Environment Transportation The 8 Best E-Bike Locks to Keep Your Ride Safe Learn why the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit lock is our top pick. By Heidi Wachter Heidi Wachter Syracuse University San Francisco State University Heidi Wachter was a senior editor at Experience Life magazine for 10 years. She has written for publications like Experience Life, Shondaland, and betterpet. Learn about our editorial process Updated October 11, 2022 Share Twitter Pinterest Email Environment Active Automotive Aviation Public Transportation We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Getty Electric bikes are becoming more popular and more affordable. But they’re still a substantial financial investment for most people. Once you’ve found your perfect e-bike, dropping some extra green on a high-quality bike lock (or two) is one of the best ways to protect your purchase. Spending about 10% of your bike’s value on a locking system is standard advice. So, if you have a $1,000 e-bike, you’ll want to shell out about $100 for a system of locks for protection. You’ll want to spend about $200 to protect a $2,000 e-bike and so on. But, really, consider spending as much as you can on a reliable lock (or locking system). But how do you choose? There are three higher security options—chain locks, U-Locks, and folding locks. Chain locks are bulky and heavy, but what they lack in portability, they make up for in versatility. You can lock them to just about any immovable object. U-locks are less bulky and more portable than chain locks, but can limit the options of things to lock up to. Folding locks tend to fit neatly into backpacks or panniers so they can be easily transported. They also offer more flexibility than U-Locks. Here’s the lowdown on some of the best e-bike locks in each category. The Rundown Best Overall: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain & Disc Lock at Walmart Jump to Review Best D or U Lock: Hiplok D1000 at REI Jump to Review Best Budget: OnGuard Brute Mini Lock at Walmart Jump to Review Best Splurge: ABUS Granit CityChain XPlus 1060 at REI Jump to Review Best Wearable: Hiplok E-DX at Amazon Jump to Review Best Folding Lock: ABUS BORDO GRANIT XPlus 6500 Folding Lock at REI Jump to Review Best Wheel Lock: ABUS Frame Lock PRO TECTIC™ 4960 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: TiGr Mini Ulock with Reinforced Mounting Clip at Amazon Jump to Review Best Mini Lock: Kryptonite Evolution Mini Integrated Chain Bicycle Lock at Walmart Jump to Review Best Overall Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain & Disc Lock 5 Amazon View On Walmart View On Amazon View On Chainreactioncycles.com Wrapping this chain/u-lock combo around your e-bike is a great way to tell would-be bike thieves to forget about it. This chain and disk lock from Kryptonite poses a double challenge against theft, making it our top overall pick. It blends a 150-centimeter chain made of 16-millimeter six-sided hardened manganese steel links and a 15-millimeter u-lock outfitted with a steel shackle. The disc lock is reinforced with an anti-drill, anti-pull protection system. It’s hefty and not super portable at 15.25 pounds, but it is excellent for securing your e-bike in a garage or on a bike rack near an office. It offers plenty of length and flexibility for locking up both wheels, and most e-bike frames. It's even an excellent choice for locking two e-bikes together. The manufacturer offers a generous theft protection program with purchase. Price at time of publish: $133 Best D or U Lock Hiplok D1000 Anti-Angle Grinder Bike Lock 4.9 REI View On REI View On Hiplok.com Finally, a Bike Lock That Can Stand Up to an Angle Grinder Treehugger’s Design Editor likes this e-bike lock so much that he purchased a second one. It’s made with graphene-reinforced steel that’s resistant to angle-grinders, in fact the lock’s material will destroy the grinder’s blade if a would-be thief tries to cut it. The outer surface is rubberized to prevent scratches. It weighs over 4 pounds, and comes with a pick-proof lock and three coded, replaceable keys. “It’s really heavy, and feels like it is made of lead, but the weight is comforting. The design of the key is unlike any other I have seen, looks much more difficult to pick. My daughter dropped hers and the plastic cracked, but it is cosmetic, the hard stuff is underneath. I worry that an angry thief might take his angle grinder to the bike frame out of frustration, but then his grinding wheel has probably broken already.” ~ Lloyd Alter, Treehugger Design Editor The only major drawback is the higher cost, coming in at roughly twice the price of our Best Overall pick. Price at time of publish: $300 Best Budget OnGuard Brute Mini Lock 4.7 Amazon View On Walmart View On Amazon View On Moosejaw.com U-Locks tend to be lighter and less expensive than chain locks, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily less secure. This mini version of the Brute classics, for example, is small but mighty. A whopping 16.88 millimeter shackle thickness makes this lock extremely difficult to break into, even with an angle grinder. It’s super portable and easier on your wallet, too. It fits into a back pocket or bag, making it a favorite of bike messengers and anyone looking to keep their weight down while cycling. Get two for your e-bike for extra protection. Price at time of publish: $96 Best Splurge ABUS Granit CityChain XPlus 1060 Chain Bicycle Lock 4.8 Amazon View On REI View On Amazon Strong, flexible, and heavy. That’s the best way to describe this tough chain lock from ABUS, known for securing bikes, scooters, and motorcycles since 1924. The chain is beefy, weighing in at about 6 pounds. That’s because it’s comprised of 10 millimeter thick steel hexagonal links, and the textile housing protects against paint damage and wear and tear. It’s equipped with patented ABUS technology that provides extra protection against twisting and violent break-up attempts by hammers, bolt cutters, and saws. It has coded keys that are pretty much impossible to pick. It can be a bit bulky to transport, but you can wrap it around a seat post or even your waist while you’re in motion. Let the extra weight bring you peace of mind. Price at time of publish: $210 The 8 Best E-Bikes of 2023 Best Wearable Hiplok E-DX 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Hiplok.com Looking for something specifically designed with an E-Bike in mind? The Hiplok E-DX's super-tough chain and D-lock combo might be fit the bill. This one-two security punch is definitely durable, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The D-lock is made of premium hardened 14-millimeter steel while the chain is made of 10-millimeter steel. The locking mechanism uses a coded key, three of which are included and replacements are available. It weighs 7.7 pounds. Hiplok is also known for its wearable bike locks. Simply fasten the chain around your waist or over your shoulder while you ride. Their U-Locks are designed to clip onto a belt, pocket or a a bag. This clip-n-ride feature ensures that you’ll never leave home without your E-Bike lock again. Price at time of publish: $115 Best Folding Lock ABUS BORDO GRANIT XPlus 6500 Folding Lock Amazon View On REI View On Amazon View On Radpowerbikes.com Folding locks offer portability, flexibility, and security. They are lighter than chain locks but can still be locked around objects of many shapes and sizes or woven through wheels and the bike. This ABUS model lock body and links are made of hardened steel bars encased in a soft coating to prevent scratching. The links are made of 5.5 millimeter thick links designed to prevent the lock from being cut through. The 6500 weighs a bit over 3 pounds and is simple to carry. Just fold it and slip it into the included carrying case, which is easily attachable to your bike’s frame with Velcro straps or by screwing it onto your bike’s bottle cage mounts. Price at time of publish: $185 Best Wheel Lock ABUS Frame Lock PRO TECTIC 4960 Perennial Cycle View On Amazon View On Perennialcycle.com Frame locks — often referred to as café or Amsterdam locks — should not be used on their own to secure any bike for extended periods. But if you’re looking to boost security on your electric bike, this frame lock from ABUS is an affordable addition to any electric bike locking system. Dismount your e-bike, position the shackle, and it’s locked. The extra-large aperture adjusts to fit a variety of tire and wheel sizes. Meanwhile, temper-hardened steel comprises the 8.5-millimeter shackle, locking mechanism, and case. Easily mounts to the rear struts for transport. Price at time of publish: $31 The 6 Best E-Bike Conversion Kits of 2023 Best Lightweight TiGr Mini Ulock with Reinforced Mounting Clip Amazon View On Amazon View On Tigrlock.com Weighing in at less than a pound, this portable disc-style U-lock won’t slow you down. Don’t let the weight fool you; titanium is one tough metal. The shackle is shorter, so this is a better option for road-style electric bikes with thinner frames. It’s also better for use in low to moderate risk areas or quick trips like running errands. Mounting clips are included so you can attach them to your bike’s frame as easily as a bottle cage. The PVC coating protects your bike’s frame from scratches. Price at time of publish: $140 Best Mini Lock Kryptonite Evolution Mini Integrated Chain Bicycle Lock Amazon View On Walmart View On Amazon View On Chainreactioncycles.com If you want more portability and flexibility in a U-Lock, then this mini by Kryptonite ticks all the boxes. The 10-millimeter, six-sided chain links are tough to cut, and the disc locking mechanism is pick and drill resistant. It’s paired with a flexible heavy-duty cable that allows you to lock up your front wheel along with your frame or reach around longer objects. You can also use it to lock multiple bikes together. The lock comes with a frame mounting bracket, one LED key fob, and three stainless steel keys. Kryptonite offers anti-theft protection for buyers who register their bikes. Price at time of publish: $98 Final Verdict Our top choice is a chain lock for robust protection like the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit. If you’re looking for portability and security on a budget, choose a U-Lock like the OnGuard Brute Mini or Kryptonite Evolution Mini Lock. What to Consider when Shopping for an E-bike Lock Locking an e-bike is pretty much the same as locking up any bike, but there are some important factors to consider. First, you'll want to consider the locking length. E-bikes generally have a larger frame so you want to measure how wide your bikes frame and tires are before you start shopping. If you don't have a flexible tape measure, use a piece of string to wrap around the part of the e-bike you'd like to use for the lock, and then measure the string. You’ll also want to factor in the width of whatever you will lock your bike to. Chain-style locks can wrap around different objects beyond a bike stand or rack. Or you can weave them between your frame and wheels while using the U-Lock to attach your bike frame to an object. Several U-lock and cable lock styles. Lloyd Alter / Treehugger No matter what kind of bike you have, it’s always good to lock it up with multiple locks of different types—even when your bike is indoors or in your garage. Don’t forget to lock your E-Bike up at home, because many bike thefts occur when bikes are in home garages. You always want a lock that will snugly around all of your bike’s important components, frame, and securing structure so that thieves can’t get as much leverage against it. So, you need to think like Goldilocks and find a lock that’s “just right” for your E-Bike. If there's less space between the bike and the post, it's harder to fit the blade between the two. You could also consider getting a lock that fits over the tire, since the wheel and tire is also difficult to cut through. Frequently Asked Questions What should I lock my bike to? If you can’t take your e-bike indoors, look for an immobile object that is secure, fixed to the ground, and difficult to cut through like a bike rack, light post, sturdy street sign, or tree in a busy, well-lit area. Make sure whatever you’re securing your bike to is thicker than your lock and not something that your bike can be lifted over. If there are any security cameras around, that’s even better. If you're considering locking your bike to a fence or non-bike dock infrastructure, make sure there's no signage forbidding it.On a bike rack, chain up in the middle of the rack or near higher-quality bikes, so your bike doesn’t stand out as the most expensive bike in a crowd. Another way to have your bike blend in is to remove the battery so your e-bike looks just like a regular bicycle.You can also choose a place to lock up your bike that’s a distance away from where you’re going—taking in a movie? Don’t park out front of the theater. That’s a clue to thieves that your bike will be exposed for a few hours. Where should I place the lock on my bike? Once you've found your spot to chain up, start by locking the frame high up near the down tube or the seat tube to the chosen immobile object. Why? The frame is usually where the most expensive parts on e-bikes are located. It’s also the most expensive part of a bike, followed by the rear wheel and the front wheel.If you have a quick-release front wheel, make sure you either take it with you or remove it and lock it up to your frame with your lock.If you have a chain or folding lock, you can snake it around multiple parts of your bike for added protection. Pair one of those locks with a u-lock or other supplemental lock so that your bike is more of a hassle for thieves to steal than those parked next to it that may have only one lock. (More is more in this case!)Keep your lock away from the ground so that it can’t be easily accessed with a hammer or bolt cutter. Are lighter locks still secure? Thin cable combination locks may be easy to stash in your pocket or around your waist and can be handy for quick lock-up situations like running into a cafe to grab a cup of java.But they aren’t a good option for securing your bike for extended periods or overnight. That’s because lightweight locks tend to be easy to clip with shears, tin snips, or another cutting tool. What should you do if you see someone stealing an e-bike? It's best to avoid direct confrontation, but do call the police and report the incident. Try to collect as much detail about the person's appearance and the bike itself as possible. If you can, take a photo or video.Learn More: What to Do if You See a Bike Thief A Few More Security Tips Jot down your bike’s serial number and register it with the local police department. Some bike lock companies offer insurance as well, this information is usually included with purchase. For added security, consider buying bike insurance from a company like Veloinsurance. Finally, attaching a GPS tracker to your bike might help you get it back if it does happen to be stolen. Why Trust Treehugger? To make this list, we researched the market to find the best bike locks around, in addition to researching e-bike safety and security. We considered third party and user reviews, as well as reviewed the materials and design of each product. Author Heidi Wachter has been writing about travel and adventure for over a decade. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her riding one of her six bicycles—even in the winter. The 7 Best Bike Cargo Trailers of 2023