Introduction
The number of people using e-bikes is growing, and they are a better and more efficient way to get around. The rise in fame does, however, bring some problems. Battery theft is one of the most important ones. This complete guide is meant to be your main source of information on how to keep your e-bike battery safe from theft. This guide covers everything, from how common this problem really is to putting in place multi-layered ways to avoid it and what to do if you become a target.
How often are electric bike batteries stolen?
Thieves love e-bike batteries because they are valuable, easy to carry, and quick to sell again. Police records say that across the country, e-bike battery theft is on the rise. In 2011, only 1,500 batteries were stolen. By the end of December 2022, that number had tripled to 4,500.
Batteries that cost $500 to over $1,000 to repair, like 48V to 52V lithium-ion batteries, are often the ones that thieves steal. Thieves can also more easily take out and hide batteries that are thin and can be detached. Some stolen batteries are found by police, but a lot of them are either never returned to their owners or sold again on secondary markets. The stolen batteries could be used to power other e-bikes or be taken apart to make lithium-ion cells.
How to Keep E-Bike Batteries From Being Stolen?
Not locking up your bike isn’t enough to keep thieves from taking your e-bike battery; you need to add more security layers that make it harder and harder for them to get away with your valuable asset. Let’s look more closely at each method to help you fully grasp how to safeguard your e-bike battery.
1. Use locks of good quality
A good lock is, of course, the first line of defense. What does “high-quality” mean in this case, though? Look for locks that have been given a Sold Secure Gold grade. This is a certification that locks have passed strict tests. Also, think about locks with a keyway cover to stop people from “picking the lock” and locks with two deadbolts for extra safety.
2. Lock the compartment for the batteries
There are a lot of e-bikes that come with a simple lock that can be quickly broken on the battery compartment. If your e-bike lets you, replace the built-in lock with one that is stronger. Some aftermarket locks have more advanced features, like fingerprint scanning or Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you use an app on your phone to open the battery compartment.
3. Set up a GPS tracker
Not just any old device is what we mean when we talk about GPS trackers. Choose a GPS tracker that can work with geofencing. You’ll get a message if your e-bike leaves a certain area, thanks to this feature. Some more advanced models even have a “stealth mode” that hides the device from a GPS tracker that a thief might use to find and take tracking devices.
4. Park in Areas With High Traffic and Good Lighting
While it’s good to park in a well-lit place, let’s go one step further. When you can, try to park near CCTV cameras. Thieves may not want to break in if there are surveillance cameras around. Also, if the places you usually park your bike don’t let you see it this well, you might want to buy a movable security camera that you can set up to keep an eye on it.
5. Use more than one lock
It’s not enough to have two different types of locks; you also need to know how to use them. For example, lock the back wheel and frame to a bike rack with a U-lock. Then, lock the front wheel and frame to the rack with a strengthened steel chain lock. If your battery can be taken off, connect it to the frame with a cable lock that goes through the battery handle. The term for this method is “layered locking,” and it makes it much harder for thieves to take your battery.
6. Sign up your electric bike and battery
Registration is often ignored but can be crucial in recovering a stolen battery. However, don’t sign up for any site; instead, look for ones that work with law enforcement. Some platforms for registration even offer digital “bike passports” that hold all the important details about your e-bike and its battery. This makes it easier for police to find stolen things and return them.
7. Additional Tips: Use Anti-Theft Fasteners and Skewers
If you really want to keep your e-bike batteries safe, you could use anti-theft bolts and skewers on your wheels and seat posts. Thieves will have a harder time taking your bike apart fast and running off with the parts if these need a special tool to open.
What Should I Do If Someone Stole My E-Bike Battery?
The moment you understand your e-bike battery has been stolen, a sense of urgency should kick in. It’s important to move quickly, because what you do right away can have a big effect on your chances of getting your stolen property back. These are the exact steps you should take if you find yourself in this bad position.
Tell the police about the theft.
First, you should call the cops. Call the police, but don’t just leave a report. Go to the nearest station and make one. Bring any proof you have, like pictures of your e-bike and battery, as well as anything that makes it stand out, like a serial number or a special marking. You can even ask if you can talk to the bike theft unit directly if your police station has one. The police are more likely to be able to move quickly if you report something right away and in great detail.
Turn on GPS tracking
Now is the time to turn on any GPS trackers that you may have put on your e-bike or battery. Sign in to the tracking app and turn it on to warning mode. This will let you know where your e-bike or battery is at all times. If you notice any movement, do not try to recover the battery yourself; relay this information to the police. Some GPS trackers also have an app option that lets you easily share your real-time location with police.
Check out pawn shops and online markets in your area.
While the cops are working, you can look into things on your own. Thieves often try to sell stolen goods quickly. Pawn shops and online markets like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are popular places for thieves to sell their goods. Set up alarms for e-bike batteries that sound like the one you have. If you find your battery, get all the proof you can, like screenshots, and call the cops. It might be dangerous for you to try to meet the seller in person.
Fill out an insurance form
If your battery or e-bike is covered, you should start the claim process right away. A official police report and any proof you have that you own the item, like photos or receipts, are what most insurance companies will ask for. You may also have a certain amount of time to make a claim with some insurance policies, so read your policy carefully and act quickly. The faster you start the process, the faster you can either get your battery back or get paid.
Update your safety measures
Now that the pressing problem has been fixed, it’s time to look at your e-bike security plan again. If someone stole your battery even though it had a lock, you might want to get a stronger lock. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to get a GPS tracker with extra features like geofencing and hidden mode. You could also make your e-bike safer by installing CCTV cameras if you park it at home or picking a parking place that already has surveillance.
In conclusion
It’s not just a few people who have had their e-bike batteries stolen; it’s a growing problem that affects a lot of e-bike users. That being said, things aren’t lost. By being proactive and using multiple layers of protection, you can greatly reduce the chances of your battery being stolen.
