How to Reduce the Risk of Fatbike Theft
In an era where mobility and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, the popularity of fatbikes and e-bikes has risen significantly. However, with this growing popularity comes a heightened risk of theft. This was recently highlighted by ANWB's decision to stop offering insurance for fatbikes due to increasing theft rates. It's crucial for fatbike owners to be aware of these risks and take effective measures to prevent theft.
1. Choose smart parking spots
Where you park your fatbike plays a critical role in preventing theft. Always park your bike in busy, well-lit areas where thieves are less likely to operate unnoticed. Bike parking facilities that are monitored or equipped with security cameras are ideal locations to leave your fatbike.
2. Use minimal ART 3 locks
The right bike lock can make the difference between a stolen bike and a safe one. Secure your fatbike to a fixed object, such as a pole or bike rack, using a lock that secures both the wheel and the frame. This significantly reduces the chance of your bike being lifted or carried away. It's advisable to use at least two locks, preferably with the ART 3 certification, which provides a higher level of security. Using two different types of locks, such as a folding lock and a kettingslot, can also be more effective.
3. Integrate Phatfour Connected
Phatfour Connected is an innovative anti-theft service. With a tracker, your Phatfour can always be located via an app. A standout feature of this system is the ability to remotely disable the motor in case of theft. In such an event, G4S, the largest security firm in the Netherlands, steps in to recover the stolen bike. Even if the thief removes the tracker, the e-bike remains unusable.
4. Anti-theft battery locks
The battery of an electric fatbike is often a valuable target for thieves. Securing the battery with a special lock can be a strong preventive measure. For the Phatfour FLS+ and FLB+ models, a dedicated anti-theft battery lock has been developed to minimize the risk of battery theft. The FLX models comes standard with a convenient eyelet on the frame for attaching an additional extra lock to secure the battery.
5. Removable components
If possible, remove the battery or other valuable parts of your fatbike before leaving it unattended. This reduces its attractiveness as a target for thieves.
As fatbikes and e-bikes become more popular, the risk of theft increases. It is essential for fatbike owners to take proactive measures to prevent theft. Parking in strategic locations, using high-quality locks, integrating GPS trackers, and securing valuable components are just some of the effective steps that can be taken. By being aware of these risks and taking sensible precautions, fatbike owners can enjoy their rides without constant fear of theft.
For the FLX models, the bike's frame number is not only engraved in the frame but also embedded in the bike's electronics. This makes the frame number irremovable, deterring the resale of stolen bikes. This also applies to various other components of the bike.
