Fatbike battery stolen? This is what a new one costs (and how to prevent it)
Bike theft is changing. Where thieves used to take the whole bike, they now increasingly go for loose, valuable parts. And the fatbike battery is at the top of their wish list.
The numbers speak for themselves: the number of registered thefts of loose bike parts in the Netherlands rose from about 15,000 in 2021 to around 33,000 in 2025. That is according to an analysis of police figures reported by BeveiligingNieuws. The real number is probably even higher, as many thefts are never reported.
In this article you'll read why the battery in particular is such a popular target, what a new one costs, and - most importantly - how to make sure you don't lose it.
Why are fatbike batteries stolen so often?
A fatbike battery has exactly the qualities a thief is looking for:
- High value. A battery is easily worth several hundred euros.
- Small and light. It can be kicked loose in seconds and is easy to carry away. Watch this video and see how a battery thief works.
- Easy to sell anonymously. Thieves sell the battery as a loose part, or use it to rebuild stripped bikes.
According to analyses of police figures, criminals are also increasingly targeting loose parts such as batteries and displays rather than the whole bike. The combination of high value, small size and anonymous resale makes the battery an ideal target.
How easy is it to steal an unprotected battery?
Far too easy, unfortunately. On most fatbikes the battery is held in place by a simple standard lock or a clip. An experienced thief opens such a lock within seconds - or simply kicks the battery out of its holder.
Because the battery is small, valuable and quick to sell, it's literally a matter of seconds. Without extra protection, you're making it very easy for thieves.
What does a new fatbike battery cost?
Expect to pay €250 to €600 for a new battery, depending on the model.
| Battery type | Capacity | Price indication |
| Ouxi V8, V20 or H9 | 48V, 15–17.5 Ah | €250 – €500 |
| Higher capacity / premium e-bike brands | Higher | €800 – €900 |
That makes the battery one of the most expensive parts of your fatbike. If it gets stolen, that's a serious expense — especially if it happens more than once. That's exactly why it pays to protect it properly from day one.
How do you prevent your fatbike battery from being stolen?
Only one thing really works against battery theft: making sure the battery can't be removed. A simple standard lock or just a frame lock isn't enough, because the battery can still be taken out quickly.
The solution is a fixed battery lock that secures the battery physically and non-removably to your frame. With the Lockboss, your battery is bolted to the frame with four screws and can't be removed without tools. Clicking it loose or "kicking it out" is no longer an option: a thief simply can't take the battery.
Every Lockboss comes with an ABUS lock as standard, because ABUS makes the best padlocks.
Optimal protection: combine your security
For the best protection, stack a few measures:
- Secure the battery with a battery lock like the Lockboss, so it can't be removed from the frame.
- Lock the whole bike with an ART-certified lock.
- Add a GPS tracker to an expensive fatbike, so you can find it if things go wrong anyway.
This makes your fatbike an unattractive target — and saves you the cost and hassle of a stolen battery.
Frequently asked questions
What does a new fatbike battery cost?
Usually between €250 and €600, depending on the model. For popular models like the Ouxi V8, V20 and H9 (48V, 15–17.5 Ah) you often pay €250 to €500. Batteries with a higher capacity or from premium e-bike brands can cost up to €800 to €900.
Why are fatbike batteries stolen so often?
Because they are worth a lot of money, small and light, and easy to resell as a loose part. Thieves sell them as a separate part or use them to rebuild stripped bikes.
Is a standard battery lock enough?
No. The standard lock or clip that holds the battery can be opened or kicked out in seconds. For real protection you need a fixed battery lock that makes the battery non-removable.
How do I prevent my fatbike battery from being stolen?
Secure the battery physically and non-removably to your frame with a battery lock like the Lockboss. Combine this with an ART-certified lock for the whole bike and, for an expensive fatbike, a GPS tracker.
