New to the EBike world and a question on security

[TyJedi]

HI Everyone!

Reposting this as I realized I posted it by mistake the general E-Vehicles discussion area, and not the E-Bike General Discussion area. Clearly, I'm a noob!

I live in the San Francisco Bay area, and I just bought a used Stokemonkey from a member and can't wait for the UPS guy to show up next Monday so I can get started on the install. My bike, which you can see in the picture from two weeks ago, is a 99 Specialized Hardrock with Surly Rigid Fork, VO tourist handlebars, and Xtracycle Freeradical. In the background is the San Mateo bridge and you can just see some kite surfers doing their thing. That's my wife Tanya standing by the bike. One of our dogs, Guinness, is in the freeloader bag. Our other dog, Penny, is in the doggyride mini trailer. Both dogs are therapy dogs, by the way. Last Saturday we all went to an assisted living home with my wife on the snapdeck and the dogs in the trailer. We made quite an impression when we pulled up!

In any case, what really prompted me getting the stokemonkey is that we've been going on rides unassisted for a while. Most of the rides in my area for cargo or weekend rides are pretty flat where I live in San Mateo, Ca. so I felt no need for electric assist. I thought it would be nice when pulling heavy load, but I didn't feel a pressing need.

But to my surprise my wife, though reluctant at first, has been really enjoying our rides and wanted to expand our cargo biking and go to our weekly dog training class. The only problem is that the class is up in the hills with a pretty steep grade, somewhere around 16-20% in spots. I can struggle up that kind of hill on my own on my randonneur bike, but not on the Xtracycle with my wife on the back and dogs in the trailer, so hence I need electric assist. After researching and determining my need was an assist that could handle very steep hills and a heavy load, stokemonkey seemed to really fit the bill.

So this is all very new to me. I've been checking the E$ Wiki for the last few weeks, and but there a lot of info here and I'm trying to wade through it all, so I apologize in advance if this question and future questions have been answered over and over.

The first thing I am wondering about is how you all deal with the security of your bike. I have a good Kryptonite mini evolution U-lock, locking skewers on the wheels, etc. but just wondering how worried any of you are when locking your bike up in front of a store, the movies, etc.? I'm thinking E-Bike motors, controllers, etc., are not a big target for thieves due to the limited resale value since it still is a pretty niche market. Am I wrong? Should I be more cautious? What do the rest of you think?

Thanks,
Ty

ATTACHMENTS

 

[cal3thousand]

I would look into scooter motion alarms. I got one for less than $20 that runs off your pack and will backup with a 9V battery. And it is LOUD.

Someone messing with your lock won't stand there long

 

[spinningmagnets]

I am also looking for a comprehensive GPS theft tracker. A while back I seem to remember seeing a motorcycle unit (12V) and it was roughly $200 installed, with a $15 per month fee. Text alert for movement of the vehicle, and GPS to follow them.

There have been other DIY methods discussed using an old cell-phone with GPS. If it is a "pay as you go" phone, there is no time limit, so no monthly fee. I don't recall the details, but you have to track the stolen bike before the thief finds the cell phone thats hidden. (cheap charger hard-wired to 12V DC/DC converter to keep it powered).

Teklektik made a good argument for planning on a 12V accessory system, which allowed for a significant lighting, horn, and music system using commonly available components.

http://www.electricbike.com/custom-build-gallery-teklektiks-dual-motor-yuba-mundo/

 

[cal3thousand]

I am also looking for a comprehensive GPS theft tracker. A while back I seem to remember seeing a motorcycle unit (12V) and it was roughly $200 installed, with a $15 per month fee. Text alert for movement of the vehicle, and GPS to follow them.

There have been other DIY methods discussed using an old cell-phone with GPS. If it is a "pay as you go" phone, there is no time limit, so no monthly fee. I don't recall the details, but you have to track the stolen bike before the thief finds the cell phone thats hidden. (cheap charger hard-wired to 12V DC/DC converter to keep it powered).

Teklektik made a good argument for planning on a 12V accessory system, which allowed for a significant lighting, horn, and music system using commonly available components.

http://www.electricbike.com/custom-build-gallery-teklektiks-dual-motor-yuba-mundo/

I have a GeoGram One ($150) that requires some DIY ness and I paired it with a Telna US sim card. (cheapest I could find for sms-only needs; $19 per year; 1000 sms per month outgoing, incoming unlimited)

 

[Ykick]

Not sure I’m sold on the GPS tracking thing yet? Seems like more people “think” about it than actually use it… Obviously, Cal is the exception here and I would love to hear more about how it's working?

My fear of GPS/cellular stuff is that I could be out another $150-$200 in addition to my bike.

However, I’ve used 12V pager fob systems with 1/4-1/2 mile range for cars/motos before and if you’re willing to confront a criminal type = cheap, simple, effective peace of mind.

Security is a fleeting notion IMO. A determined thief will get your shit - no matter what you do. Homeowner, renter insurance coverage is probably a good thing to check out before parking in public.

 

[ScooterMan101]

HI Everyone!

Reposting this as I realized I posted it by mistake the general E-Vehicles discussion area, and not the E-Bike General Discussion area. Clearly, I'm a noob!

I live in the San Francisco Bay area, and I just bought a used Stokemonkey from a member and can't wait for the UPS guy to show up next Monday so I can get started on the install. My bike, which you can see in the picture from two weeks ago, is a 99 Specialized Hardrock with Surly Rigid Fork, VO tourist handlebars, and Xtracycle Freeradical. In the background is the San Mateo bridge and you can just see some kite surfers doing their thing. That's my wife Tanya standing by the bike. One of our dogs, Guinness, is in the freeloader bag. Our other dog, Penny, is in the doggyride mini trailer. Both dogs are therapy dogs, by the way. Last Saturday we all went to an assisted living home with my wife on the snapdeck and the dogs in the trailer. We made quite an impression when we pulled up!

In any case, what really prompted me getting the stokemonkey is that we've been going on rides unassisted for a while. Most of the rides in my area for cargo or weekend rides are pretty flat where I live in San Mateo, Ca. so I felt no need for electric assist. I thought it would be nice when pulling heavy load, but I didn't feel a pressing need.

But to my surprise my wife, though reluctant at first, has been really enjoying our rides and wanted to expand our cargo biking and go to our weekly dog training class. The only problem is that the class is up in the hills with a pretty steep grade, somewhere around 16-20% in spots. I can struggle up that kind of hill on my own on my randonneur bike, but not on the Xtracycle with my wife on the back and dogs in the trailer, so hence I need electric assist. After researching and determining my need was an assist that could handle very steep hills and a heavy load, stokemonkey seemed to really fit the bill.

So this is all very new to me. I've been checking the E$ Wiki for the last few weeks, and but there a lot of info here and I'm trying to wade through it all, so I apologize in advance if this question and future questions have been answered over and over.

The first thing I am wondering about is how you all deal with the security of your bike. I have a good Kryptonite mini evolution U-lock, locking skewers on the wheels, etc. but just wondering how worried any of you are when locking your bike up in front of a store, the movies, etc.? I'm thinking E-Bike motors, controllers, etc., are not a big target for thieves due to the limited resale value since it still is a pretty niche market. Am I wrong? Should I be more cautious? What do the rest of you think?

Thanks,
Ty

ATTACHMENTS

Tyjedi,

I also live in the San Francisco Bay area, and I will tell you what happened to me , so you can see how a Thief operates .

6 months ago I was living in San Jose, for quite a while in the same spot,
I finally sold some personal belongings , and pulled all my emergency money together to buy a slightly used ,
Razor Eco-Smart 36 volt 500 watt Scooter.
I had it for less than 2 months .
I had it rigged up pretty good, I spent money on a Burley Hitch and had a child's trailer that I converted to a Flatbed . I could haul things on the flat bed, or use it as a wheelbarrow by taking a medium size dog travel crate and using half of it .
One night I used it a few times, parked it just 15 - 17 feet from where I was working and when I went back to use it again after only a couple of minutes, literally just 2 minutes, I went to get it and it was gone ! I was only 15 or so feet from it ? with only a small storage shed blocking my view of it. I had looked each time to see if anyone was around and saw no one ! Get the Picture,

And to make it worse, I had on it , front and rear light, the lock, the Hitch, and in the basket I had the Charger !
Over $ 100 of extras !
So now with the charger the thief can sell it so some unsuspecting buyer.
Also
Since it was so new , I did not take any pictures of it.

So now when I get , or build my own from a DIY bike kit, I am going to leave the charger at home or put it in a backpack , and even more importantly I am going to rig up the batteries so I can carry them with me into anywhere I am going.
Remember Thief's know how to cut or brake any lock.

 

[cal3thousand]

HI Everyone!

Reposting this as I realized I posted it by mistake the general E-Vehicles discussion area, and not the E-Bike General Discussion area. Clearly, I'm a noob!

I live in the San Francisco Bay area, and I just bought a used Stokemonkey from a member and can't wait for the UPS guy to show up next Monday so I can get started on the install. My bike, which you can see in the picture from two weeks ago, is a 99 Specialized Hardrock with Surly Rigid Fork, VO tourist handlebars, and Xtracycle Freeradical. In the background is the San Mateo bridge and you can just see some kite surfers doing their thing. That's my wife Tanya standing by the bike. One of our dogs, Guinness, is in the freeloader bag. Our other dog, Penny, is in the doggyride mini trailer. Both dogs are therapy dogs, by the way. Last Saturday we all went to an assisted living home with my wife on the snapdeck and the dogs in the trailer. We made quite an impression when we pulled up!

In any case, what really prompted me getting the stokemonkey is that we've been going on rides unassisted for a while. Most of the rides in my area for cargo or weekend rides are pretty flat where I live in San Mateo, Ca. so I felt no need for electric assist. I thought it would be nice when pulling heavy load, but I didn't feel a pressing need.

But to my surprise my wife, though reluctant at first, has been really enjoying our rides and wanted to expand our cargo biking and go to our weekly dog training class. The only problem is that the class is up in the hills with a pretty steep grade, somewhere around 16-20% in spots. I can struggle up that kind of hill on my own on my randonneur bike, but not on the Xtracycle with my wife on the back and dogs in the trailer, so hence I need electric assist. After researching and determining my need was an assist that could handle very steep hills and a heavy load, stokemonkey seemed to really fit the bill.

So this is all very new to me. I've been checking the E$ Wiki for the last few weeks, and but there a lot of info here and I'm trying to wade through it all, so I apologize in advance if this question and future questions have been answered over and over.

The first thing I am wondering about is how you all deal with the security of your bike. I have a good Kryptonite mini evolution U-lock, locking skewers on the wheels, etc. but just wondering how worried any of you are when locking your bike up in front of a store, the movies, etc.? I'm thinking E-Bike motors, controllers, etc., are not a big target for thieves due to the limited resale value since it still is a pretty niche market. Am I wrong? Should I be more cautious? What do the rest of you think?

Thanks,
Ty

ATTACHMENTS

Tyjedi,

I also live in the San Francisco Bay area, and I will tell you what happened to me , so you can see how a Thief operates .

6 months ago I was living in San Jose, for quite a while in the same spot,
I finally sold some personal belongings , and pulled all my emergency money together to buy a slightly used ,
Razor Eco-Smart 36 volt 500 watt Scooter.
I had it for less than 2 months .
I had it rigged up pretty good, I spent money on a Burley Hitch and had a child's trailer that I converted to a Flatbed . I could haul things on the flat bed, or use it as a wheelbarrow by taking a medium size dog travel crate and using half of it .
One night I used it a few times, parked it just 15 - 17 feet from where I was working and when I went back to use it again after only a couple of minutes, literally just 2 minutes, I went to get it and it was gone ! I was only 15 or so feet from it ? with only a small storage shed blocking my view of it. I had looked each time to see if anyone was around and saw no one ! Get the Picture,

And to make it worse, I had on it , front and rear light, the lock, the Hitch, and in the basket I had the Charger !
Over $ 100 of extras !
So now with the charger the thief can sell it so some unsuspecting buyer.
Also
Since it was so new , I did not take any pictures of it.

So now when I get , or build my own from a DIY bike kit, I am going to leave the charger at home or put it in a backpack , and even more importantly I am going to rig up the batteries so I can carry them with me into anywhere I am going.
Remember Thief's know how to cut or brake any lock.

Thieves may cut any lock with enough impetus. Your job is to make it so they decide your target is harder than the value they will get.

Also, a loud alarm would have given you time to get out there.

 

[USAEBIKECO]

Park it away from high visibility areas and use 2 kryptonite U locks. That's my recommendation after years of ebiking.

 

[slacker]

sorry but high visibility is much better than low visibility as thieves usually do not like watched when they are commiting illegal acts. jmo

 

[cal3thousand]

You last 2 guys are both right.

Thieves prefer to not be seen, but an unseen bike is also an unseen target.

So the best to do is park it with a cover in a public place. The cover will keep the curiosity down as well as chances to "scope" the security measures. If you have a motion alarm on top of that, a thief will likely move on before he even uncovers your bike.

But the above recommendations are to thwart casual opportunistic thieves. If they are targeting your bike and following you, it gets tougher.

 

[slacker]

so right you are sir.

 

[tln]

Here is a cheap alarm lock... Add one or two other ways to keep the bike immobile like your ulock or a disc brake lock.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200630634_200630634?cm_mmc=Housefile-_-RECEIVED-_-707-_-CONF

As far as components go, batteries in a rack bag might be tempting. Maybe a luggage lock if you have/get this type of setup.

I wouldn't worry too much about controllers, cycle analysts, etc. except the stokemonkey is probably fairly well known as
a valuable component. Same as if you had a rohloff -- thats an obvious easy $1000.