Best E-Bike Locks for 2025

The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit 1217 solves e-bike security's fundamental challenge: providing professional-grade protection while remaining practical for daily use. While 15-pound chains offer marginally better security, their weight makes them impractical for commuters who need reliable protection every single day.

The 12mm hardened manganese steel chain resists the bolt cutters and hand tools opportunistic thieves carry, while the hexagonal link design prevents twist attacks that compromise round chains. At 5.5 feet, it accommodates multiple locking scenarios—securing both wheels, looping through frames and racks, or anchoring to fixed objects—flexibility essential when parking locations vary.

The 9.5-pound weight represents thoughtful compromise between security and portability. Light enough to carry in a pannier or backpack without dominating your load, heavy enough that thieves recognize it as serious protection. Kryptonite backs this with Sold Secure Gold rating and lifetime anti-theft warranty covering up to $4,500 in bike value.

Limitations: Weight exceeds casual riders' comfort threshold, exposed chain links can mar paint finish without protective sleeve, and losing all three included keys requires complete lock replacement since Kryptonite doesn't offer key replacement service.

When your e-bike represents a $5,000+ investment—or serves as essential transportation you can't afford to lose—the ABUS Granit Extreme Plus 59 provides the security premium bikes demand. While casual locks deter opportunistic theft, this lock withstands the organized professionals targeting high-value electric bikes.

The Sold Secure Diamond rating represents security engineering's pinnacle: protection against portable angle grinders, the power tools that defeat standard locks in seconds. The square 12mm chain prevents rotation during cutting attempts while ABUS's proprietary steel alloy literally wears down grinding discs before failing. The massive lock body resists destructive attacks that compromise lesser mechanisms.

At 15 pounds and $299.99, it demands justification. That justification comes from simple math: insurance deductibles typically exceed $500, replacement costs reach thousands, and the inconvenience of losing your primary transportation is immeasurable. For premium e-bikes in urban environments where theft is profession rather than opportunity, this investment protects far larger ones.

Trade-offs: 15-pound weight makes daily commuting carrying impractical (consider dedicated locking location), premium pricing requires high-value bike to justify cost-benefit, and 4.6-foot length limits flexibility compared to longer chains for complex locking scenarios.

The OnGuard Brute LS proves U-locks remain relevant for e-bike security when engineering focuses on the format's strengths rather than compromising with compact dimensions. While mini U-locks dominated traditional bikes, e-bikes' larger frames and increased value demand more substantial protection.

The 16.8mm hardened boron steel shackle provides the cross-sectional strength that resists bolt cutters—tools that slice through cable locks instantly. The larger 4.37 x 10.24-inch opening accommodates modern e-bike frame geometry and standard municipal bike racks without the awkward positioning smaller U-locks require. Dual-locking shackle design creates two independent resistance points, doubling the work required for prying attacks.

At 4.5 pounds and $79.95, it offers compelling value proposition: significantly lighter than equivalent-security chain locks while maintaining Sold Secure Gold-level protection. The included mounting bracket attaches to frame for convenient carrying, and backup key card enables replacements when keys are lost—service Kryptonite doesn't provide.

Considerations: U-lock rigidity trades chain flexibility for lighter weight—excellent for consistent parking locations with predictable anchor points, less ideal for varying scenarios requiring creative locking solutions; fixed shape prevents simultaneous frame and both-wheel security without secondary lock; standard size may overwhelm compact folding e-bikes better served by mini U-locks.

The Kryptonite New York 1410 addresses the question e-bike owners eventually ask: "Is the base Fahgettaboudit enough, or should I upgrade?" That 14mm versus 12mm difference represents meaningful security enhancement against the power tools professional thieves carry.

Thicker chain links extend the time required for angle grinder attacks—not indefinitely, but enough to make your bike less attractive than easier targets nearby. This psychology matters: thieves assess risk-versus-reward, and seeing 14mm chain often redirects attention toward inferior locks. The included New York disc lock adds wheel security, creating layered defense requiring multiple tool types to defeat.

At 15 pounds and $128.75, it targets specific use case: riders needing overnight security in moderate-to-high theft areas who can leave the lock at parking location rather than carrying daily. The weight becomes asset rather than liability when permanent installation enables maximum security without commuting burden.

Limitations: 15-pound weight makes daily backpack carrying impractical for most riders, 4-foot length restricts flexibility compared to 5.5-foot 1217 for complex locking scenarios requiring extended reach, and included disc lock adds bulk when carrying entire system—ideal for leaving at parking location, awkward for mobile use.

The OnGuard Brute Mini proves "compact" needn't compromise security when engineering prioritizes shackle strength over opening size. For urban commuters making quick stops in visible locations, the Mini's 16.8mm hardened shackle provides security matching full-size U-locks in backpack-friendly format.

The 3.5 x 5.5-inch opening targets specific use case: locking frame to street signs, parking meters, or slim bike racks during errands where wheel theft risk is minimal. The compact dimensions reduce weight to 3.5 pounds—manageable for daily backpack or pannier carrying without dominating your load. Frame mounting bracket enables tool-free attachment when you want lock available but not occupying cargo space.

At $74.95, it delivers remarkable security-to-weight ratio for riders prioritizing portability. Particularly effective for multi-modal commutes where carrying heavy locks through offices or onto public transit creates friction. Also excels as secondary lock in two-lock strategy: Mini secures frame while cable protects wheels, combining serious frame security with wheel protection.

Trade-offs: 3.5 x 5.5-inch opening restricts locking scenarios—excellent for slim street furniture, inadequate for thick posts, vintage lamp posts, or wide bike racks requiring extended reach; compact size prevents simultaneous frame-and-wheels locking without secondary cable; smaller lock body may be easier to attack with portable vises than full-size locks.

Every e-bike security discussion must address uncomfortable reality: cable locks fail as primary protection. Bolt cutters defeat cables in seconds, making them unsuitable for frame security. Yet the Kryptonite KryptoFlex 12mm serves critical secondary role when your primary U-lock or chain secures the frame.

The 12mm braided steel construction resists casual hand tools opportunistic thieves carry while maintaining the flexibility rigid locks can't provide. Thread it through both wheels, around the saddle, and connect to your primary lock, creating layered defense requiring multiple tool types to steal components. The 6-foot length enables creative routing through frame triangles and components other locks can't reach.

At $25.95, it represents insurance against component theft that can cost hundreds in replacement parts. The integrated combination lock eliminates key management hassles—particularly valuable when you're already carrying keys for your primary lock. The deterrent psychology matters: thieves assess time-versus-reward, and seeing cable plus serious lock often redirects them toward easier targets without secondary security.

Reality check: Never trust cables for primary e-bike protection—bolt cutters slice through them instantly regardless of thickness. This cable's value exists exclusively as secondary security alongside U-lock or chain protecting your frame. Its purpose is deterring opportunistic component theft, not resisting determined thieves with power tools.

The NDakter chain lock occupies specific niche in e-bike security: supplemental protection for low-risk environments where premium locks aren't justified but basic deterrence adds value. Understanding its limitations is crucial—this isn't substitute for serious security, but it serves legitimate purposes.

The 5-digit combination lock and basic hardened steel construction deter opportunistic theft in controlled-access environments: apartment bike rooms with building security, office parking garages with access control, or supervised storage areas where basic deterrence matters. Available in 4.27-foot length, it provides flexibility for securing bikes to racks or fixed objects in these environments.

At $23.99, it makes sense for specific scenarios: supplementing physical security in locked garages or storage rooms, protecting components after securing frame with premium lock, or temporary security in supervised areas during short stops. Also reasonable for lower-value traditional bikes where theft risk doesn't justify $100+ lock investment.

Critical limitation: Never rely on budget locks as sole security for valuable e-bikes in unsupervised public spaces—basic bolt cutters defeat them in seconds. Use only in low-risk environments with additional physical security layers, as supplemental protection alongside serious primary lock, or for traditional bikes where replacement cost doesn't justify premium security. For e-bikes worth thousands, this represents false economy that invites theft.