Best Bike Locks to Protect Your Conventional or Electric Bike

We rated the locks based on this one aspect: how well they might deter thieves trying to break them open, and not on other variables, such as how easy they were to lug around or carry with you on a bike ride.

"Unfortunately, when it comes to locks, heavier is actually better for security, but worse for portability," says Bernie Deitrick, CR’s senior test program leader. "In fact, the heaviest of all the models we tested comes with a recommendation that it only be used at home."

That said, many people who lock up their expensive bicycles temporarily during recreational rides neither need the added security of a heavy lock nor want to carry around all that extra weight. A simple deterrent is sufficient. "It really comes down to how long it takes to defeat a lock," says Deitrick. "Given enough time, a thief can break open or cut through just about any lock—even the stronger ones."

For urban users—especially those who have to leave their bicycle unattended outside for any length of time—we found that U-locks offer the best security, because they’re the most difficult to break open with a wide variety of tools, including crowbars, electric grinders, hacksaws, and common hand tools. But they can be heavy, which is why users less concerned about determined thieves weren’t interested in them. All tested locks were large enough to secure a bike to a big, square post in our lab.

Note that some of the better bike locks do not come with a means to secure them to the bicycle when riding, meaning you may need a creative mounting solution or have to carry them in a backpack.