Best portable and affordable lock for e-bikes
Posted by Ok-Information-4636@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 31 comments
Hey all,
I’m looking for recommendations for a reliable but easy to carry bike lock for my e-bike. I know heavy chains are probably more secure, but they’re just not practical for me to carry daily, so I’m mainly considering lighter options like compact U locks or folding locks.
Ideally, I want something portable but still reasonably secure for short stops like shops or errands. From what I’ve read, U locks tend to be more secure than cables while still being manageable to carry, but I’m open to other lightweight options too.
I’d also prefer something affordable, not trying to spend a huge amount, just good value for money.
Also, I’d strongly prefer something I can buy locally or get quickly shipped waiting months isn’t ideal. Sites like Alibaba, AliExpress, or other overseas marketplaces can take a long time to deliver, so those aren’t really ideal for me.
Any recommendations on brands or models that balance portability, security, and price well?
Sneegor@reddit
Kryptonite New York Diamond
svelteoven@reddit
While these are probably on the pricey side, they are great locks that will ensure you have a bike to come back to. Never scrimp on your lock if you can.
JonboatJohn@reddit
I caught someone in the act of stealing my bike once already.
Tabbbinski@reddit
I hope his family is still grieving....
JonboatJohn@reddit
lol. I wish. I pushed him as hard as I could as he rode away. He went one way. The bike went another. Then I took the bolt cutters from him and he ran off. I stole from the thief!
No-No-BadDog@reddit
Layer Up Your Security, add a Disc Brake Lock with 110bd Alarm
gkanapathy@reddit
Honestly why not a chain? I wrap mine around the seatpost and it's fine. On a ebike, the extra pound or two of weight over a folding or u-lock doesn't matter. And on a heavy bike with a step-over frame, the reach of a chain makes it a lot easier to maneuver into rack, or attach to other things. (I have a Seatylock Silver 110cm, and it weighs about the same as a bigger U-lock.)
Outrageous_Purchase1@reddit
Folding locks. They fold up and attach to your seat post. There's many brands. Seatylock/Foldylock is one brand and was one of the pioneers of the the design.
I got an ABUS. Sure it wasn't the cheapest option, but it's less expensive than replacing your bike. I choice ABUS because of the hardened steel and tamper proof rivets.
ViolaSwag@reddit
U-locks and chain locks are best for security, between the two u-locks are more light weight and chain locks are more flexible. I like the ones from Kryptonite
Folding locks can also be good, but there’s an exploit that uses a nut splitter to break the folding joints. That’s probably only a problem if your area has people actively looking to steal expensive bikes though
aninjacould@reddit
Seatylock folding locks are my fav.
TradeSekrat@reddit
Yeah Seatylocks are great. Decent length to wrap up the back tire to the frame and the bike rack. Bonus points for being rattle free when folded up in it's bike mount. They also sell spare mounts so easy to use the same lock on different bikes.
Best bike lock I've owned with of course the asterisk that I'm sure it's not going to hold up to a full battery powered grinder attack. Yet that's true for pretty much every lock. All bike locks are mostly about buying you time for a quick trip inside and not hours away or over night parking.
JayEchoTTV@reddit
this. have one for my ebike. lotta videos on youtube showing it being resistant to many common forms of attack, only failing quickly to power tools (ex: angle grinders)... but most affordable locks will fail to power tools.
Primary_Title7360@reddit
probably a taurus g3
chrispark70@reddit
Mass is your best friend. 2 heavy quality U-locks and one cable lock. Lock one goes through the rear triangle and rim and attaching to a fixed object, lock 2 goes through the front rim either to a fixed object or the downtube and a small cable lock goes through the seat rails and through the frame.
One and two should heavy. There is no replacement for mass. preferably cutting disc resistant.
I've heard a rule of thumb that your security should make up 10-20% of the price of the bike. Much like the Gazelle, you don't need to be 100% theft proof, just more theft resistant than the bike next to yours.
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
More kind of protections...👍
SousVideDeezNuts@reddit
Plenty of YouTube videos reviewing angle grind resistant locks…
BodSmith54321@reddit
A bike thief will cut any lock that is not an expensive angle grinder resistant lock in 30 seconds. Just get any lock if you are afraid of a teenage joys riders.
ArguingwithaMoron@reddit
Just secure the lock to your bike when riding & let the bike worry about the extra weight.
tcon1834@reddit
So there are different types of locks to protect against certain tools. If you’re really serious about it you’d want to go with a heavy chain style and a U Lock that resists angle grinders.
With that said I use one of the heavy Kryptonite chain locks. I have the cinch ring style which gives me some versatility in how I want to lock it up.
https://a.co/d/058MAy6T
godzillabobber@reddit
I use this plus a U lock. Even then I only park in a highly visible and well trafficked area for short durations.
my-paradise@reddit
Check the out here for a good range of locks suitable for your needs : https://paradise-watts-on-wheels.goshopsports.com/categories/ebike-locks
Ok-Information-4636@reddit (OP)
Thanks, let me check them out.
godzillabobber@reddit
They are junk. Affordable and somewhat secure are going to be $100 and up.
Elk801@reddit
Foldylock and basic good practice is usually enough. Lock it somewhere bright and visible, don’t leave it overnight if possible, take the battery with you, stickerbomb it, make it identifiable, put some AirTags on it, lock the frame, not the tire.
Additionally, for like $12-18mo you can insure your bike against theft with Velosurance, and even get some medical gap and uninsured motorist coverage.
JonboatJohn@reddit
Kryptonite chain with dial combo integrated. Even then, your bike will be stolen in 2 min with a battery angle grinder. Those defeat everything. You can’t leave these Bikes out long. Camouflage the bike to look crappy. Use multiple locks. Add an AirTag. Stay close.
echocall2@reddit
I use the Master Python cable locks. Anyone with bolt cutters could get the bike in about 30 seconds but that's not really who I'm trying to stop. I've had one securing my cooler in the bed of my truck for a few years and it has held up fine
King_HartOG@reddit
It really comes down to weight heavier the chain/Ulock the stronger they so first thing is do decide how much weight your ok with.
I use a Burg-Wachter you know the Germans make great stuff
No-Following-8087@reddit
Honestly, for most accessories, trying going to an LBS and talking with the clerk there
Ok-Information-4636@reddit (OP)
This is what I usually do as my last option.
No-Following-8087@reddit
I have personally found that the prices at my LBS are either equal to the online price or on a bit of a discount when they’re trying to move product. Plus people who live in the area you do can give you realistic expectations of what kind of locks work best for your scenario
ProfessorMajoo@reddit
F