Best e-bike locks | Cyclingnews

The best e-bike locks need to provide the security needed to secure a potentially expensive electric bike.

The best electric bikes for commuting are a vulnerable target and the average price is higher than other commuter bikes. We’ve narrowed down our list of the best bike locks to locks more suited to the best electric bikes as when we talked to Bikeindex.org about how bikes were being stolen, the one clear data point was the price of lost bikes, and that electric bikes are driving a rise in the average value of the loss.

We recommend the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini. It’s highly rated for security but not too expensive.

If you are looking for the right lock to keep your prized e-bike safe, keep reading to see our picks for the best e-bike locks or head lower down for our buyer’s guide.

Best e-bike locks: Quick List

Best e-bike locks available today

Best overall

The trick to the New York Fahgettaboutit Mini isn’t special technology. It gains its signature name, and promise of protection even in the highest risk scenarios, because of a big thick 18mm shackle. That’s a lot of steel to deal with. Unlike the D1000 lower down, it is possible to cut it with an angle grinder.

That’s true of most locks but it’s also a lot harder dealing with it locked to a bike on the street than it is in a demonstration while in a vice. One challenge you might run into with the New York Fahgettaboutit Mini and an e-bike though is that it’s a small internal size. This keeps it less vulnerable to leverage attacks but it could be a challenge with an e-bike. If you can make it work though we like its price for the amount of security it provides.

Best alarmed lock

Smart locks are a hot-button issue when it comes to bike security. They tend to worry people because of things such as battery life but in the context of an e-bike, those concerns don’t make as much sense. For one thing, many e-bikes allow for external charging and you could plug the lock in if you needed to.

With normal use though, Abus says to expect around three months of use. The Abus SmartX 770a makes this list because it’s both highly secure and highly convenient. From the security standpoint, it takes an already robust lock, the Abus Granite X-Plus 540, and it adds an alarm function. It’s always tough to know if anyone will pay any attention to an alarm but with a 13mm double shackle design the lock is strong.

Then to add there’s the convenience of never having to think about locking or unlocking the lock. With your phone in range, the lock will unlock seamlessly and if you need to allow someone else to use it, you can grant access. The downside of smart features is price. You can get a more secure lock for less money if you stick to a key.

Best on a budget

The Pitbull has been diamond-rated for pedal cycles by Sold Secure, although it’s not been tested against the e-bike standard.

Onguard uses a 14mm hardened steel shackle that’s thick enough to render bolt cutters ineffective. It’s also robust enough that a leverage attack would be equally difficult. It’s more vulnerable to an angle grinder though, even with a double shackle design that requires two cuts, and the insurance offer is half that of the New York Fahgettaboutit Mini. It makes the list because not only is it priced lower than others, it has some great ease of use features. It comes with five keys, one that includes a light, plus a frame mount kit that adds convenience.

When it’s time to lock the bike up the generous interior space means there’s enough room for both a frame and wheel. This is an easy-to-use everyday lock.

For more details, check out our full Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock review.

Best for multiple bikes

The Hiplok DXXL takes a couple of pieces and combines them in a single purchase. There’s a massive chain and there’s also the Hiplok DX wearable U lock. Hiplok markets this option specifically for e-bikes so it only makes sense we’d include it here.

There’s another reason we like this combination though. If you’ve got an e-bike as well as another bike that requires less security, this could be a two-for-one purchase. The U lock and the chain work together but you can leave the chain at home if you don’t need it. The Hiplok DX is alone is one of the most secure, and convenient, U locks on the market. When it’s time to take your e-bike out add in a massive chain with 14mm thick links. When using the chain, the loop end design makes sure that you’ve got the most length available.

Best folding lock

Some people absolutely love folding locks. They are never as secure as chains or U-lock designs but they are super convenient. It’s easier to mount them and, compared to u-locks, they are easier to use with unusual shapes and sizes. Looking at the field of folding locks, the Bordo Granit 6500 might be the most secure available.

It’s also got great features such as a slick frame mount and plenty of rubber coating to keep it from scratching your frame The 5.5mm steel bars are just a little thicker than the Kryptonite 790 folding lock, which is another highly secure folding lock option. Like the Abus smart lock above, the problem is the price for security offered. Folding locks are less secure and cost more. If you are willing to trade security for convenience and want a folding lock, this is the one to get.

Most grinder-proof

Technology affects everything and tools are no different. As portable angle grinders get even smaller, cheaper and better at what they do, they’ve become a rising problem for bike theft. There is nothing on this list that can withstand an attack from a portable angle grinder, except for the Hiplok D1000.

There are other locks available for sale that promise immunity from a portable angle grinder but the D1000 remains a portable option. It’s a bit heavier, and there’s no frame mount option available, but it’s portable and usable in a wide variety of situations. The one challenge it has is the same as the New York Fahgettaboutit Mini which is a small space inside the shackle. Again, this adds security but it can make it tougher to use and that’s especially true for an e-bike with large frame shapes.

You can read more details about this lock in our full review of the Hiplok D100.

Best wearable lock

If you start to study bike security, you will no doubt run into the chain vs U lock argument. There are proponents on both sides and there’s no good answer. Chains are better suited for different anchors or bike shapes but they are also more hassle to carry with you. Even on an e-bike you’ll have to figure out what to do with a bike chain. The Hiplok Gold solves this problem by being wearable when unlocked. The system allows it to hook together while bypassing the lock for safety and convenience. The links use 10mm steel for plenty of security and if you choose the reflective option you can even add a big reflective hit to the clothing you wear. The only downside is all that security does mean you’ve got to deal with a bit of weight.

Best chain lock

The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 & New York Disc Lock is another option in the massive chain lock category. It’s even heavier than the Hiplok DXXL and the security is similar. In fact, the two offerings are similar in a lot of ways but they are unique enough that each has a place on this list. The Kryptonite chain doesn’t loop through itself the way the Hiplok does and instead of a U-lock you get a lock that’s a lot closer to a padlock. What Kryptonite does offer instead of the flexibility that comes with the Hiplok is an insurance offer.

Make sure you’ve followed all the rules exactly and if your bike disappears you could be eligible for up to a $5,000 payout.

How to choose the best e-bike lock for your bike

Here are the factors we’d suggest you consider in choosing the best lock for your electric bike.

Lock type: In general, either D-locks or chain locks are the most secure, but you may have reasons to choose a folding or cable lock.

Locking area: You need enough locking area to get around your e-bike’s frame and an anchor and ideally a wheel too, so choose a lock that’s large enough. On the other hand, larger locks are in general more vulnerable to attack.

Security rating: We wouldn’t recommend choosing an e-bike lock that’s not either Gold or Diamond rated. E-bikes are expensive, making them a prime target for thieves.

Carrying options: Do you want to carry your lock on your bike, wear it or put it in a pack? You need a lock you’re going to be comfortable moving around with.

Weight: If you’re going to ride with your lock, weight is a consideration, although less so with an electric bike than a pedal-only bike, thanks to the extra assistance.

Price: Spend as much as you need to on your lock. It’s still less expensive than having your e-bike stolen. Consider using two locks for extra security and to avoid wheels being taken.

Best e-bike locks: Frequently asked questions

How we test

As we researched the best bike locks, it became very clear that it wasn’t worth cutting them apart. With the exception of the Hiplock D1000 every lock on our list is vulnerable to a portable angle grinder. Even the biggest steel shackle takes only a few minutes to get through. When it comes to bolt cutter attacks the story is a little better but somewhat similar.

If a lock is small enough, it’s vulnerable and if it’s bigger, it’s not. A 24-inch bolt cutter is able to handle up to about 5/16 inch / 7.9mm and we’ve avoided anything less than that in this list. That leaves usability as the deciding factor in what lock makes sense for you and that we have tested. We spent the time researching what was out there and then made sure that our choices were usable and under what circumstances it made sense to choose one product instead of another.

Furthermore, each e-bike lock on this list represents an option we’d buy with our own money.

We’ve got a dedicated How We Test page with more details on our assessment methods.