E-Bike Theft in Sydney is Rising? Yes!

Did you also feel like more e-bikes are missing around Sydney lately? E-Bike Theft in Sydney is rising, becoming a real problem for everyday riders. With more people using e-bikes to get to work, deliver food, or just cruise around town, thieves are cashing in.

Australia went from importing about 54,000 e-bikes in 2017–18 to nearly 360,000 in 2021–22. That’s a massive jump. Even though we don’t have the exact numbers for Sydney or NSW, it’s clear that more and more locals are switching to electric bikes every month. And unfortunately, that means more targets for theft.

NSW Police and community pages have flagged areas like the Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs for increased bike thefts. And these days, it’s not just regular bikes; e-Bike theft in Sydney is happening more because they’re expensive and easy to resell.

It’s time to take bike security seriously. Let’s talk about what’s going on and how you can keep your ride safe.

Electric Bike Security Tips

If you’ve got an e-bike in Sydney, you need to treat it like a car. These things aren’t cheap, and thieves know it. Here are a few simple electric bike security tips that can protect e-bike from theft:

• Use a solid lock (or two): A wire lock won’t cut it. Get a heavy-duty U-lock or chain lock. If you can, use both to make your bike harder to mess with.
  
  

• Lock it right: Always lock the frame and at least one wheel to something fixed—like a metal rack or post. Just locking the wheel won’t stop a thief.
  
  

• Don’t park in quiet spots: Try to park in busy, well-lit areas, especially ones with CCTV. Thieves don’t like an audience.
  
  

• Mix it up: Don’t leave your bike in the same spot every day. If someone’s watching, that routine makes it easier to plan a theft.
  
  

• Take off what you can: Got a removable battery or seat? Take it with you. It’s one less thing for a thief to grab.
  
  

These electric bike security tips might seem basic, but they work. Most stolen bikes were either unlocked or locked poorly. Don't give thieves an easy win.

E-Bike Anti-Theft Devices

E-bike theft in Sydney is rising, so it’s smart to go beyond just using a lock. Here are some practical e-bike anti-theft devices you can get in Sydney to better protect your e-bike from theft:

1. GPS Trackers:

• AnyTrack GPS Trackers: These compact, battery-powered devices offer real-time tracking and geofencing. Suitable for both electric and standard bicycles, they can be purchased directly from  AnyTrack's website.
  
  

• Monimoto GPS Tracker: Specifically designed for motorcycles and e-bikes, Monimoto provides location tracking and alerts to your smartphone if unauthorised movement is detected. Available through  Monimoto Australia.
  
  

2. Locks and Alarms:

• ETOOK Ultra Hardened Steel Chain Bike Lock: Featuring a 9mm thick hardened steel chain with a protective nylon cover, this lock offers robust security. It's available from various online retailers, including  Fully Charged.

• E-Ozzie Electric Bike Grip Lock-on Single – Graphite: This grip lock is designed to secure your e-bike's handlebars, preventing unauthorised use. It's made from durable materials and offers a straightforward locking mechanism. Available for purchase on  E-Ozzie's website.

• E-Ozzie High-Security Lock for Electric Scooters & Bikes: This foldable lock provides robust security with its high-strength materials and compact design, making it easy to carry. It's suitable for both electric scooters and bikes. You can find it on  E-Ozzie's website.

• Ampd Brothers' Bike Locks and Alarms: Ampd Brothers offers a range of high-quality locks and alarm systems tailored for e-bikes. Their products are designed to provide robust security, deterring potential thieves effectively. You can explore their selection on Ampd Brothers' website.
  
  

3. Integrated Security Systems:

• Bosch eBike Lock: For e-bikes equipped with Bosch systems, the 'Lock' function disables motor support when the display is removed, adding an extra layer of security. This feature turns your display into a digital key, ensuring that only you can activate the motor. More details are available on Bosch's official site.

Safe Places to Park Electric Bikes in Sydney

At Goulburn Street Car Park in the city centre, you’ll find free, casual bike racks and a secure cage with 24 spaces for regular users. It’s close to major offices and shopping areas, making it a smart option for daily commuters.

Kings Cross Car Park near Darlinghurst offers 32 free bike racks. It’s a well-lit and busy location, close to residential blocks, shops, and cafes—ideal for locals and short-term parking.

Across Sydney train stations and bus hubs, Transport for NSW provides bike sheds and secure lockers. These are great if you’re combining bike and public transport travel locations, including Central, Parramatta, and Bondi Junction.

Near the UNSW Kensington campus, the Barker Street Bike Store offers 25 secure racks, a repair station, lockers, and shower access. It’s perfect for students and staff looking for safe all-day parking.

Parkiteer cages are available at many transport hubs across Sydney and NSW, offering free, secure access to registered users. They’re commonly found near stations like Blacktown, Penrith, and Hornsby.

In areas like Haymarket, Potts Point, and Paddington, the City of Sydney has trialled dedicated on-street e-bike parking bays to keep shared and personal e-bikes parked legally and safely. These zones reduce clutter and give riders a clear place to leave their bikes without risk.

Conclusion

Alright, so it looks like our awesome e-bikes are sadly becoming hot targets for thieves here in Sydney. Don't stress too much! Just remember to lock your bike up like it's Fort Knox using some seriously strong locks, and try to park it where there are plenty of eyes around. Switching up your parking spot is a smart move, too, and if you can easily take your battery or seat with you, go for it! For some extra superhero-level protection, anti-theft gadgets like trackers and alarms are worth a look. And speaking of looking out for your ride, you should check out those E-Ozzie goodies! Those seem like they've got your back.