Bicycle lock e-bike-the best locks for expensive bikes

The market for e-bikes is booming, sales have been increasing for years-and with them the desirability of the bikes. For thieves, electrically supported bicycles represent a particularly worthwhile goal: expensive, popular, often poorly secured. If you love your e-bike, you should not rely solely on the frame lock that many manufacturers deliver from the factory. It hardly offers any significant resistance. Instead, experts recommend a combination of high -quality lock and clever security strategy. But what does that mean specifically? Which type of castle makes sense? Which models keep in practice what they promise? And how can theft protection be implemented as comfortably as possible in everyday life?

In contrast to conventional bikes, e-bikes are often not only more expensive, but also more difficult-which plays a crucial role in the choice of the castle. A particularly compact but light lock may be enough for a city bike, but with a 25-kilo pedelec it may not be enough protection. Correct, cut through or turn out: The methods of thieves are diverse, accordingly high the resistance values of the lock should be. The Stiftung Warentest, for example, regularly checks bicycle locks for its resolving strength. Especially the ironing locks and massive chain locks often cut off well. Folding locks offer a practical compromise solution – but with differences in quality and weight.

Effective theft protection begins with the correct assessment of the risk. If you regularly park your e-bike in cities with a high theft rate, for example at train stations or outdoors at night, you should choose a lock with the highest possible safety class. Some manufacturers such as Abus, Kryptonite or Trelock indicate their own scales, mostly from 1 to 15.

A classic ironing lock like that offers maximum security in this regard, but is comparatively difficult. If you transport it regularly in the backpack or on the frame, you should be aware that it weighs almost 1.5 kilograms. For this, it withstands bolt cutters and lever tools for a long time and can be stowed away on the bike with an optional frame carrier. One model is much more flexible than that a solid chain lock with an extremely robust locking cylinder. It is particularly suitable for e-bikes with fixed parking spaces, for example in underground garages or on solid lanterns, but less for on the go, as it weighs almost four kilograms.

If you still don’t want to do without high protection on the go, you could go to a foldable lock like that set. It can be folded up like a folding stick, is significantly lighter than many ironing models and offers an acceptable balance of comfort and security. Such a castle can be useful for daily use in city traffic, for example at short stops in front of the supermarket- ideally combined with a second, lighter lock to secure the front or rear wheel.

Security does not arise from the castle alone, but also through its application. If you only connect your e-bike to the front wheel, you risk that the frame and the engine are simply removed. Therefore, part of the frame and, if possible, the rear wheel should always be connected to a fixed object. Parking brackets, lantern piles or firmly anchored fences are suitable for this.

The combination of two locks has proven itself in practice: a heavy main lock for the frame, plus a light additional lock for wheels or seat post. This can be about a frame lock with a chain – as with the which can be flexibly expanded with a insert chain. This solution saves weight and creates routine in everyday life: the e-bike is twice secured with one hand.

A model like that is particularly practical for everyday life combined textile shells and steel nucleus. It is not only significantly lighter than massive chain locks, but also leaves no scratches on the frame. The flexible length allows connecting to unfavorable posts or grids. If you also want to secure your e-bike in style, you will find a functional and aesthetic solution here, for example with orange or gray textile coating.

More and more manufacturers are now also offering digital bicycle locks that can be opened via the app – such as that . It can be connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth, recognizes the owner and automatically unlocks when approaching. Practical for people who are reluctant to look for the key – but also potentially prone to interference if the smartphone goes on strike or the app does not react. There are also security concerns: Bluetooth or radio connections can theoretically hack or disturb. However, some of these locks can also be opened manually if batteries or connection should fail. This offers an interesting hybrid solution : A folding palace with alarm function. If the castle recognizes vibrations, it makes it with a loud signal tone alarm – which can be very daunting in densely populated areas. It combines classic-mechanical protection with digital deterrence and thus offers a certain redundancy.

Anyone who uses their e-bike daily knows that not every lock can be conveniently transported. Weight, size and fastening on the wheel are crucial. Many bracket and folding locks can be assembled with special brackets on the frame, which makes everyday life easier. Some models like that Also offer a second cable to secure the front wheel. Others rely on particularly easy operation: that For example, a few simple steps can be folded up and stowed in the supplied bracket.

If you regularly commute between different locations-for example by train and e-bike-you should also have a slight second lock on board, which does not offer maximum protection, but is sufficient for short stays or stops. This can be a textile-coated cable lock or a smaller folding lock-so the e-bike remains at least fundamentally secure.