Best ebike lock: 4 picks with a Sold Secure e-bike rating

An e-bike is a bigger target than a standard bike because the whole bike is worth more and the battery can be carried off. A lock does not make a bike theft-proof, but a better rated one takes a thief longer.

What to look for

1. A Powered Cycle rating from Sold Secure. Sold Secure is a UK testing body that grades locks on two scales. Pedal Cycle (formerly "Bicycle") has four grades: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond. Powered Cycle (formerly "Motorcycle") has two, Gold and Diamond, and Sold Secure says it covers motorcycles, scooters and e-bikes. Sold Secure states that Pedal Cycle Diamond is equivalent to Powered Cycle Gold, so a lock that's "Diamond" on the pedal scale alone sits one step below the top e-bike grade. Each listing shows both lines, so check the exact model name, because makers sell similar locks with different ratings. ART is another independent scheme that uses stars; we only quote it where the maker or ART lists it.
2. Lock type. D-locks are compact and hard to leverage. Chains reach awkward posts and loop through two wheels and a frame, but weigh more. Using both gives two different attacks to defeat.
3. Locking length and what you lock through. Lock the frame and rear wheel to something fixed. The longer the lock, the more you can pass through a fat frame or a cargo rack post.
4. Weight and carrying. A rated chain can be several pounds. Hiplok designs its DX to clip to a belt or bag strap, which suits riders with no frame mount.
5. Warranty and registration. Some makers require registration to activate their lifetime warranty. Hiplok says to register within 30 days of purchase.
6. Insurance rules. If your bike is insured, read the policy: some insurers require a lock with a stated rating.

Our picks

Hiplok D1000

• Why: The only pick here with Sold Secure's top e-bike grade. Hiplok sells it as an anti-angle-grinder D-lock, and Sold Secure's Powered Cycle Diamond test includes angle grinders and power tools.
• Key spec: Sold Secure lists it as Diamond for powered cycles and Diamond for pedal cycles, with a square-profile, graphene-reinforced hardened steel shackle, a 15.5 cm x 9.2 cm locking area and three coded replaceable keys. Sold Secure's page does not state its weight.
• Check: That locking area is compact. Measure your frame tube plus the post you'll lock to. If it's too tight, our Hiplok locks for e-bikes page compares the larger DX1000 and DXL1000.
• Source: Sold Secure listing.

ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 (540/160 HB300 D-lock)

• Why: A compact D-lock from a long-established lock maker, with a powered cycle grade for e-bikes.
• Key spec: Sold Secure lists it as Gold for powered cycles (Diamond for pedal cycles), with a 13 mm hardened square-section shackle. Sold Secure's page does not state its weight.
• Check: The Granit X Plus 540 has several size variants (HB230, HB300). Match the model to the one rated.
• Source: Sold Secure listing.

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 and NY Disc Lock

• Why: A chain-and-lock set for riders who need reach for a big frame or a cargo bike. The chain handles awkward posts that a D-lock cannot.
• Key spec: Sold Secure lists the set as Gold for powered cycles (Diamond for pedal cycles), with a 150 cm chain and 15 mm hardened steel shackles.
• Check: Sold Secure's page does not state a weight. Chains weigh more than D-locks, so check Kryptonite's listed weight before buying.
• Source: Sold Secure listing.

Hiplok DX

• Why: A rated D-lock you can wear. Hiplok's clip-and-ride system attaches it to a belt or bag strap, so it suits quick stops.
• Key spec: Sold Secure lists the DX as Gold for powered cycles (Diamond for pedal cycles). The page lists a 14 mm hardened steel shackle, double dead-locking, anti-rotation, three replaceable coded keys, a 1105 g (about 2.4 lb) weight and a 15 cm x 8.5 cm locking area.
• Check: The cable on some Hiplok variants is not part of the Sold Secure approval. For an all-day park outside, a Powered Diamond lock like the D1000 is the stronger choice.
• Source: Sold Secure listing.

A second lock: Hiplok E-DX

Hiplok built this set with e-bikes and cargo bikes in mind: the DX D-lock above, a 10 mm loop-end chain with 110 cm of locking length, and a Z LOK security tie. Hiplok describes the bundle as awarded Gold by Sold Secure. Read that carefully. Sold Secure's listing for the EDX chain shows Gold for pedal cycles only, with no powered cycle grade, a 10 mm hardened steel chain and a 1 m locking length. The Z LOK tie has no Sold Secure rating listed.

So the set's Powered Cycle Gold rating comes from the DX D-lock in the box, not the chain. Treat the chain as a lighter second lock through the rear wheel, not as your main e-bike lock. Hiplok says the DX and X CHAIN carry a lifetime warranty and you must register within 30 days. Sources: Hiplok product page, Sold Secure EDX listing.

How to lock a heavy e-bike

• Run the lock through the frame and rear wheel, and to a fixed post or rack that cannot be lifted off.
• Keep the lock off the ground and the keyhole facing down.
• Take the battery and display with you if the maker's manual says the battery is removable.
• Record the serial number and photograph the bike, so you can report it.

FAQ

Is a rated lock enough for an e-bike? A rating compares how long a lock resisted specific attacks in a test lab. It is a guide, not a guarantee. Locking in sight, in a busy spot, and using two locks all help.

What does Sold Secure Gold or Diamond mean? Sold Secure assigns a grade to each approved lock after testing. On the Powered Cycle scale, the one it recommends for e-bikes, Diamond is the top grade and Gold is next. On the Pedal Cycle scale, Diamond is the top grade, and Sold Secure says it's equivalent to Powered Cycle Gold. Look up the exact model in Sold Secure's product search.

Do I need a different lock because the bike is electric? Sold Secure recommends a Powered Cycle rated lock for e-bikes, mopeds and scooters. Many locks carry both grades, like the ABUS, Kryptonite and DX picks above (Powered Gold, Pedal Diamond). A lock rated only for pedal cycles, such as the EDX chain, has no grade on the e-bike scale.

Where do I buy? Each pick links to the maker's or Sold Secure's own page so you can confirm the exact model name, then you can search for that name at the shop you prefer.