Investing in a quality lock for your ebike is essential in protecting it from theft. Cheap bike locks can be easily broken by a persistent thief with the right tool. Ebikes are not cheap, and the locks that protect them should not be either. Think of buying a bike lock like obtaining insurance for your ebike.
In the Netherlands, estimates show that ebikes are three times more likely to be stolen than regular bicycles. The higher cost of ebikes makes them more appealing to thieves.
When it comes to budgeting, most decent bike locks will cost you at least $50. With most ebikes costing over $1000, it is worth spending the money on a solid lock to protect yours.
Below we will look at the best bike locks for ebikes.
Types of Bike Locks
The main three types of locks for bikes are chain locks, U-locks, and folding locks. They each have pros and cons.
Chain Locks
Chain locks are what they sound like, chains made of a series of steel links connected to a lock. They offer flexibility, allowing them to be easily locked to a variety of posts and objects to keep your ebike secure.
U-Locks
U-locks also are pretty self-explanatory. They consist of a U-shaped steel bar connected to a thick steel lock. They are very stiff and difficult to break even with specific power tools.
Folding Locks
Folding locks offer a compact, heavy design consisting of a series of steel bars connected by joints. The joints allow the locks to wrap around differently shaped objects. For that reason, like chain locks, they are more versatile than U-locks. Folding locks can also easily be attached to your bike frame, making them slick and extra portable.
Which Type of Lock Is Best for Me?
All three types of bike locks can be excellent security mechanisms for an ebike. As long as the lock you get is made of quality steal from a quality company, you are probably good to go. Cheap locks generally lack quality steel, making them inadequate. Because of this, whatever lock you choose will likely be relatively heavy and durable.
As discussed earlier, chain locks and folding locks offer more versatility with the objects they can be attached to. So, if you take your ebike to places without designated bike racks, one of these options would be for you.
U-locks are less flexible but compact and more lightweight. If you ride your ebike around primarily on a college campus, for example, where there are plenty of bike racks, you would have no problem getting the full use out of a U-lock.
The Best of Each Type of Bike Lock
Below are some of the highest-rated bike locks listed in no particular order. Each will substantially protect your ebike from thieves, so you can base your choice only around your specific needs and budget. These are some of the best bike locks for ebikes.
Comparison Chart
Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty Bicycle U-Lock Bike Lock
The Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty U-lock is an excellent choice if you are looking for a U-lock specifically. Comprised of 16mm hardened steel, it boasts protection from bolt cutters and hand tools, making most thieves think twice about even attempting to break it.
In addition, this bike lock comes with a 1-year protection guarantee. The guarantee offers up to $4,000 in reimbursement if your ebike is stolen while using this lock.
This lock currently sells for $112.33 on Amazon.
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 & New York Disc Lock
Another lock with New York in its title, also by Kryptonite, this lock may be the best chain lock you can buy for an ebike. Comprised of 14mm steel chain links with a 15mm steel deadbolt shackle connected to it, this lock offers versatility and top-tier protection.
Additionally, the “Fahgettaboudit” lock includes an anti-drill, anti-pull protection system, making even power tools ineffective in breaking it.
The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 & New York Disc Lock currently sells for $132.99 on Amazon.
FoldyLock Compact Folding Bike Lock
The FoldyLock compact folding bike lock is made of weather-resistant hardened steel and multiple steel rivets, giving it both flexibility and durability. The lock is resistant to bolt cutters, saws, hammers and chisels, and drills.
This lock is easily compactable and boasts a design that allows for a completely quiet ride when attached to a bike’s frame. It can be attached to a variety of objects, including posts too thick for U-locks.
This lock currently sells for $84.99 on Amazon.
Abus Granit Citychain X-Plus 1060 Chain Bicycle Lock
Another chain lock, the 3.5 foot Abus Granit Citychain X-Plus 1060, is comprised of a hardened 10mm hexagonal steel chain to protect your ebike from even sophisticated thieves. The nylon sleeve protects the chain from weather and overall wear, increasing its lifespan.
The Abus X Plus lock cylinder attached to the chain is rated highly among consumers for its ease of use and resistance to lock-picking.
While it weighs about 6 pounds, you can be assured that the steel is quality made and resistant to a variety of power tools. And once it’s wrapped around your bike while you ride, you won’t even notice it’s there.
This lock currently sells for $148.73 on Amazon.
Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U Lock
Also from the Abus brand, this U-lock competes with the above-mentioned Kryptonite U-lock. The 13mm alloy steel bar connects to a thick, temper-hardened steel shackle for exceptional protection.
The dual locking mechanism makes it extremely difficult to take off your bike with power tools. Bolt cutters, hacksaws, and hammers will do little to harm this lock.
Weighing in at about 3.3 pounds, the Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U Lock is lighter than the Kryptonite New York Standard heavy-duty U-lock previously mentioned.
This lock currently sells for $122 on Amazon.
Ebike Locks You Can Count On
Ebike use is on the rise. According to the Light Electric Vehicle Association, ebike sales have grown steadily over the last decade and are projected to grow even more in the near future. And with one survey showing that about 49% of ebike owners ride their ebikes every day, getting the right bike lock is essential for ebike enthusiasts.
Listed above are some of the best bike locks for ebikes on the market. Plus, they are all within a relatively affordable budget. Based on each of these locks’ reputations, you really can’t go wrong.
Whichever lock you choose, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and securely lock the frame of your bike to an immovable object for maximum protection.
