Protect Your Ride: How to Keep Your E-Bike Safe from Thieves
Nothing beats the freedom of cruising around on your e-bike—until it gets stolen. Sadly, e-bike theft is becoming more common, and even the strongest locks can’t always keep a determined thief at bay.
When the Unthinkable Happens
One of our customers had barely started enjoying his brand-new Emma 3.0 when it was stolen—just three days after delivery. He did everything right: double-locked it to a bike rack, parked it behind a secured gate, and even hid an AirTag on the bike. But thieves don’t play fair. They simply removed the front wheel (which was locked) and took off with the rest of the bike. The AirTag pinged from an abandoned nightclub, but by the time he got there, the bike was long gone.
Heartbroken and bikeless, his story is, unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. As I’m writing this blog, another customer just reported his e-bike—barely six months old—was stolen. "They cut through my lock. It was parked just outside my work, right under a security camera. I’m hoping the footage gives me some luck."
Bike thieves are relentless, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fight back. Let’s talk about how to keep your ride safe.
Why Are E-Bikes Such a Hot Target?
E-bikes, especially those with advanced features like long-range capabilities and dual batteries, are prime targets due to their high resale value. They are easy to resell, and—if not properly secured—easier to steal than cars.
Here’s what we’ve learned from major e-bike brands and rider experiences:
Quick Grab-and-Go Theft: Some thieves carry portable angle grinders or bolt cutters, slicing through cheap locks in seconds.
Wheel Removal Trick: Just like in Matthew’s case, thieves often remove a locked wheel to steal the rest of the bike.
Battery Theft: High-end e-bike batteries can cost hundreds of dollars, making them a separate target. But don’t worry—our Emma 3.0 features dual-battery that is securely locked to the bike. Without the key, the batteries cannot be removed, ensuring maximum security.
Common Hotspots: Bike racks outside gyms, grocery stores, and transit stations are prime locations for theft.
How to Keep Your E-Bike Safe
The good news? You can make your bike a much harder target. Here’s what works:
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Use Multiple Locks (And Use Them Right!)
Steel U-Lock + Chain Lock Combo: Secure the frame and rear wheel to a solid object with a U-lock, and loop a heavy chain through the front wheel.
Recommended Locks (Prices for reference only) :
Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1090 ($100+)
Pewag Security Chain ($75-105)
Abus Disc Lock ($20-50)
Roll Road Chain Lock ($99) https://roll-road.com/collections/accessories-1/products/chain-combination-lock
Pro Tip: Keep your locks off the ground to prevent thieves from using leverage to break them.
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Invest in a GPS Tracker
AirTags are a good budget option, but they lose signal if hidden indoors or underground.
Dedicated GPS Trackers like Monimoto or BrickHouse Security provide real-time tracking and anti-theft alerts.
Aventon Abound SR has a built-in GPS that can lock the bike remotely via an app.
Roll Road Air Tag ($39) https://roll-road.com/collections/accessories-1/products/apple-airtag
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Park Smart
Always lock up in well-lit, busy areas.
If possible, bring your bike indoors (even if just for a few minutes).
Secure your bike near security cameras or store entrances.
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Register Your Bike & Insure It
Register the serial number with your local police department.
Buy insurance to protect against theft and damage.
Notice: Roll Road ebike’s bike serial number is under the controller box.
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Consider Extra Security Measures
Built-in rear-wheel locks prevent the bike from being rolled away.
E-bike alarms can alert you (and scare off thieves).
Some riders even tip nearby homeless people a few bucks to keep an eye on their bikes while they run errands.
Standing Together Against Theft
The growing number of e-bike thefts is a concern for the entire community, staying informed about the latest security measures, and looking out for one another, we can create a safer environment for all riders.
No bike lock is 100% theft-proof, but by combining strong locks, GPS tracking, smart parking choices, and insurance, you can dramatically lower your risk. At Roll Road, we hate seeing our riders lose their bikes, and we’re committed to helping you protect your ride.Let's take proactive steps to protect our cherished rides and continue enjoying the open road with peace of mind.
Note: Always stay informed about the latest security recommendations and adapt to emerging threats to ensure the safety of your e-bike.
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