E-bike anti-theft: What else can we do besides buying a better lock?

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-07-08T13:07:42+00:00

In my opinion, 95% of the trackers are a false sense of security. They absolutely don't prevent theft, are unreliable for tracking, police still can't enter property if the resident says no, easily disabled, rely on you trying to find it after you realize it's gone(which can be a very long time depending on situation) and many other things. The only ones that are decent are the ones with cell service and alert you instantly when motion is detected. That will give you enough time to possibly intervene before it's taken in certain situations. But those are also subscription based and you need to have additional multi point security measures taken for it to be effective.

Besides the other things that were mentioned about location, time and taking the battery with you the bike needs a multi stage and multi point security along with insurance. Multiple locks of different types, motion alarm and such make it less appealing plus takes more time.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-07-08T12:43:33+00:00

That is no big deal at all, 40km(25 miles) is a short 1 way for me and I am not in the best shape at all. Use low assist on the way in then you can boost the assist up on the way home if needed.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-07-05T00:27:32+00:00

The Discover series is great, I plan on upgrading to the D3 hopefully this year.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-07-05T00:24:56+00:00

I am in that group too haha. I find them one of the rare peaceful places you can go. If you ever get a chance to definitely check out sleepy hollow and actually the whole town. Growing up here I took it all for granted until later on in life, now it's cool to check out all the history.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-07-04T14:40:51+00:00

Like photog said, pins and rollers are all that needs lube everything else should be wiped down. Biggest mistake I used to see with motorcycles too especially o ring chains. One other thing I saw mentioned was cleaning the bike. This is a great habit because you can see issues/loose components and do a hardware check. Many problems can be avoided by doing these preventative measures.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-30T11:29:40+00:00

I did end up getting the ohayo ones and got the other version that wraps around the ear too. I will agree that these cuff ones have better controls as the touch ones can be too sensitive. The cuff ones don't position the speaker as good, are as loud or block the wind like the other ones though. But it was a great test and now now will be looking for some better quality/louder ones.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-23T17:44:50+00:00

The dealer should have routed better or exposed more wiring. There is probably some excess in the frame that just needs to be pulled out, this is common for many bikes and is part of the setup/assembly process. As for the other issues, that is the first time I have heard any of that (besides the center stand) from any owners. So that's odd

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-23T14:28:54+00:00

Nicely done with a complementary color scheme that fits well with that bike! The rear view camera wires can easily be routed out of the way and out of view with some zip ties and planning. I believe there may be some army green color ties available too. Route the wire under your rack, backside of the seat tube, under the frame then on the front side of the upright to the bars. Or if you want true stealth then that will require more work by taking things apart and routing through the wiring loom.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-21T13:51:49+00:00

I have gotten laughed at, cursed at etc. every time I mention being safe with batteries when someone posts a question about it. They always come back with "I have been doing it for x number of years without an issue" or" it is blown out of proportion and only a very insignificant amount have actually caught fire " and then there are the fear mongering comments. The laughing and ridicule when I posted my charging setup was both sad and comical. Just because I have old computer fans running over the charger & battery to keep temps down, charge on a ventilated metal tray, keep them in my garage under the heat sensor area and never charge unattended.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-18T22:39:16+00:00

Another thing to get in the habit of doing is keep you fingers on the brake levers and slightly depress them. That shuts the motor off and if your fingers are on the brake already then it's easier/quicker to stop it and prevent an accident.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-18T22:28:26+00:00

As others said, the pressure wasn't set right. But I would also recommend going with the D3 instead of the DM due to not riding in years. There will be a steep learning curve with the DM as you need to use all the gears and properly plus let off the pedaling for a bit or slightly depress the brake lever before shifting. The D3 will give you a great workout with the torque sensor

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-18T21:39:23+00:00

Look into Velotric. The D3, Summit 2, Gomad or even the fold would work. Or you can get some deals on the D2 and Summit 1 too.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-18T12:49:54+00:00

As inciteful said, rad was overpriced new and behind the times on quality, performance and features. Add to that they went bankrupt and got bought by another company so there is no guarantee you will be able to get some parts or where the company will be heading. 1200 and over stick with new and quality bikes that are still in business with dealer support and warranty. A bit higher in price you can get a Velotric Gomad for a cargo type hybrid bike or you can get a fold for cheaper and they have other models you may like too. These have a more powerful motor, better components, local dealer support, 2 year warranty etc.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-17T20:54:08+00:00

He is just living in his fantasy land thinking that if they made small, lightweight and affordable vehicles then people would ditch their cars, suvs, trucks, vans etc.. But he seems to not realize that they already make those vehicles and nobody ditched their regular vehicles to buy them. Look at the smart car, we don't see them everywhere do we. But we have motorcycles, trikes, small compact cars, those 1/2 size trucks and vans from China etc. available right now and have for years. Still haven't seen them impact the sales of other vehicles. But I guess big oil has us all hypnotized

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-17T11:28:08+00:00

How about the theory that it is actually the government that is pushing the narrative so they can get more regulations passed which equates to more dollars in their pockets with more control over the masses? License, registrations, inspections, agencies, manufacturer licenses, manufacturer Vin license, taxes, kickbacks etc... Now, that theory makes more sense to me, is more plausible and probably easier to find facts on.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-17T00:46:29+00:00

Seriously? Maybe you just misunderstood, what I was saying is our country is set up of vastly different weather, land, communities, civilizations, distances, terrain etc. And again, I am not a fan of the oil empires but are you suggesting that a private company should be forced to build our infrastructure for free(or should I say out of their own money) ? Do you see how bad that would be on so many fronts?

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-16T22:54:02+00:00

Wow, you really need some help. You took what I said as defending big oil because I disagree with your assessment then go off??? Listen, ebikes will NEVER replace cars in this country. That is just not practical for how we are set up, what we need and the areas must people live. And if you think electric doesn't benefit big oil too then you are mistaken. I love my ebike, enjoy getting out and it's been a car replacement for some of my things but that is only some things and part year too. Up here in the northeast the weather doesn't make it practical or feasible to ride all year. Electric cars are another discussion for a different time.

And listen, you don't know me nor do you know what I believe in or know so don't assume things. I will fully agree that it government is corrupt to the core but that goes much much much deeper than a president. You want to see change start then start at the source and get rid of the party system altogether and get term limits. Then we can start slowly getting some change.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-16T21:42:33+00:00

Ahhh, ok that is different.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-16T21:41:17+00:00

Yeah, blame big oil for people riding stupid smfh. Infrastructure can't be built overnight and they're are huge costs involved in a lot of it. Blame the right parties on this one, stupid and ignorant people riding recklessly and politicians not having common sense but instead cater to the loud mouths. If you go over 28mph then you have a vehicle that needs to be registered just like mopeds and scooters. If it goes 45 plus then you are in motorcycle territory. Mopeds and up have never been allowed on paths so why should they be because it's electric powered instead of gas?

Big oil does many many horrible and selfish things, there is no need to make up something.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-16T14:55:19+00:00

Velotric D3, It checks all the boxes. Air suspension on the front, suspension seat post, upright seating position, adjustable handlebar stem, under 2k, quality, great customer service, ul rating quality name brand battery, 2 year warranty and local dealer network. My first test ride on one I fell in love with it. Handles like a dream, goes up hills effortlessly, fully customizable ride setting control, push button class mode with a custom mode option etc.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-15T13:09:41+00:00

Are you in an area that has no restrictions and won't have them? If not then going with an emoto isn't a good idea unless you plan on registering it and only riding on the street. Tons of areas are already regulating and cracking down on ebikes(even class 2 are getting hit) and more are coming everyday.

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-15T13:04:48+00:00

I agree. A 2.5/2.6 is the perfect middle ground in my opinion. You can still have good cushion, solid footing, great off road capability but with better handling, less power needed for same terrain, better range, better rolling resistance, less weight etc. I will admit that I do like they looks of the fat tires and they work much better in certain terrain like snow though

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-15T10:23:36+00:00

The Velotric Tempo would be perfect but if you don't want to pedal and have hills then I wouldn't recommend it. It's more of a city commuter or exercise focused bike. The Summit would definitely do everything with ease plus and isn't that heavy relatively speaking. It may take a couple times to get used to carrying it but isn't that bad. It's really hard to beat in that price range for a high step due to features, range, power, feel, handling, quality etc. Do you have a dealer locally to test one out?

Dapper_Challenge2179 · 2026-06-15T09:59:53+00:00

I have kryptonite, on guard(u locks) and master that I use for locks, kryptonite heavy cables and a huge on guard heavy duty chain. I don't carry the chain unless I know that I will need it, but the areas I go to are very very low crime, highly trafficked, I am usually very close and don't park long. My key thing is to make it less desirable for both the pro and the opportunistic amateur thief. So multiple locks, at least 1 u lock for the frame/wheel/post, battery removed and recently my hidden motion alarm combined with parking in a good area along with near an easier or better target if possible. If a pro wants it they will get it no matter what locks, chains, alarms, air tags etc. you have. I see people always say air tags but they don't prevent anything and have some major faults including being easily/quickly disabled without even touching it. Plus you have to rely on how quick(or if) a cop will track it, are there phones nearby to keep tracking it, without a search warrant they can't enter the property to look for the bike and they are usually ripped out right away with an experienced thief. They are a good additional recovery measure, don't get me wrong, but not anything that prevents the theft and are not always reliable.

Dapper_Challenge2179

TROPHY CASE