Do you live or work in a place where bike security is a serious concern? Whether it’s a traditional bicycle, an electric bike or a pedelec, the result won’t change. A quality anti-theft device is an excellent deterrent for any theft attempt!

In this set of articles on e-bikes, we’ve learned the difference between electric bikes and e-bikes (link), the benefits of pedal-assisted bikes (link) and how to choose the best e-bike model on the market (link).

6 considerations to keep in mind if you want to secure your bicycle:

1. Evaluate the quality/price ratio

Resignation. It’s what you feel when you decide not to buy an electric bike for the fear that it will be stolen immediately after. 

Bike thefts are an insidious plague for our cities. So you end up using old and rusty bicycles hoping that thieves will focus on something more appealing. If anything, the damage wouldn’t be that bad.

What really blocks thieves from stealing is time. If a bicycle can be stolen in a few seconds because it’s protected with a low-quality anti-theft device and can be easily sold for a few euros, thieves can only be happy.

So, what can you do if you want an electric bike or a more comfortable pedelec? 

A good mechanical anti-theft device (that costs a few tens of euros), even if it’s not 100% unbreakable, can discourage unequipped thieves who prefer stealing bicycles with cheaper anti-theft devices that they can easily break. 

2. Twisted cable locks: CONS

Twisted cable locks are affordable, light, practical and easy to carry. 

However, the plastic cover can hide (even if often it’s visible) a thin steel cable that thieves can easily cut in a few seconds with a bolt cutter. 

Moreover, the padlock of these cheap anti-theft devices is easy to break. 

On the one hand, twisted cable locks can be ideal if you’re looking for a fair compromise between practicality, affordability and security (provided that you choose a quality product and remember to secure wheels and frame to a fixed point). On the other hand, if you want to secure a new and/or expensive bike, such as a pedal-assisted bike or an electric bike, you should definitely go for a sturdier and more resistant anti-theft device.

3. Padlocks with chain: PROS 

Given their length and flexibility, chains can secure different parts of the pedelec, generally, the wheel, frame and an anchor. Compared to cables, they are larger and heavier. However, they still remain the most effective tool for securing your bike. 

• CHAINS

When you compare the chains available on the market, you should focus on their weight, section, shape, materials, thermal treatments, processing and rivet. These details make the chain more or less subject to possible cutting and break-in attempts using brute force. 

• PADLOCKS

When it comes to padlocks, you should check materials, processing, mechanism and any additional feature that make the body, armour, dead-bolt and plug sturdier and less subject to theft.  

4. SUPERMORSO-Padlock with chain: PLUSES 

Practical and sturdy, Supermorso-Padlock with chain is an anti-theft device with an armoured and scratch-resistant padlock. It’s particularly suitable for securing bikes, e-bikes (pedal-assisted bikes orpedelecs) and electric bikes.

Supermorso has a solid brass body covered with a case-hardened, tempered and galvanized steel armour and a nylon anti-theft and anti-scratch protective cover (yellow or blue). It has a handy structure, with no sharp edges and can be perfectly integrated with special steel chains. 

Supermorso has a solid steel pull-resistant inserted head and a solid steel 5-pin plug protected with a pull-resistant and anti-drill plate. 

The mangalloy semi-squared chain is riveted to Supermorso with a stainless steel pin covered with a nylon and anti-scratch protective cover. 

In the 90 cm version, Supermorso’s overall weight is more than enough to secure the frame and wheel to a fixed anchor. It’s lighter than 1.5 kg (1415 g)! If you need a longer chain, you can choose the 120 cm or the 150 cm version. Remember that for pedal-assisted bikes, security is more important than the weight of the anti-theft device, since the cyclist’s effort is reduced by definition.

Watch how Supermorso-Padlock with chain reacts to blows:

…and the cutting test: 

5. How to use an anti-theft device

First of all, position it off the ground. This way, thieves can’t use the ground as leverage when they use bolt cutters or shears.

Always secure the frame and wheel to a fixed anchor, which can be an unremovable pole, a railing or a rack.

Use two systems to secure your bike. You can use a U-lock and a padlock with a chain or a cable and a chain. That’s your choice!

The combination of different anti-theft devices complicates thieves’ lives (especially impromptu thieves), as they would need different skills and tools to succeed in their intentions. 

6. Are you making one of these 6 mistakes when you secure your bike? Find out here! 

>> Want to know more about Supermorso-padlock with chain? Visit the page! 

>> Besides Supermorso, here’s the top 3 anti-theft devices.