You’ve made this amazing investment into something that has the potential to actualize real change in your life. And let’s face it. Ebikes aren’t cheap, and there will be people who want to get one for free by taking yours. There are several ways to be proactive and keep your bike safe. We’re going to take a look at ways to lock up your bike, hide it in plain sight, and what to do if your bike does get stolen.
Bike Locks
Bike locks have been around since the 1900s. Since the very first chain was used and there have been a lot of advancements. Although no lock is a 100% guarantee, they do provide a decent level of deterrent and protection against thieves.
U-locks
Bike locks have been around since the 1900s. Since the very first chain was used, there have been many advancements, including the design of the almighty U-lock. A U-lock is exactly what it sounds like. It is a lock that is in the shape of the letter ‘U.’ On the bottom, a hinged locking mechanism attaches to the upper end of the ‘U,’ closing the entire system off.
The reason U-locks are so effective is that they don’t need to be a bit flexible. That means you can make it from thick, hardened steel that could resist bolt cutters as well as other tools found in a thief’s toolkit. They are also relatively light and can be placed easily in a backpack or attached to the bike with bungee cords. Some U-locks come with a heavy-duty metal cable that can be used to secure both wheels in addition to securing the frame.
Chain Locks
Another type of lock to consider are chain locks. When you buy a high-quality chain lock, it can be heavy and difficult to carry. The upside is that they are very tough and allow you to loop it through a tire and the frame. When someone with questionable intentions sees this, it can serve to deter them. Many times, you’ll see them wrapped in a fabric sleeve to protect the bike from scratches.
Cable Locks
The last lock to mention would be the cable locks. The main strength of a cable lock is its ability to be looped through a few different areas you want to secure on your e-bike. They can be mediocre at keeping your bike safe in that they can be cut with something as simple as wire cutters or bolt cutters.
The problem with bike locks is that a prepared thief will be able to get through it. This even goes for the top of the line U-locks. I saw footage of a man cutting through a kryptonite lock with a portable angle grinder in a public parking structure. He got through the lock and rode away on his stolen getaway bike. So if locks aren’t foolproof, then what are some other options to keep the bike safe?
Options to Include with a Quality Lock
Some desperate riders have gotten so sick of having their bikes stolen and have begun disguising their bikes with custom rusty paint jobs. Taking their once beautifully designed machines and making them look like a 50-year-old beach rental. It goes off of a rock-solid principle of nature. Many animals use this method to hide from predators keeping them from being eaten. Pretty much it’s the same concept. But here are some tips for hiding without modifying your current ride.
Park Next to Less Secured Bikes and Use Multiple Locks
One quick and easy way to lock up your ebike is to park it next to a less secured bike and secure yours with multiple locks. Or if you have a U-lock park next to anybody using a cable lock. Commonly bikes in public areas are stolen relatively quickly, so when it comes down to choosing a bike to lift, it’ll be the less secure one. If you’re like me, and you think, “but I don’t want their bike to get stolen, either.” Which is a nice thought, but when you’re shelling out a couple grand for another ebike those feelings might quickly go away.
Park Next to a More Valuable Ebike
This is one of those options that’ll only work when the circumstances are right. But, if you need to lock up your ebike, try to find an already parked bike that is flashier or more expensive than yours and park next to that one. And after you secure your bike, you can rest assured that when push comes to shove most likely, the one shopping for other people’s bikes will choose your neighbors.
Good Lighting
Keeping your bike in a well-lit area is also a great way to enhance your bike’s security. That doesn’t just mean to find a sunny spot during the day. It also means finding a well-lit spot in a parking garage or at a supermarket. There isn’t any consistent data to say that your ebike is more likely to be stolen at a certain time of day but can really happen at any time. But it is less likely to happen when witnesses can easily see the perpetrator or a surveillance camera can capture the event. So next time you go to park your bike take a good look around and try and judge the lighting and think about if it’ll still be well lit later on in the day.
Conclusion
When you need to lock up your ebike there are plenty of products out there that can add security to your bike — like an awesome U-lock. But locks are not a guarantee that your bike won’t be stolen. But by keeping your bike in good lighting, parking it next to flashier bikes, and using multiple locks, you can deter thieves more efficiently.
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