The shock runs deep: You return to your parking spot, and your beloved ebike is gone! Unfortunately, this happens everywhere and all the time – not just in big cities. But don’t panic, even though the anger is understandable – now is the time for quick and structured action. In this blog post, you will find out what you need to do if your ebike has been stolen and how to report the theft.
1. Your ebike got stolen? These are the first steps after a theft
2. Tips for securing your bike: How to make it difficult for thieves
1. Your ebike got stolen? These are the first steps after a theft
Has your ebike been stolen? It is best to go through the following steps immediately, one after the other.
1.1. Locating via GPS Tracker
Did you proactively install a GPS tracker, such as the GPS tracker from PowUnity or the Bosch eBike ConnectModule in your bike? This is now worth its weight in gold! Open the corresponding app immediately and check the last known or current location. If you receive a location signal, do not go there alone. Report the location to the police and leave the securing of the scene to the professionals.
1.2. Reporting the theft to the police
Is your bike gone and tracking isn’t possible? Then you must report the ebike theft to the police. Filing a police report is the most important step because:
- It is the basic requirement if you want to file a claim with your insurance company.
- It is the only way for your bike to be officially added to the wanted list.
How to report the theft:
- On-site: Visit the nearest police station – this is often the fastest way if you have all the documents with you.
- Online: Many cities offer an online theft report form via their “Online Police Station” to file the complaint digitally.
To report the theft seamlessly, you should have the following documents ready:
- ID card / passport
- bill of sale or invoice as proof of ownership
- If available, a bike passport. This contains important data such as the frame number (serial number) and the coding.
- If available, proof of bicycle coding. This is the alphanumeric code that the police have either stamped into the seat tube or attached as a sticker to the ebike. It is unique and identifies your bike.
- precise description of the ebike (brand, model, colour, distinguishing features).
1.3. Searching for the ebike locally yourself
Sometimes ebikes are simply abandoned after a “joyride.” It doesn’t hurt to ask at the local Lost and Found office if your bike has been turned in.
- Check busy places like train stations, central public squares, or large bus stops. Sometimes bikes are simply dumped there after brief use.
- Visit local second-hand shops or dealers who accept used bicycles. Since some stolen bikes are sold through such channels, leaving a tip about your bike there can be helpful.
- Support the search by putting up “Wanted” flyers with a photo and the frame number in the immediate vicinity of the crime scene or by leaving a notice in local shops.
1.4. Searching for the ebike on the internet
Especially with expensive ebikes, thieves often try to sell the bike quickly via online platforms. Search on common classified ad portals and in social media groups for your model. If you find your bike, do not contact the seller directly! It is better to inform the police immediately and let them take control of the repatriation.
To make resale even more difficult for petty thieves, you should have your ebike indexed on special portal like BikeIndex.org. This site maintains a large, internationally accessible database of stolen bicycles.
1.5. Contacting the insurance company
Have you filed the police report? Then the next important step is contacting your insurance company. Check in advance which insurance covers you:
- home contents insurance
- specific ebike insurance
You can find details on the exact differences as well as the pros and cons of both types regarding theft protection in our blog post on theft protection.
The most important points:
- Report the loss/claim to your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Send the police report, including the case number received, and all necessary documents such as the purchase contract or bike passport directly with it. This speeds up processing.
1.6. What should I do if my bike reappears?
Congratulations! First, you must report the find to the police immediately so that the search for your bike is cancelled. If you have already received a compensation from the insurance company, the recovered bike legally belongs to the insurer. But don’t worry: You have a right of choice. Usually within a two-week period after the insurance company has informed you in writing, you can decide whether you want to return the compensation received and keep your ebike or keep the money and leave the bike to the insurer. This decision is particularly important if you only received partial compensation. In this case, it may make more financial sense to get the bike back. Important to know: If you miss the deadline, the right of decision passes to the insurance company. Therefore, immediate communication with the insurance is crucial as soon as your e-bike is found.
2. Tips for securing your bike: How to make it difficult for thieves
Caution is better than forbearance! Sure, right now quick action is crucial. But just as important is how you can prevent ebike theft in the future. First and foremost is a good bike lock. Heavier, massive locks like the ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500K/90, a folding lock of the highest security level, often offer the best protection. Always remember to lock the frame to a fixed object, not just one of the two wheels.
Additionally, you should rely on technology. An installed GPS tracker is worth its weight in gold. After all, it enables tracking in the event of theft. In addition, alarm boxes or alarm locks, which trigger a loud alarm in the event of vibration, help effectively deter thieves.
Preparation is also key. Be sure to create a bike passport with photos, the frame number, and all details of your bike. Also, have your ebike coded by the appropriate local authority. This unique alphanumeric combination on the frame significantly restricts resale for thieves. And don’t forget: If possible, remove the battery during longer stops or overnight. An ebike without a power source is less attractive to thieves. A bike cover can help hide the brand and value of the ebike in public places. You can find more prevention tips in our blog post on ebike theft protection.
Pictures: August Bremicker Söhne KG, Ebike24