Best Kids Bike Locks For Your Child

Reader question: Can you recommend a bike lock for my 7 year old?  He rides a few blocks to school, and I want him to be able to lock (and unlock) his bike on his own.

What a tricky question!  The safest bike locks are heavy and bulky—not ideal for a child.  On the flip side, easy-to-carry, lightweight locks are easy for thieves to cut.  

I know you’ve invested a lot of money into a high-quality bike for your child, so I’ve tried to balance these two factors – weight and durability – when compiling my favorite kid-friendly bike locks.  These are all locks that we’ve used over the last 12 years of testing and reviewing kids’ bikes and biking with our son, and are the ones we’d recommend.

Woom Lokki Lock

Woom bikes are not cheap.  If your child owns one, or you have a similarly high-quality, high-priced kids bike, the Woom Lokki lock will help protect your investment. 

Unlike cheaper cable locks, the Woom lock is made of sturdy .24 inch steel chain but isn’t excessively heavy.  My son started using this lock when he was 5-years-old and was able to easily carry and operate this lock on his own. Eight years later, he’s still using this lock and it’s in great condition. In fact, I often steal it to use for myself as well.

OttoLock

The OttoLock is one of the lightest and most unique locks around. It is made of a thin, plastic-covered steel strap that rolls up when not in use. Best of all, it weighs almost nothing.

Young kids will have no problem carrying the lock or operating the combination, but they do struggle pushing the button and pulling the strap through the buckle.  For this reason, the OttoLock is better suited for older kids (upper elementary) with stronger hands and better dexterity.

Abus Steel-O Chain

The Abus Steel-O Chain lock is a bit longer than the Woom lock which makes it easier for your child to find places to lock their bike. Like the Woom lock, it’s made of a steel chain (in this case 5mm, so slightly thinner than the Woom lock) with a fabric overlay, and offers a good balance between safety and weight.

It comes in multiple fun colors and is offered with either a key lock or a code lock. The key is actually really easy to operate, but if you opt for the key, make sure you put a big key ring on so they don’t lose it.

Bike Lock Comparison Chart

There are a couple of things to consider when choosing the best lock for your child and their particular situation.  When you have two kids biking to school together, you might want a lock that is long enough for two bikes.  If you have an older child who can handle a heavier lock, choose the one with the best security (The Master Lock Street Cuffs).  If you have a kindergartner, go with the lightest lock you can find.

Lock	Type	Length	Weight
Abus Steel O Lock	Chain (Combination) OR Key Lock	29 in	360 g
Woom Lock	Chain (Combination)	26 in	400 g
OttoLock	Cinch lock (Combination)	30 in	155 g

More Bike Accessories For Your Child

• Kids Bike Accessories Your Child Will Love!
• Best Kids Bike Helmets & How To Choose!
• Best Kids Bike Gloves (Toddler, Mountain Bike, BMX)

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