What to lock an e-bike to: frame, wheels and anchors

Locking just the wheel is a common mistake. A lock has to join three things: the frame, the wheels you want to keep, and something that can't move.

Lock the frame, not just a wheel

The frame is the bike. Take it and the wheels are spares. Wikipedia warns against merely locking the frame to a wheel: it cannot be rolled away, but the entire bicycle can still be lifted and carried away¹.

So the lock goes through the frame and to something fixed.

Wheels

A wheel left outside the lock can be taken off the bike. Police advice is consistent here.

• Winnipeg Police Service says to lock both wheels and the frame to the rack².
• Chicago says that if your bike has quick-release wheels, always lock through the frame and a wheel, and add a cable, cable lock or second U-lock to secure the second wheel³.

For a U-lock, Winnipeg adds a tip: try to fill as much of the space within the U as possible². A tight fit leaves less room to work.

Take loose parts with you

Chicago tells owners to remove all detachable items, such as lights, bags and quick-release parts, and take them with you³.

On an e-bike, the battery is the obvious one. The University of Washington Police Department says thieves are less interested in a ride without the battery⁴. If your battery comes off, check your own manual for how to remove it and carry it.

What counts as a good anchor

Chicago says to lock to a bike rack or a firmly affixed parking meter or sign pole, with bolts covered in concrete³. The University of Washington Police Department says to lock to a strong anchor, like a bike rack⁴.

Wikipedia's reminder is short. A lock only works when it's fastened to something secure¹.

Anchors to avoid

• Loose signposts. Chicago warns about sign posts that are loosely bolted down and can easily be removed³.
• Anything easy to cut. Winnipeg says not to lock your bike to objects that can be easily cut².
• The ground. Winnipeg also says not to place your lock near the ground where thieves can crush it².
• Private property. Chicago says to avoid locking to private property³.

A simple routine

Run the same checks each time:

• Pick an anchor that's fixed and can't be lifted off.
• Take the battery and any loose items with you.
• Put the main lock through the frame and a wheel, and around the anchor.
• Add a second lock or cable for the other wheel.

If your lock came with its own instructions, follow those. The page on lock types explains why a cable alone may not suit the first job.