Best E-Bike Locks Approved by Insurance Companies (2026 Guide)
But did you know your claim could still be denied instantly?
If you lock your $3,000 e-bike with a cheap $20 cable lock from the hardware store, most insurance companies will consider it "negligence." They won't pay you a dime.
To get your payout, you don't just need insurance; you need an "Approved Lock." In this guide, we explain the security ratings insurers demand and the best locks to keep your ride safe.
The "Sold Secure" Standard: What Insurers Demand
Insurance companies don't guess which locks are good. They rely on third-party testing agencies. The gold standard in the industry (especially for Velosurance, Sundays, and Oyster) is the Sold Secure rating system.
When reading your policy's fine print, look for these requirements:
Sold Secure Gold: The standard requirement for most e-bikes valued under $1,500.
Sold Secure Diamond: The new standard often required for high-value e-bikes ($3,000+) and cargo bikes. These locks are designed to withstand angle grinder attacks.
Rule of Thumb: Expect to spend 10% of your bike's value on security. If your bike costs $2,000, a $200 lock is a necessary investment.
Top 3 Insurance-Approved Locks for 2026
We have selected three locks that meet the strict "Gold" or "Diamond" criteria required by most major insurance providers.
1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini (The Heavyweight)
This is the legend of the industry.
Rating: Sold Secure Gold / Diamond.
Why it wins: It features an 18mm hardened steel shackle that is nearly impossible to cut with bolt cutters.
Best For: City riders who park in high-risk areas for long periods.
Downside: It is heavy (over 4 lbs).
2. Hiplok D1000 ( The Grinder Killer)
Traditional locks fail against portable angle grinders. The Hiplok D1000 uses a material called Ferosafe intended to destroy grinder discs.
Rating: Sold Secure Diamond (Motorcycle grade).
Why it wins: It is currently one of the only locks that can stop a power tool attack.
Best For: Expensive e-bikes ($4,000+) left outside overnight.
3. Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 (The Flexible Choice)
If you hate carrying a heavy U-lock, this folding lock offers a great compromise.
Rating: Sold Secure Gold.
Why it wins: It folds up compactly onto your bike frame but expands to lock around wider poles.
Best For: Commuters who need convenience without sacrificing insurance compliance.
The "Immovable Object" Rule
Having a Diamond-rated lock is useless if you don't use it correctly. Insurance policies contain a clause often called the "Immovable Object Requirement."
To validate a claim, the bike must be locked through the frame (not just the wheel) and secured to a permanent structure cemented into the ground (like a bike rack or lamp post).
Warning: Locking your bike to a wooden fence, a loose signpost, or a chain-link fence often voids your coverage. If the thief can cut the object you locked to, the insurer counts it as your fault.
Secondary Security: GPS Trackers & Alarms
While a lock prevents theft, a GPS tracker aids recovery. Many modern insurers, like Spoke or Oyster, love these devices.
Apple AirTag / Samsung SmartTag: Cheap and effective in cities, but easy for thieves to find and disable.
Invoxia / Sherlock: Specialized GPS trackers hidden inside the handlebars or motor.
Pro Tip: Some insurers offer a 5% to 10% discount on your monthly premium if you prove you have a GPS tracker installed.
Summary: Don't Void Your Policy
Buying insurance is step one. Step two is reading the requirements.
Check your policy: Does it require a "Sold Secure Gold" lock?
Upgrade your gear: Ditch the cable lock immediately.
Lock it right: Through the frame, to a solid object.
If you haven't chosen an insurance provider yet, check out our comparison to see which companies offer the best terms for your specific gear.
👉 [Compare the Best E-Bike Insurance Plans Here]
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