Bicycle lock with alarm: 6 models in comparison

Almost 265,000 bicycles changed hands in Germany in 2023. However, not legally. According to Statista, the number of bike thefts fell compared to the previous year – albeit only minimally. The fact that this is still a long way from the figures from the 2010s is unlikely to be of any consolation to the victims. Whether the thieves broke the locks or the bike was carelessly parked and thus easy prey is not recorded in the statistics. It doesn’t really matter. If you let your bike out of your sight – even if only for a few minutes – you should secure it with a bike lock.

The motto has always been: the thicker the steel, the safer. The bigger the tool the thieves need, the more conspicuous the attack. But the more robust the chain or shackle, the heavier and more cumbersome the locks tend to be. And yet: the ultimate security that a well-known manufacturer claims for its most expensive products does not exist. Or does it? For several years now, bicycle locks with alarm functions have been on the rise. In effect, manufacturers are copying what has been available for cars for a long time (although it is rarely used). A spiral lock with an alarm is available for less than 30 euros. If you want a U-lock or folding lock with a “beep”, you should budget between 50 and 120 euros.

Bicycle lock with alarm: That’s the idea

A bicycle lock with an alarm is designed to scare the suspected thief and alert passers-by to his intentions. The alarm is triggered as soon as someone tries to tamper with the lock without the right key. While only a short warning signal sounds in the case of small vibrations or a ball flying against the bike, the lock reacts with an alarm signal of up to 100 dB if the lock is handled for a longer period of time or if the lock is cut through. This is roughly equivalent to the noise of a chainsaw or a jackhammer and should scare off any thief.

Important: The loudest alarm is useless if the lock’s batteries are empty. Therefore, check the charge level regularly. Some manufacturers emit a short acoustic signal after connecting the bike to indicate that the alarm is armed. If this signal does not occur, the batteries should be replaced.

Bicycle lock with alarm: Five popular models in comparison

ABUS Bordo 6000KA

With the in-house security level ten (out of a maximum of 15), the Abus Bordo 6000 is one of the most stable and secure bike locks, even without an alarm. In addition to U-locks, folding locks like the Bordo 6000 are too time-consuming for bike thieves to break into. You have to factor in an additional weight of around 1.3 kilograms when riding. That’s how much the with alarm function in the 90-centimeter version. If you want to be on the safe side, you can choose the which costs only a few euros more. With a 20-second, 100 dB warning tone, the Abus lock is designed to spoil the coup for thieves. Abus calls the technology behind it 3D position detection. This is designed to detect suspicious vibrations.

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Nean bicycle lock with alarm

The heavyweight in this mini comparison is a steel chain lock from Nean. The almost 1500 grams of steel are covered with a robust, UV-resistant plastic fabric. Here too, the integrated alarm reacts to vibrations on the lock or locking head. The 95 dB loud warning tone should quickly scare off petty criminals. At 90 centimeters long, the slightly shorter than other locks with alarms. But the flexible square chain links mean that the lock can also secure mopeds or motorcycles. The price is also currently unbeatable (as of May 2023).

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Security Plus spiral lock with alarm

Spiral locks are particularly popular for locking children’s bikes. They are comparatively light and very flexible. Most little racers have no problems locking and locking their bikes with them. Disadvantage of the flexi locks: Compared to U-locks and folding locks, the security level is rather low. This makes an additional acoustic alarm all the more useful for the practical locks. The . It is 120 centimeters long and has a motion detector at one end. This in turn is powered by a 9V block battery. A 105 dB loud alarm signal should be enough to stop thieves from stealing the secured bike. At 560 grams, this bicycle lock with alarm is one of the lighter ones in this small comparison.

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ILOCKIT+

Next up is a smart frame lock from the Brandenburg start-up Haveltec. As is usual with frame locks, it is mounted on the pre-drilled holes in the seat stay behind the seat or saddle tube. Important: The tires must not be more than 64 millimeters wide, otherwise the do not close.

A smartphone app takes care of everything else. It is available for both Android and iOS. The lock is locked and unlocked via the app. As soon as you approach your bike with your smartphone in your pocket, the I LOCK IT+ opens automatically. If the bike is accidentally bumped while you are away or moved by another cyclist while locking their bike, the app will give you a warning tone three times. If there are further shocks, a 110 dB alarm will scare away thieves. Smart: The bike and lock can be shared with friends and family via the app. In an emergency, a color code can be set with which the lock can be unlocked manually.

Exciting: If you want to chain your bike to the bike stand for safety reasons, you can do so with a chain cable, which is available as an accessory for the I LOCK IT+ and can be connected to the frame lock. As an alternative to opening with a smartphone, Haveltec offers a handheld transmitter for your keychain. Both tools are extras that are not included in the scope of delivery.

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ABUS U-lock 440A USH

At least at security level eight, Abus classifies the in the in-house ranking. Technically, the 1100 gram lock can keep up with the Bordo 6000KA folding version. The 3D Position Detection System registers unusual vibrations and movements and sounds an alarm with a warning signal of at least 100 dB for 15 seconds. After that, the alarm switches itself back on. The round shackle made of hardened steel has a diameter of twelve millimeters. As with almost all Abus locks, the appropriate mount for the bike is included in the delivery.

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Fischer 85908 Alarm spiral lock

You only have to carry around 460 grams extra if you on board. In this rating, the cable lock is at the top. And in terms of volume, it can also keep up with the folding and bracket versions. According to the manufacturer, thieves who try to tamper with it will hear a loud and deterrent beeping sound of up to 110 dB. The alarm reacts to impacts or movements and as soon as the spiral cable is cut. The bracket that is included with spiral locks and can be mounted on the frame is rather rare.

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