The situation: you put your e-bike away ‘for a moment’ and exactly that is the risk
An electric bike is attractive to thieves: high value, often parked outside and quick to move. Many people only secure seriously after an incident, when in fact the biggest gain is in established routines.
A checklist works because you don't have to improvise. You repeat the same steps over and over again, at home and on the street, and you're more in tune with what an insurer expects of you later.
The complete checklist: e-bike security at home and on the street
Use this list as a regular “last minute” check. If necessary, print it out and hang it by the front door or in the shed.
- Always two locks: one fixed ring lock plus one additional ART-approved chain or shackle lock.
- Always to a fixed object (street) or an anchored point (home).
- Lock through frame and wheel If possible; avoid having only one wheel stuck.
- High and tight: keep the chain/bracket as far off the ground as possible and with little slack.
- Park smart: choose visibility, crowds and good lighting over “close.”.
- Make your bike boring: remove display/battery (where possible), or lock them.
- Capture your data: frame number, photos, proof of purchase and key codes.
- Check your insurance requirements (type of lock, number of locks, storage requirements).
Lock strategy: this is how to build a set-up that takes time to break open
1) Choose the appropriate ‘base lock’ for each stop
A ring lock is convenient and fast, but it's rarely enough if you leave your bike outside. Think of it as the base layer: it prevents rolling away and acts as an extra barrier.
The real delay for a thief usually comes from a second lock you attach to an object. That makes lifting and driving off difficult, forcing tools and time.
2) Second lock: chain or shackle?
A chain lock is flexible and fits more easily around thick lampposts or racks. A shackle lock is often stiffer and may give less “slack” depending on model and situation.
Practical advice: choose what you will use consistently. The best lock is the one you never forget because it's too heavy or clunky.
3) Here's how to place your locks smarter (without complicated hassles)
- Attach to the frame: a wheel can be disassembled; the frame cannot.
- Avoid the ground: tools work easier when a lock rests on the ground.
- Choose a ‘busy’ object: preferably a rack or pole where many people walk by.
- Watch for faint objects: thin posts, loose fences or wooden structures can sometimes be removed or sawed through.
Checklist for the street: stalling without hidden pitfalls
1) The right place in 30 seconds
On the street, it's all about reducing occasional theft and slowing down professional theft. You do that with visibility, social control and time-wasting.
- Highly visible: rather at a busy intersection than behind a quiet corner.
- Illuminated: a thief prefers to work in the dark.
- In addition to “tricky” bikes: multiple locks, thick chains and properly secured makes your bike less attractive.
- No routine spot: change rack or street sometimes, especially when commuting.
2) Short parking vs. long parking: adjust your security
A two-minute stop at a kiosk feels innocuous, but thieves count in seconds. For longer stops (work, gym, train station), your set-up must be stronger.
Create for yourself two levels:
- Quick stop: ring lock + second lock to object (always).
- Long stop: ring lock + second lock to object + additional third lock or indoor storage when possible.
3) What you do and don't leave on your bike
Batteries, displays, loose lights and bags are prone to theft. Even if the bike stays put, “parts theft” can ruin your ride and lead to charges.
- Take the display off if you can, or lock it.
- Take your battery with you if you park for a long time and the system allows it.
- Do not use a bag with valuables visibly left hanging.
Home checklist: shed, storage room, hallway and front yard
1) Make your staging area a ‘difficult’ place
At home, the risk is often different than on the street. A thief can work undisturbed in a backyard or quiet porch, and sometimes knows exactly when you are sleeping.
The bottom line: make sure your bike is attached to something at home, too. A detached bike is liftable, even with a ring lock.
2) Anchoring points: what can you attach to?
- Wall or floor anchor in shed/garage (provided the structure is sturdy).
- Steel rack that is anchored to the ground or wall.
- Bike Bracket in shared storage room (if VvE/rent allows).
3) The ‘door-check’: prevent easy access
Many thefts start with an open barn door or a weak lock on the shed. Check this weekly.
- Use solid hardware on shed/gate.
- Do not leave tools (such as concrete shears) lying around.
- Provide motion sensor lighting where it makes sense.
Insurance: this is how to match security and coverage
1) Why insurance is not a ‘plan B,’ but part of the checklist
Theft is not just about money. You want to be mobile again quickly, and you don't want to get into a discussion about locks or storage.
Many policies have requirements for the type of lock and how you leave your bike. So check that ahead of time, not just after things go wrong.
2) Practical insurance checklist (without policy jargon)
- What lock is required? Note ART approval and type of lock.
- How many locks are required? Sometimes one lock is enough, sometimes not.
- Where are you allowed to stall? Requirements for shared storage, street or home.
- What should you be able to demonstrate? Proof of purchase, key set, photos, frame number.
If you want to know how this works at STOER, check out the page on bike insurance for STOER Bikes. There you will also find what you need to arrange to keep your coverage practical in everyday use.
3) Capture evidence before you need it
Make a folder today (cloud or phone) with pictures of your bike, frame number and your locks. Also write down the number of keys you received and keep key codes separate.
Useful if you later report or file a claim. For general information on registering and recognizing a stolen bicycle, the government page on bicycle theft and reporting is a down-to-earth starting point: Police: what to do in case of stolen bike.
Extra: keeping child seat, bucket and accessories safe
An e-bike is often also a family bike. Accessories such as child seats, baskets and bags make your bike more practical, but they also pose additional theft or damage risks.
Pay special attention to quick disassembly. Some accessories click off in seconds.
- Use anti-theft bolts where you can.
- Remove loose accessories when parking for long periods of time.
- Choose quality solutions that fit your usage (daily vs. occasionally).
For child seats, you can view official product information and safety solutions at Urban Iki.
When your checklist should scale up: station, downtown and night
1) Recognize high-risk spots
A few places automatically deserve your “long stop” level or an extra lock: train stations, entertainment areas, busy shopping streets, and places with lots of e-bikes. There, there is both opportunity and ‘supply’ for thieves.
If you park there often, consider permanent guarded parking where available. That's often less hassle than maximizing your lock strategy on the street every day.
2) Stabling outside at night: rather not
If you have no other option, treat outside stabling as “high risk.” That means: attached to a fixed object, two (preferably three) locks, good lighting and as visible as possible.
Making your home a permanent fixture is almost always the biggest step forward. A simple adjustment such as a solid anchor point can go a long way.
A short decision tree: what will you do differently today?
If you only want to change three things without changing your whole routine, choose this one.
| Situation | Minimal set-up | Better set-up |
|---|---|---|
| Quick message (5-15 min) | Ring lock + second lock to object | Ring lock + second lock to object, lock placed high/tight |
| Work/college/sports school (1-6 hours) | Ring lock + second lock to solid object | Plus third lock or indoor storage; battery/display along |
| At home in barn/garage | Ring lock | Ring lock + chain on wall/floor anchor; door/padlock in order |
| ’At night outside | Ring lock + second lock to object | Plus third lock; as illuminated and visible as possible; accessories off |
Helpful places on STOER Bikes to complete your setup
If you want to improve your security, it helps to properly match your locks and mounting hardware to your type of bike and use. Check out the lock accessories and practical upgrades and also compare what models and geometry you have via all e-bikes from STOER Bikes.
Do you ride a model that is often outside, such as the STOER UrbanX 2026, then make this checklist a regular routine. You often hear the same thing in reviews: a bike used daily requires a plan that you stick to, not occasional “extra security” that you forget.
Call to action
Want to review your own situation with the checklist in hand? Then see which lock and accessory solutions suit your use in the accessory shop and immediately check if your security matches the terms of the STOOD insurance.