High-security U-lock
E-bikes are the #1 theft target in every major US city. A $20 cable lock will not stop a thief with a $40 angle grinder.
Disclosure: some links here are affiliate links, labelled as such — and you pay the same price either way. Affiliate disclosure.
Some links on our pages are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Use a Sold Secure Diamond, ART 4, or equivalent rated U-lock — anything less is an invitation. Pair it with a heavy chain or secondary cable if you lock up overnight or in a high-theft city. The rule of thumb: spend 10–15% of the bike's value on locking it.
Lock the frame to an immovable object through the rear wheel (Sheldon Brown method) or use two locks — one through the frame and front wheel, one through the rear. Always remove the battery when parking somewhere you wouldn't leave a $1,000 phone on the seat.
Additional options
Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7
See price on AmazonKryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-Lock + 4ft cable
Check today's priceKryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 + disc lock
Check today's priceRetrospec Lookout U-Lock with Cable — 14mm
View at RetrospecRetrospec Hero Plus Integrated Chain Lock — 10mm
View at RetrospecUKASE MAX Heavy Duty Shackle Lock for E-Bikes
View at Magnum BikesKryptonite New York U-Lock
View at Priority BicyclesWhere to buy
Picks with a "Check today's price" button are affiliate links to the brand's store or Amazon. An editorial mention's link to the maker's own page is a plain link; where a mention also carries a "Check today's price on Amazon" link, that one is an affiliate link. Nobody pays to be mentioned either way.
Our picks
Also worth a look
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit
18 mm shackle and Sold Secure Diamond, with anti-theft protection when you register the lock, per Kryptonite.
Disclosure: some links here are affiliate links, labelled as such — and you pay the same price either way. Affiliate disclosure.
Similar option: Kryptonite New York Standard
See price on AmazonAbus Granit X-Plus 540
Top European rating (ART 4), 13mm hardened steel, Plus-cylinder pick resistance.
See it on AmazonOnGuard Brute STD 8001
16.8 mm shackle and Sold Secure Gold, per OnGuard.
Pro tips from the e-bike pros
- Always remove the battery when locking up. Removable batteries are the easiest valuable to steal.
- Lock through the frame triangle, not just the wheel. Wheels come off in 10 seconds.
- AirTag your bike. Hidden in the bar end, under the saddle rail, or in the headtube cap.
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.