The development was foreseeable and now the boom in e-bikes is showing its first negative effect: In the last ten years, the average compensation paid by insurers for bicycle theft has almost doubled. Even a look into the future does not show anything good.
According to police statistics, the number of reported bicycle thefts fell slightly to around 260,000 bikes last year. However, this decrease in the number of stolen bicycles is on the one hand due to the Corona. For example, bicycles were left unattended outdoors much less often – for example, because there were fewer “station parkers” due to home office. In addition, during the various lockdowns and curfews, people were probably less on the move (by bike).
And of course, bike thieves are likely to have gone about their dark day’s work less often. In addition, bicycle thefts are often not reported, which is why the number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher.
Bicycle theft: Damage sums are increasing due to the e-bike boom
But despite the slight decrease, the loss amount in 2020 was unchanged at 110 million euros, according to the Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) .
Conversely, this means that fewer and more expensive bicycles have been stolen. According to the association, the average compensation paid by insurers reached an all-time high of 730 euros. And: “The success of the e-bikes should increase the amount of damage in the future,” predicts GDV General Manager Jörg Asmussen. For comparison: ten years ago insurers paid an average of 400 euros for a stolen bike.
Good bike insurance can help in the event of a claim. But it is even better to prevent theft. The suppliers and manufacturers of bicycle locks promise effective protection against bicycle theft – and that in all price ranges. Whether cable lock, U-lock, folding lock, or chain lock: the range is huge – and only very few models keep what they promise and withstand the brazen bicycle thieves.
How much does a good bike lock cost?
The price of a good bike lock depends a lot on what type of bike you want to secure with it. With children’s bicycles or bicycles that you always keep an eye on (for example because you are taking a short break on the bike tour), a simple chain lock is often sufficient for around 10 euros.
However, if you leave your bike unattended for a few hours, then you shouldn’t be saving at the wrong end. Good locks then cost around 50 euros. If you leave your bike outside for a longer period of time, we recommend a stationary lock, for which prices between 90 and over 100 euros are due.
What do I have to look out for when buying a bicycle lock?
The decisive criterion when buying a bicycle lock is not so much the price but above all the purpose of the lock. A lock that you always want to have with you on your bike in everyday life should be sufficiently tamper-proof, but not too heavy and easy to use. As a general rule, when it comes to particularly cheap locks, it is better to look twice before buying them. If, on the other hand, the bike is to be secured stationary, mobility does not play a major role, but security against break-in is all the more important.
Where should I buy a bike lock?
If you are sure which lock you want, then nothing speaks against purchasing in the online shop. If you have not yet decided whether you would rather use a chain, armored cable, or U-bolt lock or would like to try out whether the lock you want fits your bike, we recommend that you consult your specialist dealer. He is also up to date on the latest developments and innovations.
Bicycle theft 2021: e-bike boom attracts thieves
You don’t need a prophet in 2021 to expect a massive increase in the number of thefts. In the course of the far-reaching easing and the bicycle boom triggered by the pandemic – especially for the naturally rather high-priced e-bikes – the growing supply is likely to increase “demand”.
According to a study by the Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV), the sale of bicycles rose by 17 percent last year, which is largely due to the 43 percent increase in e-bikes sold (two million in all).
