How to Protect an Expensive Electrical Bike at College

[dailybuck777]

My son is starting his freshman year at a MAC college and has decided to buy a $2000 electrical bike with his own money. He has talked to the police department and they say there are not a large number of bike thefts at his college. I am afraid that his bike will stand out and will be a magnet for thieves.

Told him that if it were me, I would wait a month or so and see whether the bike is really necessary. He is insistent on going forward, and it is his decision since it is his money. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[The Song Remains the Same]

My son is starting his freshman year at a MAC college and has decided to buy a $2000 electrical bike with his own money. He has talked to the police department and they say there are not a large number of bike thefts at his college. I am afraid that his bike will stand out and will be a magnet for thieves.

Told him that if it were me, I would wait a month or so and see whether the bike is really necessary. He is insistent on going forward, and it is his decision since it is his money. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

Even though I doubt it, to mitigate risk, perhaps your homeowner's insurance policy might cover any theft, or offer a rider. Or a renter's policy.

 

[dailybuck777]

Even though I doubt it, to mitigate risk, perhaps your homeowner's insurance policy might cover any theft, or offer a rider. Or a renter's policy.

Interesting idea. Will consider it.

On the other hand, I have a very good record of not having filed insurance claims for a long time, and maybe even filing a claim in this instance, will affect my insurance, which also includes rental houses.

 

[TheGLOV]

Even though I doubt it, to mitigate risk, perhaps your homeowner's insurance policy might cover any theft, or offer a rider. Or a renter's policy.

That's what my parents insurance agent did when my bike got stolen in 1981.

He had my parents file a claim stating that it was stolen from our HOME property and not at my frat house in State College.

Thanks Russ!

 

[massimoManca II]

My job takes me to college campuses across a 150 mi radius... big and small... famous and some with little/no brand equity...

I’ve seen too many racks with damaged / vandalized bikes ....

My son will not take his not-too-special Specialized to his school in Upstate NY...

I would recommend a disposable beater for campus use...

Not to mention - wouldn’t the cold weather simply chew up batteries in an electric-assist bike ?

 

[anon_is9z1n0h3zblb]

In all seriousness, I was expecting a funny gif as a punchline.

 

[dailybuck777]

My job takes me to college campuses across a 150 mi radius... big and small... famous and some with little/no brand equity...

I’ve seen too many racks with damaged / vandalized bikes ....

My son will not take his not-too-special Specialized to his school in Upstate NY...

I would recommend a disposable beater for campus use...

Not to mention - wouldn’t the cold weather simply chew up batteries in an electric-assist bike ?

You have pretty much the same concerns that I have. Generally, my son is very responsible and hard working. If he loses the bike (and I hope he doesn't), maybe it is a lesson he has to learn. It will be money out of his pocket that I won't cover.

Also, have been wondering if there are ways to electronically lock or track the bike.

 

[fastlax16]

Is there room on the bike for the buckeye helmet stickers? Could try covering it in those. No one would want it then.

 

[psrurock]

My daughter attends a big ten school and many of her classmates have had their locks cut off and expensive bike stolen. So now she wants a scooter. Dont know If I'm going that route yet.

 

[dailybuck777]

My daughter attends a big ten school and many of her classmates have had their locks cut off and expensive bike stolen. So now she wants a scooter. Dont know If I'm going that route yet.

Scooter sounds even worse to me.

 

[Delco Lion]

That's what my parents insurance agent did when my bike got stolen in 1981.

He had my parents file a claim stating that it was stolen from our HOME property and not at my frat house in State College.

Thanks Russ!

REPORTED!!

 

[psuro]

Your idea to wait and see if he needs it is best.

Followed by Massimos suggestion of a beater bike on campus.

 

[GregInPitt]

I remember taking a bike to PSU main campus and not riding it, eventually taking it back home and never considering one for my time at PSU again.

I believe your best bet is as suggested above, to try and convince your son to hold off until he gets settled at college and determines if his activities, social habits, and class routes will actually warrant the bike. His may also develop a circle of friends that do not have bikes and determine that walking between classes and activities with one or more friends turns out to be what he wants to do when he gets to campus.

Good luck.

 

[RGWhirly]

Don’t many colleges have bike shares these days? Perhaps no need to even take a bike.

 

[CF LION]

I would invest in a heavy duty U-bolt type lock. They are heavy but are bolt cutter resistant. It’s what most city bikers with higher end bikes use.

However, I agree with getting a beater bike or to take the wait-and-see approach. Considering storage, etc it might be more of a hassle.

 

[massimoManca II]

It’s not only theft I’d worry about... campus bike racks ravaged by drunks (stomped/mangled rims etc) are not an uncommon sight...

Electric-assisted bike would draw extra attention... likewise it’s something i would not want exposed to the elements...

“Disposable” Craigslist / WalMart crap bike for $79 would be the ticket

 

[Aardvark86]

My son is starting his freshman year at a MAC college and has decided to buy a $2000 electrical bike with his own money. He has talked to the police department and they say there are not a large number of bike thefts at his college. I am afraid that his bike will stand out and will be a magnet for thieves.

Told him that if it were me, I would wait a month or so and see whether the bike is really necessary. He is insistent on going forward, and it is his decision since it is his money. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

1. Your plan is sound - particularly if there is no indoor storage.
2. Send him to uva which takes its honor code seriously for stuff like this
3. Renters insurance if available.
4. Get a beater bike for school

 

[PearlSUJam]

Hire this kid to keep an eye on it.

 

[dmk228]

Like others in this thread have stated, I would avoid taking a bike like that and leaving it anywhere unattended. If he’s totally set that he’s going to do it though, this video from the Lock Picking Lawyer (check out his videos if you never have) shows the lock I use and would recommend.

Again, it’s a real risk to leave it parked anywhere unattended (as noted by LPL in the video).

 

[pandaczar12]

An Expensive Electrical Bike Lock?

If he won't listen to reason, offer him a bribe of sorts. Tell him that if he thinks he wants the bike after some amount of time that you will bring the bike to him on XXX date no questions asked, and take him out to a dinner of his choosing. Pick a date where there is nothing you will want to see going on, such as NOV 23. By that time of year, the weather should suck and he will likely not want the bike.

Also make sure he knows that the best way to impress the ladies is NOT having an electric bike!

 

[Delco Lion]

Hire this kid to keep an eye on it.

View embedded media

Great technique. Plant, wrap, and drive. Future LB.

 

[Frabjous]

The best way to keep a bike from being stolen at tOSU is to remove the training wheels.

 

[TheGLOV]

REPORTED!!

The statute of limitations has expired sir!

And I still have the 1978 Panasonic Touring bike with original tires and original air!!

 

[TheGLOV]

It’s not only theft I’d worry about... campus bike racks ravaged by drunks (stomped/mangled rims etc) are not an uncommon sight...

Electric-assisted bike would draw extra attention... likewise it’s something i would not want exposed to the elements...

“Disposable” Craigslist / WalMart crap bike for $79 would be the ticket

Didn't we have a past PSU football player who BORROWED bike while he was sauced?? a while back.

 

[NittPicker]

Didn't we have a past PSU football player who BORROWED bike while he was sauced?? a while back.

IIRC, he found the bike in a dumpster and rode it home. He was charged with theft but the charges were dismissed since the bike was considered abandoned property because it was in a dumpster. Or at least that's how the story went.

 

[MJG-90]

Get the best lock you can buy. And keep it in his room (if possible) otherwise.

Interesting idea. Will consider it.

On the other hand, I have a very good record of not having filed insurance claims for a long time, and maybe even filing a claim in this instance, will affect my insurance, which also includes rental houses.

Have him get his own renter's policy and make sure it covers the bike. Probably won't cost much money.

That's what my parents insurance agent did when my bike got stolen in 1981.

He had my parents file a claim stating that it was stolen from our HOME property and not at my frat house in State College.

It was likely covered either way. My college roommate had a guitar stolen and his parents' homeowner's policy covered it.

 

[TheGLOV]

Get the best lock you can buy. And keep it in his room (if possible) otherwise.



Have him get his own renter's policy and make sure it covers the bike. Probably won't cost much money.



It was likely covered either way. My college roommate had a guitar stolen and his parents' homeowner's policy covered it.

No unfortunately declaring it was stolen at our residence was the only way it was covered sir. Russ knew his stuff so we did it his way. And I still got the replacement bike. Back in those days, Panasonic made bikes as well as stereo equipment.

 

[SouthpawPSU42]

My father in law has one of those electric power assisted bikes. His has a battery pack that has a lock and key set so when you park it, you unlock the battery and take it with you. I think your chances of theft go way down if the battery is clearly missing from the bike. Kind of like how some bikers take the front wheel with them when they park their bike. Might be just another added security option to deter theft.

 

[PearlSUJam]

Great technique. Plant, wrap, and drive. Future LB.

Maybe I should start a class of 2028 thread?

 

[Elwood Blues]

An e-bike? Is your son in his seventies?

 

[Langmuir]

You should consider getting insurance even if he doesn't take the bike. It is cheap, like $80 per year and covers things like laptops, smartphones...etc..

This is what I use:
https://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/

 

[Pardlion]

My son is starting his freshman year at a MAC college and has decided to buy a $2000 electrical bike with his own money. He has talked to the police department and they say there are not a large number of bike thefts at his college. I am afraid that his bike will stand out and will be a magnet for thieves.

Told him that if it were me, I would wait a month or so and see whether the bike is really necessary. He is insistent on going forward, and it is his decision since it is his money. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

He should remove the seat and take it with him when he parks it. Just don't put grandma on and send her down a bumpy street.

 

[sluggo72]

I would invest in a heavy duty U-bolt type lock. They are heavy but are bolt cutter resistant. It’s what most city bikers with higher end bikes use.
I agree with getting a beater bike or to take the wait-and-see approach. Considering storage, etc it might be more of a hassle.

 

[sluggo72]

No unfortunately declaring it was stolen at our residence was the only way it was covered sir. Russ knew his stuff so we did it his way. And I still got the replacement bike. Back in those days, Panasonic made bikes as well as stereo equipment.

so you committed fraud against your insurance company. got it.

 

[PSU_Chicago]

..... I’ve seen too many racks with damaged / vandalized bikes ....

I would recommend a disposable beater for campus use...

This! I rode a flat out beater in college. Uglier the better.

 

[gogolion]

so you committed fraud against your insurance company. got it.

Geez, the self-righteous people on this board really irritate me sometimes

 

[dailybuck777]

You should consider getting insurance even if he doesn't take the bike. It is cheap, like $80 per year and covers things like laptops, smartphones...etc..

This is what I use:
https://www.collegestudentinsurance.com/

Great idea. Thanks. Will definitely look into it.

 

[dailybuck777]

An e-bike? Is your son in his seventies?

He has been to China many times and has seen the Ebikes in action. In fact, he is in ridiculously good shape and doesn’t have an ounce of fat on him.

 

[dailybuck777]

He should remove the seat and take it with him when he parks it. Just don't put grandma on and send her down a bumpy street.

Another very good idea. Thanks.

 

[dailybuck777]

My father in law has one of those electric power assisted bikes. His has a battery pack that has a lock and key set so when you park it, you unlock the battery and take it with you. I think your chances of theft go way down if the battery is clearly missing from the bike. Kind of like how some bikers take the front wheel with them when they park their bike. Might be just another added security option to deter theft.

Great idea. Thank you very much. He has the bike on order, and I will check whether it has the lock feature.