Electric Bikes - Theft concerns - Parking an electric bike downtown
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pannierpacker
03-15-09, 08:18 PM
Am I foolish for even thinking about parking an electric bike downtown? I'm considering buying an electric bike, but the theft problem is a deal breaker for me. I can't ride a regular bike right now because my knees are bad, so I've been driving, but that's expensive.
Sometimes I like to go downtown at night to meet up with friends. Obviously, if I do this I'll need to secure my bike. While a regular bike isn't worth much, electric bikes are worth a lot. Electric bikes are much easier to steal than cars.
Do I just lock it to a bike rack, like a regular bike, and hope for the best?
Electric bikes are much easier to steal than cars.
Do I just lock it to a bike rack, like a regular bike, and hope for the best?
I don't agree with this.
A properly locked bike with a beefy chain takes a grinder to remove from a rack.
Look at Kryptonite NY Forgetaboutit chains and locks.
Google Sheldon Brown's locking strategy.
And search the Commuting sub-forum about locking and securing your bike.
I have a few high dollar bikes, I always lock them to an immoveable object, and have had no problems.
I use heavy duty chains and locks, pit-lock skewers, and epoxy BBs in the unsecured hex head bolts (saddle for example).
I'm not saying a bike can be made thief proof, but you can make it a serious pain in the ass for a thief to steal it. A whole lot more so than breaking a car's window and hot wiring it.
martybucs
03-16-09, 07:36 AM
I have a Bionx kit on my bike and it has a mode where it puts the hub motor into regen at the highest level until you unlock it with a code. There's no way you could ride it away. However, you have to leave the battery locked onto the bike and there's a slow drain. I also use Kryptonite cables and locks to secure it to an immovable object.
The thief would have to be very determined to get the bike.
SeizeTech
03-16-09, 09:41 AM
can you get theft coverage through your house insurance? if so, take all reasonable precautions, but dont worry about it.
JakeEdwards
03-16-09, 01:34 PM
can you get theft coverage through your house insurance? if so, take all reasonable precautions, but dont worry about it.
Check out the insurance thing first. With my insurance you need a rider for bikes over $500 and the deductable is $250. My bike has to be locked or I must show proof of entry. No mysterious disappearance.
Lock the electric wheel to something un movable and the other wheel to the frame. Two wheels, two locks.
Check out the insurance thing first. With my insurance you need a rider for bikes over $500 and the deductable is $250.
Where I live, homeowners/renters policies exclude motor assisted bicycles. I had to get a motorcycle (moped) policy.
There was a thread about a denial of coverage when I joined the forum last year. You can search for it.