When I first got into e-bikes, I’ll admit I didn’t think much about locks. I thought a single cable lock would do the trick – until one evening when my e-bike vanished from a supposedly “safe” rack outside my favorite coffee shop. I’d been in for just 20 minutes, and poof! Lesson learned. Now, with a couple of years of serious e-biking under my belt, I’ve honed my locking strategy. Here’s what I use, why I use it, and a few tips that have kept my current e-bike secure.
U-Locks (D-Locks): The Backbone of Any Secure Setup
Why I Love Them:
U-locks are my go-to for serious security. They’re tough, compact, and make any thief’s job much harder. After my first e-bike got swiped, I switched to a Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock. It’s heavy, sure, but the peace of mind it gives me is worth it. I once accidentally left my e-bike locked with this U-lock overnight in a sketchy part of town, and it was still there in the morning. That’s when I knew this lock was no joke.
What’s Great: It has a 18mm hardened steel shackle, which basically laughs at bolt cutters. I also like that it’s compact, so there’s less space for thieves to try and wedge in a crowbar.
The Downsides: It’s not light, and on some e-bikes with limited mounting space, it can be a pain to carry. But to me, that’s a small trade-off for the security it offers.
Pro Tip: Use the U-lock to secure the frame and rear wheel to a sturdy rack. This positioning makes it extra difficult to tamper with.
Chain Locks: The Heavy-Duty Secondary Lock
Why I Use Them Together with a U-Lock
U-locks are strong, but they’re not always enough, especially if you’re parking in a high-risk area. That’s where a good chain lock comes in. I’ve found the Kryptonite New York Noose 1213 chain lock to be a great addition. After a long ride, I’ll admit it’s not fun lugging around extra weight, but when I lock my e-bike with both a U-lock and a chain, it’s practically immovable.
What’s Great: The noose design lets me secure both wheels and the frame more easily, giving me flexibility in tight or awkward spaces. The square-link design is also hard to cut through with standard tools.
The Downsides: It’s bulky and heavy. I’d only recommend it if you’re locking up in a high-theft area or leaving your e-bike for an extended period.
Pro Tip: Wrap the chain around the front wheel, frame, and any fixed object. This makes it difficult for a thief to get away with anything – they’d need multiple tools to break both locks.
Folding Locks: The Compact, Quick Solution
Why They’re Great for Quick Stops
For errands and quick stops, I keep an ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 folding lock on my e-bike. I like this one because it folds up small and mounts neatly on my frame. I use it when I know I’ll only be a few minutes – it’s not as hardcore as a U-lock, but it’s way better than leaving the bike unlocked.
What’s Great: The flexibility is fantastic. I can secure it to odd shapes, and it’s easier to carry than a U-lock or chain. It’s also made of hardened steel, so it’s not flimsy.
The Downsides: It’s not as secure as a U-lock, and I wouldn’t trust it for high-theft locations. But for quick errands, it’s a convenient choice.
Pro Tip: Use this as a secondary lock. I usually pair it with a U-lock if I’m parking somewhere crowded but not particularly risky.
Cable Locks: Only for Accessories and Add-Ons
Why They’re Not Enough on Their Own
After having my bike stolen with just a cable lock, I’ve learned to never rely on these alone. But I do use a Kryptonite Kryptoflex Cable Lock to secure things like my helmet, seat, and sometimes my front wheel if I’m double-locked in a lower-risk area. Cable locks are flexible and lightweight, which is nice, but they’re way too easy to cut through.
What’s Great: Super lightweight and flexible, so I can use it to secure extra accessories that I don’t want to carry inside with me.
The Downsides: Not secure enough to protect your e-bike alone. A determined thief with bolt cutters can snap these in seconds.
Pro Tip: Always use a cable lock as a secondary measure. Think of it as “locking the details” rather than protecting your whole bike.
My Personal Locking Strategy
Everyday Commute
On my daily commute, I typically park in a moderately busy area. My setup involves the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock for the frame and rear wheel, paired with a Kryptonite Kryptoflex Cable Lock to secure my front wheel and accessories. This combination is easy to manage but provides enough security for a few hours.
High-Risk or Overnight Parking
If I know my e-bike will be out of sight for several hours, or if I’m parking in a higher-risk area, I add the Kryptonite New York Noose 1213 Chain Lock to the mix. I lock the frame and rear wheel to the rack with the U-lock, then loop the chain through the front wheel, frame, and the rack. This setup isn’t convenient for every ride, but it’s ideal when security is the priority.
Short Errands and Quick Stops
For a quick coffee stop or grocery run, I use the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 folding lock. It’s easy to unfold and lock up in a few seconds, and it gives me enough security for a quick stop in a moderately busy area.
Extra Tips for E-Bike Security
Pick Your Parking Spot Wisely
In my experience, where you park matters just as much as how you lock. Choose high-traffic, well-lit areas whenever possible. Thieves don’t want an audience, so they’re less likely to mess with a bike that’s in plain view.
Lock High and Tight
Try to lock your e-bike higher up on the rack rather than near the ground. Locks positioned low are easier for thieves to pry open, as they can use their body weight to their advantage. A snug, high lock makes this tougher.
Consider Wheel Locks for Extra Security
I’ve added a rear wheel immobilizer lock on one of my e-bikes. These aren’t a full solution but do make it harder for someone to roll away with your bike. Combine this with other locks to make your e-bike even harder to steal.
Trackers Are Worth Considering
Some e-bikes come with built-in GPS trackers, or you can add one. I have a small Bluetooth tracker hidden in my frame. It’s not foolproof, but it’s another layer of security that helps me feel more confident when I leave my bike locked up.
Final Thoughts
Having a strong locking setup gives you the freedom to leave your e-bike with peace of mind, but it’s about finding a balance that fits your needs and lifestyle.
For me, the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit has become a non-negotiable, paired with a chain for added security in riskier areas. While carrying multiple locks isn’t the most fun, it’s a small hassle to avoid the major hassle of losing a beloved e-bike.
Whatever setup you choose, remember that no lock is invincible. But by combining a good locking technique with high-quality locks, you’re making it significantly harder for anyone to mess with your ride. Happy (and safe) riding!
