10 Nov Proper Lock Techniques For Bikes and Electric Bikes
10/11/2025
In the past month at Victoria Electric Bikes, 3 separate customers have come into the store or called looking for their proof of purchases for insurance claims as their bikes have been stolen. The City of Victoria stated in February, that bike theft was at it’s lowest since 2022 with 377 bike theft reported in 2024. Although this number can be seen as encouraging, it’s important to remember that bike theft remains a heartbreaking experience for residents. Here we will delve into some techniques for proper locking of bikes and electric bikes.
When looking for a bike lock, it’s important to look at safety ratings set by the manufacture. Lower safety ratings often mean cheap but you’re running the risk of having a lock that can be tampered with easily, thus losing your bike easier and quicker. Bike thefts work fast and the longer you leave your bike unattended, the more time you’re giving them to take important things.
1 – Choose your location
A well-lit, highly public, busy areas are ideal.
2 – Choose your object to lock to
An immovable object that’s bolted down, not rusted and something your bike can’t be lifted over the top of.
3 – Choose your lock type
At least 1 rated U-Lock, Folding Lock or Chain Lock is ideal. Coupling that with cable lock or cafe lock. Never solely rely on a cafe lock or cable lock, they are extremely easy to cut in no time at all.
4 – Choose how you’ll attach your lock
It’s best to secure in order of more valuable. Generally that is your frame, your back wheel then your front wheel.
Best practice is to lock your frame & back wheel to the object tightly, fitting snug against the object (gives thieves less room to work!). Then with a secondary cable lock, secure the front wheel to the frame or object depending on length. Locking keyholes downwards.
At Victoria Electric Bikes, we stock 2 brands of locks. Locks we’ve been selling for years because we trust the products. ABUS, a German made brand, around since 1924 that is internationally recognised. Manufacturing many safety solutions such as locks, padlocks, helmets and security technology.
We also stock US-brand, Kryptonite. A brand born in New York City, a city notorious for bike theft and a brand who pride themselves on their Anti-Theft Protection Offer. They once had a bike locked up for 30 and days 30 nights in Greenwich Village (100,000 bikes are stolen in NYC each year). All removable parts of the bike her stripped away immediately but the frame remained by the Kryptonite U-Lock.
- Folding locks
PROS – they can be attached to bikes easily so you won’t forget your lock at home. Lighter weight and compact.
CONS – lower security than U-Locks.
- U-Lock
PROS – high security, lighter weight than chains,
CONS – fixed shapes can make it difficult to secure against objects, limited mounting options to bikes (having to carry in bags or find a bike mount) - Chain Locks
PROS – extremely flexible and highly secure
CONS – difficulties transporting, heavy weight and inconvenient when not in use - Cafe Locks
PROS – quick and convenient, can be an addition to more secure locks, they are mounted on the bike frame, so you won’t forget it.
CONS – low security, bikes can be walked away, forgetting to unlock can break spokes - Cable Locks
PROS – light, convenient, flexible, can be paired with more secure locks
CONS – low security, thieves can cut through them easily and quickly
The question of ‘should I take my e-bike battery off my bike when it is parked?’ This really does depend on where you’ve parked your bike and how long you will be at this location. Some folk will encourage you to take it everywhere with you, even a quick 5 minutes inside the grocery store but this will come down to you and your risk threshold for the duration and location of where you are.
A secure bike carpark or at City of Victoria’s free bike valet service (698 Pandora Ave) is a place you’d feel comfortable leaving your bike battery on.
A side street with little to no traffic, left for hours without visibility from your work is a less ideal location to leave your bike and battery.
Step-Through Locking
The step-through bike may confuse users because it doesn’t have the typical top tube that you’d use. Instead, make sure that your lock goes through the back triangle and your back tire. This way it is locked in to the frame and the back tire securely.
(red = triangles to put your lock through on the frame. yellow = lock example location. Don’t forget to lock up to the immovable object)
Additional safety points to consider…
1 – We always recommend registering your bike with Garage 529, a project registry that has partnered with police, communities and universities to help deter theft and recover bikes back to their owners. You can register your bike with a photo and the serial number for free plus add an additional shield sticker for a visual deterrent.
2 – Avoid quick release wheels and seat post
3 – Bikes are not only stolen in public, they can be stolen from your garage and homes – make sure you lock up your bike, even in your home!
4 – If you can take it off easily, so can thieves. If you’ve added additional lights that are attached via straps, consider bringing them with you. Panniers, bags and truck bags can be easily cut or removed depending on the locking mechanism. Consider your duration and location if you want to remove them when locking up your bike.
Garage 529 has some additional safety tips
Happy riding!
TB