If you've bought an e-bike in the last couple of years, you're not alone — and neither, unfortunately, are the people trying to steal them. New data released in June 2026 by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) confirms what many riders already suspected: e-bike theft is climbing fast, and it's now the single biggest driver of growth in stealing offences across the state.
The Numbers Behind the Trend
According to BOCSAR, motorised bicycle theft in NSW rose 27% over two years, from 1,644 incidents to 2,080 in the year to March 2026. BOCSAR executive director Jackie Fitzgerald put it plainly: as e-bikes have become more popular, they've also become more attractive targets for theft. With NSW alone estimating over 760,000 e-bikes on the road as of February 2026, the pool of high-value targets has grown just as fast as the bikes themselves.
Why E-Bikes Specifically?
The logic is simple and a little uncomfortable: e-bikes are worth a lot more than a standard bicycle, they're increasingly common, and many riders — especially newer e-bike owners — haven't yet adjusted their security habits to match the value of what they're now riding.
The Uncomfortable Statistic: It's Usually the Lock
Here's the detail that should change how you think about bike security: around 65% of bikes stolen in Australia were secured with a low-quality lock at the time — not left unlocked, not unattended, just locked with something that didn't hold up. A thin cable lock or a bargain-bin combination lock can often be defeated in under a minute with basic tools. If your lock is the cheapest part of your setup, it's doing the least to protect the most expensive part.
Choosing the Right Lock for Your Bike
We've expanded our range specifically in response to this data — because lock quality clearly matters more than most riders realise. Here's how to think about it:
- Parked briefly in a busy area? A combination cable lock is fast and convenient.
- Parking overnight or somewhere less visible? Step up to a hardened U-lock or heavy-duty folding lock.
- Own an e-bike worth $1,500+? Consider stacking two lock types — a thief who defeats one still has to deal with the second.
- Want a deterrent, not just a barrier? A 120dB disc alarm lock makes noise the second someone touches your bike.
See the full lock range → — 12 options from budget cable locks to heavy-duty, alarmed, and biometric security.
Practical Ways to Protect Your Bike Right Now
- Invest in your lock, not just your bike. A quality lock costs a fraction of your e-bike's value but removes you from the "easy target" category entirely.
- Lock through the frame, not just a wheel. Quick-release wheels come off in seconds — always secure the main frame to a fixed object.
- Park somewhere visible and well-lit. Thieves avoid witnesses and cameras far more than they avoid locks.
- Record your frame number and take clear photos. If the worst happens, this makes recovery and insurance claims far more straightforward.
- Use a rear light with a brake sensor or bright flash mode. A bike that looks actively used and monitored is a less appealing target than one that looks forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has e-bike theft increased in Australia?
BOCSAR data from June 2026 shows a 27% rise over two years in NSW, from 1,644 to 2,080 incidents — now the largest driver of stealing offence growth in the state.
Why are e-bikes targeted more than regular bikes?
They're worth significantly more, and rapid ownership growth (760,000+ e-bikes in NSW alone) has created a much larger pool of valuable targets.
What's the most common mistake that leads to bike theft?
Using a low-quality lock — around 65% of stolen bikes in Australia were secured with locks that didn't hold up, not left unlocked or unattended.
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Ready to make your setup safer? Shop our full lock range — free shipping across Australia.