And some people also want your e-bike! Just as you would lock your home or car, it’s important to lock up your e-bike, both when it’s out and about, and when at home. Because if you don’t, it’ll be gone. I’ve been scouring the bike lock market, and as I was looking for the perfect lock for my bike, I came to the conclusion that one bike lock is not enough. You need two. Why? Because there’s no such thing as a perfect bike lock. Forget about chains being “unbreakable” or locks that are “unpickable.” This is all nonsense. Given the right tools – a battery-powered angle grinder or a lock pick – a thief can remove a bike lock in seconds. Yes, seconds. I’ve tested some of the highest-quality bike locks and I can pick the locks in a minute or two. Someone with more experience – such as YouTuber LockPickingLawyer – can do it a lot quicker. (See his video below for more tips on locking up your bikes.) So, all locks do is buy you time. One lock buys you X amount of time. Therefore, two multiples that time. While e-bikes are highly desired by criminals, their extra power and carrying capacity mean that you can carry bigger bike locks with greater ease than you can on a regular bike. For my e-bike, I’ve gone with two bike locks from what is probably one of the best-known brands in bike locks – Kryptonite.
Solid locking system Robust keys (no fear they’re going to break off) All the metal parts are plastic-coated so they won’t damage the bike Perfect for fitting through the frame and rear wheel and attaching to railing or a bike stand Key with built-in LED makes locking and unlocking in the dark easier
Cons:
HeavyPricey
Great for weaving through bike wheels and frame (stops people stealing your wheels so easily) and lashing to bigger objectsRobust keys (no fear they’re going to break off)No exposed metal bits to scratch your bikeDoesn’t rattle or make a noise like most bike chainsKey with built-in LED makes locking and unlocking in the dark easier
Cons:
Massive and heavyNot cheap
One study showed e-bikes are more than three times as likely to get stolen than regular bikes. Data for 2020 shows bike theft, including e-bikes, in New York of almost 4,500, but this could be a huge underestimate given that only one in five bike thefts are reported. If you have two locks, the second one can go through the front wheel and the frame, and again thread that through railings for complete security. As for where to lock up your bike, it’s best to choose a public spot that’s well lit, preferably with CCTV coverage. These make it harder for someone to make too much of a performance of stealing a bike (such as by using an angle grinder).
