E-bike battery theft: how UK insurers respond and how to protect your power pack

The lithium-ion battery that powers an e-bike is no mere accessory. Compact, detachable and often costing upwards of £400 to replace, it is usually the most valuable single component of the bike. In the UK, e-bike battery theft is on the rise - affecting both private owners and shared bike schemes. And when it comes to insurance, the picture is not always straightforward.

Why thieves target e-bike batteries

Reports earlier this year highlighted how criminals are prising batteries from shared e-bikes, sometimes sharing methods online. Once removed, packs can be sold on or repurposed to power converted pedal cycles.

Zag Daily noted that battery theft has become an organised, calculated problem for mobility operators. As its editor Ben Hubbard told The Times: “Over the last few years we’ve found battery theft is a much more organised and calculated challenge for bike mobility operators in the UK. The cells are highly valuable. Operators need reporting on battery theft to lead to convictions so people don’t think it’s a free-for-all.”

The scale of losses is significant. Scooter firm Voi estimated it lost £500,000 after 700 batteries were stolen in Liverpool. London-based operator Forest says it loses around ten batteries each month. Each theft reduces fleet availability and undermines confidence in shared mobility.

For private riders, the impact is no less serious. An e-bike without a battery is simply a heavy pedal cycle. Replacement packs typically cost £400–£700, with high-capacity units topping £1,000. That makes them a prime target.

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The insurance loophole

Despite their value, some insurance policies may treat batteries as detachable extras. That distinction matters. If a thief steals the battery while the bike itself remains locked in place, a claim can be refused. Check policy wording carefully: comprehensive cover should mean just that.

ETA’s approach

ETA takes a different line. Our e-bike policy treats the battery as integral to the bike. If the bike is secured with an approved lock through the frame to an immovable object, the battery is covered. Without it, an e-bike is incomplete. We also offers new-for-old replacement - unlike providers who apply depreciation - and includes 24/7 Cycle Rescue. If you are stranded with a mechanical failure or a flat battery, a recovery vehicle will take you home.

In a market where small print can leave riders exposed, clarity matters.

FAQs: e-bike battery theft and insurance

Does e-bike insurance cover battery theft?
It depends on the provider. Some treat the battery as a detachable accessory, meaning claims are only paid if the whole bike is stolen or damaged. ETA treats the battery as part of the bike itself - so if the bike is locked correctly, battery-only theft is covered.

How much does it cost to replace an e-bike battery?
Most replacement lithium-ion batteries cost between £400 and £700. High-capacity packs for long-range e-bikes can exceed £1,000. This makes them one of the most expensive components of an e-bike, and a prime target for thieves.

What should I do if my e-bike battery is stolen?
Report the theft to police and obtain a crime reference number. Photograph any damage to the bike or lock, then contact your insurer. If you are with ETA, a stolen battery is covered as long as the bike was secured in line with policy requirements.

How can I prevent e-bike battery theft?
Lock the bike’s frame to a solid stand with a Sold Secure-rated lock. If possible, remove the battery and take it with you. Park in well-lit areas or near CCTV. Recording battery serial numbers and registering with databases such as Project 529 can also help - the scheme has been linked to dramatic reductions in theft in parts of Canada. Fleet operators are trialling glued casings, GPS-enabled packs and cryptographic chips that prevent reuse. For private riders, vigilance and good insurance remain the most reliable protection.

Why are thieves targeting e-bike batteries?
Because they’re compact, portable and valuable. Stolen batteries can be sold online or used to convert pedal bikes. In recent years, UK mobility operators have reported hundreds of thousands of pounds in losses.

Cycle Rescue is free with ETA bicycle insurance

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures, or even a flat e-bike battery) while out cycling, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team can arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location. Buy as a standalone service, or get it included for free with ETA cycle insurance, along with:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 35 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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