Bear rules apply. You don’t need to run the fastest to escape the bear (bike thief), you just need not to be the slowest (or flashiest and most poorly locked).
Never lock a bike by its front wheel only (or rear). Try to get the lock through one of the bike’s two geometric triangles. The exception is if you use the Sheldon Brown locking strategy (which effectively passes through the rear triangle).
Consider taking your battery with you when you park. The battery is the most valuable component of the bike, and on our bikes it is the only major part which can be stolen, as the motor needs several special tools to remove.
If you use a U-lock, try to fill most of its interior space with the bike and bike rack, which will protect it against the bottle-jack method.
Locks higher from the ground will be vulnerable to fewer attacks, as the ground can’t be used for leverage.
For e-bikes more than $1,500 in value, we recommend a hardened steel chain lock above all others. It can be supplemented by a U-lock but there are few U-locks which will convey much theft protection to a $1,500-$3,000 bike.
When parking overnight, it is difficult to protect a bicycle from theft, since a thief can expect much time and relief from prying eyes. Bring your bicycle into your home at night. Garages are one of the most-reported theft locations.
Location: You don’t need to lock up as well in front of a police station as you do in an industrial park. Some citizens or authorities can be counted on to interfere with a theft in progress: park it in front of these people.
Timing: Thieves often target places where there is a good chance the bike owner will be gone all day. This includes transit stops and train stations. In addition, parking at the same time in the same place every weekday lets a thief predict the whereabouts of both you and your bike. Mix it up.
By practicing these tips, I have never had a bike stolen. But don’t worry! Just add your electric bicycle to your renter’s insurance policy, relax and ride on.
