Every day, more than a thousand people complain about having their bikes stolen. This is a rather huge number. It is becoming more than essential to increase the protection of your car in order to secure it and prevent thieves from taking it. This is all the more worrying if it is an electric bike, given that its price is not affordable for everyone.
Securing the bike properly is then a necessity, even an obligation. In this article, we invite you to discover some practical recommendations to ensure optimal security for your VAE. We will give you some advice to protect you from criminals and will present the accessories you should use to properly protect your device.
Buy a durable and effective anti-theft device
Have you just obtained a grant for the purchase of your electric bike ? What good news for you, because with this type of locomotion, you will move more easily! However, when you ride your e-bike on the road, you have to park at one point or another. In this case, do not forget to protect your machine in any way. Thieves are never far away.
To find your vehicle where you left it, remember to securely secure your two-wheeler, whether it is an electric cargo bike or a two-seater electric bike. To do this, you will need to purchase an anti-theft device. There are several types of anti-theft devices, it's up to you to select the one that best meets your expectations and your budget.
The chain: common protective accessory for bicycles
Equipped with a sheath to reduce friction, the chain is undoubtedly one of the most widely sold anti-theft protections on the market. This accessory is generally quite long, allowing different parts of the VAE to be linked: rear and front wheels, frame, saddle, etc., to a fixing point. The French Federation of Bicycle Users or FUB recommends the use of this lock as secondary protection.
The U-shaped anti-theft device: the device favored by the FUB
Anti-theft is a first-rate security system, one that the FUB recommends as a priority. It features an angled metal tube and a lock block. Usually, its support is placed on the frame. However, depending on the U-lock model you choose, you can also attach it to the luggage rack of your electric fatbike or to the handlebars. Some manufacturers also offer special supports to make it easier to transport the U-lock on your electric bike.
The anti-theft cable: an effective security complement for the VAE
The cable lock is made of sheathed metal. It wraps around the bike to securely attach it to the anchor point you choose to place it. Being able to have different lengths, the anti-theft cable is a practical device that can be easily transported. All you have to do is place it around the saddle of your bike.
Some models come with a support, to make them even easier to wear. In addition, the cable lock can be combination or keyed. We nevertheless advise you to use this equipment in addition to another security system.
It is especially useful for securing the removable parts of your VAE, like the front wheel. You can also use it to secure your accessories, like the helmet. In any case, given its low resistance, it is preferable to use it to reinforce the protection of a U-shaped lock or a chain.
The frame lock: robust protection is easy to use
Also known as a fixed lock or horseshoe lock, the frame lock is placed on the frame, while immobilizing the rear wheel. When you install it, your big wheel electric bike will no longer be able to roll. Solid and simple to install, this equipment will help secure your device.
However, you should keep in mind that it does not provide maximum protection. The ideal with this device is that it complements a U-shaped lock or a chain. This additional security is most often attached directly to the VAE. It is therefore not bulky.
The articulated or foldable anti-theft device: another protection system for VAE
The foldable lock comes in the form of a chain fitted with several pieces of steel. It is locked with a lock, which strengthens the protection of the electric bike. Easy to transport, simply store it in a bag or attach it to the frame. Available in several versions, the articulated lock can be longer and more or less thick. Depending on the type of padlock it comes with, this gadget offers a certain level of security.
If you are looking for a practical and easy-to-use lock, this model will suit you perfectly. Safe and lightweight, it has a support that allows it to be used on different models of electric bikes. One point should nevertheless be emphasized: remember to check the articulation points likely to reduce the level of protection of the anti-theft device.
These are some models of anti-theft devices to guarantee the security of your VAE. If you wish, you can perfectly combine two or even three anti-theft devices, in order to optimize the protection of your car. By seeing all your padlocks and all your anti-theft devices, thieves will be less likely to steal it from you.
A short practical guide to properly attaching your VAE
Because more and more burglars covet the electric bikes they see on the street, it becomes necessary to maximize their protection. How to securely attach the bike and protect yourself from theft? The rules to follow on the VAE are identical to those of the traditional bicycle. Now that you have learned about the safety equipment on the market, here are some recommendations.
Carefully select the location where you plan to attach the bike
After choosing one of the systems mentioned above, you must decide the most appropriate place to tie up your vehicle. If you find yourself on the street, choose busy roads first. A criminal will probably not dare to operate in front of a crowd of people.
If you go out in the middle of the night, park your electric bike in a lit place, for example under a street light. Otherwise, you can park your VAE in a free or paid bicycle box, not far from a surveillance camera or in a parking lot with a bicycle attachment point.
If you have to attach your electric bike outside your home, but indoors, choose the courtyard of a building, a shelter reserved for bicycles on your work premises or a cellar with an anchor point intended for two-wheelers. Even if you leave your car in your own garage, always secure it.
Choose carefully the element on which you will immobilize the bike
Whether you have purchased a chain, a cable or a U-lock to secure your electric bike, you then need to find the element to which you will attach your VAE. The best way to immobilize your electric bike, so that no one can take it, is to choose a very fixed point.
If you are on public roads, here are the ideal anchoring alternatives:
- A streetlamp;
- A tall pole;
- A rack designed for bicycles;
- A sturdy grid;
- A solid and rigid mesh.
Remember that when you park your electric fatbike on the street, the rule requires the use of places specially designed for two-wheelers. If this is impossible, you can park on a sidewalk, provided that it is safe and that pedestrians or other users are not disturbed.
Electric bike mounting methods
The way you attach your lock will prevent you from having your 2-seater or single-seater electric bike stolen. To do this, adopt one or more of the following guidelines:
- Link the front wheel with the bike frame, then hook them securely to the parking handle to maximize the level of safety. If this process is not feasible with a single anti-theft system, hang your frame on the handle, and use a second fixing device to attach the parts of the VAE together.
- Always hold the bicycle frame at the fixed point of parking.
- Ensure maximum safety in the saddle, especially if it cost you a lot.
- Do not simply attach the wheel to the parking point. The flight may decide to take only the rest of the bike.
- Place the anti-theft lock downwards. This not only guarantees the safety of the bike, but you also protect your lock from rain and possible rust problems.
- Do not place the lock on the ground. With pliers or a sledgehammer, the criminal can easily unlock the locking device of your anti-theft device.
- Do not hesitate to use a second lock attached to different parts of the bike. This is to increase its protection.
These are the basic instructions for how to best secure your electric bike when parking it on the street. Finally, remember to remove the detachable parts of your VAE, as well as valuable objects, to name only the lighting, the saddle if you can remove it, the child seat if you have one, the GPS or even baskets.
