Electric bike locks: how to protect your bike properly?

Buying an anti-theft device for your electric bike is often a necessity. High prices, ever-increasing demand due to the boom in this means of transport... EABs are the object of not always well-intentioned covetousness. Since 2019, the number of bicycle thefts has been rising steadily, particularly in the Île-de-France region, but more generally in urban areas with more than 100,000 inhabitants.

To combat this scourge, Upway is implementing a series of measures to ensure the legitimate origin of bikes on its platform. And to make sure it doesn't happen to you, here are our tips for avoiding unpleasant surprises and effectively protecting your VAE from theft. What are the best bike locks? How to choose a good bike lock from the many different types available?

Whether you've opted for a new or refurbished model, it's always worthinsuring your electric bike, especially if it comes at a high price. For around ten euros a month, depending on its value and the cover you take out (theft, breakage, body insurance...), insurance will give you peace of mind.

You should also be aware that home insurance for your main residence generally covers accidental damage to third parties. However, many insurance companies do not cover damage to the driver and his bike, or theft outside the home.

There's a simple trick to deter electric bike thieves: you can remove the battery from your EAB when you know it will be parked for an hour or more. This tip is valid even if your battery is secured by an anti-theft key,the most expensive component. This makes your bike much less attractive, since the electric battery is the most expensive component (around 15-30% of the total price).

What's more, removing it is a good way of preserving it. This way, it won't be exposed to prolonged exposure to cold, rain or sunlight.

When you park your electric bike, even for a few minutes, it's essential to secure it with a sturdy lock in a high-traffic area and to a solid fixed point. Choose urban furniture (bike stands, hoops, road signs, lampposts, etc.) and avoid anything easy to cut, such as vegetation or fences.

For best protection, secure your bike's frame first (and wheel if possible), not just the wheel, which can easily be removed. If your EAB has an integrated frame lock, its rear wheel will be locked, providing additional security.

It's also a good idea to use two locks on your bike: a U-shaped model (essential) coupled with a chain lock or a folding lock, for example. Stealing a doubly-secured electrically-assisted bike takes more time, which will deter many ill-intentioned people.

There's no such thing as a 100% safe lock: any lock can be opened by an equipped thief, provided he has time on his hands... The aim is to give him a hard time by making the task particularly difficult.

To make sure you're well protected, we've put together an overview of the best types of electric bike locks.

If you park your electric bike in areas where there is a high risk of theft, we recommend the use of a high security SRA-approved lock. These locks are more resistant than other models and were originally designed for motorcycles and scooters. Some insurance companies require the use of an SRA anti-theft device for their coverage to function properly.

On the other hand, their disadvantage is their weight, which can be a nuisance when you're on the move: around 3.5 kg for a U SRA, and around 5 kg for a 120 cm long SRA anti-theft chain.

The U-shaped lock is probably the most effective, especially for electric bikes. With its thick shackle, it's almost impossible to cut, unless you're equipped with a grinder. The difference between the best and inferior models lies in the quality of the steel and the degree of tampering. U-shaped locks are generally marked with a degree of security by the manufacturer.

The weak point of this anti-theft device is its cumbersome shape. To compensate for this, some manufacturers now offer folding U locks.

Although more fragile than a U-shaped anti-theft device, VAE anti-theft chains are still much safer than a standard cable, and have the advantage of being easier to transport. They'll give would-be thieves a run for their money.

Nevertheless, a quality padlock has a thick shackle to resist the pressure of pliers, and the same goes for the links. As a result, a good electric bike chain lock is bound to be fairly heavy: count on around 2 to 3 kg for something reliable.

Lightweight, compact, quick and easy, the anti-theft cable has an undeniable practical aspect... But that's its only quality.

Anti-theft cables are best used for short stops, as they are not sufficiently safe. They are easy to cut with pliers. For longer stops, we recommend coupling the anti-theft cable with another type of anti-theft device, such as a U-lock.

For the best level of safety, make sure you choose a good-quality product: with a large diameter and reinforced ball joints, to limit the possibility of it being cut.

Another tip to protect your electric bike from theft (or at least find it if it's been stolen!) is to have it engraved. Depending on the region you live in, the process differs. In Brussels, the region has launched the mybike.brussels platform, enabling you to register your bike and identify it with a sticker featuring a unique identifier and a QR Code. The sticker is, of course, resistant to tearing, UV and rain.

At Upway, we automatically apply a Bicycode marking to every new purchase of a bike that is not already marked, to reduce the risk of future theft.

Some people also place a GPS tracker on their electric bike. This allows you to view the GPS position of your e-bike on your smartphone in real time. Still others opt for alarm-equipped locks...

While no solution is foolproof, a combination of these methods will increase your level of protection, discourage potential bike thieves and protect you financially.

Unless it's stored inside your home, make sure you always secure your bike with a quality anti-theft device. Communal areas, garages, bike sheds... no place is completely safe. Investing in a quality model is a good way of limiting the risks.