The eBike revolution is well underway, with outdoor enthusiasts and everyday commuters embracing the many benefits offered by this battery-powered mode of two-wheeled transportation. 

With features like pedal assist, stepless power, smart battery management, and app access and control, Segway eBikes encourage outdoor exploration, facilitate physical fitness, provide an eco-friendly form of transport, and offer convenience and accessibility for consumers of different ages and fitness levels.

Because eBikes are valuable and popular items, they are sometimes targeted for theft. Naturally, you want to do everything possible to protect your purchase, whether you’re storing it at home or parking it in public. Are you worried about how to secure your electric bike? Here are a few tips to prevent theft so you can enjoy a stress-free ride.

Don’t Let Bike Theft Ruin the Ride

According to bike registration organization Bike Index, bike theft accounts for an estimated 3% of overall thefts annually in the United States. Nearly 2.4 million bicycles are stolen each year, and bicycles are about 2.5 times more likely to be stolen than cars are.

Fewer than 40% of bike thefts are reported. Even so, the incidence of reported theft increased 15% last year. Stolen eBikes account for only 12% of these thefts, but that’s still almost 300,000 vehicles, a number that’s projected to increase in the coming years.

Your actions have a big impact when it comes to electric bike theft prevention. First, you should understand what makes your electronic bike a target. From there, you can take steps to deter would-be thieves.

Why eBikes Are Targeted

One reason that eBike thefts are on the rise is simply that they’ve become a more common consumer purchase. Particularly popular in urban areas, these partially motorized bikes are a great commuter option that offers a convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to cars.

Many eBikes are also used for recreation, with some models designed for performance on trails and off-road adventures. This type of bike tends to have a higher value than traditional bikes, which makes them a common target for theft.

Additionally, bikes are often stored outdoors or in public spaces, which makes them vulnerable to crimes of opportunity. If you want to find your eBike where you left it when you return from an errand, you need to know how to secure your electric bike appropriately.

Choose the Right Lock (and Use It Properly)

There are several lock types and strategies for securing a bike. The best eBike locks tend to be U-locks, although they are present in about 26% of reported thefts, according to Bike Index statistics. Cable locks are disabled in about 35% of thefts. 

Other options include old-school chain locks, as well as versatile folding locks that are like a combination of a U-lock and cable lock.

The type of lock could make a difference in how well it deters thieves, but your best bet is to use a multi-lock strategy. When you invest in an eBike, it’s worth a few extra bucks to purchase a U-lock as well as a password cable lock or chain lock.

When you’re deciding how to secure your electric bike, a multi-lock strategy is best because it also allows you to avoid one of the most common mistakes: locking just a single wheel that can be removed to extract the rest of the bike. 

At a minimum, a lock should pass through the wheel, the bike frame, and a solid object like a bike rack, railing, or signpost. Using multiple locks increases security and makes your bike less of a target.

Smart Habits for Day-to-Day Security

Environmental and situational awareness are important for determining how to secure your electric bike. Whenever possible, store your eBike indoors or off the street, like in a garage, front entry, apartment balcony, or office space.

If you must park outside, choose a well-lit, high-traffic area with enough witnesses to deter theft, and don’t leave your bike unattended for too long. When possible, remove accessories like a battery, an easy clamp phone holder, or bags. These could make your bike more of a target for partial or full theft.

Tech to the Rescue: GPS Trackers & Alarms

In addition to physical locks, digital technology can help you protect your ride. Some eBike security tips that make a difference involve tools like airless keylocks, GPS trackers, and alarms.

Segway offers advanced security solutions, starting with an airless keylock feature that lets you lock and unlock your eBike via Bluetooth with your smartphone. This automatic action occurs when you approach or walk away from your bike, for your convenience and peace of mind.

You’ll also enjoy dual-component location tracking, including GPS and the Apple Find My app for greater coverage. Once enabled, the Find My app can show your bike’s last known location or real-time location (within a set range). Activating Lost Mode widens the net, allowing other app users to help locate and report a stolen bike.

Other ideas for how to secure your electric bike include adding an AirTag or Tile for precise location information and a bike alarm that sounds when a theft is in progress.

What to Do if Your eBike Is Stolen

It’s better to prevent eBike theft, but knowing what to do if it’s stolen is equally important. After you purchase your eBike, register it right away. This can help you prove ownership in the event of theft.

If your eBike is stolen, file a police report so that authorities can better track theft rings. The report may also help you access additional tracking resources. From there, check your GPS and other tracking apps to see if you can locate and retrieve your bike. If all else fails, turn to online communities to ask for help with finding your bike.

New to eBikes? Start with our guide to riding an electric bike. For the bigger picture, see Is an Electric Bike Worth It? and the health benefits of riding an electric bike.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your eBike Like a Pro

When considering how to secure your electric bike, the best approach is a multipronged strategy. With multiple locks and awareness of how and where theft occurs, you can park in safe spots and deter would-be thieves. The right technologies could help you find and recover your eBike if the worst ever happens.

Browse Segway’s lineup of electric bikes and accessories to ride smarter and safer.

Want to try a Segway eBike first? Book a test ride at a Segway dealer near you →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lock for an electric bike?

Use more than one lock. A U-lock paired with a cable or chain lock works well, and the locks should pass through the frame, a wheel and a fixed object like a bike rack.

How can I track my eBike if it is stolen?

Use built-in tracking where your eBike offers it, such as Apple Find My and GPS on Segway eBikes, or add an AirTag or Tile. Register your bike after purchase and file a police report if it is stolen.

Where is the safest place to park an eBike?

Indoors whenever possible, such as a garage or office. Outside, choose a well-lit, busy area and remove accessories like bags and phone holders.