An innovative concept against bicycle theft
The Chilean manufacturer Yerka Bikes offers a novel solution to prevent electric bicycle theft by ingeniously transforming the frame into a lock. The theft of electric bikes is a scourge, with more than 400,000 two-wheelers stolen each year. Although some insurance alleviates financial losses, the inconvenience remains a barrier to using these vehicles.
A lock integrated into the frame
Yerka Bikes has chosen a radical approach by integrating the lock directly into the bike’s frame. The diagonal tube of the frame can be opened to secure the bike to a fixed object such as a pole or lamppost. Thus, stealing the bike requires destroying the frame, making theft unattractive.
The lock used is provided by the German manufacturer Abus, recognized for its quality. Regarding technical characteristics, the Yerka Electric incorporates an electric motor developing 45 Nm of torque in its rear wheel. The battery, with a capacity of 360 Wh, offers a range between 60 and 100 km depending on the load. However, there is a lack of information on the impact of this solution on the bike’s rigidity, especially on uneven surfaces.
Upcoming availability in Europe
For those interested in this security innovation, it is planned that the model will be available in Europe within a few months. The estimated price would be around 2,300 euros, excluding bonus for the purchase of electric bikes.
