Insurance companies have tightened electric bike insurance requirements, because the risk of theft is increasing. In Flevoland, the insurance company Univé is also increasingly paying out money for stolen bicycles. But how can you prevent your e-bike from being stolen? Here are six tips:
1) Two locks
“Buy at least two locks,” is the advice of Ton Ten Brinke from the Lelystad branch of the Cyclists' Union. In addition to the ring lock, this also applies to the chain, for example.
2) Safe
The other tip Ten Brinke offers is that you should always attach your e-bike to a fixed item. This means that a thief cannot easily take the bike and try to break the locks elsewhere. When you lock your bike, never do so on the front wheel only and leave the lock hanging down and not on the ground.
There are no firm figures for the number of e-bikes stolen in the Netherlands. Police say that nationally there has been a significant increase in the number of thefts. Insurance company Univé has an indication of how things are going in Flevoland. Nationally, theft has been paid three times. In Flevoland this is much more than four times more. However, a much larger number of e-bikes are insured with Univé.
3) Guarded bicycle shed
Advice from the Almere branch of the Cyclists' Union is to use the city's free bike sheds. There are many of them in the city center and at the station. There are also guarded bike sheds in Lelystad.
4) Frame number
In addition, the Cyclists' Union itself advises always writing down the frame number. The frame number is unique to each bike and is important because it allows you to report it to the police.
5) Clearly visible
Strategic parking is also important according to the Cyclists' Union. For example, it is best to place your e-bike opposite a place where people will wait. For example a bus station. A place with a lot of pedestrians is less safe, because they rarely look around.
6) Pay attention to the battery
It's also important to pay attention to your battery. According to the association, more and more battery thieves are active. These separate batteries can also save you a lot of money.
Finally, what if your bike is stolen? Then look around the street corner or walk a little further. The thief may have placed it there for later pickup.
