How to Keep Your Electric Bike from Being Stolen – 10 Proven Tips That Actually Work

Leaving your electric bike unattended, even for a few minutes, can be stressful. When you've spent good money on a ride that's both practical and fun, the last thing you want is for it to go missing. As e-bikes become more popular, they’re also becoming a bigger target for theft. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or meeting up with friends, keeping your bike secure should always be a priority.

Key Takeaways:

• E-bikes are prime targets for theft due to their high value, popularity, and removable parts.

• To keep your electric bike from being stolen, lock it with a sturdy, high-quality lock, attach it to something that can’t be moved or cut, and add extra protection with a GPS tracker or alarm for added security.

• If theft happens, act fast. Report it, activate your tracker, and get the community involved.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 proven tips that actually work to keep your electric bike safe, so you can ride with confidence and peace of mind.

Why E-Bikes Are at Higher Risk of Theft

E-bikes are high-value tech on two wheels, and that’s exactly why they’ve become such a hot target for thieves. The average e-bike costs significantly more than a traditional bike, often running anywhere from $1,500 to well over $5,000. That price tag alone puts them in the same category as laptops or smartphones when it comes to desirability on the black market.

But it’s not just about value. It’s not just about value; e-bikes are also easier to resell. A 2023 survey showed that 12% of stolen bikes were e-bikes, a figure that’s expected to rise as electric models become more widespread. Their popularity creates steady demand, especially for bikes that are harder to trace. Some thieves even dismantle them for parts like batteries and motors, which hold significant value on their own.

Tips on How to Keep Electric Bike from Being Stolen

To keep your electric bike from being stolen, it’s all about layering your defenses. Below are ten proven tips that go beyond the basics and actually work in real-world situations, not just in theory. 

1. Invest in a High-Quality Lock

This is your first line of defense and not the place to cheap out. A flimsy cable lock can be cut in seconds with basic tools, so opt for a sturdy U-lock or heavy-duty chain from a trusted brand like ABUS or Kryptonite. For superior protection, employ two distinct types of locks. As Stewart Smith, CEO of Vertriax, a company specializing in Security Operations, advises: 

"In our vulnerability assessments, we consistently find that thieves come prepared for one specific lock type but rarely carry tools for multiple systems. Combine a high-quality U-lock for your frame with a heavy-duty chain lock for your wheels. This forces thieves to carry bolt cutters AND angle grinders, which most opportunistic criminals won't do."

When securing your bicycle, lock the frameand one wheel whenever possible—bonus points if you lock both wheels. 

2. Choose Smart Parking Spots

Where you park your e-bike can be just as important as how you lock it. Thieves love dark, quiet areas where they can work undisturbed, so aim for high-traffic spots with good lighting. Make it obvious that stealing your bike would be a spectacle. Parking near other bikes can help too; it creates a sense of community surveillance and makes yours less of a standout target. The goal is simple: park where a thief will feel seen and rushed. As Stewart advises:

“From our threat analysis work, we know criminals avoid locations where they can be easily observed or interrupted. Choose spots directly under security cameras, near building entrances, or in busy pedestrian areas. I've seen too many clients assume that "secure" parking garages are safe, but isolated corners in these areas are actually prime targets.”

3. Always Lock to an Immovable Object

Even the strongest lock is useless if it's wrapped around something that can be moved or broken. Always secure your e-bike to a solid, immovable object like a bike rack bolted into concrete or a thick metal post. Thin poles, wooden railings, and street signs that can be lifted out of the ground (yes, it happens) are not safe choices. Make sure your lock can’t just be slipped over the top of the object. Some thieves will hoist your bikeand the pole together to work on it in private. The foundation of your lock matters just as much as the lock itself.

4. Remove Portable Components When Parking

The battery and display are often the most expensive and tempting parts of your e-bike. Luckily, they're also removable. Taking them with you might feel like a hassle at first, but it's a powerful deterrent. Stewart adds:

“Your battery, display, lights, and quick-release wheels are often worth more than the bike itself. In our executive protection work, we call this "reducing the attack surface" - eliminate easy wins for thieves. Either take these components with you or use additional locks specifically designed for e-bike batteries and accessories.” 

5. Use a GPS Tracker Hidden Inside the Frame or Seatpost

Hidden trackers give you a real shot at recovering your bike if it’s stolen. The key is stealth: choose a model that fits snugly inside your bike’s frame tube, handlebars, or seatpost so it remains completely out of sight. Some trackers are even disguised as everyday components, like tail lights.Brad Besner, founder and president of Security Camera King, Inc., emphasizes:

“Create a remote monitoring setup using existing technology. We provide free remote access software with all our systems, and the same principle applies here—install a GPS tracker that sends alerts when your bike moves unexpectedly.”

6. Use Smart Alarms or Anti-Theft Devices

E-bike theft thrives on speed and silence, but you can fight back with smart deterrents. Motion-activated bike alarms with piercing sirens can instantly scare off would-be thieves. Some advanced models also send real-time alerts to your phone if someone tampers with your bike.

“Combined with a loud motion alarm—similar to our active deterrence cameras—you get real-time notifications and can respond immediately rather than finding the theft hours later.” adds Besner. 

7. Register Your E-Bike and Engrave It

If your e-bike does get stolen, having it registered and engraved can make a huge difference in getting it back. Registering your bike with a national or local bike registry gives police and second-hand buyers a way to verify ownership, while engraving a unique ID number on the frame adds another layer of traceability. Many thieves don’t want to deal with bikes that can be easily identified or reported as stolen. You can even write your contact info or a serial number in an inconspicuous spot using a UV pen—something only visible under blacklight. 

8. Store It Indoors or in a Locked Garage When Not in Use

If you have the option, bringing your e-bike indoors is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect it. Leaving it outside overnight is an open invitation for someone to scope it out. A locked garage or secure indoor storage space is ideal, but even a sturdy hallway or locked building entry can work if space is tight. If indoor storage isn’t an option, invest in a serious outdoor bike locker or wall-mounted anchor point. Just covering your e-bike with a tarp can help make it less noticeable, especially if the brand or battery isn’t visible. 

9. Insure Your E-Bike

Even with all the precautions in the world, sometimes things still go wrong—and that’s where insurance comes in. E-bike insurance policies can cover theft, damage, and even liability in case of an accident. Many are surprisingly affordable and can be customized to cover your specific setup. Some home or renters’ insurance policies offer partial coverage, but they often fall short for e-bikes, so it’s worth checking the fine print. In case of theft, having coverage can help you replace your bike quickly without having to start from scratch. 

10. Avoid Establishing a Predictable Routine

One of the sneakiest ways thieves operate is by watching for patterns. If you lock up your e-bike in the same spot, at the same time, every day, it becomes much easier for someone to plan a theft around your habits. Mix it up when you can. Change your parking locations, vary your routes, or even adjust your arrival times slightly. Small changes can disrupt any would-be thief’s plan and keep them guessing. The less routine you are, the harder you are to target.

What to Do If Your E-Bike Gets Stolen

First things first: act fast. As soon as you realize your e-bike is missing, report the theft to local police and provide them with as much detail as possible. If you’ve registered your bike or engraved an ID number on it, include that in your report. Next, activate any GPS tracking device you have installed and share the live location with authorities (don’t try to recover it yourself if you find it). Check local online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Carousell—thieves often list stolen bikes for quick cash. Post about the theft in local cycling groups and neighborhood forums, too.

If you have insurance, start your claim as soon as possible. You'll likely need a police report, proof of ownership, and photos of your e-bike. Even if you’re not insured, some bike shops or online services can help flag stolen bikes if they resurface for resale or servicing.

Don't just protect your e-bike, protect yourself too. Explore our range of safety equipment to ensure every ride is a safe one.

Final Thoughts: Staying One Step Ahead of Thieves

E-bike theft might be on the rise, but so is awareness. The key is to think like a thief and stay one step ahead. No single security measure is foolproof, but when you stack them together, you make your e-bike a much tougher target. Treat your e-bike like you would a laptop or a car: secure it, store it wisely, and don’t fall into predictable habits. The extra few minutes it takes to double-lock or bring your battery inside are worth it when they mean keeping your ride safe. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can e-bikes be stolen easily?

Yes, especially if they’re left unlocked, poorly secured, or parked in low-visibility areas. Because e-bikes are valuable and in demand, they’re prime targets for thieves. But with the right precautions (locks, secure parking, alarms, GPS, etc.), you can significantly reduce the risk.

How do you make an e-bike theft-proof?

While no e-bike is 100% theft-proof, you can come close by layering your defenses. Use two high-quality locks, remove the battery and display when parking, install a hidden GPS tracker, and always secure your bike to an immovable object in a visible, well-trafficked area. A combination of strategies is your best bet.

Where should I never park my e-bike?

Avoid dark, isolated, or low-traffic areas, especially overnight. Don’t lock your bike to anything that can be cut, lifted, or broken (like signposts or wooden fences). If you’re not sure whether the anchor point is solid, it probably isn’t.

Can thieves bypass GPS trackers?

Some can, especially if the tracker is visible or poorly hidden. That’s why it’s important to choose a discreet, well-concealed tracker (like one that hides in the frame or seatpost) and pair it with other anti-theft measures. A good GPS doesn’t prevent theft, but it gives you a valuable second chance to recover your bike.