Ultimate Guide: Locks for e-Bikes
Protect your investment with the RIGHT lock(s).
(hint: NO cable locks)
E-bikes are PRIME TARGETS for bike thieves, so if you’ve invested in an e-bike, it’s time to buy a QUALITY bike lock (or two). Think your cable lock will deter a thief? Think again. An experienced thief can cut a cable lock and steal your bike in under 3 seconds. In this guide, we’ll explain the three factors to consider when choosing a lock for your e-bike, our top picks for e-Bike Locks, and (importantly) how to PROPERLY use a lock.
First, the factors affecting bike theft:
“Attractive” factor: the more attractive (read: expensive) the bike, the more likely a thief will attempt to steal it. E-bikes are very attractive targets.
Time to remove the lock and ride away: This where you can make a difference by 1) using proper bike lock and 2) using more than one lock, and 3) installing them correctly.
Location (out of sight and ease of escape): how easy is it for a thief to 1) see the bike and 2) remove the lock and bike without being detected? This is the single most important factor affecting bike theft; whenever possible, do not leave your bike on the street. Bringing your bike inside a secure building dramatically reduces the chance of theft.
Next, the lock types:
Cable Locks: Never buy these! Cables are extremely easy to cut with a simple hand-held pair of cutters. Made of woven strands of steel, they’re flexible, and while better than no lock at all, avoid them if you can.
U Locks: U locks, sometimes called “D Locks”, are great options for bikes with traditional style frames and tire sizes. However, bikes with fat tires or non-traditional frames (think folding e-bikes) may not be good candidates since you cannot secure the frame and tire to a bike rack.
Chain Locks: Chain locks with at least 14mm links are considered to be very secure because they’re more difficult to cut than smaller links or cable locks. With a chain lock you can also create a tight fit against the bike, making it more difficult for thieves to cut the links. In addition, due to the unique shape of some e-bikes, especially folding frames and fat tires, chain locks may be your only option, as many U locks may not fit. The drawback of chain locks is their weight: they are usually the heaviest option, with some weighing as much as 10 pounds! However, if you’re riding an e-bike, weight is not as big of a concern compared to traditional bikes, so its totally up to you to decide. Personally, I carry a 10.5 lb Kryptonite chain lock because I have a 750 Watt e-bike that already weighs 67 pounds. The additional weight isn’t very noticeable.
Non-Traditional Locks: these include titanium locks (like those from TiGr), the LiteLock, and more. Each have varying levels of certification, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Disc Brake Locks: Just like they sound, these locks immobilize the bike by preventing the disc rotors from rotating. I would never rely on one of these alone, but they’re an excellent layer of additional protection, especially if you get one with an integrated alarm (like those from Krytonite).
Certification and Ratings
Below are the two leading independent lock certifications. Each manufacturer has their own rating scale, but it’s best to compare each lock with a third party certification.
Sold Secure (link): Rates bike locks Gold, Silver, or Bronze. The service is maintained by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). MLA also certifies car door locks, gun safes, padlocks, and more, so they know what they’re doing.
ART (link): Rates locks from 1 - 5 stars, with 5 stars being most secure. ART is maintained by the Foundation ART in the Netherlands with the goal of reducing bike theft.
| Lock Type | Top Pick | Link Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| U Lock | Kryptonite New York Standard | 16 mm |
| Folding Lock | Abus Bordo Granit X Plus 6500 | 5.5 mm x ~20 mm |
| Chain Lock | Kryptonite New York Noose | 12 mm |
| Cable Lock | None! Trick question :) | - |
Top Locks for E-Bikes
☝️Tip #1:
Never use a cable lock to secure an e-Bike! They’re very easy to cut. Always use a chain or U lock. See our top locks.
☝️Tip #2:
Select a chain or U lock with at least 14 mm thickness of hardened steel.
☝️Tip #3:
Create a snug, tight fit with your lock around the bike and anchor point (no slack). This makes it more difficult to cut.
☝️Tip #4:
Bring your bike inside. Whenever possible, do not leave your bike on the street. Most businesses will let you store it inside if you ask nicely :)
☝️Tip #5:
Keep your lock off the ground. Locks are much easier to attack with the ground as a backstop. Keep all parts of your lock as high as possible.
Top Pick #1 for e-Bike Locks:
Kryptonite New York Noose Chain Lock
Top Pick #2 for e-Bike Locks:
Disc Brake Lock with 110 db Alarm
