Notify me of follow-up comments by email. reviews and buyers guides. The perfect bike lock for an e-bike will allow you to secure the bike and motor in such a way as help to deter a potential thief. Yes, it happens, especially if they are expensive wheels and easily and quickly removed. This means that the lock is certified to have good durability against most stress tests that simulate real-life scenarios. Older u-locks may be vulnerable to a simple picking form of attack with a Bic pen, for example. The better and more securely locked an e-bike and the brighter and busier the area the better. But the strongest lock is still only as good as your locking technique. An interesting footnote to this section is that ABUS have recognized that having one key for your all your e-bike functions battery, frame lock and main lock would be a welcome step to simplifying your life and so have introduced YourPlus which helps you do just that. After viewing lock picking videos on Youtube, you might also agree that any lock can be defeated. One of the newest options but a good alternative to D-locks and of course much lighter than chain locks. For higher levels of protection, its recommended that you use a heavy chain or D-lock with at least a gold rating when ranking locks in terms of the commonly-used Kryptonite rating scale. Diamond are for the highest value e-bikes and motorbikes in high-risk areas. Best of all they fold down to a very neat, compact size for transporting off the bike. Bike has the full fenders. Convenience is a close second since you dont want your bicycle lock slowing you down and making it too much of a hassle to park your e-bike near where you want to go. So at least a gold standard lock (or one with the lock companys equivalent rating) looks a compelling choice and, if you can find a Diamond rated lock that would obviously be more secure yet. You might even be lucky enough to have a monitored indoor bike park in your area like the free one in Carnaby Street London. There are many hundreds of lock designs below the gold Sold Standard (or equivalent) but if you have a pricey e-bike I would only really recommend them as secondary locks. E-bike News: Treks New Affordable E-bikes, Bimotal Final Pilot and Much More! Need suggestions for good lock. They can't be torn apart, chiseled, bolt cut, sledge hammered, wedged apart with a tire iron, or made brittle by freezing. There are a few important questions that will help you decide on the best e-bike lock. This may involve thicker chain links, an additional disc lock feature, or a hide-away key cylinder. Weve already covered the importance of using two locks, especially for very expensive e-bikes. Note there are also cheaper, smaller compact and mini versions if the reduced sized doesnt present a problem for your bike and its regular parking spots. This tracking system uses GSM cellular information called LBS that allows Van Moof to track the bike wherever it is, even inside a building. Just like a lock for any other type of cycle, an e-bike lock works by securing the vehicle frame to a fixed object and/or securing the wheels to the frame so as to make it impossible for the wheels to turn. If you buy an e-bike with this system you can buy extra ABUS locks and use the same key make a note of your key number or visit your local bicycle dealer with your code card and you will be able to order a compatible lock. Van Moof is one of the best known examples. Whilst it is Gold rated EBRs original review was a little skeptical, stating Personally, if I was to want a lock to use in a really high-risk area where angle-grinder equipped thieves were a possibility I would go for a hardened steel chain with a Gold Sold Secure rating as I believe that would stand up better to such attack than a steel cable-based lock.. And apart from increasing its durability, it will also make it safe to use in rainy conditions. Most bike locks come with at least two keys but note several lock manufacturers run key registration schemes like this one from Kryptonite that means you can get replacement keys or code for lost keys and forgotten combination codes. E-bike News: New Lightweights from Trek and Brompton, Shimano Expands Mid-drive Tech and Much More. The big win for the chain and padlock approach is its flexibility combined with high security if you regularly need to lock your bike in awkward spots to whatever street furniture might be available then definitely consider a high security rated chain and padlock approach. Does the Squire Inigma herald the start of a new era of keyless locks? But, note that the lock has a small size factor, which, although makes it easier to carry with the provided bracket, limits the flexibility in what you lock the bike to. A small number of e-bikes have integrated GPS units so that tracking may be possible in the event the bike is stolen. You Have Bike Storage: If you rarely park your e-bike outside, you may think that a dedicated e-bike lock is redundant, especially if you already have a folding lock or another compact size lock for a regular bicycle. The gold Sold Secure ratedAbus770A SmartX U-Lockis also an electronic (keyless) lock operated from your smartphone. Should the worst come to the worst and your e-bike is stolen then you want to make sure you have done everything possible to get it back. However, you should note that the lock functions on a key instead of combination locks which means youll have to carry a key with you whenever youre riding the bike. I carry a TiGr Mini Lock on the commuter. I have mine wrapped around the seat bag. Length: 26cm (21cm also available) / 10.2, An innovative system that uses a variant of the steel cable construction with various additions from Litelock. WHY WE LIKE IT: This electric bike lock has a hexagonal PVC cover that protects it from different weather conditions. EBR has reviewed the Seatylock here. The following video seems to undersell its strength a little but if you want something even stronger note they do a beefier Series 4 version of a similar design. However, many e-bikes have the battery mounted where you would normally attach the frame-mount for a D-lock, and a wearable lock solves the dilemma of where to store the lock when on the go. Bike theft is common, and electric bikes are a significantly more tempting target for thieves. Thanks. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Seen bikes with their wheels apparently stolen or bikes that have been locked through the wheels with the rest of the bike stolen? I will have to leave the bike in the garage as I nearly herniated myself taking the bike up 4 flights of stairs. The Diamond rating has only just been introduced this last summer and so there arent many Diamond rated locks on the market right now. He has contributed work to magazines and sites including Gayot, Spy, Paper, Ladygunn, 3AM and the Crab Creek Review. In high crime areas, use multiple locks and maybe add some sort of discreet motion-activated siren. Chain with an integrated key lock. Time then to make sure you have taken every precaution to ensure that your e-bike doesnt become another statistic. Whatever you decide you should avoid cheap cable style locks and padlocks at all costs as they are so easy to remove they are hardly worth having and just induce a false sense of security in those relying on them. Wearable locks may be more convenient to carry on an e-bike, though security is still the most important feature, and the weight of a good quality chain lock can become tiresome to wear on a long ride. Most cyclists recommend against using only cable locks, however, as cable locks are relatively easy to cut through. These are a variant of D-locks and chain and padlocks and their use was pioneered by Hiplok. Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. I feel that these locks provide me with extreme security and fingers crossed they are still operating smoothly. There are a handful of locks that feature alarms. The narrow shape at one end however can present problems fitting round some parts of a bike frame or some objects. Ottolock is the company and product. Want to Go High Tech? To keep your bike safe, you want to make the area around the lock an awkward spot to use hand tools in. They are usually found already fitted to city e-bikes meant for running errands. Of course, home security and insurance are also important areas and we will be covering those in a future post. Cables can be nipped through a few strands at a time with pocketable wire cutters, picking is not too difficult, and nothing survives a cordless cut-off saw. Moreover, with a high-quality and compact mounting bracket, you can easily carry the lock with you on your rides. The designs of electric bikes can also present unique challenges for bike locks. In the meantime, all electronic functions, except for the tracking system, are shut down to save energy. Secondly, leave as little space as possible around the lock/s. Some recommend using multiple locks for a higher level of security against bike thieves. After that the racks were moved further from the street. A useful description of the range of locks, but perhaps overlooking the weakness of all of them. New Tech Features: Some newer security locks for electric bikes employ clever tech features such as a disc detainer mechanism or even wireless alarm systems. Thicker locks with a D-shaped locking structure may not fit around hub motors, for example. Its one of the few gold rated folding locks. Security locks with electronic features, for example, a smartphone-integrated digital lock mechanism, may only last three to five years, based on the wear of the electronic components. Thats our promise and our commitment.. Christen and Rex [Founders of Gadget Review], Copyright 2022, All Rights Reserved | Gadget Review. Our reviews and buyers guides are always either based on reviews weve done ourselves, or aggregated from trusted sources. Always test bike racks to see if they are secure; bike thieves sometimes use leverage attacks to pry loose the railings of bike parking spots. When locking to an object its also about making access to the lock as hard as possible for a potential thief who has come with professional lock breaking tools. Their waist-worn chain locks have a great reputation for toughness and whilst pretty heavy they are comfortable around the waist and the weight feels well distributed (though maybe this isnt the lock for very long rides). Indoor secure parking is one of the best options of all. D-locks, also known as U-locks, are very popular as they tend to be some of the lightest locks with a high-security rating (especially compared to chain and padlock style locks). This is a folding lock combined into the body of your seat great as you never forget the lock as its always attached to your bike. I have used both my Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Chain and New York U-lock long shackle with out any issues so far (since beginning of June). One of the most popular is the Sold Secure testing system. On the bright side, the lock does come with three keys, which removes the need to worry about losing the keys. You will no longer have to worry about your bike lock suffering from rust, water corrosion, or malfunctioning due to dust. Also, in Australia, we use BikeVault as a free and useful bike registration system. Compared to older, standard bike locks, a decent lock or set of high-quality locks for your e-bike will have some distinct advantages. Some bike racks are also merely bolted to the ground and can be lifted up using air tools. ART is another respected independent security rating you may see on locks instead of or alongside the Sold Secure rating and is worth looking out for. This means an e-bike lock must be more challenging and time-consuming to get through. Since e-bikes are in general more expensive and have more valuable parts than regular bicycles, locks designed for e-bikes are in general larger and more robust than traditional bike locks. E-bikes are lucrative targets for thieves under just about any circumstances but the Covid-19 propelled boom in cycling and e-bikes has raised their profile and their second-hand sales market- something that has not gone unnoticed by those who want to get their hands on your e-bike for free by helping themselves to it. This article calls them secondary locks as they can be useful in combination with top-rated locks see the Lock in a Safe Place and Lock Safely section below for more detail. In addition to using a quality lock, finding the right placement for it is important. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They quickly let you lock the back wheel in a fixed position so a casual there cant wheel the bike off. Busy, well-lit areas with plenty of footfall are a good idea if possible. Some of the lightest lock models designed for an electric bike will offer features that may confound and deter a potential thief. Unbiased, No B.S. A Guide to E-Bike Locks and Security Ratings, Why You Dont Want a Superfast Electric Bicycle, Understanding the Differences Between Direct Drive & Geared Electric Bike Hub Motors, Replacement Electric Bike Batteries Guide, Cargo Trailers for eBikes The Complete Guide, There are also a small number of alarmed D-locks with a range from Abus but Oxford look to be stealing a march in this area with the. Its not just about getting the right lock setup you have to use it wisely! Some thieves will steal anything if it is easy to do so. Worth promoting. By this, I mean a busy, well-lit location covered by CCTV, with lots of footfall. Try and avoid parking in quiet areas and areas not covered by CCTV. And along with the easy setup, you wont have to worry about wasting too much time on it. This can provide an extra form of security when leaving your bike unattended. All a lock is capable of doing is slowing down the thief. Extra Security: Any type of lock designed for use with electric bikes will have a higher level of security than a standard bike lock. Secondary locking as described below can cure this but there are also solutions that secure the axles themselves to prevent such thefts and they use a variety of methods. What are the features that make for a great electric bike lock? However, because e-bikes have more equipment installed, including valuable materials such as lithium-ion batteries and permanent-magnet electric motors, they may present a more tempting target for a bike thief. Also, with the serpentine slot for the copper key, this lock will prevent the use of a universal key to steal the bike. Pairing up nicely with the double door unlocking feature as well as a serpentine groove key structure, this helps make the lock harder to crack with universal keys or lock picking. And, insure your bike. A long shackle makes this a practical option for a D-lock that should work with a wide variety of e-bike frame designs. The only thing that can get through these are multiple hacksaw blades and a whole lot of time, or an angle grinder. Compatible with only a limited range of bike tubes. Chain-based flexible locks and folding locks can be more convenient for e-bikes, but they should be thick enough and placed in such a way as to deter the use of a portable angle grinder to cut them off. The lock is both flexible along its length and two can be joined together and unfastened with the same key to make a extra long lock. Great value for a high security rated D-lock. Whilst traditional quick release skewers are the most common type of axle fixing targeted as they are so easy to remove, there are equivalent systems for soild axles with bolts on the end (found on many budget hub motor systems for example) and for the increasingly common thru-axle systems found on e-bikes. The quality steel shackle is cast in a special, patented shape which it is claimed makes it stronger than some thicker D-lock shackles. Here is a list of Sold Secure gold rated bike locks. The big downside is they are some of the heaviest and priciest locks out there. The advantage of a folding bike for commuting is that you can take the bike inside where it will be out of sight of thieves. The Seatylock Mason Bike U lock features an automatic cylinder shutter that is both dust and water-resistant preventing it from getting rusty over time. Alarmed, Keyless and Gas Emitting Locks. These 14mm wide link locks get great reviews. Some locks may become functionally obsolete long before they are physically worn out, however, due to changes in bike theft trends. To see how these principles actually work in practice check out this instructive video which simulates attacks from a professional thief on a range of locks: ABUS wants you to have one key for all the locks on your e-bike. Leaving minimal space around a frame lock makes it more difficult to use an angle grinder or bolt cutters to break the lock. Why Should You Buy a New Electric Bike Lock? A lock that will protect your bike and is light and easy to carry. This can be due to the placement of hub motors, batteries, and cables, and is especially an issue with cargo e-bikes. E-bike locks also must cope with the sometimes-limited space around the frame of an electric bike. OnGuards Brute LS has a good long shackle. My wife and I have a 2-pack of Altor 560G Titanium folding locks, which can be used together or individually. Bronze level offers only the most basic defense against opportunist thieves. At the university at Davis a flat bed truck and some fellows lifted an entire bike rack and put it on the bed and sped off. Weight range: 4.9kg 6.92kg / 10.8lbs 15.2lbs. Were on a mission to fix the broken user review system. Registration systems like Project 529 are worth a look at: A newer electric bike lock can provide a higher level of security for your e-bike and give you some peace of mind when it comes to using an electric bike for errands or to commute. They come in the same basic varieties as regular bicycle locks and motorcycle locks. With its zinc alloy build, the Thinvik electric bike U lock will provide your bike with improved security, which gives the lock cylinder protection against drilling or brute force theft techniques. Folding locks dont really give much more locking diameter than D-locks they are more flexible because of the rotating joints so they may go around objects that similar size D-locks wont. Seatylocks Foldylock Compact has a Sold Secure Silver rating so its probably best used as a secondary lock if you have a very expensive e-bike left in a high rish area but it offers good practicality with plenty of locking room and is relatively light. This followed the 900 thefts reported in July, a 51.5% rise compared to 2019, and 786 reported in June, an increase of 48%. Having said that note our comments in the Lock in a Safe Place and Lock Safely section towards the end of the article about leaving as little space as possible around any lock to deter thieves with tools. Most basic is to have a record of the frame number and some pics to provide law enforcement and bike theft notification sites with.