stolen 2023 GOTRAX EBE1 Folding E-Bike​

On August 14, 2024, between 3:45 PM and 8:30 PM, my GOTRAX EBE1 Folding E-Bike was stolen from the bike parking area outside the Microsoft office located at 110 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB. I had securely locked it with a metal U rod lock before attending a Tech Alberta event, only to return hours later and find that my bike—my only means of transportation—was gone. This bike wasn’t just an electric vehicle; it was my lifeline. As a newcomer to Canada, and an international student with limited resources, this bike allowed me to navigate my new life efficiently. It was my way of saving time and reducing transportation costs during the summer, when public transit often stretched my day to its limits. Now that it’s gone, I'm back to relying on slow and expensive public transit, which makes every errand feel like a burden. The stolen bike is a GOTRAX EBE1 Folding E-Bike in black, with 16-inch wheels. It features a step-through design, lightweight aluminum alloy frame, and a 350W motor that allowed me to travel up to 15.5 mph with a range of 27.9 miles per charge. The bike has mechanical brakes, weighs around 56 lbs, and was always a reliable companion for me, no matter where I had to go. It also has an ignition switch that requires a key, which I still possess. The bike is distinguishable by scratches on the brake lever, a result of daily wear and tear, as it was my primary mode of transport. Despite being over a year old, the bike was in its original condition, with no modifications or replacements. I don’t come from wealth—I saved up for this bike because it was the only way I could afford to get around. Now, I feel helpless, robbed of the little freedom I had. I wish I had access to video surveillance, but unfortunately, I don’t. However, I believe the building’s security cameras may have captured the theft. This bike wasn’t just a possession to me—it was a symbol of my independence in a new country. Now that it’s gone, it feels like I’ve lost more than just a bike.