Are e-bikes really stolen that often? The truth & 5 professional tips for protection.

E-bikes are fantastic: they're fast, environmentally friendly, and make commuting a pleasure. But many new owners are plagued by a major worry: Will my expensive e-bike be stolen immediately?

The honest answer is: Yes, e-bikes are popular targets. According to police crime statistics (PKS), the value of stolen bicycles in Germany increases every year – simply because more and more high-quality pedelecs are being stolen. But don't panic: With the right knowledge and German security standards, you can effectively protect your bike.

Why do thieves target e-bikes?

1. High resale value: An e-bike often costs between €2,000 and €4,000. For thieves, that's quick money.

2. Spare parts market: Batteries and displays in particular are expensive and can be quickly sold individually on platforms like classifieds.

3. High demand: E-bikes are booming in Germany, which unfortunately is also fueling the black market.

Where is the risk highest?

Forget dark alleys. Most thefts happen where there are many people.

• Train stations (S-Bahn/U-Bahn): The classic location for commuter thefts.

• In front of supermarkets: "Just popping in for a quick bite" is often the moment when it happens.

• Major cities: Hotspots like Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig or Cologne unfortunately top the theft statistics.

• Communal basement: Even in the supposedly secure basement of an apartment building, bicycles are often stolen.

How to effectively protect your e-bike (The 5-point strategy)

1️⃣ Invest in a certified lock. The rule of thumb of the ADFC (General German Bicycle Club): A lock should cost 5–10% of the bicycle's value .

• Recommendation: Use a sturdy U-lock or a high-quality folding lock (very popular in Germany due to its compact size). Stay away from thin spiral locks – professionals can crack them in seconds!

2️⃣ Lock it up, don't just lock it. Many e-bikes have a frame lock (a "baker's lock"). That's not enough!

• Important: Always lock the frame to a fixed object (lamppost, bike rack). An e-bike that can't be carried away is unattractive to thieves.

3️⃣ Take the battery and display with you. An e-bike without a battery is only half as valuable to thieves and harder to sell.

• Pro tip: When you park, always take the battery and the display (if removable) with you. This is the best theft protection.

4️⃣ Use GPS trackers . Modern technology helps. Hidden GPS trackers (like Apple AirTag or special e-bike trackers like PowUnity ) help you and the police to find the bike.

5️⃣ Bicycle Coding and Bicycle Passport: Have your bicycle coded (often offered by the ADFC or the police). A "Coded" sticker deters thieves, as it makes resale more difficult. Additionally, use a bicycle passport app to have the frame number and photos readily available for your insurance company.

A real-life example

Lukas from Berlin parked his e-bike every day at Alexanderplatz, a high-risk area. One day, he noticed scratch marks on his lock. The thief had tried but given up. Why? Lukas used a heavy-duty folding lock with the highest security rating AND had taken the battery into the office with him. For the thief, the effort was too great and the return too small. Lukas's conclusion: "Better to invest an extra 100 euros in a lock than to lose 3,000 euros."

Conclusion

Yes, the risk of theft is real, but it's no reason to forgo an e-bike. Most stolen bikes were poorly secured. Combine a high-quality lock with good insurance and take the battery with you. This will make it as difficult as possible for thieves, allowing you to enjoy your ride without worry.

💬 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Will my insurance cover e-bike theft? It depends. Standard home contents insurance often only covers theft from a locked basement or apartment (and often only up to a certain amount). Our recommendation: Check if your home contents insurance includes a "bicycle clause" (covering theft at night and outdoors), or take out a special comprehensive e-bike insurance policy . This often also covers vandalism and theft of parts (such as the battery).

Are GPS trackers useful? Absolutely. While they don't prevent theft, they drastically increase the chances of getting your bike back. Some insurance companies even offer a discount if a tracker is installed.

Is a frame lock sufficient? No, never as the sole means of protection. It only prevents the bike from being pushed away, not carried away. Only use it in combination with a chain lock or U-lock.