You walk back to where you parked your bike, and it’s gone. First thought: stolen. Second thought: what now? Take a breath. A missing bike does not always mean a stolen bike. Sometimes bikes are moved, parked nearby, or taken to a local bicycle depot because of parking rules. And if it really is stolen, we’ll help you get back on the road.

Here’s what to do step by step

1. Before reporting it stolen, check the area

Before you report your Swapfiets bike as stolen, take a quick look around. Start with the obvious: did you park it a few meters away from where you thought? Did someone move it to make space? Is it around the corner, near another bike rack, or on the other side of the street?

In some cities, bikes can also be removed by the municipality or local authorities if they are parked incorrectly. This can happen when a bike blocks a pedestrian path, entrance, emergency route, or public space. In that case, your bike may be at a bicycle depot instead of stolen.

This is especially relevant in countries and cities where local bike depots are common, like the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK and Spain. If your bike was removed by the municipality, you may need to pay a fee to get it back. Swapfiets may also contact you if we are informed that your bike is at a depot.

2. Still gone? Report it in the Swapfiets app

If you still can’t find your bike, report it missing in the Swapfiets app.

Open the app and follow these steps

• Tap I need help

• Select Lost bike

• Follow the steps on screen

• Book an appointment to get set up with another bike

We’ll help you arrange a replacement, so you can get back in the saddle as soon as possible. Swapfiets aims to keep the replacement appointment short, so you can get moving again without a long process.

Depending on the situation and your subscription, a surcharge may apply. The best way to avoid surprises is to know how theft coverage works before you need it.

How to pay €0 when your bike is stolen

Every Swapfiets subscription already includes a bike, repairs, service and two locks. But if you want extra peace of mind, you can add Full Theft Coverage to your subscription.

With Full Theft Coverage, you can pay €0 if your bike is stolen, as long as you followed the key conditions: your bike was double locked, you still have your keys, and for e-bikes, the battery was removed when parked.

Without Full Theft Coverage, a missing bike surcharge can apply. With Basic Coverage, this can be up to €60 for pedal bikes and €220 for e-bikes. Full Theft Coverage reduces that to €0 for all bikes, as long as the coverage conditions are met.

Full Theft Coverage starts from €3.90 / 30 kr / £3.90 per month for pedal bikes and €9.90 / 80 kr / £9.90 per month for e-bikes.

That means you don’t have to wait for the “what if” moment. You can add Full Theft Coverage in advance and ride with total peace of mind.

Ready for worry-free riding? Open the Swapfiets app and add Full Theft Coverage to your subscription.

The Golden Rules of Parking

The best way to deal with bike theft is to reduce the risk in the first place. Your Swapfiets comes with two locks for a reason. Use them every time.

• Always double lock your bike: Use both locks whenever you park. This is not just a good habit. It is also one of the conditions for Full Theft Coverage to apply.

• Lock your bike to something secure: Whenever possible, lock your bike to a fixed object, like a bike rack. This makes it harder to move or take.

• Don’t block pedestrian paths or entrances: Park responsibly. Avoid blocking pavements, doorways, emergency exits, driveways or public transport stops. If your bike is parked incorrectly, local authorities may remove it.

• Take out the battery when parking your e-bike: If you ride a Swapfiets e-bike, always remove the battery when you park. Full Theft Coverage only fully applies when the battery was removed. The battery is removable, so keeping it with you is the safest option.

• Keep your keys with you: If your bike is stolen, you need to show that you still have your bike keys and, for e-bikes, your battery key. Keep them safe.

What if my bike was taken by the municipality?

If your bike was parked somewhere it shouldn’t be, it may have been removed by the municipality or local authority. This is not the same as theft. It also means Full Theft Coverage rates do not apply. In most cases, you’ll need to contact the local authority or depot to check where your bike is and how to collect it. If Swapfiets collects the bike from the depot, extra costs may apply. This is why the parking rules matter. A few extra seconds to park properly can save you a lot of hassle later.

The calm way to think about bike theft

Bike theft can happen in busy cities. But it should not stop you from riding. Swapfiets is built around worry-free biking: a reliable bike, service when you need it, and support if something goes wrong. Full Theft Coverage adds one extra layer of reassurance. It’s there for the moment you hope never happens, so you don’t have to stress about it if it does.

So, remember the basics: double lock your bike, park it properly, remove the battery if you ride an e-bike, and keep your keys safe.

And for full peace of mind, add Full Theft Coverage before you need it.

Don’t wait for the “what if.” Open the Swapfiets app now and add Full Theft Coverage to your subscription.