Litelok Core Plus bike lock review

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Bike locks are essential to keep your bike safe and are especially important if you're riding a high-value bike like one of the best cargo bikes for families.

A bike lock needs to secure your bike well, be easy to use, and ideally not weigh a ton. In our guide to the best cargo bike locks and the best kids bike locks we go through the different types of locks.

Litelok have been innovating cycle and motorbike locks since 2013 and has been recognised for its outstanding security rating. They are based in Wales and it is pretty rare to find a bike lock that is made in the UK!

We were keen to put the Litelok Core Plus to the test to see how it works because it doesn't seem to conform to the traditional category of D-lock or chain lock. We were also itching to find out if a lock that scores so highly on security is also easy to use with a cargo bike as well since this lock is advertised on the Litelok website as being suitable for cargo bikes.

Disclosure: Cycle Sprog were sent the Litelok Core Plus to review. We were not paid to write this review, and all opinions are our own. We do use affiliate links so may get a small commission if you choose to buy through the links on this page. This funds the website, and we thank you for your support.

About our reviewer

Saskia is Cycle Sprog's Content Editor and she rides an electric cargo bike with her kids. She also rides a step-through hybrid bike. Saskia's family own a bunch of traditional chain locks, all of them gold-rated to ensure they are sufficient for their cargo bike insurance policy.

Saskia is not a fan of D-locks because of the two separate parts to handle - too much hassle when you're doing the school run in heavy rain or when wearing gloves! She has tried a folding lock in the past but couldn't get on with it because of the lack of flexibility compared to a chain lock.

Saskia often carries one or two children in their electric box bike, and sometimes finds it challenging to find a suitable parking spot next to a stand due to the size of the bike. The family's most valuable bikes are also locked to a ground anchor in their garage, for added security overnight.

The Litelok Core Plus is a cross between a D-lock and a chain lock, but the rigidity of the lock means it's definitely more like a D-lock than a chain lock. This lock is incredibly strong, but this means the flexibility is also limited. I was only able to push it open to create a 10 cm gap between the two ends of the lock. More on that later on in the review...

The lock comes in two lengths; 75 and 100cm. We got the 75cm one to test which offers a limited locking area, and I was keen to find out how I'd get on with a strong, but flexible lock.

The outer material of the lock is practical, not scratchy, and looks to be very durable. Both ends of the lock are quite wide, so we'll see how easy it will be to get it through the spokes when locking a wheel.

These locks were designed to be worn around your waist, and while I did manage to squeeze into this lock (!) I would personally not use this option. With the 100cm length lock this may be more appealing (but since I have panniers on both my bikes, I would always prefer to chuck the lock in there when not in use).

Litelok Core Plus in use

The core of this lock is very sturdy, which is no doubt needed to ensure its excellent security credentials, but I found it makes it quite hard to open the lock wide enough to guide it through a bike frame or a wheel. This was especially true for a cargo bike, with a chunkier frame and small wheels with spokes close together. If you're riding an electric longtail cargo bike, you'll probably find this bike lock easier to use than I did with a box bike.

After my husband handled the lock for a bit, the lock became more flexible and it was easier for me to open the lock wider (up to 40cm).

The lock mechanism is very easy to use, the two ends just slot in and you then turn the key and remove it to lock it.

The keys stick out at the side of one end of the lock which makes that end particularly wide (measuring 10 cm), meaning that you may struggle to guide that side of the lock through the spokes of a bike wheel. You can take the keys out, but I usually try to avoid this. A tiny detail, but we're here to tell you about the details!

D-locks usually mention the locking area, which is the area within the D shape. This gives you an idea of how close you need to park your bike next to a stand. With the oval shape of the Litelok Core Plus, this is a bit harder to define, but we measured the locking area at 19 cm by 26 cm (at its longest ends).

On the Litelok website, you can register your lock to activate the 12-month warranty. By registering your lock, you will be able to order replacement keys if needed.

The lock comes with three identical keys as well as frame mounts that you can use to strap the lock to the frame of your bike or carry the lock around the waist. The frame mounts only work on a bike with a crossbar, not on a step-through frame, including most cargo bikes. The lock also comes with wrap straps which are more versatile and can be used on a pannier rack.

How you carry a lock is mostly down to personal preference and I found the easiest way to carry this lock was to carry it in my panniers. I usually wrap my chain lock around the seat post but that didn't work with this lock as my legs would hit the lock while cycling.

The lock won’t rattle when carried in a basket, in a pannier or strapped to a rear rack because it is made of a core steel and stands upright. Even when mixed with other items it wouldn't rattle because the non-metal outer won’t make a noise.

Litelok's security credentials

Litelock prides itself on their use of highest quality components and patented technologies according to their website. You'll be happy to know that these fancy words actually translate into aerospace grade hardened steel lock casings, as well as pick resistant locks. All their locks have been thoroughly testing as well, including to 10,000 open and close locking cycles.

The Litelok Core Plus is made up of a Boaflexicore Plus; a multi-layered security strap offering maximum security while at the same offering a level of flexibility.

Overall verdict

A premium, very high security bike lock that is great if you are confident you'll be able to park your bike close to a stand at all times. The Litelok Core Plus bike lock is hard to beat in terms of security versus weight ratio, weighing just under 2kg which is similar to D-locks and much lighter than a Diamond-rated chain lock.

If you've got somewhere practical to store the lock when riding then this is a great lock for any high value bike, or any bike for that matter, and if you lock it well you can be confident that you don't end up with your bike getting stolen.

I personally wouldn't opt for this lock, especially in this length, because I cannot always park close enough to an immovable object (if only cargo bike parking would exist where I live!). I therefore prefer a less secure and longer chain lock that I am always able to use, over a more secure lock that I might not be able to lock my bike with. The wide ends of the lock were a bit off-putting for me because I prefer a foolproof approach to locking my bike, especially in the rain and in the dark.

The longer version of this lock, at 100cm, would probably be more suitable for cargo bike users and at only £10 more is worth the upgrade if storage is not an issue.

I wouldn't recommend this lock for children, unless they're older teens, because it requires a certain strength to open the lock wide enough to use it with ease. For locks that are easy for kids to use, go to our guide on the best kids bike locks.

Where to buy the Litelok Core Plus bike lock

Litelok sell directly through their own website and through retailers. The Litelok Core Plus comes in three different colours; orange, green and black.

Be mindful of the fact that Litelok locks are regularly out of stock due to their popularity, but they usually become available on a regular basis and you can sign up to be notified when they’re available again.

Buy New

Alternatives to the Litelok Core Plus bike lock

There are lots of different options out there to lock your bike but when you narrow it down to Diamond Sold Secure-rated there are fewer options. We've listed some options specifically suited to lock up electric cargo bikes in our guide to the best cargo bike locks.

Here are some alternative bike locks (Gold and Diamond rated) to explore: