The electric bike has established itself as one of the best urban transport options: practical, economical, and eco-friendly, it transforms our daily lives. But this success also attracts thieves. Bike thefts, especially in large cities, have sharply increased in recent years.
The good news? Today, there are simple and effective solutions to ride with peace of mind.
Certified locks, appropriate insurance, good daily habits, and GPS tracking tools help secure your bike, deter theft attempts... and ensure coverage in case of the unexpected.
In this article, we guide you step by step to:
- Choosing a reliable lock recognized by insurance companies
- Understanding the benefits of GPS trackers
- Adopting the right habits for worry-free parking
- Understanding how insurance can protect your investment
GPS tracking: useful as a complement
GPS trackers for electric bikes, like Apple AirTag, connected locks, or hidden beacons, allow you to locate a bike remotely via a mobile app. They provide peace of mind, especially to check that the bike is still where you left it.
How does bike GPS tracking work?
There are two main categories of devices:
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External trackers, to attach or hide on the bike. They operate via:
- Bluetooth (e.g., AirTags), relying on the network of nearby devices.
- The GPS combined with a SIM card, offering real-time location via an app. This system usually requires a subscription.
- Connected bikes, which integrate a GPS module directly into their frame or battery. The location is then native, often more reliable, and invisible to an untrained thief.
However, these devices do not prevent break-ins: they help in trying to recover the bike after theft. GPS tracking is therefore a good complement, but it must be paired with a good lock.
Choosing the right lock for your electric bike
A good lock is the first line of defense against theft, especially in the city. It doesn’t make a bike unbreakable, but it significantly increases the time needed to break in. The longer a thief takes, the more deterred they are. A well-locked bike, with a visible and recognized lock, is often ignored in favor of an easier target.
Which lock should you choose to be insured?
Most insurance companies require the use of an SRA-approved or equivalent lock for theft coverage to apply. This is not arbitrary: SRA tests simulate real break-in scenarios, and only truly resistant locks meet the criteria.
Why these requirements?
- Because a non-certified lock can be cut in seconds, making theft much easier.
- Because it allows the insurer to verify that the protection was sufficient at the time of the theft.
- And because thieves also know which locks are the most resistant… and which are purely decorative.
In summary: to be insured, choose an U-lock, a thickened chain, or a folding lock certified SRA, or even two locks from this list. Keep your proof of purchase and certification (often found on the packaging or manufacturer’s website), as the insurer may ask for it if you report a theft.
What is the SRA certification?
The SRA certification (Automotive Security and Repair) is a French safety standard initially applied to motorcycle locks but now recognized for electric bike locks. An SRA-certified lock has been laboratory tested against several types of attacks (sawing, drilling, cutting, picking, etc.) and has demonstrated high resistance over a set period.
Insurers require this certification because it guarantees a minimum level of security: in case of theft, they can prove the bike was protected with a serious device. This prevents fraud and reduces the risk of unjustified reimbursement.
This is a reliability guarantee, recognized by insurers, which protects you not only against theft but also against claim denial in case of damage.
U-lock
The U-lock (also called “U-lock”) is considered one of the safest on the market. It consists of a very strong hardened steel shackle, difficult to cut even with powerful tools like an angle grinder or bolt cutters.
How to use it:
Attach the frame (and if possible a wheel) to a fixed and immovable point, like a bike rack or a sturdy post. Make sure not to leave too much space inside the U to prevent tool insertion.
Available on our website here - Security 10/10
Thick chain
The thick chain offers a good level of security while being more flexible than the U-lock. It is made of large hardened steel links and must be used with a solid padlock.
How to use it:
Wrap it around the frame, a wheel, and a fixed point. It’s a good option for places where a U-lock would be hard to position.
Available on our website here - Security 10/10
Folding lock
Made of hardened metal articulated segments, the folding (or articulated) lock offers a good balance between security, compactness, and ease of transport and storage on the bike. Its locking mechanism is integrated.
How to use it:
Convenient for locking a frame to a fixed point, even in tight urban environments. It easily attaches to the frame for transport.
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Cable locks are very flexible, lightweight, and easy to use… but very insecure. Even reinforced models can be cut in seconds with basic tools.
How to use it:
Only as a complement to a main lock, to secure removable parts (seat, front wheel…).
Lock with built-in alarm
Some lock models, especially U-locks or folding ones, include a sound alarm system. In case of attempted movement or suspicious vibration, a powerful alarm (up to 120 dB) automatically triggers.
How to use it:
Perfect for parking in urban areas, in busy zones. The sound effect immediately disturbs the thief, who may flee to avoid attracting attention. This type of lock combines mechanical protection and active alert.
Available on our site here - Security 7/10
Good habits to protect your electric bike
Even with a good lock, daily behavior plays a major role in the security of your electric bike. Here are the essential actions to drastically reduce the risk of theft.
1. Lock your bike to a fixed and immovable point
Always lock your bike, even for a stop of a few minutes, is a basic rule. But be careful where and how you lock it:
- Favor bike hoops, sealed metal barriers, or sturdy posts. Avoid low fences, removable panels, or trees.
- The lock must go through both the frame and a wheel (ideally the rear wheel, which is more expensive).
- Avoid securing only the front wheel: it detaches easily, and a thief can take off with the frame.
The right reflex: tighten your lock as much as possible to limit the space inside the U or the chain. This prevents inserting a lever tool.
2. Use two different locks
This is a highly effective tip. Using two different types of locks (for example, a U-lock + a chain) multiplies the time needed to break the security. Thieves act quickly: if it takes them more than 2-3 minutes, they often give up.
- A fixed lock (U-lock) for the frame + a portable lock (chain or folding) for the front wheel.
- Ideally, both locks should be SRA certified to remain covered by insurance.
This also increases the complexity of the break-in, as two different tools are needed to break them.
3. Remove the battery when parking
The battery is one of the most sought-after parts of an electric bike. It resells easily, is lightweight, and can be worth several hundred euros.
- If you leave your bike parked outside, we encourage you to remove the battery and keep it with you, whether for a short or long parking.
- This disables the bike, making it less attractive to steal (and harder to test or resell).
- As a bonus, this prevents it from being exposed to temperature changes or humidity.
If your battery can be locked, make sure it is securely locked with the key when you leave it.
4. Favor visible, busy, and well-lit places
Thieves act where they feel invisible and safe. To deter them:
- Lock your bike in busy areas: near cafes, in front of shop windows, on pedestrian routes.
- Avoid dark corners, quiet alleys, or backyards.
- At night, place it under a streetlight, ideally near a passageway or an open establishment.
Places with traffic and natural surveillance (cameras, passersby, shops) are your best allies.
Theft insurance: peace of mind every day
Even well locked, an electric bike remains a target. Insurance is your best ally in case of the unexpected.
Why insuring your electric bike is (almost) essential
Even well secured with one or two locks, an electric bike remains a highly sought-after valuable item. And in case of theft, it is rare for the police to recover it. Insurance then becomes a real safety net, so you don’t lose your entire investment overnight.
What good electric bike insurance covers
Unlike standard home insurance (often limited or unsuitable for electric bikes), dedicated bike insurance offers concrete guarantees designed for daily use:
- Theft by break-in or assault: if your bike is stolen while properly locked, you will be reimbursed (often at purchase value, depending on the bike's age).
- Accidental damage: a fall, vandalism, or collision can damage your bike. The insurance covers repairs or replacement if necessary.
- Theft of spare parts: some plans also cover the theft of the battery, wheels, or saddle, provided they are securely attached and locked if possible.
These guarantees are designed to prevent unpleasant daily surprises, without having to replace everything in case of trouble.
What to know before subscribing to insurance
Some important points to understand how it works:
- Subscription: often within 1 to 2 months after purchase.
- Coverage duration: it can extend up to 5 years, with or without commitment depending on the plan.
- Compensation conditions: most insurances require the bike to have been locked with an approved lock (SRA or equivalent). A photo of the lock or proof of purchase may be requested.
- Simplified claim: in case of theft or damage, the claim is made online in a few clicks. Reimbursement or replacement is usually quick, with no upfront costs.
A simple solution with Ritmic x Estaly
To support its users daily, Ritmic has partnered with Estaly to offer insurance specially designed for electric bikes.
This offer covers theft (by break-in or assault), accidental damage, and even theft of detachable parts like the battery or wheels (if properly secured). Subscription is simple, fully online, and claims are handled quickly, with no upfront costs. Insurance can be activated for up to three years, with conditions designed for regular urban use.
In summary: how to properly secure your electric bike
Effectively protecting your electric bike relies on a set of good habits and suitable equipment. Here are the essentials to remember to minimize the risk of theft of your electric bike:
- Use one or two SRA-certified locks, ideally of different types (U + chain).
- Always lock your bike to a fixed and secure point, passing the lock through the frame and a wheel.
- Remove the battery if you leave your bike parked outdoors, especially at night.
- Add an alarm or a GPS tracker to increase deterrence or recover the bike in case of theft.
- Subscribe to suitable insurance to be reimbursed in case of the unexpected and protect your investment.
Ritmic supports you
At Ritmic, every bike is designed for reliable, durable, and safe urban use. To enhance your peace of mind, we offer:
- Highly secure locks, tested and certified, suited to all needs.
- Comprehensive insurance in partnership with Estaly, covering theft, damage, and accessories, with a simple and fast service.
Our mission: to help you ride with peace of mind, every day.
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