Whether buzzing through London’s streets or coasting on seaside trails, electric bikes make your commute fun, fast, and environmentally friendly. They’ve become more valuable in recent years, making them a lucrative target for thieves.

E-bike thefts are reported weekly in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. This maddening situation has left many riders without their beloved bike and a clear idea of what to do next.

The good news? You can take definitive actions to increase your chances of recovery and strong steps to ensure it never happens again. If you’re new to the game, this guide covers everything about the topic in easy, bite-sized chunks. Think of it as something from a beginner’s guide to e-bikes in the UK, with an emergency chapter.

First Steps First: Publicize the Theft and Respond Immediately

To be sure, it might sound simple, but unfortunately, a lonely bike or one moved temporarily by building security can appear stolen. Breathe and double-check. Did you find the bike as you'd left it? Perhaps a friend or building staff member moved it?

Once you are sure, write down everything: the location, time of day, weather, what was around you, and any potential witnesses. Take clear photos of the damage, such as a snapped lock or tyre marks.

Tip for the future: Always use the frame and rear wheel to lock to something solid and immovable, like a cemented bike stand. Parking indoors within a locked shed or building is fine, though indoor theft is also rising. A good D-lock (rated Sold Secure Gold or Diamond) would help you secure your e-bike from theft.

Moreover, add coloured tape, stickers, or accessories to make your bike stand out from the rest. Thieves don’t take recognisable bikes, it’s harder to shift them on.

Immediately Report the Theft to the Police

In the UK, you must report any e-bike theft to the police immediately. Report the crime by calling 101 (the non-emergency number) or visiting your local police force’s website.

You’ll need:

A clear photo of your e-bike
Make, model, and colour
Frame and serial numbers
When and where the theft occurred
Track data, logs, or other CCTV evidence

The police will provide a Crime Reference Number, which is important to monitor your case and support insurance claims.

Tip for the future: Register your electric bike on BikeRegister before something goes wrong. It’s a free online database employed by police across the UK. Protect your bike by tagging it with a UV pen or tamper-proof sticker.

Want to stay safer? Stay connected. Get involved in local cycling community forums or social groups to stay updated on local thefts and suspicious-looking behaviour. That’s just one of the many savvy tips in this ultimate guide to e-Bike safety.

Record the Theft on National Bike Databases

Report to the police, then go straight to BikeRegister or Immobilise. These are national databases that allow you to list your bike as stolen.

Police, second-hand shops, and even the public look at these sites when they see a suspicious bike. It’s only a few minutes to comply and could prevent any type of e-bike from disappearing forever.

RedBike served as the primary transportation mode for most college students in the area, and unlocked bikes were pilfered off campus by the thousands over the next three years. Add images, serial numbers, and any mods. Register the battery’s serial number because it is also a valuable component that can be sold separately.

Noting the battery make and frame number is a good way to establish a digital identity for your bike that’s harder for thieves to erase.

Notify Your Insurance Company.

You should inform your insurance company. If you had insurance on your e-bike, this is where your policy kicks in. If they are covered by your home insurance or a specialist policy, then your first call should be to your insurer once you have your crime number.

Provide them with:

The Crime Reference Number
Receipts or invoices proving the purchase
Photos of the e-bike
Evidence of having used a lock (some policies stipulate a Sold Secure lock too)

All insurers have slightly different rules. Some will not cover theft if the bike wasn’t locked or parked overnight in an unsecured location. Read the fine print to understand your rights and limitations. Find details about the coverage in this guide to insurance for electric bikes in the UK.

Lesson for the future: Create a digital backup of your lock receipt, bike’s serial number, and proof of ownership.

Leverage GPS Tracker Data in Recovery

If your electric bike has a GPS tracker, it’s time to see the app. Real-time location can make all the difference.

Do not go alone after a robber. Give the police the information from the live tracker and let them take it from there. In the UK, dedicated cycle crime units, in some cities at least, have been using trackers to bust organised theft rings.

Advice for next time: Hide that GPS tracker more carefully! Inside the frame or under the saddle is ideal. Some even employ decoy tags to throw thieves off the scent. Establish geofence alerts, and you can receive a notification immediately if the bike becomes unexpectedly on the move.

Search Online Marketplaces

Thieves frequently try to sell stolen e-bikes on sites including Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree, and Shpock.

Bike searches can be done on your bike’s model, color, or unique features. Create an alert for similar listings. Check daily for a few weeks. If you see your bike, take a screenshot, the description, how much it’s selling for, information about the seller, and their location. Then report it to the police. Do not go to the seller yourself.

Word to the wise: Personalize your e-bike, so it doesn't look like everyone else's. Put some colourful handlebar grips, stickers, or scratches in random places on it. Photograph these details up close. It will allow you to identify your bike and discourage resale.

This is particularly true if you have one of the UK’s best road-legal electric bikes; they’re more at risk because they’re more desirable to thieves.

Review of Local CCTV and Witness Statements

Look at other buildings, shops, or street poles for security cameras. Many cities have started providing access to CCTV footage if a crime report is lodged.

Ask business owners and neighbours if they noticed anything. Some may remember having seen a suspicious individual lurking or a van nearby.

Note to self for next time: Never park in a place far away from human activity that is devoid of light and cameras. Stay out of dimly lit backstreets and dark areas. Try to park by schools, council offices, or shops with security cameras.

Post the Theft in Social and Cycling Communities

The power of social media. Upload a clear photo of your bike with a brief, punchy description; when and where it was stolen, what it looks like, and any special characteristics.

Post it in Facebook groups such as Stolen Ride London, on the cycling page for your town, or Reddit threads.

People like to help, and many bikes have been recovered with little more than a share.

Borrow a Bike While You Wait.

If you can’t wait for your repairs, they’re not urgent enough: A few days on the subway won’t kill you.

In the meantime, need a ride? Try a short-term solution. Lime, Tier, and HumanForest all run rental services in multiple UK cities, all offering electric bikes for pay-per-ride use.

Some local bike shops rent basic bikes by the week, or you can also borrow from a friend.

If you work outside your home and commute there, see if your employer can assist with temporary transportation options.

Improve Your E-Bike Security Going Forward

Once bitten, twice wise. Any accessory that improves the security of your bike is a step closer to us never having to have this fight again. Begin with two good locks — a D-lock and a secondary cable or folding lock.

Secure the frame and two wheels. Employ various lock mechanisms to stop thieves. Make sure you’re always securing to something that can't move.

Other upgrades

Install a loud alarm or Bluetooth smart lock
Install a hidden GPS tracker
Secure to a solid bicycle shed or garage anchor point

Advocate for safer infrastructure in your community.

Be part of the solution. Local councils all over the UK are starting to take the security of e-bikes seriously, so join hands with them to make our community safer and better.

Email your councillor demanding safe bike parking, extra CCTV, or bike hangars. Join petitions or link up with other riders.

When communities insist on change, they often get it.

Conclusion

Getting an electric bike stolen is a gut punch, but acting quickly and intelligently will increase the chances of getting it back. Whether filing reports with police, utilising trackers, or searching marketplaces, every action helps.

Protect yourselves by spending on strong locks, fitting a GPS tracker, and getting support from your community. The security of e-bikes doesn’t have to be complex. Be consistent, though.

Remember, safety can be fun too. Content like how do e-bikes work and are electric bikes legal are all good places to start.

With the proper know-how and protection, e-bike riding can be a joy, not an anxiety.