EbikeMate

E-bike theft in Australia: the numbers, and how to get yours back

Updated · 4 min read

E-bike theft is rising fast. In New South Wales, thefts of motorised bicycles rose 27% over two years, from 1,644 to 2,080 in the year to March 2026, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). BOCSAR says they are now the major contributor to growth in “other stealing” offences.

Why e-bikes are targeted

  • There are a lot of them. Around 254,000 e-bikes were sold in Australia in 2025, with about 289,000 forecast for 2026 (Expert Market Research, reported by the NRMA).
  • They’re valuable and easy to sell. A used e-bike or battery can be listed online within hours.
  • Most owners can’t prove which bike is theirs. Without a recorded frame serial and photos, a recovered bike often can’t be returned.

What helps you get it back

  1. Know your frame serial. It’s the one thing police and buyers can match. Where to find it.
  2. Keep photos and the receipt in one place you can reach from your phone.
  3. Report it to police and get a report number.
  4. Flag it stolen on EbikeMate. Anyone who checks the serial sees it’s stolen, any listing with that serial is stopped, and people subscribed to stolen e-bike alerts nearby get an email.
  5. Watch the marketplaces for your bike, and never confront a seller yourself — call police.

Buying used? Don’t buy a stolen bike

Ask for the frame serial before you go, and check it free. Walk away from a seller who won’t show the serial, has no charger or keys, or wants a quick cash sale somewhere public.

Register my e-bike free →

Common questions

How common is e-bike theft in Australia?

In NSW, motorised bicycle thefts rose 27% over two years to 2,080 in the year to March 2026 (BOCSAR). Other states don’t yet publish e-bike theft separately.

How do I check if an e-bike is stolen?

Ask the seller for the frame serial number and check it free on EbikeMate. A bike reported stolen shows as stolen, with no owner details shown.

What should I do if my e-bike is stolen?

Report it to police for a report number, then flag it stolen on your Bike Passport so anyone checking the serial sees it, listings with that serial are stopped and nearby alert subscribers are told.

Sources

This guide explains things in general terms. It is not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Your bike

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Brand not listed? Pick by motor system — parts follow the motor, not the badge on the frame.

Where are you?

Your postcode decides what you can see. Batteries are pickup only, so they only show to buyers near the seller, and some items are not shown in every state.