How to Protect an Expensive Electrical Bike at College

[PSUSignore]

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Bike locks aren't made with these types of locks anymore, this was a well known flaw. Kryptonite even recalled these locks and gave away free replacements, which probably cost them millions of dollars.

There are lots of bike lock review sites out there where they test how easy it is to break them. No lock is impenetrable, but the good ones will require a lot of time or loud power tools, something no thief will want to risk when in a well lit high traffic public place. Note: park it in a high traffic, well lit public place! And make it look unappealing (love the buckeye sticker idea, lol).

A good quality U-lock and heavy duty chain through the front wheel is the way to go, but chains aren't very portable so typically a sacrifice is made to use a cable on the go, knowing that cables aren't very secure which puts the front wheel at risk. Having a quality U-lock is vital.

 

[NittPicker]

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

A large part of the insurance industry is a big fraud. Somehow I think they survived a claim about a bicycle.

 

[interrobang]

I read the subject title as protecting an expensive electoral college

 

[TheGLOV]

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

Not me.

I was underage at the time.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

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.

Remove battery
Use krytonite New York lock attaching some part of the frame to a fixed bike rack (not a sign or something that can be easily opened with a wrench or pliers, never leave it out overnight. Use a chain or cable to lock the wheels to the frame through the u-lock.

I’ve considered a low jack type tracking device you can slip into the handlebars, stem or some other hollow space. Seems like a great idea but I haven’t seen anything [EDIT not] requiring proximity to my device (Bluetooth) or WiFi... if the battery is removed and the Frame and wheels are locked, there’s little risk of loss.

Thieves are looking for quick cash and if they break the frame or wheels removing, they get nothing. The rest is cheap and hardly worth stealing. And the real theft danger is at night. That’s the biggie.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

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.

 

[CF LION]

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Was thinking more along the lines of a Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit type lock

 

[PSU2UNC]

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.

Is he living on campus? I don't feel like most MAC school have big campuses; why would you need a bike at all, let alone an electric bike? Walking is the way to go, or if he absolutely needs a bike (e.g. to go to grocery store or part time job) a cheap beater will be fine.
An electric bike is a cool toy (I guess? Not my thing) but it doesn't seem like it is needed or is a great idea.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

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

That sounds like a pretty poor dating record!

 

[PSU_Nut]

Just keep it away from Rasheed Walker and you should be OK.

 

[osu68]

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!

A FRAUDULENT claim??

 

[TheGLOV]

A FRAUDULENT claim??

Not according to State Farm! LOL!!!

 

[nittanyfan333]

Left
Right
Left
Right
Repeat as necessary

No worries about that getting stolen. Plus the exercise will be good for him.

 

[ivan brunetti]

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.

Yeah, if I had an old extra bike that still worked, I wouldn't give it to a friend. I'd throw it in the dumpster!

 

[dailybuck777]

Is he living on campus? I don't feel like most MAC school have big campuses; why would you need a bike at all, let alone an electric bike? Walking is the way to go, or if he absolutely needs a bike (e.g. to go to grocery store or part time job) a cheap beater will be fine.
An electric bike is a cool toy (I guess? Not my thing) but it doesn't seem like it is needed or is a great idea.

I pretty much agree with your thoughts and description. As an undergrad, I went to a similar Mac campus. However, through hard work, he has gotten an 85% merit scholarship while at the same time writing and directing 4 short films and starting 2 businesses. (neither of which made money)

He feels that if he saves 15 minutes a day, it is worth the money. He has earned the right to make a mistake with his own money if that is what it turns out to be.

 

[PSU2UNC]

I pretty much agree with your thoughts and description. As an undergrad, I went to a similar Mac campus. However, through hard work, he has gotten an 85% merit scholarship while at the same time writing and directing 4 short films and starting 2 businesses. (neither of which made money)

He feels that if he saves 15 minutes a day, it is worth the money. He has earned the right to make a mistake with his own money if that is what it turns out to be.

Fair enough. It is his money. Seems like laziness to me (just like the young folks I see zipping around DC on those motorized scooters that you rent by the minute). But I walk 2+ hours a day, so not walking when possible seems very odd to me.

 

[dailybuck777]

Fair enough. It is his money. Seems like laziness to me (just like the young folks I see zipping around DC on those motorized scooters that you rent by the minute). But I walk 2+ hours a day, so not walking when possible seems very odd to me.

Exactly the opposite of laziness. He does lots of things and simply sees a benefit in saving time. For example, last summer he worked 30 hours per week (with nice bonus incentive from me) raising his ACT score from 30 (about top 6%) to 33 {top 2%}. That jump saved me $50,000 in tuition. During the school year, he would get up at 6 in the morning 2 or 3 times during the week to wash the dishes. He is ridiculously motivated and also has a strong workout schedule.

 

[fastlax16]

He does lots of things and simply sees a benefit in saving time.

Show him the benefit of investing at his age, will provide a much better benefit in the end.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Db777, sounds like you have incrediblely interesting young man in your family.....kudos to you, the Mrs and your son.

 

[dailybuck777]

Show him the benefit of investing at his age, will provide a much better benefit in the end.

He just opened a brokerage account about 45 days ago and bought some AMD stock.

 

[dailybuck777]

Db777, sounds like you have incrediblely interesting young man in your family.....kudos to you, the Mrs and your son.

Thanks -- he has been a real joy to have around. Sadly, though, his mother died in 2008 (liver cancer caused by exposure to hepatitis while mother working as doctor) and hasn't had the opportunity to see her son grow up.

He told me about 2.5 years ago that he is deathly afraid of being stuck in a 9-5 job -- that is why he works so hard.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

He just opened a brokerage account about 45 days ago and bought some AMD stock. Thanks for comment 59 -- he has been a real joy to have around. Sadly, though, his mother died in 2008 (liver cancer caused by exposure to hepatitis while mother working as doctor) and hasn't had the opportunity to see her son grow up.

My sincere condolences, I’m so so sorry for both of you. But I suspect she did a super job being his Mom for the 6-7 years they were together.....and again kudos to you for being Mom AND Dad for the last eleven years.

 

[nitanee123]

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

I'd be reluctant to have my kid do the bike share on account of the risk of gonorrhea. If you go that route, make sure he/she isn't wearing a bathing suit.

 

[91Joe95]

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.

A big umbrella is much more practical, especially when a pretty girl doesn't have one.

 

[PSU2UNC]

Exactly the opposite of laziness. He does lots of things and simply sees a benefit in saving time. For example, last summer he worked 30 hours per week (with nice bonus incentive from me) raising his ACT score from 30 (about top 6%) to 33 {top 2%}. That jump saved me $50,000 in tuition. During the school year, he would get up at 6 in the morning 2 or 3 times during the week to wash the dishes. He is ridiculously motivated and also has a strong workout schedule.

Kudos to him for his work ethic.

There are also demonstrated benefits (mental and physical) to walking. It's tough to talk to classmates (or chat with that cute girl in your physics class) while you are zipping along on a bike.

 

[Ski]

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.

Don’t buy this one:

 

[dailybuck777]

Don’t buy this one:

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Holy Cr*p

 

[The Song Remains the Same]

I pretty much agree with your thoughts and description. As an undergrad, I went to a similar Mac campus. However, through hard work, he has gotten an 85% merit scholarship while at the same time writing and directing 4 short films and starting 2 businesses. (neither of which made money)

He feels that if he saves 15 minutes a day, it is worth the money. He has earned the right to make a mistake with his own money if that is what it turns out to be.

Have you considered armed security?

 

[BringBackStoneys]

I am seeing a lot more Boost electric skateboards on college campuses because you can bring them inside with you. Solves the storage problem.

 

[Pardlion]

Have you considered armed security?

Two bazookas is a bit of overkill, no?

 

[Cowbell Man]

I’m in the beater bike camp with a lock. A new e-bike or any quality bike should be stored inside rather outside.

Some campuses offer a locked bike room. Maybe that’s an option?

 

[dailybuck777]

My son got his bike about 3 days ago. Took him about 2.5 hours to put together. Really nice quick bike. Put the fear of God in him regarding the potential theft of the bike. -- he won't let me leave our garage door open for even 10 minutes. He has bought a very sturdy German lock for $120.

Will see how it works out when he moves into his dorm soon.

 

[MJG-90]

My son got his bike about 3 days ago. Took him about 2.5 hours to put together. Really nice quick bike. Put the fear of God in him regarding the potential theft of the bike. -- he won't let me leave our garage door open for even 10 minutes. He has bought a very sturdy German lock for $120.

Will see how it works out when he moves into his dorm soon.

What did he buy? I’ve been looking around and am currently stuck between two options.

The battery is pricey. If he removes it and locks it well he won’t have issues. It won’t be an easy turn for a thief.

 

[LionLen]

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.

You are probably spending thousands of dollars to give your son a good education. Kudos. Let him spend some of his own money to learn a lesson that some Psychology prof can’t teach him.

 

[dailybuck777]

What did he buy? I’ve been looking around and am currently stuck between two options.

The battery is pricey. If he removes it and locks it well he won’t have issues. It won’t be an easy turn for a thief.

He bought a Juicer Bike. Base price about $1600. With addons, $2000. Appears to be a really solid bike to me and when I ride it, it is real peppy. Sorry I missed your post last week or I would have responded sooner. (Later edit. Brand name is "Juiced" not "Juicer" https://www.juicedbikes.com/ )

 

[dailybuck777]

An update for those who have commented. He loves the bike. He said it was the best investment he ever made. The only gym open at 6 in the morning when he works out is a 25 minute walk away, and he uses the bike to do his workout. (Also, takes his roommate) The campus he is at is fairly spread out, so the bike is useful.

He has stumbled on an unusual security tool in addition to the expensive lock he bought. One of the pedals that he was to attach has a stripped bolt. So he has been using the bike with only 1 pedal. Only real function of the pedals is to get the bike started or to go faster than 20 mph. He probably won't attach the second pedal to discourage thieves.

There is still a big risk of theft, but the bike is very functional, and it does appear that he made a reasonable decision to buy the bike notwithstanding the risk of theft. Just hope it isn't stolen.

Will add that he does love college so far in the business school that he attends. Said it is nice to be around people who want to do something with their lives.

 

[pandaczar12]

He bought a Juicer Bike. Base price about $1600. With addons, $2000. Appears to be a really solid bike to me and when I ride it, it is real peppy. Sorry I missed your post last week or I would have responded sooner.

 

[MJG-90]

He bought a Juicer Bike. Base price about $1600. With addons, $2000. Appears to be a really solid bike to me and when I ride it, it is real peppy. Sorry I missed your post last week or I would have responded sooner.

My brother sent me a link to that brand. They look pretty good for the price point. Probably in my current top three. I probably won't pull the trigger until next spring unless someone puts out a clearance price on 2019 models.

 

[dailybuck777]

My brother sent me a link to that brand. They look pretty good for the price point. Probably in my current top three. I probably won't pull the trigger until next spring unless someone puts out a clearance price on 2019 models.

Other than this, I have no experience with electric bikes. As I said the bike feels very solidly built and is peppy. Also, seems to have a comparatively solid and large battery. Don't know what the competition is, but so far I like what I have seen and see nothing wrong with paying $2000 for the bike. My son has been riding it for about 5 days and has had no problems. If there are problems, I will update you.

 

[STPGopherfan]

Hire this kid to keep an eye on it.

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At the risk of creating a hijack situation, who else has watched this video multiple times. ((Obviously knows nothing about electric bikes, or bike locks.))