couldn't help but notice that the time to breach all of them was within ten minutes. even the diamond rated ones? (?!)
so yeah, give someone a tarp and some time and ... yikes.
this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2025
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micromobility - Bikes, scooters, boards: Whatever floats your goat, this is micromobility
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Yup. This is why having multiple "good" locks, is better than one super-expensive "really good" lock.
And I'd also use other methods, like removing the seat, taking off the chain, etc. to delay theft even more, if that works for you.
But... the caveat.... given enough time + motivation, a thief will steal your bike no matter what efforts you make.
Society is far too relaxed about bike theft, and thieves know this.
This is why I like the Skunklock Chemical: Sure, you can cut through eventually it if you're dumb enough but you'll be punished for your foolishness!
Also, 10 minutes is a lot of time (and likely a lot of cutting wheels, which the thief may run out of) but ultimately, there is no fool proof anti-theft setup. It's all about delay and deterrence: If you ride in high theft areas you should have layers of defense ranging from good locks to alarms and trackers as well as doing other things like riding beater bikes or making your bike look like a beater, locking up in areas that it's harder to steal from, removing parts/bags when you leave, using security bolts, etc.
The best thing I've found is folding your bike up and taking it with you but that's not always possible even with something like a Brompton.
And most of them can be picked in 30 seconds by someone who knows what they are doing.
https://youtu.be/jZtNEC1uGg4?t=130
And if it's a bad lock, they need just a few.
It is very unusual for bike thieves to have any lock picking skill whatsoever, they pretty much always use cutting wheels and/or bolt cutters. Still, best to have a quality lock, but nothing is undefeatable.
It's all about deterrence: Make your bike harder to steal than the next one so they will be less likely to waste their time trying.
well yeah but even though its 8 mins the one is quite a burden:
This material actively resists cutting wheels so effectively that in testing, we had to swap angle grinder discs six times, as well as swap batteries. Both are key factors that can easily stop a thief in their tracks.
For my cargo ebike I went with the Hiplok DX1000(rear tire & frame) and D1000(front tire).
I still need to look at securing the saddle and seat post. I'm thinking some type of locking bolts and then just a gold or silver lock to run through the saddle mount and down to one of the Hiploks.
For my cargo ebike
Two questions:
- Does your bike need a chain to move, even under battery power?
- If yes, would it be easy to remove/reinstall your chain if it could be removed without special tools for the quick link?
I use connex master link on my chains, which allows for toolless removal (a godsend for anyone who waxes their chains).
And I've been considering removing my chain as an extra level of protection against theft. On my bikes (regular, not e-bike), it takes all of 5 seconds to put a chain back on and about as much time to remove it, so this would be practical.
- No chain. It uses a belt between the motor and rear wheel
I'm actually still waiting for it to arrive from Germany. So I'm planning out all my accessories. Got the locks so far and the rest I'm waiting to buy until I know the delivery date so I can return anything if it doesn't work how I'd hoped on the bike.
It's a Riese & Muller Load5 60 with Rohloff and ABS. It's my main mode of transport and I'd been saving up for an EV car and said screw it and went the ebike route. Will force me to get and stay more active. I looked at the Urban Arrow but that cargo bucket just felt way too big.
Holy shit, nice ride!
I’m actually still waiting for it to arrive from Germany It's a Riese & Muller Load5 60 with Rohloff and ABS.
Oh, man. Nice bike!
Ok, so belt drive doesn't make what I wrote applicable. At the very least, make sure you've got some kind of insurance on it, in addition to your strategy with using multiple locks.
I believe "Cargo Bike Momma" out of NYC covers her electric cargo bike while parked to deter theft. She was actually featured on the Reese & Muller page.
Nice indeed. It's a very smooth ride with the front and rear suspension. :)
Oh yes. I'll have insurance as well as the Bosch Connect Module which gives GPS tracking and alarm. Apparently the Bosch batteries can also be digitally locked now as well so they will only ever work in your bike. Think I'll still take them off when parking in public.
Interesting interview. I'd be WAY too worried about my bike getting stolen living in NYC.