E-Bike Security Made Easy: Top Tips For You

An e-bike is freedom on wheels — there's nothing quite like gliding through city streets or climbing through the countryside on your e-bike. After all, it's convenient, eco-friendly, and most importantly, fun!

But in the same way that your e-bike is a valuable asset to you, it can also be a target for thieves, which makes protecting your e-bike a top priority.

By following a few simple and proactive steps, even though no method is 100% theft-proof, you can largely lower your risk and keep your e-bike safe and secure for your peace of mind.

Choose your lock carefully

You want to tick a few boxes to find the high-security locks to keep your e-bike secure.

• Security ratings

High security ratings are a great way to ensure your lock has passed rigorous testing. Look for high Sold Secure (Gold or Diamond) or ART ratings (2 stars) to have peace of mind that your lock can withstand common methods used by e-bike thieves.

• Material and construction

Robust materials like hardened steel or tungsten carbide with anti-angle grinder technology are best, preferably with strong locking mechanisms.

• Brand reputation

You want to put your treasured e-bike in the best hands, so choosing reputable brands like Hiplok, Litelok, or ABUS is best for guaranteed quality and security.

• Weight and portability

You don't want to be carrying around the equivalent of a sack of heavy rocks every day — strike a balance of practicality and security when choosing a lock, as it can impact the ease of your daily commute!

Maximise your lock security

Having a high-quality e-bike lock is great, but using it to its full strategic potential is better!

• Choose your lock type carefully

Each type of lock can have a different purpose. Ring locks are a great secondary measure, whereas U- and D-locks offer stronger resistance. For those who have to secure their e-bikes to larger fixed objects, a chain lock is more flexible.

• Combine security methods for maximum impact

There are two great methods for maximising e-bike security: locking the frame and the wheel together to prevent wheel removal, and locking the frame to fixed objects to stop the whole e-bike being carried away.

Both methods can be combined to keep your e-bike as secure as possible!

Build better habits

A few simple, daily habits can be integrated into your routine to add some extra layers of security.

• Park wisely

Parking your e-bike should be just as well-considered as parking a car. Well-lit, busy areas with CCTV are best for public parking, whereas bike cages and lockers, staffed bike parks, or secure sheds are equally secure spots.

• Make your e-bike security a mindset and a priority

Daily practices can make your overall security even more effective. For example, taking your removable battery with you means that you've removed a prime theft target from your e-bike.

Similarly, locking your e-bike should be a non-negotiable regardless of the length of your stop or the location, as it keeps you in the routine of security habits. Ideally, you'll be able to invest in anti-theft insurance for your e-bike for an additional layer of protection.

Be proactively even with precautions

Unfortunately, even when we have the best security precautions, theft can still happen.

To increase the chances of getting your e-bike back in the worst-case scenario, you should use a GPS tracker or utilise your e-bike's built-in GPS if it has one - like the CGO009's Smart Connect system.

In the event of theft, the smart connect function is integral to recovery. You can GPS track your e-bike's location and get notified when it's moved unexpectedly, increasing your chance of getting it back.

Stay smart and proactive for smooth riding

By taking the time to choose high-quality locks and integrating small but effective habits into your daily routine, you can enhance your overall e-bike security.

It's all about enjoying your e-bike experience but keeping anti-theft as an ongoing habit rather than a reactive response — it's easier to take a few minutes each day opting for peace of mind than it is to panic if the worst should happen!

Then you can go forth and enjoy your daily commute or weekend adventure without additional stress!