Ebike security locks

Any tips for good security locks on ebikes ? most insurers now stipulate minimum lock standards - what are people using out there? any thoughts on the Axa Basta range?

cheers

Where chainlocks are concerned, I prefer a motorcycle one, heavy but generally stronger than many bike ones. I've used M/C D locks on motorbikes in the past, but not used a pedal bike D lock.

There's also this form of protection.

.

Like Flecc I use a motorcycle chain lock and a movement sensing alarm. I sometimes use a Kryptonite "D" lock as well.

I recently got so involved securing my bike to some scaffolding around the building I was visiting that I completely forgot about my expensive Garmin GPS that was simply clipped in it's handlebar mount, probably about 2 seconds work for a thief to remove. Fortunately when I returned nothing had been touched.

I use the Krytonite New York 150cm Forgetaboudit bike lock at work (which I leave there), and have a very secure shed and locks at home. On route, I use the Axa Basta SL7 'immobiliser' and associated add on cable for out and about short stops, if I was going to be a long stop, I would take the Kryptonite too.

One thing, the Kryptonite is very heavy, around 5.6 Kg, so not something you want to take everywhere.

John

combination lock

I found a combination lock on Wisper bike's web in accessory column

6 passwords can be set in this lock. Use this lock the bike, in addition you can use long cable ring lock to lock the bike in the tree or other "can't move" objects.

ebike security

It seems that people use a wide range of security measures. Three interest me and I would be interested if anyone has experience or knows about these:

1) Is it possible to get security/locking nuts for a bicycle wheel (to stop someone nicking the wheel with the precious motor in it)?

2) There are alarms and there are locks. I've also seen alarmed locks - anyone use/know of one which is triggered by tampering (not just when cut)?

3) I don't think there is a bike tracker as used on cars but datatag (which has microchip inserted into frame) has been suggested to me. Anyone any views on this (or competing systems)?

Thanks

Steveu

I've never heard of a theft of the number 1 type, the cables from the motor often being a good deterrent. However, it's often possible to fit the AXA type of wheel lock, even on the front fork of many bikes, mounted on the other side of the V brake position. This puts a circular hard steel shaft through the spokes in the locked position.

It can be seen on this link, and the accessory cable allows it to be used for securing a bike to a stand, lamp post etc:

AXA Lock

.

I fitted the Axa wheel lock (+ extension cable) to my wife's Powacycle. A little fiddly to fit but a great lock and very convenient for the user.

Also I like Sheldon Brown's advice on locks, which is small D-lock on back wheel through rear forks + cable lock. Advantage is that it takes different tools to defeat each so more than twice as secure.

Frank

i always put my lock through the wheel with the hub motor in,my thoughts being that the frame would be useless without this,i also carry the battery indoors when possible.

I do the same (lock through the rear wheel, where the motor is) - but it's only because my cable lock is not long enough to go through the frame.

I went for a £30 one from the local bike shop. It's heavy coil cable (anti-cut) and has a nice clamp holder that holds it on the bike when not in use.

So far, so good

.

I've never heard of a theft of the number 1 type, the cables from the motor often being a good deterrent. However, it's often possible to fit the AXA type of wheel lock, even on the front fork of many bikes, mounted on the other side of the V brake position. This puts a circular hard steel shaft through the spokes in the locked position.

 

It can be seen on this link, and the accessory cable allows it to be used for securing a bike to a stand, lamp post etc:

 

AXA Lock

.

In googling the AXA lock, I have just come across this link posted in Holland a few days ago. It suggests that there is a serious problem with these locks (see the YouTube detail lower down the page).

Does anyone know of this problem shown here ?

JamesC

Thanks for the information James.

I used one of the SL7 with cable for years without problems, and did try to trip it in various ways without trying very hard though.

In this country I don't think it's a problem, simply because of the rarity of these locks, mine was the only one I ever saw in use. Our bike thieves are generally a crude lot who operate with bolt cutters, which are useless on this type of wheel lock, and I expect they'd just move on to a cable or chain locked bike instead when coming across one of these.

Also, for anything other than a very short term stop, two locks are best, and the AXA would be still be a deterrent as one of two. I also use an alarm.

.

Some time ago I bought a fairly expensive Kryptonite D lock, with a sold secure rating, only to later discover it could be opened with a ballpoint pen.

I think these stories illustrate that no single lock can be regarded as completely secure, the best approach being to use a selection of different locks. At least with an e-bike the weight of the locks is not such a disadvantage as it would be to a conventional cyclist.

Edited December 10, 200718 yr by Ian

Thanks for the information James.

 

I used one of the SL7 with cable for years without problems, and did try to trip it in various ways without trying very hard though.

 

In this country I don't think it's a problem, simply because of the rarity of these locks, mine was the only one I ever saw in use. Our bike thieves are generally a crude lot who operate with bolt cutters, which are useless on this type of wheel lock, and I expect they'd just move on to a cable or chain locked bike instead when coming across one of these.

 

Also, for anything other than a very short term stop, two locks are best, and the AXA would be still be a deterrent as one of two. I also use an alarm.

.

So what is the situation with the lock on the Kalkhoff-safe or not ?

Chris:confused:

I bought my Axa lock only about a month ago. I was looking for an SL7. On the seller's website it had the SL7 listed but said the product had been replaced by the Defender - so I bought that one.

It all starts to make sense now and it looks like I had a lucky escape!

Frank

So what is the situation with the lock on the Kalkhoff-safe or not ?

 

Chris:confused:

Seems nearly impossible to say, since with lock after lock of all types we've been getting these scare stories, leading to the conclusion that none are any good.

I still believe as I said above, our thieves are not a sophisticated lot. They go out with bolt cutters and find a plentiful harvest of bikes amenable to the use of that, and even some unlocked. It's probably as much as they can handle without getting clever, and I'd be happy to continue using an AXA SL7 or the Abus that's on the Kalkhoff. My only niggle with the Abus is that it doesn't have an optional auxiliary cable like the SL7 had.

.

Heres a link to a quite good and recent review of locks here The best lock to protect your bike. - By Scott Elder - Slate Magazine.

I think that since those issues with the pen, Kryptonite have had to improve things a little (or go out of business).

My Torq didn't come with a motorcycle chain lock like Ian & flecc's, so I still only have my old bike D-lock, and I'm seriously thinking what to get that might improve security, even for quite short stops...

It seems the best way is to make it unusual and with several different elements, and that heavy weight is unavoidable...

So I'm thinking to get at least one additional lock, plus an alarm, and possibly modify a bike cover to allow a lock to be used through it (as flecc has suggested before).

My concern with a lock plus motion-sensitive alarm only is that a 'smart' thief could possibly pick the lock without triggering the alarm, but I guess that becomes less likely if covers etc. must be removed to release the bike... and the alarm is a deterrent too in itself.

EDIT: It occurs to me that, if at least one of the locks (say, a 'simple' heavy duty cable & padlock type) is used in such a way that the 'lock' part is inaccessible without moving the bike (e.g. wrapped in chain &/or facing bike frame) & hence triggering the alarm, and the chain is hard to cut, then that seems quite secure even by itself from tampering & theft?

Also an AXA style lock by itself would stop a thief riding off on the bike, but not prevent it from being lifted into the back of a waiting van (if they wanted the bike that badly) - also I'm a little concerned that, (am I correct in this?) if the lock is detached from the frame, the rest of the bike minus wheel could still be removed (especially when used as a front wheel 'immobiliser', necessary on Torqs etc. due to incompatible rear fitting)

Is there any kind of 'proximity' or movement sensing alarm, which might trigger if someone comes very close to, say, the position of the lock on the bike frame? (like infra-red (?) motion sensors for home security systems?).

Whats the best type of lock, or combination of locks, to try to thwart lock-picking thieves? (No point having tons of steel if the locks can be picked by a biro, but if you have two locks, one needing a biro & one a more 'specialist' tool, that reduces the odds?).

Also, do these types of 'street cuff' locks have any inherent security advantage over D/chain locks (though they're horrendously expensive ).

Stuart.

Edited December 11, 200718 yr by coops

 

Also, do these types of 'street cuff' locks have any inherent security advantage over D/chain locks (though they're horrendously expensive ).

 

Stuart.

I'm sure a bolt cutter could easily chop straight through those Stuart, either the chain links or the locking arms, they look worse than useless.

.

Edited December 11, 200718 yr by Ian

Would it be effective without an earth Ian?

I know spark plug testers can be if connected through a chain of bodies, the more the better, but not sure of electric fences. I've used them, but never without an earth.

.

I wouldn't be concerned about that Ian.

No way, those who go thieving get what's coming to them when an opportunity presents itself.

My only concern with this is the youngster who might touch the bike in the course of innocently just looking at it, always possible. A warning notice might work, but with the kids in our local schools being taught in 67 languages, it might not.

.