The Most Stolen Bikes
Bicycle types & brands thieves target the most
Every kind of bike is at risk of being stolen. But some are more at risk than others. We know there are “theft order lists”.
Although any bike can be a target, some models are stolen far more often than others. Understanding which bikes are most often stolen is the first step toward better bike safety. This guide breaks down the most stolen bike types and brands so you can make smarter choices about bike security — and keep your ride exactly where it belongs.
Premium road bikes
Premium road bikes are at the top of thieves’ “shopping lists.” Their high market value, lightweight frames, and expensive components make them easy to resell for a big profit. Because these bikes are often parked outside cafés, offices, and race venues, they’re an easy target.
Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes are also a common target for thieves. They have a good resale value, components like forks and wheels can fetch good money when sold individually. Plus, they’re often left unsecured in parks, trailheads or public bike racks…places with little surveillance.
E-bikes
E-bikes are now one of the most stolen bike categories, combining high value, huge demand, and often weaker day-to-day security compared to traditional bikes.
This has led to a sharp rise in e-bike theft worldwide. Because e-bikes are significantly more expensive than standard bicycles, they’re a top target for thieves looking for quick resale.
Cargo Bicycles
Because cargo bikes are large and hard to store indoors, many owners are forced to park them outside, where they are vulnerable. Add in the growing market for stolen e-cargo bike batteries and parts, and cargo bikes become a favorite for quick, profitable theft. For better bike theft prevention, protect your cargo bike with heavy-duty locks and a GPS bike tracker so you can recover it quickly if it’s ever stolen.
Folding bicycles
Folding bicycles are popular for their compact size and convenience, which is why they are attractive to thieves. Because criminals can easily carry them away and resell for a premium, they remain a high-risk category for theft, especially in urban areas and near public transit stops.
Urban & Commuter Bikes
City/commuter bikes are everywhere and that makes them easy prey for thieves. They’re often locked up outside all day during work hours, used daily and rarely stored securely indoors. As more riders invest in higher-quality, more comfortable bikes for everyday use, their value has been rising — making them an even bigger target.
Lower- to mid-priced models are also a favorite thieves because they’re quick to steal, easy to move and resell on the secondary market. Despite their price range, these versatile bikes remain one of the most common targets for commuter bike theft.
Most stolen bike brands
Certain bike brands are stolen far more often than others — not just because of their popularity, but because they hold high resale value on the secondhand market. According to bike theft statistics from BikeFinder reports and external sources, thieves consistently target these brands for their components, batteries, and overall demand.
- Specialized – High-end road and mountain bikes that are easy to resell.
- Riese & Müller – E-cargo and commuter models targeted for their high value and battery resale potential.
- Giant – Widely available globally, making them easy to sell quickly.
- Trek – Popular for road, hybrid, and commuter bikes in urban areas.
- Scott – Performance MTB and gravel bikes with strong resale prices.
- Cannondale – Lightweight frames and components are desirable on the used market.
- Bianchi – Iconic road bikes often stolen for their distinct brand appeal.
- Fuji – A common choice for commuters, frequently stolen in cities.
Protect your bike before it’s too late
Bike theft can happen to anyone — whether you ride a premium road bike, a commuter bike, or a cargo bike worth as much as a small car. Knowing which types and brands of bikes are most stolen is the first step toward smarter bike theft prevention.
The best way to protect your bike is to combine strong locks, secure parking, and a GPS bike tracker with anti-theft alerts. With BikeFinder’s Advanced Tracker, you get location updates, multi-signal tracking (GPS, Wi-Fi, LPWAN, Bluetooth), and the peace of mind that you can recover your bike quickly if it’s ever stolen.
No matter what you ride — keep it safe, keep it secure, and keep riding with confidence.
