Protect Your Electric Bike: Comprehensive Security Measures

Electric bikes are a great way to get around, but they can also be a target for thieves. To keep your e-bike secure, there are a few simple steps you can take. Firstly, consider where you're locking your bike – a well-lit, high-traffic area visible to you or passersby is best. You should also use a sturdy, fixed object like a bike rack or metal post that cannot be easily cut or removed. It's also a good idea to use two locks if one doesn't work for you, and to pay attention to the most vulnerable parts of your bike, like the front wheel, rear wheel, and seat.

Use cable locks or specialised locking skewers and bolts to secure removable parts of your electric bike

Securing an electric bike is a broad question that depends on how much stuff you have on it. However, there are some general rules to follow. To secure removable parts of your electric bike, such as the seat or front wheel, use cable locks or specialised locking skewers and bolts that require a unique tool for removal. You can also use hex locks to protect the handlebar, stem, and headlight. If your wheel is easy to remove, run your lock through the back wheel as well. Riding home on an e-bike with no wheels is impossible, so this is an important step.

You should also consider carrying any easily removable items with you whenever possible. The safest place to lock your electric bike is in a well-lit, high-traffic area visible to you or passersby. Use a sturdy, fixed object like a bike rack or metal post that cannot be easily cut or removed. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas that can allow thieves to tamper with your lock unnoticed.

It's also a good idea to use additional methods for a greater level of protection, which will definitely improve security. You can also use security devices like GPS – for example, Whizz’s Storm-2 e-bike comes with an integrated GPS.

Lock your bike in a well-lit, high-traffic area visible to passersby

The safest place to lock your electric bike is in a well-lit, high-traffic area that is visible to passersby. This is because thieves are less likely to tamper with your bike if they are in a public space where they can be seen. It is also recommended that you use a sturdy, fixed object like a bike rack or metal post that cannot be easily cut or removed.

If you are locking your bike in a high-traffic area, it is also a good idea to use additional security methods to improve the level of protection. You can use hex locks to protect the handlebar, stem and headlight. You should also consider using two locks if one doesn't work for you.

It is also important to pay attention to the most vulnerable parts of your bike, such as the front wheel, rear wheel and seat. To secure these removable parts, you can use cable locks or specialised locking skewers and bolts that require a unique tool for removal. If you have a bike with a hub motor, the rear wheel is the key to running the bike, so you should run your lock through this wheel as well.

Finally, when locking your electric bike, make sure to take any easily removable items with you, such as your phone mount. This will increase the security of your bike and make it less likely to be stolen.

Use hex locks to protect the handlebar, stem, and headlight

Hex locks can be used to protect the handlebar, stem, and headlight of your electric bike. These locks are designed to secure the most vulnerable parts of your bike, which are also the most commonly stolen. Hex locks are a great way to improve the security of your electric bike, especially if you commute or deliver.

To use hex locks effectively, you should first identify the vulnerable parts of your bike that are not protected by your primary lock. These could include the handlebar, stem, and headlight, as well as other removable parts such as the seat or front wheel.

Once you've identified the parts you want to protect, you can install hex locks on them. Hex locks are designed to require a unique tool for removal, making it difficult for thieves to tamper with. By using hex locks, you add an extra layer of protection to your bike, deterring potential thieves and giving you peace of mind.

It's important to note that hex locks are not a replacement for a sturdy primary lock. To fully secure your electric bike, you should use a combination of locks and locking techniques. Consider using two locks if one doesn't provide enough security. Additionally, always lock your bike to a sturdy, fixed object like a bike rack or metal post in a well-lit, high-traffic area.

By following these steps and using hex locks to protect the handlebar, stem, and headlight, you can significantly improve the security of your electric bike and reduce the risk of theft.

Use a GPS security device to track your bike

To secure an electric bike, it is recommended to use two locks to secure the back wheel and the frame. You can also use cable locks or specialised locking skewers and bolts that require a unique tool for removal to secure removable parts of your electric bike, such as the seat or front wheel. It is also advised to carry any easily removable items with you whenever possible.

In addition to these measures, you can use a GPS security device to track your bike. This can be an integrated feature of your e-bike, such as the GPS offered by Whizz's Storm-2 e-bike, or a separate security device that you attach to your bike. GPS security devices allow you to monitor the location of your bike in real-time, providing an additional layer of protection against theft.

When choosing a GPS security device, consider factors such as battery life, durability, and ease of installation. Look for devices with long-lasting batteries to ensure continuous tracking, and opt for models that are designed to withstand weather conditions and potential tampering. Some devices may also offer additional features, such as motion sensors or alerts, which can provide real-time notifications if your bike is moved or tampered with.

It is also important to consider the subscription or data plan associated with the GPS device. Some devices may require a monthly or annual subscription to access the tracking data, while others may have a one-time purchase option. Additionally, check the range and coverage of the GPS signal to ensure it meets your needs, especially if you plan to ride in remote or rural areas.

By installing a GPS security device on your electric bike, you gain peace of mind knowing that you can track its location at all times. This added security measure acts as a powerful deterrent against theft and increases the chances of recovering your bike in the unfortunate event that it is stolen.

Use two locks to secure your bike

Using two locks to secure your electric bike is a good idea. The first lock should secure the back wheel and the frame. The second lock should be used to secure the front wheel. If you are using a cable lock, either the front or the rear works well. However, if you are using the recommended U-lock, it's nearly impossible to lock your front wheel and frame together. You can also use cable locks to secure removable parts of your electric bike, such as the seat. Hex locks can be used to protect the handlebar, stem, and headlight. It is also recommended to lock your phone mount separately as it is one of the most common things stolen.

Frequently asked questions