Fewer insured bikes were stolen last year than in 2020. But that’s not a real reason to be happy: Because the damage has increased immensely. The reason: In times of the e-bike boom, thieves are targeting ever more expensive models.
According to police statistics, the number of reported bicycle thefts fell again in 2021 – by 10.5 percent to around 234,000 stolen Wheels. This decline can also be seen in the number of stolen bikes that were insured at the time of the theft: According to the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), their number will be up in 2021 dropped to a record low. “A total of 125,000 insured bicycles were stolen, around 15,000 fewer than in the previous year,” says GDV CEO Jörg Asmussen. The decline is apparently again related to the pandemic. “We are also assuming a corona effect for 2021. Many people worked from home, so that bicycles were rarely left unattended outdoors,” says Asmussen. “As in the first Corona year, there were simply fewer opportunities for bicycle theft.”
Bike locks on Amazon: View current offers
Bicycle theft: Claims are increasing due to the e-bike boom
But despite the decline, the amount of damage in 2021 was according to the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) unchanged at 110 million euros. Conversely, this means that fewer bicycles were stolen, but increasingly expensive ones. According to the association, the average compensation paid by insurers was EUR 860, an all-time high after EUR 730 in the previous year. “The increase in compensation payments shows that the trend towards theft of expensive bicycles is continuing,” says Asmussen. A year ago, Asmussen had predicted that the success of e-bikes would mean that the amount of damage would continue to rise in the future. Since there were fewer opportunities outdoors, thieves were increasingly looking in basements for high-quality racing bikes, e-bikes or mountain bikes in order to resell them. For comparison: ten years ago, insurers paid an average of 440 euros for a stolen bike.
Good bike insurance can help in the event of damage. But it is even better to prevent theft. The suppliers and manufacturers of bicycle locks promise effective protection against bicycle theft – and that in all price ranges. Whether cable lock, U-lock, folding lock or chain lock: the range is huge – and only very few models keep what they promise and withstand the brazen bicycle thieves.
In the bicycle lock test, our partner AllesBeste took a close look at 75 models from all categories and a wide range of price ranges and tested them for their practicality. Here you will find the best bike locks from major bike lock tests at a glance:
Tips: This bike lock is what you need
How much does a good bike lock cost?
The price of a good bike lock depends a lot on what type of bike you want to secure with it. For children’s bikes or bikes that you always keep an eye on (e.g. because you are taking a short break on the bike tour), a simple chain lock for around 10 euros is often sufficient. However, if you are going to leave your bike unattended for a few hours then you should not save at the wrong end. Good locks cost around 50 euros. If you leave your bike outside for a long time, then a stationary lock is recommended, which costs around 90 to over 100 euros.
What should I look out for when buying a bicycle lock?
The decisive criterion when buying a bicycle lock is not so much the price, but above all the purpose of the lock. A lock that you always want to have with you on your bike in everyday life should be sufficiently burglar-proof, but not too heavy and easy to use. In general, you should do a double-take before you buy a particularly cheap lock. If, on the other hand, the bike is to be secured in a stationary position, mobility does not play a major role, but security against being broken-in is all the more important.
Where should I buy a bike lock?
If you are sure which lock you want, then there is nothing wrong with shopping in the online shop. If you have not yet decided whether you would rather use a chain, armored cable or U-gel lock, or whether you would like to try out whether the desired lock fits your bike, we recommend that you consult your specialist retailer. He is also up to date on current developments and innovations.
Bike locks on Amazon: View current offers
Bicycle theft 2022: e-bike boom attracts thieves
In the course of the far-reaching easing and the bicycle boom triggered by the pandemic – especially for e-bikes, which are naturally rather expensive – the growing supply of more expensive bicycles should also increase the “demand” on the part of bicycle thieves in 2022.
Because after the record year 2020, the two-wheeler industry association (ZIV) also the year 2021 as a success. The number of electric bikes sold has risen from 1.95 to around two million. According to the ZIV, the e-bike stock is now around 8.5 million e-bikes at 25 times the number of e-cars.
To the CHIP test: The best e-bike 2021 with 32 electric bikes in the test.
Inexpensive e-bikes: MediaMarkt’s top-selling pedelecs (ad)
Source: Fischer/MediaMarkt Fischer EM 1726 mountain bike (wheel size: 27.5 inches)
Whether on the road, on cycle paths or off-road: the e-mountain bike from Fischer is a reliable companion. The variety of gears in the derailleur ensures wonderful driving pleasure even on hilly terrain.
1,399 euros
View at MediaMarkt
Source: Fischer/MediaMarkt Fischer Viator 5.0I Lady trekking bike (wheel size: 28 inches)
This bike is a real woman’s type: Not only can women effortlessly conquer inclines and mountains with it, but thanks to the low center of gravity it is generally particularly safe and comfortable to ride. Handbags and everyday purchases can be stored on the luggage rack.
2,099 euros
View at MediaMarkt
Source: Prophete/MediaMarkt Prophete 52660-0311 URBANICER 20.ETU.10 (wheel size: 20 inch)
One can argue about the design, but the compact version of the Prophete Urbanicer clearly focuses on the small dimensions. The compact pedelec is primarily aimed at camper van and caravan drivers so that they can also be mobile at the holiday resort. It offers two luggage racks at the front and rear.
1,899 euros
View at MediaMarkt
Other topics related to bicycles
Are you looking for other products, clear purchase recommendations and background information? Lots of guides on the subject bicycle can be found in our overview. Here are a few of the most exciting buying guides from the category.