E-bike thefts in New South Wales have surged dramatically over the past year, while Victoria has experienced its first decline in such crimes in four years, according to newly released crime statistics.
NSW sees sharp rise in e-bike thefts
Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research reveals that e-bike thefts increased by 25% in the 12 months to March 2026, compared with the previous year. A total of 4,200 e-bikes were reported stolen, up from 3,360. The rise is attributed to the growing popularity of e-bikes and their high resale value.
Police have urged owners to invest in quality locks and register their bikes with local authorities. Detective Superintendent John Smith said, "These are not just opportunistic thefts; organized rings are targeting e-bikes because they can be easily sold online."
Victoria bucks the trend
In contrast, Victoria recorded a 5% drop in e-bike thefts, the first decrease since 2022. The Crime Statistics Agency reported 3,800 thefts in the same period, down from 4,000. Authorities credit a targeted police operation and community awareness campaigns for the improvement.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville said, "We are pleased to see a reduction, but there is still much work to do. We encourage all e-bike owners to take preventive measures."
National context and expert analysis
Nationally, e-bike thefts have risen by 12% over the past year, with Queensland and Western Australia also reporting increases. Criminologist Dr. Emily Brown from the University of Sydney noted, "E-bikes are a lucrative target for thieves due to their high demand and relatively low security compared to cars."
She recommended that owners use GPS trackers and secure parking facilities. "As e-bike usage grows, so does the need for better security infrastructure," she added.
What owners can do
To protect against theft, experts advise:
- Use two high-quality locks (e.g., D-lock and chain lock)
- Lock the frame and both wheels to a fixed object
- Remove batteries and take them indoors
- Register the bike with a national database like the Bike Vault
- Consider insurance that covers e-bike theft
Police in both states are increasing patrols in known hotspot areas and working with online marketplaces to identify stolen goods.
