E-Mountain Bikes: A Prime Target for Modern Thieves
When we were kids, late in the last century, we would bike all over town, our parents having no idea where we were. Whether we were dumping our bikes in a pile in front of a convenience store or leaving them on the side of the road before venturing into the woods, we were never concerned about coming back to fewer bikes than we left. Fast forward to our current environment, where our eMTBs can cost several thousand dollars, and we are a little more cautious about leaving our bikes unsecured. This is good, because crimes involving e-mountain bikes are on the rise.
Often coming with price tags between $4,000 and $12,000, and chock-full of expensive components, our precious investments are also irresistible targets for thieves. Unlike traditional bikes, eMTBs have highly re-sellable components like removable batteries, onboard electronics, and high-demand motor systems that are easy to strip and sell. To you, your bike is a trusted trail companion. To a thief, it’s a portable jackpot.
When Good Rides Go Bad: Real Theft Cases
The e-mountain bike crime wave isn’t hypothetical, it’s happening across the country. A comprehensive investigation uncovered a sophisticated theft ring operating in the Bay Area, where high-end electric bikes were stolen and trafficked to Mexico. The operation involved hundreds of bikes, with estimates suggesting over 654 stolen bikes valued at more than $2 million were sold through this network. The mastermind behind the ring operated with a level of impunity, highlighting the challenges in addressing cross-border bike theft.
In another case, a professional rider parked his van at a North Carolina trailhead while riding in Pisgah National Forest. The vehicle was locked, parked in broad daylight, and even had a camera nearby—but in under five minutes, thieves made off with two eMTBs worth over $18,000.
Online scams are also on the rise. In 2024, a Texas buyer sent $3,000 through Zelle to purchase a used Specialized Turbo Levo listed on Facebook Marketplace. What arrived was a hacked-together Frankenstein bike—no motor, fake branding, and a serial number flagged as stolen.
These examples of crimes involving e-mountain bikes are not outliers. They highlight just how quickly a moment of trust can turn into a major loss—and why e-mountain bike theft prevention should be part of every rider’s routine.
Understanding How Thieves Operate
EMTB theft isn’t just about bad luck. It’s about opportunity. And if your bike isn’t secured properly—at home, at a trailhead, or even in a car—you’re giving thieves an open door.
Most crimes happen fast and with precision. Garage burglaries are increasingly common in suburban neighborhoods, where thieves case homes looking for unlocked access or cheap locks. Trailhead thefts are typically crimes of opportunity, when a rider leaves their bike leaning against a vehicle or unsecured while they grab gear. Vehicle break-ins follow a similar pattern: thieves target parked cars near popular riding spots, often bypassing alarms to grab high-value bikes inside.
Then there are online scams—more subtle but just as damaging. Some criminals use photos of real bikes to set up fake listings, asking for payment via cash apps or cryptocurrency before disappearing. When shopping the used eMTB market, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Pro-Level Security: How to Protect Your eMTB
The best way to stop a thief is to think like one. Where are the weak points? What looks easy? With that mindset, here’s how to protect your investment:
First, start with your lock setup. A single cable lock won’t cut it. Invest in at least one high-security lock rated Sold Secure Gold or Diamond. Better yet, use two locks of different styles—like a U-lock through the frame and a chain or folding lock around the wheels or battery area. Lock your bike to an immovable object and never rest the lock on the ground where it can be hammered or leveraged. A good rule of thumb is to have at least TWO secure points, which will slow the thief down.
Next, secure your storage. If your eMTB lives in your garage, make that space harder to access. Install motion-sensor lighting and a Wi-Fi camera. Consider bolting a ground anchor into concrete and locking your bike inside, even when it’s already behind a door. Visibility, noise, and time are your best weapons; they make thieves think twice.
Take advantage of tech tools. GPS trackers are small, cheap, and surprisingly effective. Hide an Apple AirTag inside your seat tube or tuck an Invoxia tracker under your saddle. If your bike’s motor system includes anti-theft features—like Bosch’s lock mode or Specialized’s app-based motor disable — use them. Register your serial number with Bike Index or Project 529, so police have a fighting chance of recovering it if the worst happens.
Lastly, crimes involving e-mountain bikes aren’t always about taking a bike you already have! Don’t fall for scams when buying or selling e-bikes. Always meet in a safe, public space. Verify serial numbers and ask for proof of ownership. And if a deal seems too good to be true—it is.
Make Prevention a Habit, Not a Hassle
Here’s a smart, five-step routine to help protect your e-mountain bike every day:
- Use two locks, with at least one rated Sold Secure Gold or higher.
- Remove the battery when parking for long periods.
- Install a tracker—and check its battery monthly.
- Register your bike and store your serial number + photos.
- Upgrade your garage or vehicle security with lights, locks, and alerts.
These habits don’t just reduce your risk, they increase your peace of mind. And when you’ve invested thousands into your bike, that peace of mind is worth every minute.
Final Thoughts: Outsmart the Criminals
My Dad is a retired New York City Police Officer. I’ve been around his streetwise thinking long enough to know that while you see your eMTB as a sweet ride, thieves see it as a big pile of cash. If you treat it that way – you wouldn’t leave a pile of cash lying around, unsecured – you are on track to keep your bike safe.
e-Mountain bikes aren’t just expensive, they’re personal. They represent freedom, challenge, and the joy of the ride. Losing one to theft can feel like losing a part of your identity. The good news is, you’re not powerless. With a few smart changes, you can make your eMTB a hard target, discourage opportunistic theft, and ride with more confidence.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll break down the best locks on the market—tested, rated, and reviewed—so you can build your security setup with confidence.
Do you have a unique way of keeping your bike secure? Let me know, I’d love to hear about it!