & Wheels: Secure both the frame and wheels with two locks for maximum protection when possible. The more points of contact the better! Use a U-lock for the frame and a chain or cable lock for the wheels. This makes it harder for thieves to remove key parts of the bike and increases the amount of time a would-be thief needs to steal your eBike.
• Pick the Right Lock: Choose a high-quality U-lock or chain lock made from hardened steel. U-locks offer strong resistance against cutting and prying, while chain locks provide flexibility. Avoid cheap, low quality locks that can be easily broken, cut through, or forced open.
• Lock to a Secure Object: Always lock your eBike to an immovable object, like a bike rack or metal post. Avoid locking to anything that can be cut, moved, or lifted, like thin railings or small poles.
• Position your Lock Strategically: Place the lock high off the ground and tighten it around the frame and object to leave no room for tools.
• Layer your Security:  Use two types of locks—like a U-lock and a chain lock—for added protection. Thieves are less likely to carry tools for both.
• Lock Removable Parts: Secure easily detachable parts like wheels and seats.
• Lock up in Visible High Traffic Areas: The more eyes on your eBike, the better. Always lock up your eBike in well-lit, high-traffic areas. 
• Check your Locks Regularly: A broken lock won't do you any good. Make sure to inspect your locks for signs of wear and tear, and replace locks if you find them damaged. Keep the lock’s keyhole lubricated to prevent it from jamming.

 

Best Bike Locks for Maximum Security

• Lectric eBike Lock: The Lectric Bike Lock offers a sturdy, easy-to-use design that perfectly complements Lectric eBikes. It’s built for durability and provides strong security for your ride, plus it even mounts to the frame!

• U-Lock: U-locks are among the most secure options due to their hardened steel construction, making them highly resistant to cutting and prying. They are great for securing the frame of your eBike to a post!
• Chain Lock: Made from thick, hardened steel, chain locks are often difficult to cut, though they tend to be larger and weigh more than U-locks. They’re a great choice for versatility and strength.

Registering your eBike

• Why Register?: Registering your eBike with national or local databases like Bike Index or 529 Garage can greatly improve your chances of recovery if it’s stolen. Many police departments reference these registries. 
• How to Register: Both Bike Index & 529 Garage require you to create an account in order register your eBike; once you have created your account, registering is easy. Make sure you have your serial number on hand. The serial number on all Lectric eBikes is located on the head tube, engraved into the aluminum frame and is usually about 13 characters in length. Both services allow you build to a detailed profile for your eBike, and even allow you to create multiple entries for any eBikes, tricycles, or even strollers, you might own!
• Benefits of Registration: Registered eBikes have a better chance of being identified and returned if they are found or resold. These organizations often work hand in hand with local police departments in order to recover the stolen property.

Keeping your eBike Safe at Home

• Store Indoors When Possible: Take steps to protect your eBike even when at home! Keep your eBike inside your home, garage, or a secure storage space to protect it from would-be thieves, plus doing this keeps your eBike protected from the elements!
• Cover or Keep It Out of Sight: Keeping your eBike out of plain sight is equally important. Utilize a Bike Cover to protect from dust and keep it out of the eyes of any nefarious individuals. 
• Lock it Even Indoors: In shared spaces like apartment complexes or garages, always lock up your eBike. These semi-private areas can still be targeted by thieves, so it’s important to stay cautious.
• Remove the Battery: Always remove the battery when storing your eBike for extended periods.
• Use a GPS Tracker: Install a GPS tracker on your eBike for extra security. Find a safe spot that's hidden from plain sight on the eBike to adhere your tracker to. The eBike Bell, which mounts to the handlebars, features a hidden compartment that conveniently fits an Apple AirTag, or similarly-sized GPS tracker. 

How Lectric eBikes Enhance Security

• Removable Battery: All Lectric eBikes feature completely removable batteries as part of their design. You should always remove your battery from the frame of your eBike when locking up your eBike in public. 
• Sturdy Frame Design: Lectric eBikes feature robust 6061 aluminum frames, with many featuring a built-in handle on the body near the middle of the eBike. This acts as a great locking point to feed your bike locks through!
• Compatibility with High-Security Locks: With so many different locking points, Lectric eBikes are compatible with a number of different bike locks. We have seen our customers use many different brands like Kryptonite, ABUS, and even Master Lock when it comes to keeping their precious eBike safe.

What to do if your eBike is Stolen

• Report Theft Immediately: Alert the local authorities as soon as you discover your eBike is missing. Provide them with as many details about your eBike as possible, like the serial number, make, model, color, accessories attached, or even custom paints and stickers, to assist in the recovery.
• Track with GPS: If your eBike is equipped with a GPS tracker, use it to locate the bike and share this information with law enforcement to help retrieve it.
• Monitor Online Marketplaces: Check platforms like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace for listings that match your eBike. Thieves often try to sell stolen bikes quickly.
• Check Bike Index: Visit Bike Index or 529 Garage and report your eBike stolen. This national registry helps match stolen bikes with potential buyers or law enforcement looking for them. Again, we highly recommend that you register your eBike with one, or both, of these registries upon receiving your eBike.
• Post on Social Media & Bike Registries: Share your stolen eBike details on social media and in local bike theft groups or community groups. Community awareness can increase your chances of recovery.
• File an Insurance Claim: If you have eBike insurance, file a claim with your insurance provider and give them the required documentation, including a police report and serial number.

Securing your eBike properly gives you peace of mind that it will stay yours! Always take the proper precautions when locking your eBike in a public space!

 

Enjoyed this read? Check out these Livin' Lectric Blogs for more content!

4 Reasons Why The Lectric ONE is the Ultimate Commuter
5 Reasons Why The XP 3.0 is America's Best-Selling eBike
10 Tips for Commuting in Your City

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the serial number on my Lectric eBike?
A: The serial number on all models of Lectric eBikes is located on the head tube. The serial number is engraved on the eBike and features a combination of letters and numbers.

Q: What bike lock is the best?
A: When choosing a bike lock for your eBike, it's essential to consider a few key factors like security, convenience, and durability. Use multiple locks at the same time to deter would be thieves. Chain locks, U-locks, and cable locks are all great options when securing your eBike.

Q: Where can I buy an eBike lock?
A: Lectric eBikes sells two different kind of locks which can be ordered directly from the website. You can also find bike locks at most local bike shops, and retail stores.