E-bike theft on the rise: How connectivity keeps your bikes safe
E-bike theft is becoming a significant issue in Europe, with theft rates rising sharply. Statistics reveal that e-bike thefts have doubled between 2022 and 2023 and similar trends are happening across Europe. In Germany, the average e-bike price has climbed to to over 2950 € and the e-bike market share exceeds over 50% also in the Netherlands, Austria and Belgium. E-bikes are as challenging to steal as a traditional bicycles but their higher residual value makes them a more attractive target for thieves who are increasingly organized.
A 90% chance of theft has led some insurance companies to refuse coverage for certain models, such as fatbikes, unless additional anti-theft measures like GPS tracking devices are in place. This risk of theft is a major barrier to broader e-bike adoption. Authorities often prioritize e-bike thefts low and have limited success in recovering stolen bikes. As a result, consumers are turning to additional security measures and making smarter, security-focused choices when purchasing their next e-bike. Bike brands have recognized this demand and are actively seeking solutions.
How to make e-bikes theft proof?
Classic bicycle security features:
High-Quality Locks: Using a sturdy lock is fundamental, as it increases the time needed to crack it, providing a first line of defense.
Smart Parking: Parking in well-lit, busy areas and removing easily detachable parts can deter thieves.
Registration: Registering your e-bike with local authorities or online databases adds an extra layer of protection, making it easier to recover if stolen.
Unique Identifiers: Marking your e-bike with unique identifiers, such as engravings or stickers, can aid in its recovery.
E-bike tracking features:
GPS Tracking: GPS trackers offer potentially unlimited coverage, using satellite signals and cellular connectivity to transmit data.
Digital Locking & Alerts: These features, often integrated with a mobile app, include digital locking, movement alerts and theft reportingfor added security and user convenience.
E-bike anti-theft features
Smart Frame Lock: A physical lock that automatically engages when the bike is parked.
Smart Hub Lock: An automatic wheel lock. When in locked state, this hub prevents the wheel from turning or being removed without damaging the bike.
Drive Unit Immobilizer: When locked, IoT technology prevents the bike from being powered on.
Alarm: Comodule IoT devices can include an alarm to warn thieves if the bike is moved and trigger a loud theft alarm when the bike is being tampered with longer.
E-bike services:
Insurance benefits: 73% of e-bike owners insure their bikes according to our survey, and IoT-equipped bikes are being more recognized by the companies to offer discounted insurance rates and benefits.
Bike Recovery Service: From bike hunters with lower effectivity to professional e-bike recovery services like FRIS, chances to retrieve e-bike goes up from 0% to 90%+ when equipped with a high quality tracker. The user can report theft directly from the app, sending immediate signal and bike data with location to recovery service to take action.
Real-life examples of effective e-bike security measures
Comodule has connected over 750 000 light electric vehicles with over 80% recovery rate for stolen vehicles. For instance, a case involving a GPS tracker and timely alerts led to the recovery of a stolen Voltaire e-bike in Paris. In another recent case earlier this year, the integration of smart locks and alarms prevented a theft of a Riese & Müller bike from a basement (but did not stop the thief to carry out few cheaper bikes next to it). Not even mentioning the countless e-bikes that Swapfiets have retrieved from users who are unresponsive and have not paid for their subscriptions. IoT has become invaluable to place additional anti-theft layer on top of e-bikes, but also enabling bike owners to retrieve their bikes when the bike is stolen.
E-bikes are to become as theft-proof as cars
Innovation in e-bike anti-theft technology is rapidly advancing. Digitalization is no longer limited to innovative e-bike brands; its value is now recognized by the entire industry. The adoption of connectivity is growing, driven by the demand for secure e-bikes. IoT is at the heart of this shift, connecting tracking, anti-theft, convenience, and services into one seamless ecosystem, all controlled centrally from a single application.
As IoT technology continues to evolve, the future of e-bike security looks promising. At Comodule, we predict exciting years ahead as e-bikes become smarter and more software-defined, offering much more than the standard security features we see today.
Comodule offers end-to-end connectivity solutions for different needs. If you are interested in our security solutions, please feel free to reach out via the contact link below.
