These Bike Padlocks Will Help Keep Your Bicycle Safe, No Matter Where Your Adventures Lead

Ah, the simple padlock. Reminiscent of school locker rooms and backyard sheds, this device is as barebones as security can get. While they’ve been defeated time and time again, either via hammer, bolt cutters, or superior mechanisms like the U-Lock, we still enjoy buying them—for nostalgia’s sake, their value, and peace of mind. But hey: While we don’t recommend using padlocks alone to protect your bicycle from thieves, there’s certainly a time and a place for them.

If you’re in a low-crime area, typically leave your bike alone for just a few minutes at a time, and/or lock your bike up in an already-secured area, padlocks may be the right device for you. If you’re looking to grab a new one to use as a security measure for when you’re out running errands or grabbing a bite to eat, consider one of these bestselling and top-rated padlocks you can buy right now on Amazon.

The Best Bike Padlocks on Amazon

What to Consider

Padlocks are an inexpensive way to lock up your bike, but we don’t recommend using them for overnight stays or in high-crime areas. If you’re running a quick errand and don’t want to entice a bike thief from taking your lonesome ride, a padlock and cable or chain setup could very well provide some peace of mind. However, be mindful when using a padlock, as they’re best suited as a short-term security solution. Many thieves can break the shackle off a padlock using a bolt or wire cutter, or even a hammer or drill.

If you’re looking for a tougher way to lock up, reach for padlocks that have shackle guards or low shackle heights that are tough to break with physical attacks. Also, consider grabbing a U-lock that can fit your bike’s frame and lock a wheel in place. Better yet, use a combination of locking mechanisms for the ultimate thief deterrent—the more locks you have, the more annoying for a burglar.

How We Evaluated

To find the best padlocks on Amazon, we referenced various websites, like Reviewed, LockPickingLawyer, and Bob Vila, to find the most frequently recommended products in various safety, weight, and value categories. We also consulted our own gear testing guide to the best bike locks. We prioritized products that have guarded shackles, as well as disc-shaped locks that are tougher to break by way of common physical attacks. We sifted through hundreds of Amazon user reviews, as well as in product reviews found at competitor sites, to find the best padlocks the market has to offer.

For more bike safety products, check out our picks for the best bike helmets, headlights, and taillights.