Business bike security is no longer optional. Because in 2023, as many as 85,190 bicycles were stolen in the Netherlands. That amounts to nearly 10 bikes every hour. That's why electric bikes are especially popular with thieves because of their high value. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can greatly reduce the chances of theft. So in this blog, you'll discover practical tips that really work.
Why does business cycling security require extra attention?
An electric bicycle quickly costs between €2,000 and €6,000. Therefore, they are attractive targets for bicycle thieves. Moreover, the number of stolen e-bikes has increased by 75% in recent years. Because thieves have shifted their field of activity from car radios to electric bikes.
So the higher selling price of e-bikes makes resale lucrative. Also, loose parts such as batteries and displays are valuable. As a result, a stolen battery makes a lot of money on the used market. Furthermore, batteries are used for other applications, such as illegal cannabis farms. This makes your e-bike interesting to thieves in several ways.
Fortunately, modern e-bikes also have better security features than regular bikes. Consider built-in GPS tracking and PIN-code systems, for example. For example, all STOER Bikes models come standard with a PIN code immobilizer. Because without the right code, the bike simply won't start. As a result, this already stops many thieves.
Which locks are best for business bike security?
This is because the standard ring lock that comes with your e-bike is not enough. Because thieves can easily break open this type of lock with a so-called "Polish key. Therefore, you need at least two different locks to protect your bike properly.
So always choose ART-certified locks
An ART rating indicates how theft-resistant a lock is. In addition, most insurers require at least an ART 2 lock. Because for e-bikes over €3,500, some insurers even require two ART 2 locks. In addition, an ART 3 lock offers even better protection if you park your bike somewhere longer.
So invest about 10% of the purchase price of your e-bike in good locks. For a €3,000 bike, for example, this means about €300 in security equipment. That may sound like a lot, but it doesn't outweigh the cost and inconvenience of a stolen bike.
Combine different lock types for better business bike security
In addition to your ring lock, use a chain lock, shackle lock or folding lock. Because thieves often specialize in one type of lock. So by combining different locks, you make the cracking much more difficult. In fact, a shackle lock offers the best protection against violence. Because the thick shackle is almost impossible to cut through without a grinder.
In contrast, chain locks give more flexibility when attaching. This makes it easier to attach your bike to different objects. Just be sure to choose hardened steel links and a protective cover to prevent paint damage. Moreover, folding locks are a good compromise between convenience and protection.
Expert tip from Thomas (co-owner STOER Bikes): "Always secure your lock high up, so not low to the ground. Because thieves often use stones to break open locks. Therefore, the higher the lock hangs, the more difficult it becomes. And don't forget: always secure your bike to a fixed object with both frame and front wheel."
Where is the safest place to put your bike?
In fact, the location where you park your e-bike is just as important as the locks you use. After all, a good spot can make the difference between a secure bike and an empty spot where your bike stood.
Secure stalls are thus the best choice
Guarded bike racks offer the most security. Because these often have access control, cameras and staff. On veiligstallen.nl you can therefore find secure bike racks in your area. Automated racks with chip card access and cameras are also a good option.
At home, a locked shed or garage is ideal. But beware: always lock your e-bike inside as well. Because in the event of a break-in, this will prevent thieves from taking your bike. After all, every lock means delay, and thieves want to work fast. So even better is if you can secure your bike to something inside, such as a wall anchor.
In public spaces: therefore, choose crowded, lighted places
No guarded storage nearby? Then choose a busy location with lots of passersby and good lighting. Because thieves prefer not to work in places where everyone can see them. So a well-lit spot is every bike thief's nightmare.
Therefore, avoid dark alleys and secluded corners. Unsupervised underground parking garages are also risky. Preferably park your bike opposite a bus or streetcar stop where people are waiting. Because thieves prefer not to be watched while breaking open a lock.
Be careful at train stations and busy shopping streets. Because these locations are popular with bike thieves because of the large number of them. Paradoxically, a place with lots of passersby is sometimes even less safe. Because people in a hurry hardly look around and thus can even camouflage a thief's movements.
How to use locks properly in business bike security?
After all, even the best lock won't help if you use it incorrectly. Fortunately, there are some common mistakes you can easily avoid.
Therefore, always secure frame and front wheel
So never secure your e-bike to the front wheel alone. Because all over the country there are front wheels that are still attached, but whose frame has been taken away. Therefore, you should put your lock through the frame and the front wheel together. If thieves then turn the lock, they damage the wheel. This makes your bike less sellable.
Also, always secure your bike to a fixed object. Because without this connection, thieves can load your bike into a van and crack the locks in a quiet place. Therefore, choose a sturdy bike rack, lamppost or bridge. Also check that the object itself cannot be easily cut or loosened.
So height and tension make the difference
So don't hang your lock too low. Because if the lock dangles on the ground, thieves can easily hit it with stones. Therefore, fasten your lock flexibly but tightly so that there is little wiggle room. With a shackle lock, make sure that you do not fasten it in the middle. Because thieves can then spring the lock open by twisting it.
Moreover, for chain locks, wrap them several times around your bike and the fixed object. So this prevents the chain from hanging on the ground where it is vulnerable. Also, always use the protective cover that comes with the chain lock to prevent paint damage to your bike.
What technology tools enhance business cycling security?
In fact, in addition to physical locks, there are more and more smart solutions that protect your e-bike. Because these technologies work preventively and also help recover a stolen bike.
GPS tracking: so always know where your bike is
GPS trackers show where your e-bike is. So you can install the Tracefy Pro GPS tracker invisibly in your bike. Because when it moves, you get an instant notification on your phone. This deters thieves and also helps the police find your bike.
Note: never go looking for your stolen bike yourself. Therefore, share GPS data with the police and let them do the work. Some modern e-bikes also have GPS tracking already built in. For example, at STOER Bikes, the UrbanX has optional GPS functionality that you can activate.
PIN code systems thus stop the engine
In fact, more and more e-bikes have a motor that you can secure with a PIN code. Because without the right code, the electric support will not start. This therefore makes your bike much less attractive to thieves. Because at most they can drive away with a heavy, unsupported bike.
So all STOER models have a PIN code immobilizer as standard. Because this system has already prevented many thefts. For example, the CargoX cargo bike even has GPS tracking built in as standard, combined with the PIN system. Together, therefore, they form a powerful double security.
Therefore, bring battery and display inside
In fact, the battery is the most expensive part of your e-bike. Thus, at STOER bikes, you can easily remove the 720Wh battery of the UrbanX and CityX from the frame. Therefore, take it inside when you leave your bike outside. Because without a battery, your e-bike is worth much less and is less likely to be stolen.
The same goes for the display. Is it removable? Then take it with you, too. Because without these parts, resale becomes more difficult for thieves. In fact, the lock on the battery itself offers insufficient protection. Because the plastic casing is easy to crack.
What preventive measures strengthen business cycling security?
So in addition to good locks and smart technology, there are additional steps you can take. Because these prevent theft and also limit the damage if it does happen.
Therefore, register your bike and keep all records
So record the frame number, make, model and details of your e-bike. Also take photos of your bike, frame number and unique features. Moreover, save these on your phone and in the cloud. Because in case of theft, this way you have all the information readily available for the police and insurance company.
Therefore, register your bike in a national database. Because this significantly increases the chances of being found. Also put a visible QR code or registration sticker on the frame. Because thieves often avoid bikes that are clearly registered. Because it makes resale more risky.
So get good bike insurance for business bike security
After all, bike insurance protects you from financial losses in case of theft, damage or accidents. Because for e-bikes, this is almost indispensable given the high purchase price. Thus, many insurance policies cover theft, accidental damage and vandalism.
Do pay attention to the terms and conditions. Because most insurers require proof of good security (at least ART 2 locks) and prompt notification of theft (often within 24 hours). STOER Bikes therefore offers a specially developed bicycle insurance with 3 years of new value coverage and no excess in case of theft. Because insurance is easily arranged at the time of purchase through your dealer.
Therefore, vary your stall locations
So don't put your bike in the exact same spot every day. Because thieves often explore locations first and follow patterns. Therefore, by varying, you make it harder for thieves to get to know your habits. This is especially true at your workplace or favorite catering establishment.
In addition, at home you can hang your bike on hooks in the hallway or place it in the stairwell if you don't have a shed. You can also put your bike on the back wheel with the front wheel in a hook high in the wall. Because this saves space and makes your bike less accessible to thieves.
With business bike security, what do you do if your e-bike does get stolen?
Unfortunately, despite all precautions, theft can still happen. Therefore, prompt action increases the chances of recovery and is often required for your insurance.
Therefore, report it to the police immediately
So report the theft to the police immediately, even if it seems like a "minor" incident. Because nowadays you can easily report it online at politie.nl/arapport. Also provide all the details: make, model, color, details and frame number. In addition, ask for a copy of the police report and make a note of the report number.
Therefore, activate GPS tracking if your bike is equipped with it. So share location data with the police but never go looking for it yourself. Because this can be dangerous. Also check online marketplaces and social media regularly. Therefore, screenshot suspicious ads and report them to the police.
So contact your insurer within 24 hours
In fact, many insurance companies have strict notification deadlines. Therefore, don't wait too long to report the theft. Also provide all requested documents: proof of purchase, photos, police report and proof of adequate security (such as photos of your locks with ART mark).
In addition, keep all communications with the insurer. So make notes of phone calls and keep emails. Also ask for confirmation of receipt of your claim. Therefore, update your bike registration and report the theft to relevant databases. Also inform local bike shops. Because stolen bikes sometimes come in for repairs.
Therefore, evaluate and improve your security
So after a theft, analyze how it could happen. Was your lock too light? Was your bike in a high-risk spot? Therefore, use these insights to adjust your security strategy for any new bike. Also inform colleagues or roommates about the incident and remind them of security protocols.
Expert tip from Joeri (co-owner STOER Bikes): "We see that after a theft, customers are often much more conscious about business bike security. Therefore, invest in good locks immediately, not only after a nasty experience. At STOER, we also always recommend buying at least €200 worth of locks with an e-bike worth €3,000 or more."
STOER e-bikes: business bikes security built in
Indeed, at STOER Bikes, business bike security is not an afterthought but a core part of the design. Because all models have a PIN code immobilizer as standard. This system thus prevents thieves from just driving off with your bike. Because without the correct code, the motor remains switched off.
therefore have removable 720Wh batteries that you can easily take indoors. So this significantly lowers the risk of battery theft. Because the CargoX cargo bike goes one step further with built-in GPS tracking as standard. So you'll always know where your €6,495 investment is.
All STOER models also have Tektro hydraulic brakes with integrated brake lights. So this not only increases your safety in traffic, but also makes your bike more recognizable. Because LED lighting and reflective elements ensure maximum visibility. Because an eye-catching bike is less likely to be stolen than an inconspicuous one.
The robust aluminum frames and thick fatbike tires therefore make STOER bikes recognizable. Because this can work as a natural theft deterrent. Because resale is harder when a bike is unique and easily identified. The Gates CDX belt drive is another distinctive feature that sets your bike apart from standard models.
STOER Connect app: business cycling security in your pocket
The STOER Connect app takes modern business bike security to the next level. Because with this app, you always have real-time insight into where your e-bike is. For example, you get instant notification on your phone if your bike moves unexpectedly. This not only gives you peace of mind, but also helps with quick action if something is wrong.
The app works seamlessly with GPS tracking functionality
At STOER Bikes, you can equip your UrbanX and CityX with optional GPS tracking. Because the CargoX even has this security built in as standard. Through the STOER Connect app, you can therefore see exactly where your bike is. You can also view the route your bike has traveled. This is especially useful for business use with multiple employees sharing the same bike.
Geofencing thus alerts you to unusual movements
Set a fixed area where your bike is normally parked. Because as soon as your e-bike goes outside this area, you will automatically receive a push notification. This allows you to react immediately and call the police. Moreover, this works preventively: thieves who notice a bike being tracked often leave it behind.
Battery status and maintenance reminders in one app
The STOER Connect app also shows the status of your battery. So you always know if you have enough range for your ride. In addition, you get handy reminders for maintenance. Because a well-maintained bike is not only safer to use, but also less attractive to thieves because everything is in order.
Managing multiple bikes for business use
Do you use several STOER bikes at your company? Then easily manage all these bikes in one app. Because this is ideal for fleets or share bikes at the office. This allows you to see at a glance where all the bikes are and whether everything is in order. This makes corporate bike security a lot clearer.
Want to learn more about the STOER Connect app? Then read the blog about the STOER connect appÂ
Frequently asked questions about business bike security
So which type of lock is safest for an electric bike?
In fact, a U-lock with at least ART 3 certification offers the best protection against violence. Therefore, always combine this with a second lock (such as a chain lock) to slow down thieves to the maximum. Because use different lock types because thieves often specialize in one type.
So how do you prevent your e-bike battery from being stolen?
Therefore, remove your battery from the bicycle and take it inside when you park your bike outside. Because the lock on the battery itself does not offer enough protection. With STOER bikes, the battery is also easily removable so you can do this quickly. You can also use a battery bag for extra protection.
So what does good bicycle insurance for an e-bike cost?
Bike insurance costs an average of €10 to €25 per month, depending on the value of your bike and the coverage you choose. Do pay attention to the conditions: many insurers require at least ART 2 locks and have a reporting period of 24 hours in case of theft. Therefore, always compare several insurers.
So does GPS tracking really help recover a stolen bike?
In fact, GPS tracking significantly increases the chances of being found. Because you know immediately where your bike is and can give the police targeted information. Moreover, many thieves leave a bicycle behind when they notice it is being tracked. So never go looking for it yourself but always involve the police.
So where is the best place to store your e-bike at home?
So a locked shed or garage is ideal. Also, always lock your bike inside and, if possible, attach it to a wall anchor. No shed? Then hang your bike on hooks in the hallway or place it on the back wheel with the front wheel in a hook high in the wall.
So what should you do if you see your e-bike being stolen?
Therefore, call 911 immediately if you witness a bicycle theft. So never confront thieves yourself, as this can be dangerous. Do try to remember details: description, clothing, direction of escape, possible vehicle. Because this information is valuable to the police. If possible, also take photos or video from a safe distance.