Keeping your Electric Bike safe

Let’s face it, electric bikes are not cheap, so it’s important to know how best to keep your’s safe. Read more for useful tips on how best to keep your bike safe.

Secure your bike

Similar to Thatcham ratings on car security systems, there is a similar system for electric bikes and bicycles. Sold Secure is the equivalent of Thatcham ratings on car systems. For your bike to be rated Sold Secure, a team of experts will have tested bike locks until they destruct and they will then rate their level of security bronze, silver or gold.

If you were to purchase a bronze lock, this is usually designed as a deterrent for impulse thieves as this is the lowest strength of the three ratings. However, this lock will offer some protection against basic tools should someone attempt to steal your bike. The next level of strength we have is silver. A silver bike lock is a compromise between value and security. This type of lock is best suited for short-term locking in public places due to their resistance towards most basic tools commonly used by thieves. If a silver lock sounds ideal for you, they’re expected to withstand up to 3 minutes of sustained attack. Finally, we have the strongest type of lock: gold. A gold lock provides significant protection against thieves and all of the possible tools they may use. This particular lock has been tested for over 5 minutes of being attacked, so you can be sure that this lock is fully protective.

Insure your bike

Sadly, when it comes to buying the right lock for your bike, if it’s cheap it will not provide appropriate protection for your bicycle. If you stick with a basic D lock or U lock, these are known for taking no effort to remove forcibly, so these types of locks would not be recommended for keeping your bike safe. Better locks may be a lot heavier but this is something you will have to bear to keep your bike safe.

Speaking to some insurance companies, most stated that for bikes under £1200, they will accept any type of lock under their policies. For e-bikes £1200 up to £2000, insurers recommend a bronze lock. For vehicles, £2000 to £5000, a silver or gold-rated lock is mostly advised to keep your bike secure and covered under your policy.

If you can’t afford to replace your bike should it fall victim to theft, gold is your best bet in ensuring your bike is exactly where you left it.

There are three main choices for bicycle locks. A cable lock, a D lock or a chain are the three types you can opt for. Cable locks are often lightweight but very few are rated as gold within the Sold Secure scheme. Nonetheless, a cable lock is useful for you to physically lock the bike through the frame to an object.

When it comes to D locks, there are a lot of these verified through the Sold Secure scheme. D locks are also quite small but would not allow you to lock your bike against a lamppost. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lock that has good power to weight ratio, a D lock may be ideal for you.

Chain locks are usually used by motorcyclists, so you can be sure that they’re secure enough to keep your bike/e-bike protected. Chain locks are usually known for their heaviness, a price you have to pay for good security.

If you’re looking for a new lock, especially for your electric bike, it is worth checking the Sold Secure Database so that you can be sure your lock is the right one for you.

If you haven’t yet purchased an electric bike but want to learn more. Visit the PowerRide shop today to find the perfect e-bike for you.