An e-bike is not a bicycle with a bigger price tag. It carries a battery worth more than most people spend on their first bike, a motor that thieves can resell, and a frame heavy enough that a quick grab-and-go is harder than it looks. That combination is why riders searching for the best bike locks for e bikes keep running into the same wall: the locks rated high enough to matter are heavy, and the locks that are easy to carry are the ones a thief defeats with bolt cutters in seconds.
We spent weeks comparing hardened U-locks, manganese chains, folding locks and alarm-equipped locks against what an e-bike actually demands. The criteria were simple: an independent security rating, a shackle or link gauge thick enough for e-bike frames, a mechanism that stays smooth through a winter of rain, and a weight you can live with on a daily commute. Twelve locks made the cut, and they are the twelve reviewed below.
A few riders still ask us whether they need a dedicated e-bike lock at all. The short answer is yes, for two reasons: the frame geometry is different, and the target on your back is bigger. If you want the broader picture on how these locks sit against standard bike security, our guide to the best electric bike locks and security systems covers the hardware side, while our roundup on bike locks for city commuters covers the day-to-day carrying problem. If you are still deciding on racks rather than locks, our best hitch bike racks for e-bikes piece is worth a read too.
Top 3 Best bike locks for e bikes in October
Kryptonite New-U Long Shackle
- 16mm hardened steel shackle
- Sold Secure Gold
- Long shackle clears cargo and fat tire frames
Kryptonite Evolution 1090…
- 10mm six-sided manganese links
- Sold Secure Gold
- 3 ft reach for frame and wheel
All 12 Bike Locks for E-Bikes Compared in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Kryptonite New-U Long Shackle |
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| Kryptonite Evolution 1090 Chain |
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| Seatylock FoldyLock Compact |
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 Kryptonite Keeper 785 Chain |
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 Sportneer U-Lock and Cable Set |
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 NDakter U-Lock and Chain Set |
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 ABUS Granit XPlus 540 |
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 Seatylock Viking Chain |
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 KOHLBURG Diamond U-Lock |
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 ENZZONE Alarm U-Lock |
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 ABUS Granit Super Extreme 2500 |
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 GRIFEMA 4ft Chain Lock |
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1. Kryptonite New-U Long Shackle U-Lock for Big E-Bike Frames
Kryptonite New York Long Shackle U-Lock, 16mm Heavy Duty Bicycle Lock
16mm hardened steel shackle
Sold Secure Gold rated
4 x 10.25 in interior
4.6 lb
Pros
- Heavy build that visibly deters opportunistic thieves
- Long shackle clears fat tires and cargo bike tubing
- Patented double deadbolt resists pry attacks
- Smooth disc-style cylinder with three keys
Cons
- Heavy to carry daily without a bag
- Frame mount sold separately
- Bulky shape on slim frames
This is the lock we kept coming back to during testing, mostly because the extra-long shackle solves the e-bike sizing problem that trips up riders on standard bicycles. The interior measures 4 by 10.25 inches, and that extra two inches of reach is what lets you pass the shackle through a fat tire, a thick down tube and the anchor point without fighting it. Owners describe the same thing in reviews: it locks where a normal U-lock will not reach.
Security is anchored by a 16mm hardened max-performance steel shackle and the patented double deadbolt design, which removes the single weak crossbar most pry attacks target. The cylinder is a high-security disc type rated against picking and drilling, and it carried a Sold Secure Gold certification with a 9 out of 10 score on Kryptonite’s own scale. Over 2,300 reviews sit at an average of 4.7 stars, with a large share of five-star ratings describing the heft as the main selling point.
One owner told us their lock repelled a real bolt-cutter attack on an e-bike without a scratch, which is the outcome you are paying for at this weight class. The nylon-free alloy steel body means nothing will chew through the finish the way a coated chain can over time. It is also rated to secure scooters, gates and tool boxes if you want one lock for several jobs.
The honest drawback is mass. At 4.6 pounds this is not a lock you tuck into a jacket pocket, and if you do not own a rack mount or a backpack you are carrying it in your hand every time you stop. Kryptonite also lists a Key Safe program that ships two replacement keys worldwide after registration, which matters more than most buyers expect when a key vanishes a week before a long trip.
Will the long shackle fit your e-bike frame and rack?
Measure your widest gap before you buy. Most e-bike down tubes sit between 40 and 60mm across, which standard U-locks handle fine, but fat-tire frames and cargo bike cargo areas can push past that. This model is one of the few in the lineup with enough reach to grab a tire, a frame tube and a rack leg in a single pass, which removes the fussy repositioning that wastes time at a rack.
Check your anchor point too. A Sheffield stand with a 60mm post is ideal; a thin decorative rail or a sign pole is not. If your usual parking has only narrow posts, the shackle width matters as much as the length, and a wider body like the NDakter covered later may serve you better.
When is the weight worth it?
The weight is worth it when your bike spends hours in high-traffic places and you are not moving it often. Commuters with a rear rack or a pannier bag feel the difference least, since the lock rides with the bike rather than with you. Riders who lift their e-bike onto a train or carry it up stairs should pair a lighter primary with this as a home or destination lock instead.
Insurers read the same numbers you do. The lock is eligible for Kryptonite’s anti-theft protection programme with coverage up to 4000 dollars, and check your own policy, because several insurers specify a Gold-rated lock or better as a condition of a claim.
2. Kryptonite Evolution 1090 Chain for Heavy-Duty Protection
Kryptonite Evolution 1090 Bike Chain Lock, 3 ft, 10mm Steel Security
10mm six-sided 3T manganese links
3 ft chain length
Sold Secure Gold rated
2.77 kg
Pros
- Thick hex-link manganese steel resists cutters and prying
- Reinforced oval crossbar lock head
- Disc detainer cylinder is very hard to pick
- Nylon sleeve protects paint
Cons
- Heavy and bulky to transport
- Short loop needs a close anchor
- Cost adds up against lighter chains
A chain buys you something a U-lock cannot: choice of what you capture. The Evolution 1090 gives you 3 feet of reach, so you can loop the frame, the rear wheel and an anchor in one pass instead of fighting geometry. On wide frames where the shackle has to pass through a lot of air, that flexibility is worth real money.
The steel is 10mm six-sided 3T manganese, and the hexagonal link profile matters because a bolt cutter seats poorly on six flat faces compared with a round or square link. Kryptonite reinforced the lock head with a patented oval crossbar to resist cutting at the weakest point. It holds a Sold Secure Gold rating with 8 out of 10 on the brand scale, and 5,419 reviews average 4.6 stars.
Reviewers repeatedly describe this as the chain to pair with a U-lock rather than the chain to ride with. Buyers report it surviving extended unattended parking on an e-bike, and several note that the motor assist of an e-bike cancels out the extra load when the bike is ridden rather than carried. That is a fair point, and it changes how you should think about weight on an e-bike specifically.
Three stainless steel keys come in the box, and the disc detainer cylinder is genuinely difficult to pick. The nylon sleeve and sliding dust cover keep water and grit out of the mechanism, which matters in coastal towns where a corroded cylinder will not turn in winter.
Should a chain be your primary lock or your second lock?
For most e-bike riders, the chain is the primary lock when you have a rack you can loop generously, because it captures more of the bike per attempt. It works well as the secondary lock when your primary is a U-lock and you want two different mechanisms a thief has to defeat.
Either way, keep it off the ground. A chain resting on tarmac gives an attacker a surface to lever against, and the sleeve is designed to protect your frame rather than to make ground attacks harder. Lock high on the rack post rather than through a wheel resting at ground level.
Is 3 feet long enough for an e-bike?
For a standard commuter e-bike, yes, provided you pick your anchor carefully. Three feet clears a rear wheel and frame with a post or a proper rack. Cargo bikes and trailers often need more, and riders who cannot get close to their anchor should look at a longer chain before they buy the shorter one.
The 3 ft chain also ships with anti-theft protection coverage up to 3000 dollars when registered, and a lifetime warranty behind it. Both are worth checking against your insurer’s minimum lock specification before you commit.
3. Seatylock FoldyLock Compact for Riders Who Carry Every Lock
Seatylock FoldyLock Compact Lightweight Patented Folding Bike Lock 33.5 in
Hardened steel bars with nylon and glass fibre cover
33.5 in circumference
Sold Secure Silver rated
1 kg
Pros
- Folds small enough for a seat bag or jersey pocket
- Longer reach than most compact folding locks
- Smooth award-winning mechanism
- Quiet frame bracket included
Cons
- Mounting holster can release the lock in transit
- Not a primary lock against serious attack
- Heavier than other folding locks
The FoldyLock Compact exists because most riders abandon their second lock inside a pannier and never take it out. At roughly one kilogram it folds to a shape that fits a jersey pocket, so you actually have it when a cafe stop turns into a two-hour wait. That behavioural advantage is worth more than most spec sheets suggest.
When open, the lock gives you a 33.5 inch circumference, which is generous for a folding lock and enough to take in the frame and rear wheel of a standard e-bike. Bars are hardened steel under a nylon 6 and glass fibre cover, and the patented Guard System uses anti-tamper rivets so the hinges cannot be levered open. It is Sold Secure Silver rated, which is a step below the Gold locks earlier in this list.
The mechanism is the star of the show. Owners describe the action as smooth and award-winning, and it earned a 2020 European Design Award. The frame bracket mounts quietly so the lock does not rattle on rough roads, and the anti-slip rubbers keep the closed body from marking your down tube.
The most common defect in reviews is the holster, not the lock. Several buyers report the lock slipping out of the supplied mount while riding and landing on the road. Most of them now carry it in a bag instead, which is worth knowing before you plan to mount it permanently.
Can a folding lock be your only lock on an e-bike?
Not if you can afford an alternative. Silver rated folding locks sit a tier below the Gold models here, and experienced riders on forums treat folding locks as secondary hardware for exactly that reason. For a short cafe stop on a lower-value bike, it can be enough. For overnight parking on an expensive e-bike, it is not the choice we would make.
Where it does earn its place is as lock number two, giving a thief two different attack problems in one stop. Pairing it with the Kryptonite U-lock from earlier gives you a hardened shackle on the frame and a flexible second lock for the front wheel.
What does the frame bracket actually fit?
The supplied quiet mount is designed for standard tube diameters, which covers most e-bike down tubes. Fat-tire frames and folding e-bikes with oversized tubing may need the included straps instead of the bracket, and a strap will still rattle less than a loose lock.
Check the tube diameter before ordering if your frame is unusual. A bracket that does not clamp firmly will let the lock swing on every bump, and that noise is the first thing a thief walking a rack hears.
4. Kryptonite Keeper 785 Chain for Everyday Value
Kryptonite Keeper 785 Bike Chain Lock, 2.8 ft Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Lock
7mm four-sided manganese links
85 cm circumference
Disc-style cylinder
1.3 kg
Pros
- Proven design with a very large owner base
- Soft coating and sleeve keep the frame scratch-free
- Easier to carry than a U-lock
- Lifetime warranty and key programme
Cons
- 7mm links are thinner than hardened chains
- Moderate rating suits shorter parking windows
- Some stiffness in the cylinder after weather exposure
With 11,492 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the Keeper 785 has more owners per dollar of security than anything else in this list. It is the lock we recommend when someone asks for one dependable chain that will not break the budget and will still be there in five years. It sits at the number four spot in the category rankings for bike chains, which tells you how widely it is deployed.
The chain is 7mm four-sided manganese steel with an 85cm circumference, wrapped in a nylon sleeve with rubber coating at the contacts. The high-security disc cylinder resists picking and drilling, and the patented end link design joins the chain to a hardened deadbolt so there is no weak gap at the head.
Kryptonite rates it 5 out of 10 for moderate security, which is the number to read carefully. That is a deterrent for a bike parked for a few hours in a low-risk spot, not a lock for a high-value e-bike left overnight on a city street. Set your expectations against that rating rather than against the brand name.
The recurring complaints are about weather, not theft. Owners report rust and cylinder stiffness after long outdoor exposure, which tracks with the fact that the lock ships without a full sealing cover on the keyway. A drop of cycle lubricant at the start of winter fixes most of it.
Is a 7mm chain enough for an e-bike frame?
For the frame itself, yes, provided you attack it with something other than a fast handheld cutter. The 85cm loop fits a standard e-bike frame and rear wheel, and the four-sided links resist the leverage tricks that work on round chain. Where it falls short is against a determined thief with time, which is why experienced riders always pair it with something harder.
If your e-bike is a fat-tire model, check your measurement. The 85cm loop may not reach through a 4 inch tire and a frame tube at the same time, and the NDakter set later in this guide has a much larger interior opening for that reason.
How should you store it on an e-bike?
Attach it inside a pannier or wrap it around the frame under a strap so it does not rattle. A loose chain knocking against a down tube on every cobblestone announces your location to anyone walking the rack, and it wears the finish over time.
Two keys are included and the lock is eligible for the Kryptonite key programme plus anti-theft protection coverage up to 3000 dollars when registered. Lifetime warranty support covers manufacturing defects, which is a meaningful backstop for a lock you will keep for years.
5. Sportneer U-Lock and Cable Set for Lightweight Commuting
Sportneer Bike Lock: Heavy Duty Anti Theft Bike U Lock with 5ft Security Steel Cable – 17mm Shackle Bicycle U-Locks with 2 Keys & Mounting Bracket for Road Mountain Bike, Size 7.76”x5.02”, 1.64lb
17mm shackle
Zinc alloy body with silicone coating
5 ft cable included
1.64 lb
Pros
- Light enough to carry every day without a bag
- Five foot cable gives flexible locking options
- Silicone coating protects the frame finish
- Mounting bracket fits 26-38mm tubes
Cons
- Small body limits what you can capture
- Cable is cut quickly by bolt cutters
- Key action feels light next to hardened models
At 1.64 pounds, this is the set that solves the complaint every rider eventually has: I do not want to carry my lock. It ships as a 17mm shackle U-lock plus a 5 foot steel cable and a mounting bracket, so you get a proper hardened U-shape and a flexible option from one purchase. It ranks first in its category for bike U-locks, which reflects how much of this market lives at the value end.
Shackle thickness is 17mm and the lock claims resistance up to 12 tons of hydraulic shear force. The polygonal body carries a silicone coating that resists water, dust and dirt, and it keeps the lock from marking your frame. Over 5,300 reviews average 4.6 stars.
Buyers treat this as the everyday lock for short stops: the cafe, the grocery run, the ten minutes at a station. The bracket clamps to tubes between 26 and 38mm, which covers plenty of e-bike down tubes, and two keys come in the box.
Be clear-eyed about the ceiling. The body is small, so capturing a frame and two wheels with it is awkward, and the included cable is the weak link in the set. Handheld cable cutters open a 5ft cable in seconds, which is why we treat it as the secondary lock and never the primary.
What can a small U-lock body actually secure?
Measure the interior against your anchor before ordering. This body captures a frame tube and one wheel comfortably on a standard commuter e-bike. It struggles when the tire is wide or the anchor is thick, because the body has to travel further to close. Fat-tire riders should look at a wider body instead.
Rail users get the best result here, since the U shape wraps a rail and a wheel cleanly. Sheffield stands and thin posts are harder, and a chain handles them better.
Is a bundled cable lock a security feature or a gimmick?
It is a convenience feature. The cable lets you lock a second wheel or a helmet without a second trip to your bag, which is genuinely useful. As protection it adds little, because a thief who decides to cut will cut the cable first and walk.
Treat the pair as one lock with a convenience strap, not as two locks. If you want real layered security, buy a second hardened lock instead of relying on the cable.
6. NDakter U-Lock and Chain Set for Fat Tires
NDakter Bike Locks Heavy Duty Anti Theft 18mm Thick, Motorcycle U Lock with 4FT x 6mm Security Chain, 3Keys Large U-Shape Electric Bicycle Wheel Lock for Ebike, Escooter, Fat-Tire Dirt-Bike, Tricycle
18mm hardened steel shackle
5.5 x 7 in interior
4 ft 6mm chain included
4.4 lb set
Pros
- Very wide interior fits fat tires and trikes
- U-lock plus chain covers frame and wheel in one set
- Nylon and silicone protectors prevent scratches
- Three brass keys included
Cons
- Combined weight of lock and chain is high
- Stated chain length includes both loop ends
- Chain is thinner than a dedicated hardened chain
Fat-tire and cargo e-bike riders hit a sizing wall with most locks, because a 4 inch tire plus a fat down tube plus a rack leaves almost no room for the shackle to travel. This set answers that directly. The interior measures 5.5 by 7 inches, which is the most generous opening we saw, and buyers consistently single out the wide interior as the reason they bought it.
The shackle is 18mm hardened steel, thicker than most U-locks here, and the included chain is 6mm 3T manganese at 120cm. The ergonomic large U shape works around fat tires, and the zinc alloy cylinder ships with three brass keys. At 4.7 stars across 640 reviews, it holds one of the highest rating averages in the lineup.
It is also aimed squarely at e-bikes and e-scooters, tricycles and dirt bikes, which tells you how the manufacturer expects it to be used. The nylon chain sleeve and silicone outer protectors keep paintwork clean, which fat-tire owners appreciate because sidewalls and rucks sit close to the frame.
The caveat is the total weight. Carrying a 1.6 kg U-lock plus a chain on every trip adds up quickly on an e-bike you already have to move around. Most owners mount or bag the U-lock and store the chain at home or in a pannier.
Does the opening clear a 4 inch fat tire?
It clears the geometry, yes. The 5.5 by 7 inch interior gives the shackle room to travel through the tire and frame without forcing the lock body against the wheel. Buyers buying specifically for fat tires report that it works without the usual repositioning.
Measure your widest point anyway. Frames with integrated racks or cargo boxes can still surprise you, and the measurement takes thirty seconds compared with the hassle of returning a two-piece set.
What is the chain actually good for?
The chain is the flexible half of the set. Loop it through a rear wheel or around a frame element that the U-lock cannot reach, and you get a second point of security from the same purchase. At 6mm it is thinner than the Evolution 1090 covered earlier, so it is a deterrent rather than a serious obstacle.
Note that the quoted 120cm length includes both double loop ends, so the usable run is shorter than the number suggests. Plan your anchor distance before you commit, especially on a cargo bike with a long wheelbase.
7. ABUS Granit XPlus 540 for a Smooth Daily Key Action
ABUS Granit XPlus 540 U-Lock, Black/Grey, 230 mm Shackle Height
13 mm hardened square shackle
230 mm shackle height
XPlus cylinder
3 lb
Pros
- Smooth key action stays reliable in all weather
- Square shackle resists twisting and needs two cuts
- Protective finish prevents frame scratches
- Two keys with one illuminated plus code card
Cons
- Weight sits around 3.3 to 3.75 lb in larger sizes
- Mounting bracket bought separately
- Bulky shape to carry in a pocket
If you have owned a lock that seized after one winter, this is the antidote. ABUS XPlus cylinders are among the smoothest in the test group, and owners report years of daily commuting without the key action becoming stiff. The cylinder is rated for tamper and pick resistance, and it ships with a keyhole cover to keep grit out of the mechanism.
The shackle is 13mm hardened steel in a square parabolic profile at 230mm of height and 108mm of width. Power Cell technology adds impact resistance across the body. That square section matters mechanically, because a square bar resists twisting attacks better than a round one and requires two cutting passes rather than one.
The certification is unusually specific for this price class: it is listed as Sold Secure powered cycle gold and diamond certified, which is exactly the standard insurers and high-theft commuters should be looking for. One owner rating group describes years of use with no failure of the cylinder or the shackle coating.
Long-term satisfaction is the theme across 709 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. The recurring negatives are practical rather than security related: the bracket is sold separately, and the shape is awkward to carry if you have no rack or bag.
Is a 13mm shackle thick enough for an e-bike?
For a commuter e-bike in a moderate-risk location, yes, and the square parabolic profile does more for you than the raw thickness suggests. Where we would hesitate is an expensive e-bike parked overnight in a city where portable angle grinders are the reported method of attack. In that case step up to the ABUS Granit Super Extreme covered later.
At 230mm the shackle clears most e-bike down tubes and rear triangles without trouble. Fat tires need more reach, which this one does not offer.
Why do the illuminated key and code card matter?
Because the second key is your recovery plan. The set includes two keys with one illuminated for low-light racks, plus a code card for key duplication. Lose all keys and the code card is the only route to new ones, which is why it belongs in your wallet rather than in the box.
The light also helps at night when the cylinder is at the bottom of a U-bar and the keyway is at an awkward angle. Small thing, but it is the difference between locking up quickly and fumbling in the dark.
8. Seatylock Viking Chain for Year-Round Outdoor Parking
Seatylock Viking Sold Secure Magnetic Patented Robust Bike Chain Lock
7mm hardened steel links
Patented magnetic closure
Automatic keyhole shutter
90 cm circumference
Pros
- Magnetic closure locks one-handed in seconds
- Automatic shutter keeps rain and grit out of the keyway
- Neoprene sleeve protects paint and resists UV
- Rated 4.7 stars across 634 reviews
Cons
- 7mm gauge is thinner than hardened chains
- Bulky coil when carried on long rides
- Occasional reports of the closure not engaging
The Viking is built around a problem most riders only notice in winter: water and grit in the keyway. Its automatic keyhole shutter closes over the cylinder when the lock is engaged, which is why owners in wet and coastal climates rate it so highly. At 4.7 stars from 634 reviews, it has the highest rating average in this group alongside the NDakter.
The patented magnetic closure is the other headline feature. Rather than hunting for the end of the chain, the links pull together and seat with a magnetic click, and locking is one-handed. Buyers describe the speed of that as the reason they reach for the lock every time.
The build is 7mm hardened steel links under a neoprene sleeve with UV protection, plus silicone polymer coated components. You get a 90cm circumference here, and Seatylock also offers 110cm and 140cm versions if your anchor sits further away. Three automotive keys and a key duplication card are included, backed by a three year defect warranty.
Be realistic about the gauge. Seven millimetre links sit with the Keeper 785 and GRIFEMA in the moderate tier rather than with the 10mm Evolution chain. It is Sold Secure Silver rated, so it is a deterrent for short and medium stays.
Does the keyhole shutter actually fix rust problems?
It fixes the most common one, which is water sitting in the cylinder while the bike sits outside. Combined with the neoprene sleeve and the coated components, it is the best weather package here for riders who park outdoors year round. A lock stored under a cover will always outlast one that does not, but this one starts from a much better position.
Rinse with fresh water after a winter of road salt and dry the chain before storing it. That habit matters more than any coating for the links themselves.
Is one-handed locking worth paying up for?
At a rack with cold hands and gloves on, it is. The magnetic closure removes the fiddly part of threading a chain into a lock body in poor light, and faster locking means you stand closer to your bike while you do it. Several owners rank ease of use as their top reason for recommending it.
The flip side is that a small share of buyers report the closure not seating cleanly, which leaves the chain looking locked and not being locked. Check the closure before you walk away until you are used to it.
9. KOHLBURG Diamond U-Lock for Certified Grinder Resistance
KOHLBURG Highest Security U Lock [Sold Secure Diamond] Bike Lock, 4 Keys
Sold Secure Diamond certified
14 mm hardened alloy shackle
Multi-disc cylinder
1.5 kg
Pros
- Diamond certification is the highest independent rating
- Multi-disc cylinder and T-structure resist picking and drilling
- Large shackle opening simplifies locking to fixtures
- Bracket and 67 in cable included
Cons
- Heavier than lighter U-locks at 3.3 lb
- Key action can feel stiff at first
- Some one-star ratings cite bulk when carried
This is the only lock in our group that comes with a Sold Secure Diamond rating and a modest weight, which makes it the most interesting certification-to-carry ratio here. Diamond is the top tier of the UK rating system and requires resistance to a portable angle grinder. Kryptonite’s own 9 out of 10 score elsewhere in this list is a manufacturer figure; this one comes from an independent body.
The shackle is 14mm solid hardened alloy steel, and the lock head uses a multi-disc cylinder with a T-structure two-chamber design to slow drilling. The outer size is 6.7 by 13.5 inches, giving a large opening that makes locking to a rail or a fat-tire frame straightforward.
![KOHLBURG Highest Security U Lock [Sold Secure Diamond] Bike Lock, 4 Keys customer photo 1](https://kayakcambria.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/B08M6HST7G_customer_1.jpg)
In the box you get a two-way mounting bracket sized for 25 to 38mm frames, a 67 inch spiral security cable for the second wheel, and a soft protection cover at the shackle. The brand publishes a security level of 15 out of 15, which is their own scale rather than an independent rating, so weight the certification more heavily than the number.
Reviews average 4.4 stars across 327 ratings, the lowest average in the lineup, and the reason is consistent: bulk. It is 1.5 kg, it needs a bag or a rack, and a small number of owners report the key action feeling stiff when new. Security complaints are almost absent.
What does a Diamond rating actually mean in practice?
It means the lock passed a test that includes an angle grinder attack where a Gold-rated lock may not. That does not make it uncuttable, because a determined attacker with multiple discs and unlimited time can still get through. What it changes is the time cost and the noise, which is what usually convinces someone to walk away.
Community consensus on e-bike forums repeatedly points to the Litelok X1 and Hiplok D1000 as the flagship angle-grinder-resistant choices, and neither appeared in our test group. Among the locks we did test, this one and the ABUS Granit Super Extreme are the two with the strongest independent claims.
Will the bracket fit your e-bike frame?
The two-way bracket is specified for 25 to 38mm tubes, which covers a wide range of standard e-bike down tubes. Fat-tire frames can exceed that range, so check your tube diameter against the spec before relying on the mount.
If the bracket does not grip, the lock will swing on every bump and that noise carries. Straps are the fallback, and a strap in a pannier is better than a loose lock on a bracket that does not fit.
10. ENZZONE Alarm U-Lock for Audible Deterrence
EnzZone Heavy Duty Anti Theft Alarm U Lock for E-Bikes, Scooters, Motorcycles – 16mm Stainless Steel, 3 Keys, Weatherproof
16mm stainless steel shackle
Built-in motion sensor alarm
5 x 6 in opening
3.2 lb
Pros
- Alarm adds audible warning before a thief gets far
- 16mm stainless shackle is a stout bar
- Rubber coating protects paint and improves grip
- Three laser-cut keys and battery included
Cons
- Alarm volume and battery life disappoint some buyers
- Fiddly to set while closing around a tire
- Tight fit on the widest 20x4 tires
An alarm does something a shackle cannot: it tells you and everyone nearby that something is happening. This lock pairs a 16mm stainless steel shackle with a motion sensor that triggers an audible alarm on tampering, and at 4.5 stars across 468 reviews it sits comfortably in the middle of the lineup on rating while offering a feature none of the others have.
The opening is 5 inches wide by 6 inches tall, with 7 inches of overall width and 9 inches of overall height. That geometry is aimed at fat-tire e-bikes and scooters, and the shackle carries a rubber coating that protects paint and gives you grip when wearing gloves.
The mechanism is sealed against rain, dust and humidity, which is what you want from a lock with an electronic component. Three laser-cut keys and a battery come in the box, and the seller runs US-based support, which several buyers mention approvingly when they received a replacement for a faulty unit.
The alarm is the polarising element. A number of reviewers call it quiet or short-lived on one battery, and setting the alarm while closing the lock around a wide tire is awkward at first. It also runs tight on 20×4 tires, so measure before you commit.
Does an alarm lock stop theft or just announce it?
It announces it, and that is still useful. An alarm draws attention at a moment when a thief is counting on nobody looking, and in a quiet car park it can end an attempt before it becomes a full cut. It does not add structural resistance beyond the 16mm shackle, so judge the lock on the steel and the alarm as a bonus.
The battery is the weak point. Keep a spare in a drawer and re-test the alarm after any long spell in storage, because a lock that has gone flat is a lock that has lost half of its value.
Will a 5 by 6 inch opening fit a fat tire e-bike?
For most 20 inch tires it works, and the width is generous for a U-lock. The complaints cluster around the very widest 20×4 tires, where buyers report a tight fit. If you run fatter than 4 inches, the NDakter set earlier in this guide has a much larger interior.
The rubber-coated shackle also gives you something to hold while setting the alarm with gloves on, which sounds minor until you try it without the coating in the rain.
11. ABUS Granit Super Extreme 2500 for Angle Grinder Attack
ABUS U-Lock Granit™ Super Extreme 2500/165HB230 – specialised Bicycle Lock for Bicycles and e-Bikes Against Saw Attacks with Angle Grinders – ABUS Security Level 15, USH2500
20 mm square shackle
ABUS security level 15
Power Cell technology
XPlus cylinder
Pros
- Angle grinder cutting tests show long resistance times
- Doubled locking in the body resists saw attacks
- XPlus cylinder resists picking and drilling
- USH2500 rack mount carries it without rattle
Cons
- Shackle is tight on wide fat tires and thick racks
- Heavy at 1.8 kg so it needs a rack or bag
- Key must stay in the body to re-lock
This is the thickest shackle in the group at 20mm, and it is the one lock here whose owners explicitly describe cut tests with an angle grinder. Buyers of expensive e-bikes credit it with holding up longer under grinding than the U-locks they tried before, which is the entire point. It took the Eurobike Award in 2023 and sits at the top of the ABUS security scale at level 15.
The design details are what justify the weight. Double locking inside the body means the crossbar is captured at both ends, so a pry bar has no exposed gap. Power Cell technology spreads impact across the body, and the XPlus cylinder handles picking and drilling attempts.
The USH2500 rack bracket is included and rigid enough to hold a heavy lock without rattling, which solves the mount complaint that comes up with the ABUS 540 earlier in this list. A plastic coating protects against scratches, so it is kinder to a painted or anodised frame than bare steel would be.
Fit is the serious complaint, and it is the one to take seriously. Several e-bike owners report the shackle is too narrow and short for wide tires and thick racks, and a minority describe a gap at the junction where the shackle meets the crossbar. Measure your frame and your usual anchor before buying this.
Does a 20mm shackle stop an angle grinder?
It slows one down considerably, which is different from stopping it. A 20mm square section gives the disc far more material to chew through than the 13mm and 14mm bars elsewhere in this roundup. Independent testing of this class of lock shows discs wearing out before the shackle gives, but nothing on the market is uncuttable.
Expect this to be a deterrence measured in minutes and noise rather than a permanent barrier. That delay is what makes a thief move to an easier bike on the same rack.
Is this the right lock for a fat-tire e-bike?
Probably not, and that is frustrating because it is otherwise the most capable lock here. The reported fit problems are specifically about wide tires and thick racks, which are exactly the frames that need the most protection. Fat-tire riders should pair a wide-interior lock with a hardened chain rather than fight a tight shackle.
Also plan for where it lives. At 1.8 kg this is a bike-mounted or home lock, and the key staying in the body to re-lock is a design choice some owners like and some resent.
12. GRIFEMA 4ft Chain Lock for Multiple Bikes and Long Reach
GRIFEMA Keyed Bike Chain Lock, Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Security Lock, 4FT Hardened Steel Chain with Protective Sleeve for Bicycle, E-Bike, Motorcycle, Scooter, Gate & Outdoor Use
7mm hardened alloy steel chain
4 ft length
Nylon protective sleeve
795 g
Pros
- Long 4ft run covers several bikes or a rack
- Snap-together locking needs no key to secure
- Under 2 lb so it is easy to carry
- Nylon sleeve blocks scratches
- rain and rust
Cons
- 7mm chain is thin against hardened chains
- Zinc lock body rather than hardened steel
- Deters rather than resists at high-risk locations
The GRIFEMA is the odd one out in this list and that is why it earns a place: at 4 feet it can secure more than one bike, more than one wheel, or a frame and several accessories at once. Owners with a shared rack or a family of e-bikes describe it as the one they use when they need reach more than they need resistance.
The chain is 7mm thickened hardened alloy steel at roughly 120cm, wrapped in a nylon sleeve that blocks scratches, rain, dust and rust. The lock body carries a sliding dust cover, and locking is snap-together, meaning you do not need the key to secure the chain. Two dedicated keys are included.
At 795 grams it is the lightest serious chain here, which matters for riders who lift their e-bike onto a train or into a van. With more than 11,600 reviews at 4.6 stars, it ranks near the top of the bike chain category for good reason: the length and weight are genuinely useful, and buyers know exactly what they are getting.
The security ceiling is honest and well understood. The lock body is zinc rather than hardened steel, and the 7mm chain sits with the Keeper 785 and Seatylock Viking in the moderate tier. Buyers describe it as a deterrent for normal use rather than a barrier for a determined attack.
When does a 4 foot chain make more sense than a U-lock?
When reach matters more than thickness. A U-lock captures one loop of frame or one wheel; a 4 foot chain can wrap a frame, a wheel and a rack post in a single pass, or hold two bikes at once. Multi-bike households and shared racks get that benefit immediately.
The trade is security. You get reach and low weight by accepting a thinner chain and a lighter lock body, which is a reasonable bargain for a campus rack and a poor one for an overnight city parking spot.
Is the snap-together closure safe to rely on?
Yes, with the usual habit of checking before you walk away. The links seat together and the mechanism holds without a key, which removes the most common failure of leaving a chain looped but unlocked. Confirm the end link has clicked into the body and give the chain a pull before you step back.
The anti-cut, anti-saw, anti-drill and anti-pry claims describe the construction, not a rating. Treat it as the deterrent tier and pair it with a rated lock when the bike is valuable.
How to Choose a Bike Lock for an E-Bike
Start with the rating, not the brand. Sold Secure is the independent UK testing body, and it grades locks from Bronze through Silver and Gold to Diamond, with Platinum at the top. Gold is the first tier that requires resistance to angle grinder attack, which is why it is the practical minimum for an e-bike. The distinction riders confuse most is Powered Cycle versus Pedal Cycle: an e-bike should be assessed against the Powered Cycle standard, which applies the same test method at the higher weight and torque of a motor-assisted bike.
Next comes lock type, and the honest comparison is shorter than most guides make it. A hardened U-lock is the strongest portable option because there is no hinge to attack and no slack to exploit. A chain is the most flexible, and the reach lets you capture the frame, a wheel and an anchor in one pass. A folding lock is portable but sits a rating tier lower, and a cable is a deterrent that belongs in the role of second lock only, never primary. Experienced riders on r/ebikes put it plainly: most e-bikes need at least a long U-lock to fit around the tires and larger frames.
Size is where e-bike owners lose money, because standard bicycle sizing advice does not transfer. Measure the interior dimensions of the lock against the widest gap you need to capture, and measure your frame tubes before buying a mount. Fat-tire frames run much wider than a road bike down tube, cargo bikes add long wheelbases, and folding e-bikes add hinges and oversized tubing that no shackle fits cleanly. The NDakter set earlier in this roundup solves this with a 5.5 by 7 inch interior, and the Kryptonite New-U solves it with reach rather than width.
Then apply the two-lock setup, which is the single technique that improves your odds more than any product. Run your highest-rated lock through the frame and rear wheel into a proper anchor, and secure the front wheel with a second lock of a different type. Two mechanisms double the work for a thief and make your e-bike a harder target than the bike next to it. Technique details matter as much as hardware: keep the lock body on the bike side so a pry bar cannot lever against it, keep it off the ground to deny leverage, and remove slack from the shackle gap.
Budget by exposure rather than by formula. Most guidance suggests spending five to ten percent of the bike’s value, which is a sensible starting point for an e-bike costing 1000 to 5000 dollars with a battery worth several hundred more. Adjust upward for overnight outdoor parking in a city, and downward only if you store the bike indoors where a moderate lock is genuinely enough.
Two e-bike-specific gaps deserve their own paragraph. The first is the battery. Removable packs are prime theft targets in their own right, so if your battery lifts out, carry it with you or lock the bike with a method that blocks the removal point, and record the pack serial number separately from the frame. The second is weight. A 4.6 pound lock on a 60 pound e-bike changes how the bike handles on a rack and adds nothing when you are carrying it up stairs, so riders who move their bike often should split the budget between a lighter portable lock and a heavy one that stays home.
Finally, register the frame and photograph the serial numbers before you need them. Our guide to bike locks for city commuters covers the locking technique in more depth, and the best electric bike locks and security systems roundup covers trackers and alarms if you want a layered approach. If you are still working out how the bike gets to work, our hitch mounted bike rack guides for electric bikes are a natural next read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an angle grinder cut a bike lock?
Yes. A portable angle grinder defeats nearly every bike lock, including most Gold-rated models, in seconds. Locks built with composite or ceramic materials dull and shatter cutting discs, so multiple blades are needed. That added time is what usually convinces a thief to move to an easier bike. Look for a Sold Secure Diamond rating if your e-bike lives outdoors overnight.
What is Sold Secure Diamond rating?
Diamond is the highest UK lock rating from Sold Secure, and it requires resistance to a portable angle grinder attack. For e-bikes the relevant classifications are Powered Cycle Diamond and Powered Cycle Gold, which apply the same test method to the heavier torque of a motor-assisted bike. Many insurers require at least Gold for a valuable e-bike, so check your policy before you buy.
How many locks do I need for an e-bike?
Two is the minimum for a valuable e-bike: a primary Gold or Diamond rated U-lock or chain for the frame and rear wheel, plus a secondary lock or hardened cable for the front wheel. Two different mechanisms force a thief to defeat two problems in one stop, and layered setups are what community consensus recommends for high-value e-bikes.
Do cable locks stop bike thieves?
No. Handheld cable cutters open a cable lock in seconds, and thieves carry cutters on nearly every job. A cable earns its place securing a front wheel, a helmet or a battery alongside a hardened U-lock or chain. Never treat it as the primary lock on an e-bike, because the cable becomes the fastest thing to cut.
Is a Kryptonite bike lock worth it?
Kryptonite offers some of the best customer support in the category, including a key replacement programme and anti-theft protection options when you register. Its Evolution line and the New-U deliver solid Gold-rated security. For e-bikes in high-theft areas, though, no Kryptonite lock resists an angle grinder, so a Diamond-rated model is the stronger long-term investment.
How do I keep my electric bike from being stolen?
Use two locks: run a hardened U-lock or chain through the frame and rear wheel into a proper anchor, then secure the front wheel with a second lock. Keep both locks off the ground so they cannot be used as leverage, keep the lock body on the bike side to deny pry space, leave no slack in the shackle gap, and park in a visible, well-lit spot. Register the frame and record the battery serial number too.
Which Bike Lock Should You Buy for Your E-Bike?
If you want one answer, take the Kryptonite New-U Long Shackle. It pairs a 16mm hardened shackle and a double deadbolt mechanism with enough reach to capture a fat tire, a thick down tube and an anchor in a single pass, which is the problem that stops most e-bike owners from using the lock they already own. Its 4.7 star average across more than 2,300 reviews is the strongest combination of rating and owner volume in this group, and the 4.6 pound weight is the one compromise you should plan for with a rack mount or a bag.
Buy something else if your situation is different. Riders who move their e-bike constantly should look at the Sportneer set, where 1.64 pounds is the deciding factor. Fat-tire and cargo owners should start with the NDakter for its wide interior and paired chain. Overnight parking in a high-theft city deserves the KOHLBURG for its independent Diamond rating or the ABUS Granit Super Extreme for its 20mm shackle, and both need measuring first. For a dependable everyday chain, the Keeper 785 and the Seatylock Viking both do the job at modest weights.
Whatever you choose, buy two locks and use them properly. Keep them off the ground, keep the lock body on the bike side, remove the slack, register the frame and the battery, and photograph the serial numbers before an attacker does. This roundup of the best bike locks for e bikes covers the hardware, and the locking technique is what turns that hardware into real protection.
