I’m trying to use my car less and bike to places where I can. I’ve thought about getting an e-bike to extend the range of places I can bike to, but one things that’s holding me back is what do I do with it while at the store? If it were just my crappy normal bike I wouldn’t really worry too much about someone stealing it, but if I’m gonna spend a few hundred on an e-bike I am nervous about leaving it unattended.
What are your thoughts?
I use a frame lock for the back wheel(which has the motor) and a chain which I use to lock the frame to the bike stand.
If I’m leaving the bike for just 15 minutes I leave battery in. Longer than that I take the battery with me. Noone is going to try to steal an ebike without a battery when there’s people around. The bike looses half of its value without it, since it will be harder to sell.
I always leave my helmet on the bike (it’s like 10 bucks). If there are people that are desperate enough to steal my helmet, it’s a good indicator that I should never park there again.
I was a bit worried about leaving my bike unattended at first, but I’ve grown out of it. Also, my bike is covered by my home insurance, so the monetary risk is low.
Vote with your wallet when it comes to bike racks, choose businesses with bike racks that reach the frame and not just the front wheel.