Your new e-bike isn't just a bike with a motor; it's the liberation of your commute, the wind in your hair, the woods in your wheels. And, as you feel the power of that electric assist, there’s one important question you should be asking yourself: how can you protect something so precious? The world of bike locks is a very confusing place; however, for an e-bike owner in Europe, getting it right isn’t just a recommendation, but a plain necessity. That’s why we created this guide to help you sift through the noise and receive the real, actionable education you need to feel great about locking down your ride so it’s always there when you need it.
Your Electric Bike is a Hot Commodity – Here’s Why
But before you get deep in the hardware, it helps to think like a crook. An e-bike makes for a high-value target for a handful of reasons. For one, its resale value is much higher than normal bicycles. Second, its components—especially its battery and motor—are lucrative in their own right. A thief need not make off with the full bike to cash in. Finally, an e-bike's heft can lull owners into a false sense of security; they may think it’s too heavy to make off with easily. This is a dangerous fallacy. Professional thieves can defeat a flimsy lock and have a heavy bike in a van in less than a minute. You must take these increased dangers into consideration from the outset of your defense planning.
Selecting Your Shield: The ENGWE EP-2 Boost EXAMPLE
To better know what we’re protecting, let’s explore one of the best examples of a modern, practical electric bicycle in widespread use throughout Europe—the ENGWE EP-2 Boost. This is the ultimate hybrid of urban commuting and off-road terrain. It is built with a powerful EU-legal 250W brushless motor that can boost up to 55Nm of torque with its industry-leading new Boost button to conquer steep hills. Its intelligent Torque Sensor offers a silky-smooth and responsive pedaling experience. The drive is supplemented by 20x4.0 fat tires and front suspension to deliver the smoothest of rides on many types of terrain, including paved paths, gravel roads, and trails. This is a dream for the rider, but for the security professional, each element is a compromise. The battery (a nice 48V 13Ah one, by the way, which is quite large for a city e-bike) is removable. This is an important security feature, as you can take the most expensive part with you. The bike's frame is foldable so that it can be stored more securely indoors. It features a SHIMANO 7-speed system, is equipped with a rear rack, and has 180mm front and rear mechanical disc brakes for efficient braking. A bike of this performance and technology, such as the ENGWE EP-2 Boost, is a fine example of what’s on the line and deserves nothing but the top-quality protection that you can give it.
How to Make Sense of Security Ratings
When you begin shopping for locks in Europe, you can expect to see independent security ratings. Ignoring this would be akin to purchasing a car and not looking at its safety rating. The two most recognisable standards that you’ll see are the UK’s Sold Secure and the Netherlands’ ART.
Sold Secure
Sold Secure ratings are subject to four different levels: Bronze (designed to stop opportunistic thieves), Silver (a good compromise between price and security), Gold (resists attack from committed thieves with tools), and Diamond (the top level, designed to resist angle grinder attack for a certain time). For any electric bike, Sold Secure Gold is the very bottom of the scale you should even consider. With the e-bike investment being so much, when you make an investment, you should take it to Diamond.
ART
In the Netherlands, the ART Foundation has a star system ranging from 1 to 5. This is a rating insurance companies will often need. ART 1-2 stars are considered appropriate for basic motorcycles located in low-threat surroundings. For an e-bike, you’re looking for a lock with a rating of ART 3 or better. An ART 4 or 5 lock is certified with the highest tested levels of attack protection and is recommended for high-value motorcycles and scooters, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more premium e-bike lock than that. Be sure to verify whether your insurance has a particular requirement.
The Different Kinds of Bike Locks: What Type is Best for You?
All locks are not the same, and each fills a specific niche in a well-rounded security plan. Your preference will depend on where you park (and for how long) and your personal trade-off among security, weight, and convenience.
U-Locks (or D-Locks)
These are the traditional workhorses of bike protection. Constructed from a U-shaped hardened steel shackle, they are protected from cutting, prying, and leverage attacks. Their main downside is that they’re inflexible, so you may have to struggle to find something to lock your e-bike to, especially with a wider e-bike frame. With a U-lock, the golden rule is to make sure that you fill as much of the inside of the “U” as possible, making it more difficult for a thief to use tools to break your lock.
Chain Locks
The best single-lock option for an e-bike may be a good-quality chain lock. They are secured with tough steel links and a heavy-duty padlock. Their main advantage is flexibility. You can secure a heavy-duty chain around large street furniture, like lamp posts, or even through your bike frame and both bike wheels. Weight and bulk are the trade-off. A chain that’s sturdy enough to keep an e-bike safe (aim for links 10mm thick or thicker) is going to be very, very heavy. But it's a small trade-off to get the flexibility and top-notch security it provides.
Folding Locks
Folding locks provide a great compromise between a U-lock’s security and a chain’s flexibility. Constructed of steel bars connected by hinged rivets, they collapse compactly and are easy to transport. The best ones provide far better security (ideally up to Sold Secure Gold or ART 3 standard), but their pivot points could be a perceived weak point for the most determined criminals. They make a great choice for riders who want the protection of a super-thick chain but don’t really want the hassle of lugging a monster-sized chain around.
Cable Locks
I need to make this very clear: you do not and should not ever use a cable lock as your primary lock for securing an e-bike. Thin cables can easily be snipped in seconds by ordinary bolt cutters. Their only legitimate purpose is as a secondary lock, to secure quick-release wheels or your helmet to the frame, and always in concert with a high-security U-lock or chain.
The Art of Locking Your E-Bike like a Pro
The best lock in the world is only effective when used correctly. The method you employ is as valuable as the hardware. Here are some basic principles to adhere to every single time you lock up.
- Lock it in the right spot: Locking is not enough—always lock your bike in a well-lit area where there are a lot of people around. Thieves like to do their thing undisturbed.
- Choose something immovable: Your bike should be locked to an immovable object that cannot be moved or destroyed, like something cemented to the ground in the most solid way. Flimsy signposts or small trees are no good.
- It all comes down to the frame: The number one rule when locking up is to always secure the frame of your bike to something that is secure. Never lock just the wheel. A thief could just pop off the wheel and stroll off with the rest of your expensive e-bike.
- Grab the rear wheel: This is even more valuable than the front one, since the rear wheel also usually houses the hub motor. If your lock is long enough, feed it through the rear wheel and the rear triangle of the frame, then around the fixture.
A standard e-bike is heavier than a regular bike, and the battery is easily removable. Your locking needs to be designed accordingly. The battery is by far the most costly part. As we already mentioned with the ENGWE EP-2 Boost, getting an e-bike with a removable battery is a big way to secure yourself. Unplug the battery and take it with you whenever you are leaving the bike for a long time—especially overnight. Not only does this secure the battery, but the bike itself is much less desirable for anyone attempting to steal it. Swap your quick-release skewers on the wheels for security skewers that can be locked and removed only with a proprietary key. You can also buy security bolts for your seatpost and saddle to deter thieves.
Building Your Defence: The Two-Lock Technique & FAQs
For maximum peace of mind, especially in high-crime urban areas and for overnight parking, use the two-lock method. The idea is that the majority of thieves specialize and come prepared with tools to defeat only one kind of lock. By locking up with two high-security locks of varying designs, say a Diamond-rated U-lock and a Gold-rated heavy chain, you make it exponentially more difficult for bike thieves to target your wheels. A thief willing to go after a U-lock might not have the standard bolt cutters necessary for a thick chain, and vice versa. Use the first lock to connect the bike and rear wheel to the bike stand, and the second lock to connect the front wheel to the frame of the bike. This layered deterrence will tell any thief it’s just too much of a faff and that they should go and find an easier target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to insure my Electric Bike in Europe?
A: It's not always a requirement, but it is strongly recommended. A lot of home insurance policies either don’t cover e-bikes, especially if they are moving, don’t offer adequate coverage when the bike is off your property, or impose low limits on coverage. Dedicated e-bike insurance will cover theft and accidental damage, but you will almost always be expected to use a lock of a certain security level (Sold Secure Gold or ART 3, for example).
Q2: Is a GPS tracker a good idea for an e-bike?
A: It's a great second-level security measure. It’s not going to stop your bike from being stolen, but it greatly increases your odds of getting your bike back should it get stolen. Plenty of the most recent tracking devices are low-profile and can even be hidden inside the frame or parts of the bike.
Q3: What is the safest location to store my e-bike in my home?
A: The best place is always inside your house or a locked garage. If you have to park it somewhere less secure, like a common bike area in an apartment, lock it to a ground anchor (a security bolt drilled into a concrete floor or wall) using your best lock. Never leave one in an unenclosed garden or open porch.
Q4: How do I take care of my bike lock?
A: Your lock is a mechanical object that must be maintained from time to time. Keep it clean and add a bit of lubrication—a PTFE or silicone-based spray down the keyhole and locking mechanism every few months—to avoid finding that it’s seized up, particularly in wet European climates.
Q5: Do the heavier, and more expensive locks always make for better locks?
A: Generally, yes, there's a strong correlation. High-quality tool steel is heavy and expensive to machine. You don't necessarily need the priciest lock, but you do need a well-known brand and a high independent security rating that matches the value of your e-bike.
The single most important thing you can do to keep your electric bike safe is to purchase and use a high-quality lock properly.
