Keep your E-trike Protected from Theft

There are lots of reasons why e-trikes have become an extremely fast-growing segment of the cycling market. For anyone interested in a fun and healthy outdoor activity, the pedaling assistance coming from a strong motor and capable battery opens all sorts of biking possibilities. Even people who thought their bike-riding days were long gone are finding they can once again enjoy cycling for pleasure, sport, heart-healthy exercise, and even commuting.

Stronger and More Powerful = Higher Prices

As you would expect, adding power and strength to an adult tricycle increases the manufacturing cost of each unit. An e-trike company has to pass some of that extra expense along to you, the customer, or else it will soon be out of business. It is prudent to keep any trike safe and protected, and this is especially true of electric trikes because they are more costly possessions. If you get careless about protecting your e-trike from thieves, you can count on discovering how it feels to have your expensive ride stolen.

Steps to Secure Your Electric Trike

Purchasing a top-quality and highly reliable e-trike is no small investment. Even a company like Mooncool that focuses on consumer-friendly pricing is forced to charge more for an e-trike.

Assess Your Risk

Naturally, you will be very interested in protecting your new e-trike, so first let’s do a quick assessment of your security risk. If you live in a community or small town with low population, then  your security risk is likely to be low to moderate. But if you commute to larger communities, then your risk escalates. And of course, wherever you’re located, your risk is higher at night.

If you live in a large city or on a college or university campus, then you are at a very high level of security risk. This is true anytime your e-trike is left outside and unattended. And remember, the longer it is left unattended, the higher the risk…especially for times in excess of 30 minutes. Wherever you take your e-trike, always think in terms of risk assessment. Where will you be riding? What time of day? Will your Mooncool be left unattended, and how long? 

Always be Prepared to Secure your E-trike

Never ride without having a good lock on board. Never leave your e-trike unattended without locking it to some secure object, such as a bike rack, street sign or lamp post. If you are in a higher risk area, plan to return to your Mooncool within 30 minutes. And if you’re transporting your e-trike, lock it to the transport rack or platform!

Many e-trike riders feel that a folding lock is the best choice. It is easy to attach to your frame and convenient to use. Bear in mind that it is essential to put your lock around something that is obviously stout and secure. Don’t even think about locking your precious e-trike to a chain link fence or a small-diameter sign post. Further, never use even a stout post if it is less than 8 feet in height, making it too easy to lift your trike and slide the lock off the post.

Of course, the lock you choose must be long enough to go around a very sturdy post. Suppose you want to secure your electric trike to a strong lamp post. With a long-style folding lock, it’s easy; but with a u-lock, it’s impossible. It’s important to have a lock that is long enough to go around a variety of objects that are sturdy enough to provide the security you need!

Is Just a Good Lock Adequate for Security?

Yes, it’s true that any lock can be defeated, but a good lock will slow down a thief and discourage any passers-by from thinking of stealing your e-trike. You can define a “good lock” as one that will take more than three minutes to defeat. Three minutes seems to be the point at which most thieves will decide it’s too risky to continue. At that point, they are likely to believe it’s safer and easier to move on to someone else’s e-trike.

As you shop for a good lock, this is not the time to look for bargains. If you go cheap on your lock, you’re also making it easy for thieves to target your e-trike. Getting the right lock will mean a little more expense and a little more weight (the better locks are also heavier), but it is definitely worth it!

Whatever lock you use, do it properly. Trike wheels are too easy to remove, so that is not the place to put  your lock. Put your lock around the frame. If you have a wheel with a quick release feature, you may need to have a second lock to prevent theft of your wheel. In any case, two locks are always better than one. Anything that makes it more difficult for a thief is a good thing!

Keep Eyes On Your Ride

Considering that a skilled thief can defeat any lock, it’s still true that there is no substitute for watching your e-trike at all times. It’s not always convenient, but it is certainly the best security. When visiting a restaurant, coffee shop, bar, etc. look for a seat near a window where you can have a view of your e-trike. At a convenience store, get back to the front window every 2 minutes to take a look at your e-trike. That gives you just enough time to grab that coke or bottle of water and still keep eyes on your ride.

When you get back home, you should continue to keep security in the forefront of your mind. If you store your e-trike in a garage or shed, lock it to something that would make things difficult for any thief. Remove your battery — that makes your e-trike less appealing. If you live in a high-risk area and have a quick release, remove your front wheel.

Just in Case

In the final analysis, no e-trike can be 100% secured. It is important to be prepared, just in case you become the target for theft. In the worst case scenario, you don’t want to get stuck with the bill for replacing an expensive electric trike! This means you need to consider purchasing insurance to protect yourself.

This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways, and with varying levels of protection. If you have insurance on your home, it’s worth a call to your insurance agent to ask if your e-trike is covered by your policy. If it is not covered, the insurance company may be willing to provide an inexpensive rider that will give you adequate coverage. 

If the home insurance route is “no go” for you, then consider purchasing e-trike insurance. Do your homework and explore the options that are available. You can find a policy with very basic coverage, or you may decide to go for all the bells and whistles, even including a ride home if your e-trike fails while you’re out on a long ride.

Give careful thought to security for your e-trike — you won’t regret it! And if you’re still shopping for a good e-trike at a reasonable price, click here to see all the Mooncool trikes.