Fear of Theft: Helping cyclists invest in their dream bike without worry

Bicycle theft isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s the villain lurking in the shadows of every bike lane and bustling city square. For cargo and urban bikes, it’s practically wearing a neon sign that says, “Steal me!” With theft statistics on the rise globally, fear of theft has become a major factor influencing purchasing decisions, especially of urban and cargo bikes. People are reluctant and often hold back their investment or worse, choose not to buy their dream bike at all! BikeFinder addresses this by giving confidence in bike security.

The scope of bicycle theft

Bicycle theft is a global issue, with millions of bikes stolen annually. Reports indicate a 15% increase in reported stolen bicycles in 2024, with e-bikes being stolen at 3-4 times the rate of traditional bicycles. These figures highlight a growing security concern, making it crucial for cyclists to invest in reliable anti-theft solutions.

Why are cargo and urban bikes prime targets?

Cargo bikes and urban bikes are two of the most sought-after targets for bike thieves, each for different reasons:

Cargo Bikes – With their high value, premium components and specialized design, cargo bikes are a lucrative catch for thieves. Their popularity among families and businesses means a strong resale market, making them an attractive target.
Urban Bikes – Built for speed and agility, urban bikes feature lightweight frames, perfect for navigating city streets. Unfortunately, that same lightweight build makes them easier to snatch and ride away with in seconds, making them a prime target in dense urban areas. In addition, urban bikes are often electrical which increases their value significantly.

The impact on purchasing decisions

Concerns about theft heavily influence consumer behavior, especially when it comes to cargo and urban bikes. Since these bikes primarily serve as practical transportation solutions, owners often depend on them for daily commutes and often park them in public spaces. This results in:

Reluctance to invest: Many potential buyers hesitate to spend on high-end cargo or urban bikes due to the risk of theft, leading them to delay their purchase.
Compromised choices: Instead of selecting the “ideal bike” for their needs, buyers may settle for less expensive models and lower-quality options to minimize their financial risk or even forgo the purchase entirely.
Increased demand for security features: More consumers specifically seek bikes with built-in security features or invest in expensive locks, tracking devices or insurance to mitigate the risk.

Additionally, many cities lack proper, dedicated bike parking areas, especially for larger cargo bikes. This infrastructure gap heightens concerns about securing bikes in public spaces. The fear of leaving valuable bikes in less secure or non-designated parking areas further discourages people from investing in premium models.

Anti-theft technology: BikeFinder as a solution

Seamless security integration options

BikeFinder is not just an accessory; it’s a comprehensive security solution designed to protect high-value bicycles, providing peace of mind from purchase to daily use and parking.

OEM integration: it can be seamlessly integrated into the bike’s electrical system, hidden inside the handlebar or customized as an in-frame solution during manufacturing. This discreet and tamper-proof system enhances security while also adding value to a bike and serving as a strong selling point.
Aftermarket ready: It can also be easily installed by the bike owner within minutes on almost any bike.

What industry leaders say

“Bikes of a certain value should have the option of a built-in anti-theft solution like BikeFinder from the manufacturing stage. This integration is a hallmark of a bike’s quality.”

— Richard Plugge, CEO of Team Visma Lease a Bike

BikeFinder key features

Bike tracking: allows monitoring of the bike’s location anytime through the BikeFinder app.
Theft alerts: sends instant notifications and triggers an audible phone alarm if unauthorized movement is detected.
Theft reporting: enables direct theft reporting within the BikeFinder app, with dedicated support from the BikeFinder team through the recovery process.
Digital bike passport: stores essential bike details in one place, serving as proof of ownership and simplifying customs clearance when traveling with a bike.
Insurance integration: offers the option to add bike insurance through BikeFinder’s leading insurance partner, ensuring seamless protection and peace of mind.

An expectation to manufacturers and retailers

For bike manufacturers and retailers, security is no longer just a consumer concern—it’s an expectation from the customer’s side and at the same time a market differentiator. The demand for integrated anti-theft solutions is growing, and offering bikes equipped with reliable security features is a powerful way to increase customer confidence and sales.

Security is a crucial factor when making a bike purchase. Manufacturers and retailers that offer a solution like BikeFinder, either as an integrated or retrofittable option, provide customers with confidence and protection. This allows cyclists to invest in their dream bike without worrying.