Since electric bicycles are pretty expensive, they quickly grab the attention of thieves. As a result, they get stolen more than any other type of bike. Thieves will do their job, and you won’t get a guard everywhere to protect your bikes from stealing. So, you have to secure your bike yourself.
However, locks are the only way to secure your bike. But which lock to get? You also know D locks are the best for protecting your bicycle from thieves. But, which D lock is the best for electric bikes?
I have picked the 4 best d locks for electric bikes, considering numerous parameters. You will get to know what I have considered while choosing them. Keep reading the blog for it. But before that, get one D lock to secure your bike. Here is the top list below.
Hurry up!
What makes the best D lock for an electric bike
High-security level
Security is the thing we expect the most from a bike lock. A D-lock is more secure than any other type of bike lock. If you have an electric bike to lock, D lock is the best for you. But, how can you determine if a D-lock is secure enough for your bike or not? Here comes the security rating.
There are 2 major types of security rating systems. One is the Sold secure, and another is the ART. You don’t need to understand what they are or what they mean. Only remember Gold Secure (Sold securely) or 3-star (ART rating) is the minimum level of security for an electric bike lock.
Renowned Brand
There are tons of branded and non-branded D locks available in the market. But very few of them are suitable for an electric bike. Most of the locks can’t serve what they offer. That’s why it’s better to get a D-lock from a renowned brand. Thus, you can ensure good quality of the lock, and you don’t need to worry about security.
For example, my favorite bike lock brand is Kryptonite. All D-locks from Kryptonite is either diamond rated or gold rated.
Moreover, all D-locks are certified and anti-theft guaranteed. So, I can always rely on the brand. However, there are few other renowned brands like Onguard and Abus. Always try to get a D-lock from these brands.
Durability
Alongside security, durability is also a must for a D lock. Some D locks provide good security. But it doesn’t sustain long because of the corrosive material in use. That’s why you must check the lock before purchasing.
Ensure the lock is made of rustproof material. Stainless steel is the best for a bike lock. Besides, a protective coating above it offers even better durability.
However, you also need to be careful about the protective layer. Polymer-based paint remains long on the lock. Whereas other aliphatic colors fade away in a few months.
Key or combination
I don’t know why this comparison seems silly to me. Keys are way safer than combinations. That’s a different discussion that keys can be lost.
But at least the keys will remain in your hand. Other hands, a combination lock seems to be an open invitation for an optimist thief. Anyone can try out the combination to match when you are not close to your bike.
Moreover, thieves have technics to crack the code. So, it’s better to get a key lock instead.
However, while getting a bike lock, make sure it comes with 2 or more keys. It’s essential to get back up when one key is lost.
Ease of use
It doesn’t matter how costly a bike lock you use; you must maintain it. Otherwise, it will get rusty and won’t function well. That’s why ease of use is a must for a bike lock.
It’s good if the shackle is removable. Otherwise, it must be free to rotate around. Thus, it will be easy to clean or lubricate.
However, some locks come with complicated designs. Always avoid them. Get something simple that can lock your bike on the rotor disc.
Warranty
As I said before, most bike locks can’t keep the commitment they promise. So, it’s always best to buy locks with warranties. By this, you won’t need to worry about repairing the lock when it breaks.
Most reputed bike lock brands offer a 1-year warranty for their products. It can be either a replacement guarantee or a free repair service. Besides, very few brands offer a money-back guarantee. All looks good to go. So, get which one seems good to you.
Additional services
The above features are enough to make a good D-lock for an electric bike. But, the best can has even more exciting features.
I can’t mention any specific one but can explain with examples. Consider Kryptonite bike locks. All Kryptonite D locks offer the above features.
In addition, it comes with a lock holder. It helps you to carry the lock without damaging the bike frame. Besides, I can mention the Key Safe program. By registering for it, you will get an extra key twice whenever you lose it by registering for it.
Top Picks: Best D Lock for Electric Bike
| Lock | Rating | Material |
| Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit | Gold | Manganese steel |
| Abus 420 | Gold | Alloy steel |
| Onguard Bulldog DT | Gold | Stainless steel |
| Kryptonite New York U lock | Gold | Stainless steel |
1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit
Highlights:
- Rating: Gold
- Material: Manganese steel+Nylon
- Lifetime warranty
Let’s start with this wonderful combo. It’s a 2-in-1 bike lock with a D lock and Chain lock. It’s a highly secure combo from Kryptonite. Kryptonite New York series is famous for producing high-quality bike locks.
Fahgettaboudit is one of the most unique of them. It can provide you with the expected security in any condition. Whether you leave your bike for an hour or a day-long, Fahgettaboudit will protect your e-bike.
Moreover, it comes with a manganese steel body and a nylon coating. Now, it’s clear why Kryptonite is so confident to offer a lifetime warranty. Is that all?
Not really. Let’s talk about the most exciting part. This lock comes with 3 stainless steel keys. Moreover, it’s under the key safe program. You will get extra keys twice after losing them.
What I like:
- High-security
- Rustproof coating
- Key safe program
What I didn’t like:
- Low functionality
2. Abus Ultimate 420
Highlights:
- Rating: Gold
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Removable shackle
Abus is also a reliable bike lock brand alongside Kryptonite. It’s reputed for producing high-quality bike locks at affordable prices. So, if you are looking for something pocket-friendly yet secure for your electric bike, Abus Ultimate 420 is for you.
It’s a gold-rated bike lock with a whole steel body. The design is very compact here. So you can carry it easily while riding. If you ask about the built quality, it’s alloy steel.
It’s strong enough to protect your bike from thieves. Moreover, it can prevent rust so that the lock lasts long.
The shackle is removable here. It increases the usability and functionality of the bike lock. The design is pretty simple here. You won’t get confused while using it.
In conclusion, Abus Ultimate 420 is an electric bike lock with a simple design, high security, utility, and low price.
What I like:
- Compact design
- High-security
- Full steel body
What I didn’t like:
- Not for heavy use
3. Onguard Bulldog DT
Highlights:
- Rating: Gold
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Including cable
Another affordable bike lock from another reliable brand! Onguard Bulldog is a powerful bike lock, just justifying the name. It’s a highly secure bike lock made of stainless steel. The build quality is fantastic here.
Moreover, the design is perfect for an electric bike. By the way, it’s not only a D lock. It’s a D lock- cable lock combo.
Honestly saying, the cable can’t provide you much security. It can only stay the opportunist thieves away from your bike. But the D lock itself is enough to secure your bike.
However, this bike lock features a 13 mm shackle. It’s more than enough to prevent a cut from a boltcutter. Moreover, plastic coating and polymer paint save it from moisture and rust. Overall it’s a wonderful electric bike lock from a reputed lock brand.
What I like:
- High-security
- Ease of use
- Durability
What I didn’t like:
- The cable is not so secure
4. Kryptonite New York U Lock
Highlights:
- Rating: Gold
- Material: Stainless steel
- Key safe program
I resisted myself from including another bike lock from Kryptonite. But, this lock deserves to be on my list.
I barely found something like Kryptonite U lock from the New York series. This lock is heavy duty and has a high-security rating. So, it’s perfect for an e-bike.
However, the shackle is made of 16mm alloy steel. It can resist a cut from a boltcutter. Moreover, vinyl coating over the whole body makes it one of the most durable bike locks. Like other Kryptonite bike locks, this one also comes with a lifetime warranty. Moreover, the key safe program allows you to get back the key even after losing it twice.
The thing I don’t like about this lock is its bulkiness. It’s not so easy to carry. But it is justified against the security it offers. Moreover, it comes with a lock mount which makes it easier to carry. So, it should not be a problem.
What I like:
- Highly secure
- Heavy-duty
- Rustproof vinyl coating
What I didn’t like:
- Not so easy to carry
Frequently asked questions about electric bike lock
Are D locks good?
Of course, they are. Instead, you can ask how good D locks are. A D lock is 20 times more secure than a cable lock. You will need 20 times more effort to break a D lock than a cable lock. In a D lock, the shackle is strong enough to resist cuts from a boltcutter. Now, you can understand whether D locks are good or bad.
What is the difference between a D lock and a U lock?
D locks and U locks are often considered the same. But there are subtle differences between them. The shackle is longer in the U lock making the alphabet U. D locks comes with a shorter shackle. It is stronger than a U lock but has lower utility.
How much should I spend on an electric bike lock?
There is no fixed rule on budgeting for an electrical bike lock. It solely depends on you. But when you are getting an e-bike of 2000 USD or more, you must get something good to secure it. So, spend at least 150-200 USD on locks. Thus, you can ensure the full security of your electric bike.
Conclusion
Now-a-day, bike stealing is a common thing in the town. Theives are getting smart and pursuing new techniques to take away bikes. I think you won’t be happy to lose your beloved e-bike. So, be careful today. Get something good to secure your e-bike.
Don’t think about anything else. A D-lock can offer high security like no other locks. So, get one from my top list. You can also learn what makes the best d locks for an e-bike. It will help you to choose one wisely.
Anyways, I hope your e-bike stays away from thieves’ eyes.
Stay safe!
