E-bikes are valuable. That makes security part of ownership, not an afterthought.
Most theft doesn't happen because a bike is "badly designed". It happens because security was inconvenient, inconsistent, or misunderstood.
A good security setup should feel simple and repeatable. You shouldn't need to overthink it every time you stop.
The goal is not to make your bike impossible to steal. The goal is to make it too much hassle compared to the one next to it.
Good security is about routine: frame to solid object, every time
Key Takeaways
- Layered security works better than any single measure
- Consistency matters more than complexity
- A good lock you use every time beats a perfect lock you leave at home
- Insurance is a safety net, not a security strategy
- The goal is deterrence, not making theft impossible
Explore the Detail
Physical locks are still the first line of defence.
High-quality U-locks and heavy-duty chains provide the best deterrence because they take time and effort to defeat. Lightweight cable locks are only suitable as secondary measures or for very low-risk situations.
The way you use a lock matters as much as the lock itself. Securing the frame to an immovable object is far more important than locking a wheel. Look for locks with a Sold Secure Gold rating for the best protection.
The best lock is the one you actually use every time.
Common Questions
Will my home insurance cover e-bike theft?
Some home insurance policies cover bicycles, but many have low limits (often £500 to £1,000) or exclude bikes stored outside the home. Given the value of a premium e-bike, standard home insurance is unlikely to provide adequate cover.
I recommend specialist bike insurance. We work with Laka and offer 60 days of free cover with every bike purchase. Specialist policies cover theft, accidental damage, and often third-party liability, with limits that match the actual value of the bike.
What lock should I use?
For insurance purposes, you will almost always need a Sold Secure Gold rated lock. This is the standard most specialist insurers require.
All Riese & Muller bikes come with a built-in frame lock (ABUS), which is fine for quick stops, but for longer stops you should use a secondary lock that secures the frame to a solid object. I recommend a good folding lock or heavy-duty chain lock with a Sold Secure Gold rating. The built-in lock plus a secondary lock is a sensible layered approach.
Are e-bikes more likely to be stolen than normal bikes?
E-bikes are higher value, which makes them a target. But they are also heavier and harder to carry away quickly, which works in your favour.
The most common theft is opportunity theft: bikes left with poor locks or no locks in public places. Good, consistent security habits reduce the risk dramatically. Lock the frame to a solid object every time you leave the bike, even briefly. Most theft happens because security was skipped, not because it was defeated.
Can the battery be stolen separately?
On most modern e-bikes, the battery is locked into the frame and requires a key to remove. On Riese & Muller bikes, the battery lock is integrated and the battery sits inside or close to the frame, making it difficult to access quickly.
It is not impossible, but it is not a common type of theft. If you are leaving the bike overnight in a public place, removing the battery entirely is an extra precaution and also makes the bike less attractive to opportunists.
Does GPS tracking help?
Some Bosch Smart System bikes include GPS-based tracking through the eBike Flow app. This can help locate a stolen bike, but it should not be relied upon as your primary security measure.
Think of it as a useful backup, not a replacement for good locking habits. Tracking works best in combination with proper physical security and insurance.
Let us find the deals for you.
Stop refreshing the page. Tell us where to send the alerts, and we'll do the heavy lifting.
- •Instant Notifications: Be the first to know when limited-time offers go live.
- •Curated for you: We filter the noise and only send the "must-see" bikes and tech.
- •Insider Knowledge: Expert advice on what's actually worth buying right now.
IF SECURITY IS A CONCERN, THE BIKE FINDER AND FOLLOW-UP ADVICE CAN HELP YOU PLAN THIS PROPERLY.
Simple, repeatable security habits reduce risk far more effectively than complex setups you don't use consistently.