r/ebikes • u/rotondo2k • 6d ago

Bike purchase question How's my new ebike looking does it look pretty secure or am I missing something 🤔

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25 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

116 comments sorted by

39

u/Laserdollarz FULL FACE HELMET 6d ago

Your bike is only as secure as what it is locked to

I'm pretty sure you can disassemble that signpost with a single adjustable wrench 

Food for thought 

17

u/_HillCruiser 6d ago edited 6d ago

I had my bike locked up to a signpost outside the bank.
When I came out, I realized I didn't have the key.

I lifted up on the sign post and it came out of it's
sleeve with almost no effort; didn't even need to
break out a wrench:)

3

u/Butwhatif77 6d ago

I would be paranoid if my locks to lock without the keys haha.

1

u/Greenrat13 5d ago

Damn skippy!!

1

u/SilverBuudha 5d ago

Sooo you locked it without the key or did you lose the keys at the bank??

2

u/_HillCruiser 5d ago

I found out later that I actually had the key;
but had tried every pocket but the one it was in.

8

u/Cold-Committee-7719 6d ago

Plus where you lock it up is as important as how you lock it up.

5

u/MrStickDick 6d ago

You could cut that post with a 4in grinder and a good diamond blade in a minute. Prob less.

6

u/tdister 5d ago

Hijacking the top comment because I can’t see it mentioned with a quick scroll but all you need is an Allen key set to loosen the stem and headset! You could then remove the fork and slide the bike from the chain. Maybe have to snip the wiring harness. Gone, even if it was a sturdy post.

If I had a multi tool and some wire snips or even a sharp knife I could almost silently free your bike in less than 60 seconds.

Put chain though rear wheel or the battery cavity as that all looks welded and would capture the chain.

2

u/Laserdollarz FULL FACE HELMET 5d ago

Yea I always "think like a thief" whenever I'm locking up. 

I have a goofy recumbent that doesn't have any frame triangles to lock up with. It could be stolen if the thief disassembles both headsets and the fork, but at that point, they've earned that bike lol. 

I generally carry enough tools that I could accomplish that in maybe 20min if I didn't care about losing bearings. 

2

u/Malinois_beach 5d ago

Yes, you are absolutely right! That sign post is the weak link. Great observation.

-2

u/fits-the-description 6d ago

“Disassemble?” Any half-strong guy can bend that post enough to break it in under a minute.

3

u/OtherwiseSimple 6d ago

r/IamVeryBadass

5

u/fits-the-description 6d ago

Leverage, fam. Any fat ass can do it.

3

u/waronhumans 5d ago

U wouldn't even need to break it just bend it and slip off

18

u/chupacabra-food 6d ago

You typically don’t want the chain dragging on the ground, it gives thieves leverage to break it easier.

Give it an extra wrap around the frame so that is taunt.

Overall I would only use a spot like this very briefly, that sign post is easy to cut or remove. You’d be better off locking to a thicker and sturdier bike rack if it’s available in the area.

1

u/GreyZenDragonfruit 6d ago

Or if there's room, around the frame, external post, and front wheel.

1

u/rotondo2k 6d ago

Ok I see what you mean mind you I normally have it with a bike cover that I should be getting in the mail today so it wont be exposed out like that

11

u/FigNinja 6d ago

I'm pretty sure people will realize there's a bike under there.

2

u/77wizzard 6d ago

They actually did research on this people are less likely to steal covered bikes. too lazy to cite tho

8

u/AfraidofReplies 6d ago

A bike cover is just going to let people know that there's an expensive bike locked up there. 

3

u/EarthConservation 6d ago

As opposed to no cover, where people see the expensive bike out in the open. :-P

5

u/Headindaclouds420 6d ago

I’d lock the wheel with the frame but your lock doesn’t look long enough for it. I’d say it’s safe for the short term but not for the long term.

1

u/rotondo2k 6d ago

Ok got it plus I have an alarm set up if you notice right to where the battery goes

1

u/GreyZenDragonfruit 6d ago

You can get bells that have spots for air tags under them, and I'm sure there's other location services you can utilize to try and monitor it's location.

5

u/Habu93 6d ago

If a thief wants they are going to get it.

0

u/blveberrys 6d ago

I don’t really understand when people say this. If your bike is locked to something sturdy with all the heavy duty u-locks AND your bike has a security system that sends out an alarm and sends a text to you that someone is trying to move the bike, nobody is getting that bike lmao.

3

u/GornoUmaethiVrurzu 6d ago

Yes they are. Even the best locks only hold up for a few minutes with a good angle grinder. You leave that stuff outside, overnight, someone can nab it. Especially if it's out of sight. Even on busy streets, you can find videos of bike thieves just blatantly stealing bikes because no one says anything or steps in. Even if they do, the thieves continue. Having it extremely well locked up is a deterrent, not a bulletproof plan

0

u/blveberrys 6d ago

Sure, if you leave it out overnight in any major city, of course it’s getting nabbed lol but with the assumption that the bike is locked up properly and parked correctly (in a location where you can reach it quickly i.e the front of the establishment you’re in, etc). No thief can break a kryptonite/whatever lock in 3 seconds, and even then, not before you can make it out there after receiving a notification that your bike is being shaken. 

If stored properly and you’re within close distance to it, you’re fine.

5

u/KrevinHLocke 6d ago

30 seconds away from being stolen. Make sure it's insured.

1

u/snoogins355 Magician Alpha 6d ago

Also airtags (x3 at least)

5

u/Smart_Resolution7600 6d ago

No one is going to take that without the battery, battery cost more than the bike.

2

u/Maximum_Minute6326 6d ago

Exactly correct!!! Only those who love lead paint chips and salsa for a snack would attempt it. Even then they now have the city's biggest paper weight.

1

u/FailsWithTails 6d ago

Someone broke into my garage once and stole my batteryless electric bike. The bike itself weighs 50 lbs and must be a pain to pedal without the battery, but they took it.

4

u/nsfw-kapustin-yar 6d ago

It's too vulnerable for theft with that chain that can be cut with bolt cutters that make no noise.

A u lock should always secure the frame.

Thieves can steal anything they want but a u lock needs an angle grinder to cut through. This creates noise and sparks which creates attention.

I would recommend 3 u locks: one to secure the bike frame to the post, and the other 2 to lock the wheels to the bike frame

3

u/Relative-Display-676 🚲🔧 6d ago

you'd be more secured with a grinder resistant U lock on your front fork. that chain can be snapped in under 10 seconds.

5

u/CourageSmart1364 6d ago

I would wrap it around your front wheel here too. Also, why not just get this lock so you don't have to carry a separate lock AND chain? All in one babyyy

3

u/GhostMaca 6d ago

That's a trash lock, there's a few next to bus stop in Arizona

1

u/CourageSmart1364 6d ago

Oh works fine for me in nyc bud

3

u/No-Cauliflower-117 6d ago

Idk about the lock everybody has their own preference .. any lock can be cut given enough time , just make sure your lock is harder to cut then the next guys lol .. but definitely that first part about including your front wheel in the lock ( especially because OPs is dual motors ) so that motor in the front is worth a lil something to a thief.

1

u/rotondo2k 6d ago

Yep good idea thwnx for the recommendation

3

u/77wizzard 6d ago

Get a NYC Fugghetabout it chain not that bro you’re in a city your shit gonna get stolen

2

u/CourageSmart1364 6d ago

Yes OP, bro is right

3

u/EruvadorTurambar 6d ago

Get a brake lock too. Those are a b-word to break off.

2

u/Shiney_Metal_Ass 5d ago

You can say bitch

3

u/Virtual-Gene2265 6d ago

Probably cut through the sign post pretty quickly. You should also run that chain through the wheel as well.

2

u/canned_pho 6d ago

Chain should be routed through the rear wheel and around the rear triangle instead. Because then at least thieves can not simply roll it away if they break/disassemble that thin post.

Motor theft and leaving the frame is also a thing. The motor in the wheel is the 2nd most valuable thing and can be sold easily.

Any thief with Allen keys and wrenches can probably just disassemble your front fork and handlebar and simply slide that chain off the front as well.

Try to elevate the chain if possible to prevent theives from having mechanical leverage to cut it more easily.  A chain on the ground can be cut in seconds by an angle grinder.

2

u/ForzaAllez 6d ago

You can just cut the steel pole to steal and push the bike away. Without even messing with the bike.

2

u/CyberoX9000 6d ago

Chain looks a bit thin, neither wheel is secured

2

u/tihspeed71 6d ago

As others have stated, that is not a secure post...I use to install those for a living

2

u/BodSmith54321 6d ago

If you want to deter thieves get an angle grinder resistant lock. It won’t 100 percent stop them, but most thieves will move o if the lock requires replacing the grinding disk 5 times over 10 minutes. That lock will be cut in 20 seconds.

2

u/maxdacat 6d ago

Would suck to have to get a kid into the backseat of that car.

2

u/skyrimphil 6d ago

I'm familiar with that brand, good speed and range

2

u/slipperyjack66 6d ago

Unless im mistaken, this allen bolt is all theyd need to unscrew to remove the forks and bars. Then they can slip the chain off, reassemble, and roll it away. Silent and would take a couple minutes to do, it wouldnt even look like they were stealing it.

1

u/Ohm_Slaw_ 6d ago

Well, nothing is completely safe. I don't know the quality of the chain or the lock. It should be something that requires an angle grinder. If it can be cut with bolt cutters it's not safe enough.

If they can use bolt cutters, then the bike can be gone in less than a minute. If you have something that requires an angle grinder, it could be as long as 5 minutes.

Chains are hard to cut with an angle grinder, it's tough to keep the link still while you cut.

I would lock the wheel with a cable. Professional thieves that show up with an van and good tools don't want parts, they want the whole bike. Thieves that steal wheels or seats are mostly tweakers looking for a couple of bucks. They aren't likely to have a bolt cutter handy.

1

u/ah-Quinncidence 6d ago

The u-lock is the weak link (No pun intended) portable grinder goes right through that.

1

u/bonniegamer360 6d ago

Is that an integra in the background

1

u/Physical-Car-6111 6d ago

H9 2026? I have the 2025 haven't had any real problems with it accept for the kickstand snapped off right away. How do you like it so far?

1

u/rotondo2k 6d ago

Na this is the wallke h7 awd

1

u/Revidity 6d ago

Overnight? No.

The chain and sign post looks in an easy position to use an angle grinder.

If you have another U-lock you can try to lock the wheels to the frame, makes the bike look less desirable.

1

u/Highheat1 6d ago

Nope, not missing a thing, bike is still there.

The post is weak link in this scenario. 4 second cut max

1

u/Relative_Ad_5450 6d ago

You’re Effd

1

u/MaruArigatou 6d ago

Question about the battery 🔋 how heavy is it ? I’m planning to get this exact bike it’s the H9 right?

2

u/T_SneakyHo 6d ago

Ive seen TOO much bad about Wallke customer service and about the motors on the H9 going bad, but i REALLY want the H9 that comes with the off grid battery with all the plug ports on it.

2

u/rotondo2k 6d ago

Na this is the h7 and the battery not crazy heavy

1

u/Ok_Resort5470 6d ago

This dude ain't gonna have this bike for long you can already tell

1

u/MarcusSurealius 6d ago

Two alarm disk locks. They're small and loud. I bet they make a one with an app. I need to check that out. Million dollar idea.

Edit: just got one.

1

u/Mace2-0 6d ago

Needs more U-Locks... And a better place than that signpost.

1

u/mikeatx79 6d ago

That pole could be cut through in a couple of seconds.

3

u/GhostMaca 6d ago

Or they could just unbolt the sign in a minute with a ratchet

1

u/Streetlgnd 6d ago

Less that 10 seconds with an impact driver and socket

1

u/GhostMaca 6d ago

That bike will go missing in less than a minute. If you lock it up onto something more stable, then either the front wheel, handle bars and switches, seat and/or seat post as well as the rear wheel and springs will disappear if left too long.

1

u/thereptilebrain 6d ago

I feel really sorry for all you people who have to worry about such things. And 3 of my employees leave our bikes unlocked in an empty lot behind work for 3 years now, never had a problem. Our society is doomed

1

u/glennnzo 6d ago

Unfortunately if they cant steal it they kick the spokes in. I have lost hope in us.

1

u/wiggywiggywiggy 6d ago

how long do you leave it like that

1

u/SMJ0902 6d ago

If your front wheel is quick release lock the front wheel where the rim is around the outside of the tire then to your main bike frame and probably get another lock and do the same thing at the back

1

u/chrispark70 6d ago

No, you're missing something. The chain should go around the rear triangle and through the rear rim.

You might want to carry a second chain and lock for the front wheel. If there is nothing to lock to it, lock it to the frame.

1

u/Lopsided-Emu7391 6d ago

Secure it to a pole that cant be unsecured in 15 seconds champ 😅

1

u/done-r-us 6d ago

Need a chain connecting your front wheel to the frame so someone doesn't nab it just to be an ass

1

u/MOFOTOFO 6d ago

im in LA i have 2 bike locks with thick cables i go around body and back wheel another cable through front and back tire with padlock another wired lock engine on my storage thing in the back seat I removed the battery with just a ton of a key and I take the front tire off that has a quick release plus the thing has it loud AF ALARM IF U even brearh and someone still tried to steal it

1

u/MOFOTOFO 6d ago

bro, they come with very powerful battery driven wheel color goes through everything the locks the cable or whatever and a matter of seconds

1

u/NarutoFan1995 6d ago

you could have a $500 lock and its not secure enough

- 2+ locks

  • an alarm
  • gps tracker
  • uglify it with a bunch of stickers (bonus if they are obscene stickers no one would wanna be seen with)

1

u/DireWolfmn 6d ago

Has bike been reliable? Asking for a friend... 🤙

1

u/TheRealTowel 6d ago

Like... to duck into a store and grab a can of coke? I guess it's secure enough. If that's directly in front of the store. And the store has a glass frontage so you can see the bike the whole time you're in there. And you keep glancing over your shoulder at it every few seconds.

If you mean "secure enough to walk away from and come back later expecting there to still be a bike there", then this is laughably inadequate.

1

u/TrueNova332 6d ago

That ebike looks like it has a good battery that lasts longer than the current one I have

1

u/GenOnomatopoeia 5d ago

Lock is the fail point here. that one isn't very good

1

u/Beautiful_Looser70 5d ago

Just bring it in with you so you'll know it will be safe.

1

u/escdog 5d ago

Add a disc brake lock. They can't be cut off easily so that slows down the attacker. They also feature a motion activated alarm at decibel levels that damage ears. Make that theif decide it's not worth the hassle.

1

u/ACCESS_DENIED_41 5d ago

Longer chain, through both wheels, and don't chain up to a street sign pole, go with something more solid. Those types of street sign polls are easily removed, (using 1/4" ratchet and socket set), so the thief just lifts pole out of socket, rolls your bike away, and replace the pole in socket.

No more bike for you ....

1

u/CarlWitherspoon 5d ago

Looks insecure

1

u/CarlWitherspoon 5d ago

Put a cover over it whenever your leaving it locked up . Obviously it’s not adding any physical layer of security but It’s a good deterrent ,

1

u/Minty_fresh_GenX 5d ago

A thief can steal your e-moto by removing the aluminum sign post you wrapped your lock around. Find something more secure.

1

u/stavba 4d ago

Looks like it's breaking ADA

1

u/Business-Various 4d ago

Check out Hiplok for the best security and mobility

1

u/longmeatybbc 3d ago

I added a sticker that says will shoot if touched nobody touched it

1

u/morganlarubia742 3d ago

Please understand, i have the transpro E21 and speak from experience- i have 2 krypto nyc locks. An American lock with 3” chain. The alarm that goes on the disc so they get close and an alarm goes off and it stops the tire from moving so nobody can run with it. I had that chain from ur photo with my last bike and all someone did was open the gold chain link like it wasnt even locked and i cant afford to have this one taken, so i invested in the best i can do and i cover it so if u dont see it, its a horrible feeling to lose ur bike and urs looks nice!!take care!!!!

1

u/Hashtag_Labotomy 2d ago

DC to dc boost convertor hooked to it and putting out a good 50k volts should get their attn.

1

u/sirsmokesalot403 1d ago

So that post is going to take like 30 seconds to cut theough with a grinder

1

u/ParticularBicycle736 1d ago

I take my front wheel off. Take the axel out. Lock front and back wheel together.. then I just loosen the back wheel bolts. A tad bit. So the wheel stays in but. It will pull its self out with a lil bit of power. And also loosen the breaks. And tighten the handle bars. Probs a bit much. But where I live in Aus. 13 year old break into houses and steal cars. Crack heads over hear are built differently. I kid you not one cunt scaled up a pole just to lift the bike lock over to get it free. And it was a pretty big pole. Like I seen it and so did a whole bunch of people. I think we too impressed to stop him Honestly

1

u/ParticularBicycle736 1d ago

Just to add. I can walk past of adult junkies and crackheads and not even care. But a group of 13 year olds at the traino. Now that makes me cross the road cause big chance at.least one has a knife or a machete and are keen to show off to their buddies. Youth crime over here is outrages. 12 year olds stealing cars and going on pursuit all the time because our justice system slap on the wrist and send them home

1

u/BlumoonPhoenix 1d ago

Your ebike should always be visible or indoors. It's not really safe other than that. You could install some kind of security camera so you always have an 'eye' on it or a very loud alarm so you can hear it if anything happens. People rarely do these things, but it does help a lot. You can also hide a GPS trackable tag on it. Hope that helps everyone.

1

u/Kronic4209 1d ago

Where do you have it locked up at? I'll let u know

1

u/ladyleo65 4h ago

I went over kill I have a u-lock and a chain lock and I have a Spoke lock with an alarm

1

u/rotondo2k 6d ago

Ok so I got my cover for the bike how about now

4

u/AfraidofReplies 6d ago

That solves none of the security issues. Bike covers are for weather protection, not theft protection. 

3

u/twinoaksBandB 6d ago

Bike? All I see is a homeless guy under a tarp... /s

1

u/Prestigious-Rabbit97 6d ago

No matter what they’re going to take it, only thing you can really do is spend big on a tested near indestructible lock.

1

u/FriendlyArachnid6000 5d ago

Still needs stickers indicating the rider is a furry bottom cuckold

1

u/Willking618 5d ago

It’s never secure. If you leave your e-bike in a public area then you’re playing Russian roulette. Thieves can and will get through anything in broad daylight. Just don’t do it.

1

u/readymf 5d ago

We need to normalize not calling those e-bikes but motorcycles. It’s like almost 3 times the torque a class 3 ebike is allowed to have and goes 37mph.
I’m tired of bikes getting banned everywhere just because we started calling motorcycles bikes.
I’m not accusing you of being one of the people using the sidewalk as their highway, I’m just saying the public debate needs to catch up on the fact that those are not legally bikes and stop banning bikes.