Research-backed
Image: MomJunction Design Team
Bicycles without built-in security systems are easy for thieves to steal. However, with the best folding bike lock, you can rest assured that your bike is safe wherever you park it.
Although folding bicycle rocks are fairly new to the market, they are a lot more secure than your regular chain and lock system. Their collapsible feature makes them extremely compact and portable.
So, to keep your bikes safe from being stolen, we’ve compiled a list of the top reviewer-tested folding bike locks. Keep scrolling and pick one.
Top Picks
11 Best Folding Bike Locks To Secure Your Vehicles In 2024
1. Best Portable: Seatylock FoldyLock Bike lock
Image: Seatylock 
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,254 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
Featuring a quiet mounting bracket, Seatylock’s FoldyLock allows you to enjoy a peaceful and silent ride. The portable and lightweight lock can provide maximum security and protection to your bike from thieves. Tested rigorously to ensure its quality and safety, its patented ultra-protective rivets enhance security in exposed areas, and the unique design allows the chain links to rotate smoothly around the axis, thereby avoiding jamming and making it one of the most innovative folding chain locks. The master keys with a case holder make them easy to carry and use. The heavy-duty anti-theft guard is best for bikes and scooters. Go ahead and check out this product review video for more details about the bike lock.
Pros
- Automotive standard keys
- Friction mechanism
- Bolt cutter- and saw-proof
- Water- and weather-resistant
Cons
- May be slightly heavy
- May not be compatible with all bikes
"This bike lock's heavy-duty and sturdy design is commendable. The lock is convenient and comes with a compact holder. Although it's a bit heavy and short, the peace of mind it offers is unmatched."
2. Best High-Performance Folding:Sigtuna Bike Lock
Image: Sigtuna Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 733 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
Sigtuna bike lock is a certified high-performance folding lock for bikes. The steel bars and rivets are designed with hardened ABS material to protect from potential bike theft. The soft-touch coating on the bars of this bike fold and the matching silicon body cover provide a scratch-resistant casing for your bicycle. Its foldable link lock design makes it fit easily into any bag, and the mounting bracket allows you to mount it on the frame. To learn more about the collapsible bike locks, check out this review video.
Pros
- Anti-theft design
- Compact design
- Two quick-access mounts
- Soft-touch coating
- Large radius–safe to lock around thick poles
Cons
- Lock mechanism may be a bit hard
- May bend with high pressure
"The lock has impressive durability and is easy to deploy. I love that it's lightweight. Using it in smaller gaps can be tricky, but it fits perfectly on my e-bike and feels secure."
Quick fact3. Best With Numeric Dials: Kryptonite Keeper 585 Folding Combo Bicycle Lock
Image: Kryptonite Kryptonite’s Keeper 585 is a foldable bicycle lock that can keep your cycle from getting burgled in metropolitan areas. Made from hardened steel, this tried-and-tested anti-theft protection lock provides superior resistance from cutting and leverage-style attacks. It also features a four-digit numeric combination lock to make bicycle storage more secure. At 1.70 lb, the lock is lightweight and comes with an easy-to-install transport bracket for hassle-free usage.
Pros
- Features easy-to-use numeric dials
- Hardened steel body
- Combo safe program
- Compact and easy to transport
Cons
- Locks dials might get stuck at times
- Might be shorter than expected
"Although I've not tested the durability of this Kryptonite lock, but considering its easy usage and the rave reviews online, I'm willing to give this lock a try."
Seatylock FoldyLock Bike lock Best Portable | Sigtuna Bike Lock Best High-Performance Folding | Kryptonite Keeper 585 Folding Combo Bicycle Lock Best With Numeric Dials | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Hardened Steel with Nylon 6 and Glass Fibers Cover | Abs Steel,Silicone,Steel | - |
| Dimensions | 2.36 x 1.61 x 7.48 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 1.76 Pounds | 2.18 Pounds |
| Shape | Rectangular | - | Round |
| Color | Black | Yellow | Black |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,254 | 733 | 13 |
| Price | $84.99 | $34.99 | $91.95 |
4. Best Easy-To-Carry:West Biking Bike Lock
Image: West Biking West Biking bike lock is made of zinc alloy and ABS material, making it compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. It is a sturdy bike lock that is theft-proof. The surface is entirely sprayed with rubber lacquer to make it waterproof, and the anti-impact bumper helps reduce noise during transportation. It includes three high-grade stainless steel keys to give you an option for keeping spares. Liked by many reviewers, the folding lock system is suitable for most bikes, and the unique function of rivets makes folding easy.
Pros
- Reinforced riveting process
- Alloy steel body
- Double-sided locking cylinder
- Double slot design
Cons
- May be a bit smaller than expected
- Keys may be a tad flimsy
"My experience with this lock is bittersweet; it is lightweight and compact, providing some comfort and security, but the chain is a tad short. Despite its minor flaws, it does have its own charm."
5. Best With Coating: Abus Bordo 6100/90 Folding Lock
Image: Abus The Abus Bordo folding lock is made of hardened steel and is a trusted choice to enhance security levels. It has a soft-touch coating with a matching silicone lock body that protects your bike frame from abrasion. The slim and lightweight bike lock has a 5mm folding lock bars that are linked with special rivets and has a security rating of nine. Moreover, this anti-theft protection tool is equipped with a resettable code combination lock that allows for secure locking.
Pros
- Premium cylinder is highly resistant to picking and cutting
- Rattle-free holder
- One handed operation
- Includes two keys
Cons
- May not be ideal for larger bikes
- May not include Velcro straps
"I discovered this bike lock on my trip to Germany. It's simple, effective, and easy to install. Unlike those with a swing clamp design, it needed clearance to slide. However, it is a sturdy deterrent and a great option for quick trips."
Did you know?6. Best Foldable Design:Amazon Basics Bike Lock
Amazon Basics’ folding bike lock is designed in a black finish with a hardened steel core to provide maximum security for your bike in all high-risk areas. The ABS coating protects it from unwanted scratches, and this lock includes a mounting case to make installation and carrying more convenient. The foldable design dramatically reduces the locker size for a compact appearance. This affordable lock comes with two keys, giving you the option to keep one key as a spare.
Pros
- Minimal storage space
- Sturdy build
- Velcro strap mounting
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May rattle while riding
- May be shorter than expected
"I like this lock for its easily mountable design. It's slightly short, and a bit rattly during rides, but both storage and usage seem relatively simple. It's functional and a nice alternative to the costly ones."
7. Best Anti-Shear: SDU ZiiLock M Folding Bike Lock
Image: Zii Lock The ZiiLock folding lock for electric bikes by SDU is a versatile heavy-duty anti-theft device that can be used for securing traditional bikes as well. Made of steel and hardened ABS rivets, the time-tested lock provides an enhanced level of security as it is resistant to shearing, sawing, and drilling. It also boasts an elastic rubber paint coating that keeps it from scratching the surface of the bicycle. Moreover, the key-based lock includes two mounts, four velcro straps of varying lengths, and three silicone cases for added convenience and style.
Pros
- Adjustable length
- Includes three keys
- Features a dust-proof cap
- Has passed various breaking tests
Cons
- May be heavier than expected
- Straps might be small
"I've found the lock a tad short with insufficient strap length for an easy mount. Yet, its compactness is appealing, and it fits nicely into my bag alongside books and a laptop. It's a bit hefty, but given its solid locking mechanism, it's a secure and reliable choice for my e-bike."
8. Best Heavy-Duty:Lobster Lock 2.0
Image: Lobster Lock The Lobster Lock 2.0 is a heavy-duty lock with fortified theft-proof features such as hardened steel links and rivets, disc-detainer lock cylinder, and heat treatment, making it one of the best anti-theft folding locks. It attaches onto your bike permanently, ensuring your bike is never without protection. The anti-theft protection lock can’t be broken into, picked, or tampered with, and its foldable arms fit around the frame, wheel, and bike rack, making it suitable for your outdoor adventures.
Pros
- Compatible with bottle-cage mount bikes
- Easy to fold and unfold
- Quick lock and unlock feature
- Compact storage when folded
Cons
- May not be compatible with all bikes
- Arms may not be long enough
"I found this bike lock pretty convenient and ideal for quick shopping runs. Maneuvering the key can be tricky at first, but the lock's sleek fit and overall convenience make it quite satisfactory."
9. Best Rust-Proof:Flydeer Bike Lock
Constructed with six-joint heavy-duty steel bars, the Flydeer bike lock is a universal folding bike that offers the ultimate bike theft protection. The unique function of the rivet makes it easily foldable to carry it wherever you want, and the hardened alloy steel design prevents it from theft and sawing. The ABS rubber coating with an anti-rusting function protects the bicycle frame from damage. This keyless folding lock with combination code allows you to set 10,000 possible combinations and is easy to set up and operate. The long steel bars allow you to lock more than one bike at the same time.
Pros
- Password unlock system
- Lightweight
- No rattle
- Small frame
Cons
- Instructions may be a bit hard to understand
"I found the Flydeer locks secure for my motorcycle, given their impressive weight and ability to be linked. The instructions led to a minor challenge, but it holds up against break-ins pretty well. Overall, it's a good option for short-term use."
Quick fact10. Best For Easy Carrying: Miwi West Biking Chain Lock
Miwi bicycle lock is made of 26 alloy structural steel links to increase strength and toughness and prevent theft. The rivets are designed with VSR technology, thus resisting cutting and sawing. As per reviews, this lightweight lock comes with a convenient stand that can be fixed anywhere on your bike for easy carrying. The ultra-compact design is lightweight, making it easy to fold into a small box. Three keys give you ample spare options.
Pros
- Drill-resistant locking cylinder
- Designed with a blend of chain and ‘U’ lock
- Easy to install
- Ideal for mountain bikes, road bikes, and folding bikes
Cons
- Cable may be short for a round pole
- May be a bit small for some
"While I appreciate the neat folding design of this bike lock, I wish it were longer. That said, its compactness makes it a convenient option on my trips."
11. Best Anti-Corrosion: Evo Bike Lock
Image: Evo Evo compact bike lock has a high degree of portability and advanced safety features. The consumer-tested anti-theft protection tool is made of durable alloy steel, an anti-corrosion and robust material. The hardened steel plates and lock casing make it resistant to drilling and sawing, while the mounting bracket allows you to fold and store the lock for easy portability. The ABS rubber coating prevents your bike from scratches and rusting.
Pros
- Compact design
- Smooth hinges
- Compatible with mountain bikes, e-bikes, and road bikes
- Includes two keys
Cons
- Keys may be a bit flimsy
"The fold-up lock provides decent protection for my eBikes. The lock's strength is reasonable for its weight, and its sleek design is a bonus."
How To Choose A Folding Bike Lock?
Here are a few pointers you should keep in mind while choosing secure folding locks for bikes.
- Security: If your bike is parked in an unknown place, choose a more robust and safer lock. If your bike falls under a low-risk column (parked in known premises), or a low-risk carriage (parked in a known place), a simple lock will suffice.
- Type: The type of lock will determine its ease of use. It is essential not to choose locks that are too heavy, too small, or difficult to carry.
- Brand: Choose a trusted and reputed brand as it will not compromise on quality.
- Design: Ensure the lock you choose occupies minimal space and has a compact and durable design.
Jordi Sadurní, a sports scientist and cycling coach says, “Apart from choosing the ideal bike lock, make sure it is properly set. The easiest bike parts to steal are the wheels and the seat. So having an Allen-type saddle clamp and quick-release folding locks will help. Also, if you want to attach these parts (wheels, bike frame, saddle) to a post, you might need a longer lock or two locks.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a U lock and a D lock?
The main difference between a U lock and a D lock is that a U lock is unlocked without the retaining bar in place, while a D lock has the retaining bar in place when unlocked.
2. Are folding bike locks worth it?
The flexible nature of folding locks offers more locking opportunities than U locks and is more portable than chains and other locks. They are also lightweight and easy to carry, making them a convenient option for securing your bike.
3. Are key or combination bike locks better?
When securing a bike, key locks are better than combination locks. This is because a specialized device is required to pick them, making them more secure than combination locks.
4. Should I lock my front wheel or the back wheel?
It is best if you use two locks to secure your bike. The first lock should go around the back wheel, bike rack, and frame, while the second lock should go around the front wheel, frame, and bike rack, if possible.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, our in-house writer and reviewer of adventure and outdoor products, understands the importance of choosing a good foldable lock for your bike. He has rounded up this list of some of the best-selling options for foldable bike locks that you’ll find more trending in the market. He selected these products after examining numerous product reviews and listings to bring you only the best. He has also included a buying guide after pro-level analysis and research and listed the important pointers you should consider. These locks are high-quality, durable, and safe to protect your bike.
The Bottom Line
When you invest in the best folding bike lock, you can travel on your bike to any place without worrying about the bike’s safety no matter where you park it. When choosing a folding bike lock, it is always recommended to check out the features and zero in on one that’s robust and sturdy to offer maximum protection. Therefore, heavy-duty folding bike locks from good brands and with good durability, as listed in our article, make for a good choice. Our top recommendations include the waterproof SDU ZiiLock M Folding Bike Lock and the easy-to-install Miwi West Biking Chain Lock. The Amazon Basics Bike Lock can also be a good pick if you want a foldable option.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Using A Folding Bike Lock?
Folding bike locks offer convenient and compact security solutions for cyclists. Their collapsible design provides reliable protection while being easy to carry. To better understand the merits of using these locks, look at the following infographic, which lists the benefits of investing in one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Bicycle Theft
https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/bicycle-theft-0 - Environmental Risk Factors influencing Bicycle Theft: A Spatial Analysis in London UK
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5028062/
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