The Best Electric Bike Locks

Are you fond of your electric bike? Secure it with a lock! Wondering how to deter even the most daring thieves? Read on for the ultimate guide. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert in electric bike security.

What Are the Best Electric Bike Locks Available?

ABUS Bordo 6500A SmartX
Smart anti-theft device with Bluetooth® and alarm. Connects to your iOS / Android smartphone. Bracket included. Size: 43 inches

Security level: GOLD (Sold Secure®)

ABUS Saddle and wheel locks
An innovation from ABUS. Bolt for installation on saddle and wheels. Clamp / Lock saddle post. Diameter: 12 inches.

How Simple Is Bike Theft?

Before discussing bike protection methods, it’s crucial to understand the importance of using strong, reliable locks. Let’s examine how various types of locks fare against common tools used by thieves and how long they typically last.

The most cost-effective solution appears to be the U-shaped padlock. It withstands various tools and is difficult to cut through with a grinder. Additionally, it’s easy to carry. It’s worth noting that such a tool, when used for 30 seconds, creates significant noise that can alert people nearby. During daytime in crowded areas, using a reliable U-shaped anti-theft device makes theft virtually impossible.

U-Shaped Locks

U-shaped locks consist of two parts:

• A sturdy shackle designed to secure around your bicycle frame or wheel
• A locking bar that holds the shackle in place and secures your anti-theft device.

The most well-known U-shaped locks are manufactured by Kryptonite, ABUS, and OnGuard. These locks are highly valued for their durability and portability, allowing easy attachment to your bike while you’re riding.

Best Anti-theft Locks

This is our favorite! It has saved us many times, as evidenced by the signs of attempted theft and damage left by thieves and their tools. I appreciate that a steel cable is included with the U-shaped lock. This allows the front wheel to be secured along with the rest of the bike frame. The Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 offers great value for a U-shaped lock. It’s portable and sturdy, available at an affordable price – exactly what we were looking for!

As its name suggests, the Kryptonite Mini-7 is compact. This can be a challenge when attaching the lock. However, it can also be a positive feature! The short length prevents thieves from leveraging tools to break the lock.

Unbreakable Foldable Chain Locks

Chain locks, consisting of a series of metal links, provide highly effective deterrent protection. The popularity of these locks among motorcyclists is well-founded! The primary drawback is their weight, which is significantly higher than that of U-shaped locks. To carry this type of lock, you can place it in a bike basket (if you have one) or secure it around your luggage rack to distribute the weight more evenly.

Chain locks vary in the materials used for construction. For optimal protection, we recommend brands like Kryptonite or Abus. There are two types of chain locks: those with integrated locks and those with separate padlocks.

The ABUS Steel-O-Chain Lock

The ABUS Steel-O-Chain 9808 features an integrated lock, is foldable, and comes in two lengths: 33 inches or 43 inches. This anti-theft device is convenient to use because the chain locks directly into the integrated lock, eliminating the need for an additional padlock. The chain is relatively lightweight compared to others in its class. It weighs 2 lbs for the 33-inch version and 2.2 lbs for the 43-inch version.

This chain offers excellent value for money and is easy to transport. The security level is not the highest, so if you require better protection with a chain, opt for a heavier anti-theft device that can be secured to a fixed point (such as in a garage).

The Kryptonite Evolution 4 Heavy Chain Lock

The New York-based brand Kryptonite has made a significant impact in the bike protection market with the Evolution 4, providing a virtually indestructible shield. The Evolution 4 is designed to be permanently secured to a fixed point near your home or workplace. Originally intended for scooters or motorcycles, it is an anti-theft device not intended for portability.

However, its greatest strength lies in its virtually impenetrable design. It’s ideal for securing your bike in communal areas of buildings or at home, such as in a garden shed. For high-value electric bikes left unattended away from home, it’s an excellent investment!

In summary, chains can be categorized as follows:

• Easy-to-carry chains, which are 0.4 inches thick or less.
• Heavy-duty bicycle chains, suitable for stationary use.

Tip: To resist cutting pliers, a chain should ideally be at least 0.5 inches thick.

Electric Bike Locks With Alarm Systems

Bicycle alarms, on the other hand, are designed to deter thieves in busy areas. There’s something to suit every budget and preference. However, the anti-theft alarm should not be the sole protection for your bike when left unattended.

Why Opt for an Alarm Lock?

We recommend this type of alarm for short stops or when you simply don’t have your sturdy lock with you (such as a U-lock or chain). The goal is to use the element of surprise with a loud sound reaching up to 120 decibels to scare away the assailant.

How Does It Work?

There are several types of alarm locks available:

• Boxes attached to your frame or luggage rack: These are remotely controlled by a car-like key and are triggered when your bike moves. They are typically battery-powered and very discreet.

• Connected alarms, usually attached to the handlebars: These operate via Bluetooth, often offering the option to locate your bike via GPS.

• Finally, padlocks with alarms built into the lock: ABUS has developed an anti-theft device of this type. When the attached bike is moved, the lock emits a warning beep. If the thief persists in trying to force or pick the lock, a powerful alarm is triggered.

Our Pick: Smart Connected Anti-theft Device

ABUS Bordo 6500A SmartX
Smart anti-theft device with Bluetooth® and alarm. Connects to your iOS / Android smartphone. Bracket included. Size: 43 inches

Security level: GOLD (Sold Secure®)

Tested and approved: the ABUS smart lock seamlessly blends into the bike frame and is triggered by the slightest suspicious vibration, providing a surprise effect that will deter thieves.

For the perfect electric bike anti-theft solution, I recommend pairing the smart alarm with a GPS tracker system, such as this one:

I particularly like the Invoxia Bike Tracker because it resembles a taillight, making it incredibly discreet. This provides good road visibility and enhances security against bike theft.

Saddle Locks

When thieves are unable to steal your entire bike (thanks to your effective protection), they may resort to stealing accessories. Unfortunately, the saddle is a common target. I’ve personally experienced the humiliation of riding home without a saddle, and I can assure you, it’s not pleasant.

ABUS Saddle Nut

ABUS Saddle and wheel locks
An innovation from ABUS. Bolt for installation on saddle and wheels. Clamp / Lock saddle post. Diameter: 12 inches.

The ABUS Saddle Lock is nearly impossible to saw through once installed around your seat tube or wheel axles. You only need to attach it once! This lock features a mechanism that releases the screw underneath only when the bike is tilted on its side. Otherwise, access is not possible. A must-have if you prefer not to carry your saddle with you at all times.

Electric Bike Locks (Ultimate Protection!)

Now that you know how to properly secure your bike and all its components, here’s the secret to becoming the ultimate anti-theft boss: multiply your protections. With this trick, you can leave your 2-wheeler anywhere, anytime, and with peace of mind. Here’s what we recommend:

Choosing the Right Lock (Keyed Lock vs. Combination Lock)

Why choose a keyed lock?

• There’s no risk of forgetting your code
• Keyed locks are more difficult to pick
• The only drawback is the risk of losing or forgetting your key, which can be a concern for some.

Nowadays, most keyed padlocks come with multiple sets of keys (2 to 3, sometimes even 5!). Some brands, like Kryptonite, also offer key loss protection insurance, if desired.

Why choose a combination lock?

• There’s no need to carry a key; the combination is memorized.
• It’s easy to lend your bike to someone you trust in your absence; just provide them with the code.
• Note: Be sure to write down your code at home in case you forget it!

What Size Lock Should I Choose?

When it comes to U-shaped padlocks, it’s best to choose a small or medium-sized one. Not only is it easier to carry, but it’s also safer! The less space there is between your U-shaped lock and your bike, the more difficult it will be for a thief to insert an object to force the steel shackle.

The downside is that it may take longer to secure your frame and wheel to a fixed point. To address this, consider using a steel cable that passes through the wheel as a complement if you have limited space to secure your bike properly.

With chain locks, choosing the right size is easier, as the length won’t affect the difficulty for the thief. Opt for a medium-sized chain, which will be lighter than the very long chains typically used for motorcycles.

How Strong Is My Lock? (Sold Secure® Security Levels)

Visit the Sold Secure website to learn about the quality label for your anti-theft device or the one you wish to purchase. Sold Secure is a certification body established by the Master Locksmiths Association (a non-profit trade association) to guarantee the strength of thousands of devices against theft.

Sold Secure® security is divided into three levels:

• Bronze level (BRONZE)
• Silver level (SILVER)
• Gold level (GOLD)

These categories are determined by the time spent on each anti-theft test and the tools used. The higher the ranking (bronze being the lowest level and gold the highest), the greater the security offered by the product.

Using a search engine based on keywords, type, or brand of anti-theft device, you can determine the level of security offered by the manufacturer. Leading brands such as Kryptonite and ABUS offer many locks certified at the GOLD level by Sold Secure®.

Lock Material

As far as we know, the best locks are made of steel. This extremely strong material provides excellent resistance against the tools used by bicycle thieves. The highest quality locks are crafted from reinforced steel, ensuring maximum protection. Certain top-tier locks, commonly used for motorcycles, are constructed from titanium.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Lock for Your Electric Bike

In summary of our review of the best anti-theft systems for electric bikes, we would like to highlight a few key points:

• Certain locks offer greater resistance against thieves’ tools than others. Thick chains and U-locks are among the best choices.
• An alarm lock is always a beneficial supplement to your primary lock.
• Don’t forget to secure your saddle. From my experience, riding without a saddle can be quite inconvenient.
• Before making your decision, consider the various selection criteria mentioned in our article to choose the lock that best suits your needs.

ABUS Bordo 6500A SmartX
Smart anti-theft device with Bluetooth® and alarm. Connects to your iOS / Android smartphone. Bracket included. Size: 43 inches

Security level: GOLD (Sold Secure®)

ABUS Saddle and wheel locks
An innovation from ABUS. Bolt for installation on saddle and wheels. Clamp / Lock saddle post. Diameter: 12 inches.