What to do if your e-bike is stolen?

It’s incredibly frustrating: you step outside and notice your e-bike is gone. Immediately, you feel disbelief and irritation. Unfortunately, you're not alone, e-bike theft is quite common. According to the Dutch Association of Insurers, between 73,000 and 109,500 e-bikes were stolen in the Netherlands in 2024. Although it’s a tough situation, this step-by-step guide offers clear instructions on how to take quick action and prevent future thefts.

Step-by-step guide: what to do after the theft

Below, you'll find simple actions you can immediately take.

Report the theft to the police immediately

Reporting to the police is essential for recovering your stolen e-bike. You can file a report  at a police station. The sooner you file the report, the greater the chances of finding your bike, and the easier it will be for your insurance company to handle your claim.

Check if your bike has a tracker

Many modern e-bikes have built-in GPS tracking systems. Check right away if your bike has one, and share this information immediately with the relevant authorities.

Notify your insurance company about the theft

Contact your insurer immediately and make sure you have all necessary documents ready, including:

• Police theft report
• The frame number of your e-bike
• Proof of purchase and any additional information, like photos of your bike
• Evidence that your e-bike was secured with an approved ART category 2 lock or higher (essential for insurance coverage)

Providing complete and timely information helps speed up your insurance claim.

Search online selling platforms

Immediately search popular marketplaces. Thieves often quickly list stolen bikes online. Actively monitor these platforms to see if your bike appears.

TMD Chain Lock: the new standard in e-bike security

The TMD Chain Lock significantly reduces the risk of your e-bike being stolen. It makes all the steps above unnecessary in the future, thanks to its advanced features and ultimate ease of use:

• Keyless operation: Easily unlock the lock with just one press of a button, no hassle with keys.
• Built-in alarm: Every theft attempt triggers a loud alarm, scaring off thieves and alerting bystanders.
• Robust materials: Made from Dyneema® and Kevlar®, materials known from maritime and military uses, making the lock resistant against forceful attacks.
• User-friendly design: Lightweight, flexible, and fitted with a protective sleeve to avoid damaging your bike.
• ART-certified: All our locks are ART-certified, essential for insurance purposes (ART).

Conclusion and action plan

A stolen e-bike is extremely frustrating. However, by acting quickly, you improve your chances of recovering your bike and limit potential damage. To prevent theft from happening again, it’s important to choose better security solutions consciously. With the TMD Chain Lock, you can be sure of optimal protection.

Curious about how to best protect your e-bike? Discover everything about the TMD Chain Lock here, and make sure your next e-bike stays truly safe!