Bicycle locks for e-bikes are a worthwhile investment, after all the bikes are not exactly cheap. To make things as difficult as possible for thieves, reliable locks are the first choice. We have put together some of the best e-bike bicycle locks below.
Owners of an electric bicycle have even higher demands on e-bike locks than on normal bicycle locks. The manufacturer’s highest security level is usually preferred. The material is also a priority when purchasing and should be as robust and indestructible as possible. When buying a bicycle lock for e-bikes, there are a few criteria to consider. Tips for making the right choice as well as five models that correspond to the parameters can be found here.
The purchasing criteria for e-bike bicycle locks
The basic criteria when buying a bicycle lock for e-bikes include: Anti-theft protection, the longevity and robustness as well as the weight. This is what you should pay attention to when purchasing:
Type of lock
- U-locks: The so-called U-Lock has proven itself for decades; it looks like a large padlock and offers a high level of theft protection and good stability. It is generally resistant to possible break-ins such as drilling and picking, and bolt cutters are also difficult to use depending on the nature of the material. These models are often mounted on the frame with a bracket and are slightly cheaper than chain locks. However, they are also bulky and not easy to transport.
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- Chain locks: This lock consists of several chain links made of sturdy metal such as steel, which vary in size, number and strength. There is often a coating included to protect the frame of the bike. The advantage is the flexibility of the lock, as it can be moved in any direction and therefore attached anywhere. However, particularly robust models are also very heavy.
Click here for the chain lock offer on Ebay
- Folding locks: These locks are particularly compact because they can be folded up. Here too, a bracket for attaching to the frame is often included. This makes them easy to transport. However, you should have a certain length so that you can attach them well. In terms of security, they are a little behind the U-locks and chain locks, but still offer good theft protection. Optimal care is essential for these models, otherwise they can quickly become jammed.
Click here for the folding lock offer on Amazon
Security level
The security level should of course be as high as possible. However, manufacturers of e-bike bicycle locks do not use a uniform scale for the security level. That’s why it’s important to look closely: It’s best for e-bike owners to always choose the highest level of safety from the respective manufacturer.
Closure type
- Numerical code: With that become Key obsolete, but of course the code must also be remembered. High-quality combination locks can be a good security solution, especially if they are made of robust materials and offer a high number of possible combinations. However, they are often more susceptible to manipulation through targeted code regression compared to keyed locks.
- Key: Equipped with a security cylinder, this type of lock is very secure. The disadvantage is that a key can easily get lost. Key locks are also susceptible to lock picking.
- App: There are now also locks that can be closed with an app. The advantage is that it can often also be used to track the bike. However, this type of closure is also susceptible to technical defects and hacker attacks.
- Locks with alarm: These locks are considered particularly secure because they sound an alarm if there is an attempt to break in. However, these locks are a little more expensive than models without an alarm, but this can be well worth it for an expensive e-bike.
material
Steel and titanium are the most popular when it comes to bicycle locks for e-bikes, as these materials are the most robust and difficult to crack. Unfortunately, in contrast to other materials such as aluminum, they are also very heavy. An included frame attachment can help.
Price
The price range for e-bike bicycle locks is wide; buyers have to expect to pay at least 60 euros or more to buy a really good and secure lock. Models over 100 euros often have technical extras and innovations on board.
U-lock New York from Kryptonite
The Kryptonite U-lock is made of special hardened steel and has a protective vinyl coating. It ranks at the top when it comes to security – Stiftung Warentest gave it a good rating (1.7) in the last U-lock comparison.
- Optionally with holder
- 16 mm thick temple
- High security disc cylinder lock
Click here for the offer on Amazon
Abus chain lock Granit CityChain XPlus
The Abus chain lock Granit CityChain XPlus 1060 impresses in numerous tests and offers optimal protection against theft thanks to its high-quality locking mechanism and security level 15. A bike holder is not included.
- Length can be selected from 85 to 170 centimeters
- Ten millimeter thick hexagonal chain
- Abus XPlus cylinder for extra protection
Click here for the offer on Amazon
Star test winner: The Abus folding lock
Among the folding locks, the Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 SH from Abus came out on top in our star test. With the highest Abus security level of 15, it proved to be particularly safe and resistant to break-in attacks. However, the lock is also correspondingly heavy.
- Robust material made of hardened steel
- Abus Link Protection Shield on the joints
- Protection against manipulation (such as picking)
Click here to see the offer on Ebay
Aaron premium bike lock
Aaron’s premium e-bike lock is also a folding lock and is ahead in many tests. With the highest security level 18, it offers a high level of theft protection. Made from hardened steel, it is still comparatively light at 1.6 kilograms.
- Weatherproof rivets
- Includes holder
- Lockable with key
Click here for the offer on Amazon
Under 60 euros: The Kryptonite Keeper 785 chain lock
The Keeper 785 chain lock from Kryptonite also offers a high level of security at a relatively affordable price. At just under 1.6 kilograms, the lock is easy to transport. However, the security level is only five out of ten. Stiftung Warentest still gave it a good grade (1.6). This was the best value among the chain locks in the test.
- Secured against picking and drilling
- Chain links made of seven millimeter hardened steel
- Length: 85 centimeters
Click here to see the offer on Ebay
Best protection with high-quality bicycle locks for e-bikes
A few things should be taken into account when buying a bicycle lock for e-bikes so that the expensive investment is actually optimally protected. When it comes to robustness and theft protection, all of our models presented are a good choice – but if you want something cheaper, you have to make compromises.
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