How To Increase Our E-Bike Security

Technical Analysis

May 6

ciclo-ebikes.com | Porto, Portugal | Abus | Locks — PROTECT WHAT YOU VALUE

An **electric bicycle represents** a **health**, **comfort**, and **sustainability investment** valued by everyone.
Given its significance, there is a **need to ensure** its **safety** and provide optimal care, with a primary **focus** on the **security** aspect both on the **road** and at **home**.
Whether you're navigating through city streets or exploring outside urban landscapes, it's **crucial** to strike a **balance between convenience and security**.
The goal of mobile security is to have a lighter device with a high level of security and easy handling.
Below, you'll find the three most common **road** lockers, **home** security systems, and some **prevention** tips!

FOLDABLE LOCKERS

ABUS foldable lockers are perhaps the most convenient option to carry with you, as they come with a frame fixable adaptor.

These lockers can be fixed using rubberized velcro straps, while others use bolts to be set to the bike's frame directly.

BORDO foldable lockers can be differentiated in three characteristics: security level (bar thickness and locking cylinder), length, and alarm inclusion.

They all include reinforced steel bars dressed in silicone sleeves to prevent unnecessary frame scratches.

It can be secure to anything, since fixing the bicycle to an electric post, tree, while securing the saddle, wheels and/or frame.

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ABUS | BORDO 6500A/110 SMARTX

from €249.95

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ABUS | Bordo XPLUS 6500/110 BK SH

€169.95

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ABUS | BORDO Alarm 6000A/120

€179.95

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ABUS | Bordo Big 6000/120

€119.95

ciclo-ebikes.com | Porto, Portugal | Abus | Bordo — **OUR OPINION**

On **premium bicycles**, such as those from Riese and Müller, we often find **models equipped** with an **ABUS BORDO 6000/90** – an **excellent** choice for a **foldable lock**, **practical** for securing our bicycle to a bar, for instance.
However, let's delve deeper into the situation: What is the most exposed spot when locking our E-bike?
In a city like **Porto** – and, to an extent, all towns – relying solely on a **90-centimeter foldable lock is not advisable**. What if there isn't a nearby parking spot for E-bikes? Portugal is still adjusting to the urban mobility reality, with some spaces having proper parking spots, but not always nearby. The solution may be locking to grids or electric posts, requiring more than 90 centimeters for efficient locking.
Moreover, the weakest point is often the structure to which we lock our bike. Whether breaking the foldable lock, forcing the movement of the bicycle, or cutting the iron structure, the vulnerability is apparent.
The parking structures that we have were initially designed to secure cheaper bicycles. If the lock costs more than the bike itself, something is amiss.
An **alarm** is an **excellent** deterrent for someone intending to spend extended periods breaking the system.
For added security, **we recommend** using at least a **120-centimeter BORDO**.
Don't worry about weight - the balance here is excellent.

CHAINS

A chain is an option that everyone knows how to use.

Its design serves as a deterrent, dissuading most people from attempting theft in the first place.

Chains are versatile enough to be used for locking almost anywhere.

The most significant attribute of chains is their greater flexibility.

Therefore, the following suggestions revolve around the relationship between quality and weight.

When opting for other solutions, such as a foldable locker or a "U-Shackle," we significantly increase our security efforts.

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ABUS | CHAIN | GRANIT CITYCHAIN XPLUS

from €179.95

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ABUS | CITYCHAIN 1010

from €119.95

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ABUS | Chain | IVERA CHAIN

from €59.95

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ABUS | CHAIN | ACH 6KS

from €31.95

ciclo-ebikes.com | Porto, Portugal | Abus | Chain — **OUR OPINION**

Chain utility can generate mixed opinions.
On one side, we have a **lighter solution** with a **satisfactory security level**, making them **ideal** for **quickly locking** our **bicycle** during **short breaks** when we can keep an eye on them.
On the other hand, it is **advisable to combine** a **chain** with something else for adequate security. **BORDO foldable lockers** are one step ahead in terms of versatility, as well as their inherent security concept.
There are, of course, **ABUS chains with a security level of 15 out of 15**. However, they tend to be **heavy**, weighing around **3 to 4 kg**, compromising the concept of mobility.
Even though weight could be a potential drawback, **we highly recommend the CityChain 1010**.
We use them and find them to be **the most convenient and secure option**, considering all factors that we've taken into account.
Now, let's consider the cafe lock situation.
Opting for an ABUS Chain CH 6KS is an intriguing choice: it can be used around a fixed object and then directly locked to the Cafe Lock on our bike. Alternatively, other solutions, such as an ABUS Ivera Chain, can complement the security apparatus by adding a keyed solution.
However, it's important to note that the **CH 6KS chain** **doesn't have a specified security level by ABUS**.
This implies that, while it is a **good chain**, it is more suitable for a **temporary solution** that will require another product to complement. The very name "**cafe lock**" suggests a **short break scenario**.

U-SHACKLE

Convenient, easy to carry and lock.

The U-SHACKLE are generally "small" (up to 30 centimetres), can be locked to a dock or strong structure and secure bicycle components to the frame.

Like the BORDO, there are options that mix the transport convenience, high level of security and even include an alarm.

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ABUS | U-SHACKLE GRANIT EXTREME

from €209.95

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ABUS | U-SHACKLE 770A SMARTX

from €199.95

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ABUS | U-SHACKLE GRANIT XPLUS 540/160H

from €119.95

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ABUS | U-SHACKLE GRANIT PLUS

from €99.95

ciclo-ebikes.com | Porto, Portugal | Abus | U-Shackle — **OUR OPINION**

Like chains, these lockers are just classic.
They offer **high-security levels**, like alarm solutions and reduced weight.
**When correctly locked, they perform wonderfully.**
But they are pretty small, aren't they?
The bigger sizes usually are around 30 centimetres.
We can do more here, like pairing a U-SHACKLE with something else.
However, keep in mind that there's no lock that is indestructible and impossible to steal!
Double-check where you leave your E-bike, even with the **best lock**, like the U-Shackle Granit Extreme.

HOME SECURITY

There are accessories designed for a stationary purpose.

They are heavy, for the case when we leave our bicycle exposed for more significant extended periods.

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ABUS | GRANIT WBA 100

€99.95

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ABUS | CHAIN | GRANIT CITYCHAIN XPLUS

from €179.95

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ABUS | Chain | IVY Chain

from €89.95

ABUS | BORDO 6500A/110 SMARTX

from €249.95

ciclo-ebikes.com | Porto, Portugal | Abus | Anchor — OUR OPINION

There isn't "too much security". That's a myth.
At home, we can go all in the weight department.
The motorbike GRANIT WBA 100 anchor is **excellent no matter the purpose**.
It's that good: any object is blessed with the **best anchor point in the market**.
It is **easier to break the wall than the anchor.**
Heavier chains at home make perfect sense! And suppose we don't have an anchor available.
In that case, the GRANIT CITYCHAIN is available with its 170 centimetres, which are more than enough to go around a column or any other more fixable object.
We can also add an alarm solution, a U-SHACKLE 770A SMART X or a BORDO 6500A/110 SMART X.

PREVENTION

“A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it."

Although operational security is vital, with an array of chains and lockers, prevention is priceless for increasing our peace of mind, knowing our system is flawless.

It's legitimate that prevention is mandatory for every electric bicycle owner.

This recipe of security must include HEXLOX magnets that are as mandatory as chains and lockers.

This German company developed a system that covers Allen key access and protects bicycle components.
Each magnet is placed with a coded key that only this specific key can remove.

With these magnets, we can block the saddle, wheels, handlebar—everything that, by design, is made to be adjusted by screws.