E-Bikes and E-Scooters: Theft Prevention and User Experiences in Focus

A public entity entrusted us 2022 with a pressing issue: the security of E-Bikes and E-Scooters. Our goal was to analyze theft experiences and identify effective prevention measures. It was a challenging task that we eagerly embraced!

We conducted a comprehensive online survey with a representative sample across Austria. We not only gathered general opinions on theft risks but also explored personal experiences and insurance practices related to E-Bikes and E-Scooters.

Surprisingly, only 11% of respondents reported having had an E-vehicle stolen at least once. However, when thefts did occur, E-Bikes were affected more frequently at 69% compared to E-Scooters at 31%. Most thefts occurred at home or in public spaces, often through the cracking of U-locks and wheel locks secured only by cable locks. Despite E-vehicles being stolen infrequently overall, the financial impact is high, especially for E-Bikes averaging around €2,500. Only a quarter of E-Bikes are insured, with half of those insured against theft. Interestingly, cable locks, although popular, are easily compromised – more education on effective security measures would be beneficial.

Sometimes we have a gut feeling about how results might look. However, these feelings need to be substantiated by hard data. Our survey provides the necessary facts to support effective actions to enhance E-vehicle security.