A French startup fittingly calling itself Strong has launched its innovative automatic bike and scooter locks claiming to be “the world’s fastest locks”. The two locks, the V-160 and T-160 aim to provide “effortless security for bikes and scooters” with an automatic locking system which basically works by pushing it head-first into the object you want to lock your bike to. 

In the UK, with bike thefts on the rise, it makes sense to want to find a sensible solution to locking your bike up. While many of us may never feel like it’s safe enough to leave our pride and joy locked up in the public domain, those who don’t have a choice already have plenty of choice when it comes to D, U and various other shaped options. 

So this option from Strong looks pretty radical, and could potentially save users lots of time from faffing about trying to get their locks through their bike frame and the object they want to lock it to. But it does come at a cost, both in terms of weight and price. 

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How do you attach the locks?

Strong V-160 lock riding
Strong V-160 lock riding (Image Credit: Strong)

From afar, the locks look like a small front rack. But upon closer inspection, you’ll see it’s an intriguing U-Lock design attached to the head tube. The interlocking steel arms then protrude out over the bike’s front wheel. 

To attach the lock, you use screws initially on an aluminium mounting bracket, but once the lock is in place you replace these with rivets that can only be removed with a special tool. 

How does this “automatic” lock work?

Strong V-160 lock purple
Strong V-160 lock purple (Image Credit: Strong)

To get the V-160 (the bike compatible option) to lock to something like a railing or a lamp post for example, you use the included key to open the arms out so they’re out straight, ready to hug onto something.

Then, there’s a hand-operated bolt to adjust the angle of the lock. Once that’s in the desired position, push the lock into what you want it to attach to.

The arms wrap around the object once a lever has been depressed at the back of the lock. And when you’re ready to unlock them, simply unlock with a key and then back the bike away from the object it was locked to. 

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Okay, so it’s quick to use, but is it actually useable?

Strong V-160 lock in use
Strong V-160 lock in use (Image Credit: Strong)

According to Strong, the lock and mount weigh 3.2kg, which is pretty heavy for a bike lock. And, it’s not compatible with bikes that use integrated headlights or baskets – which unfortunately rules out quite a few urban e-bikes. 

Additionally, a lock is generally only good at protecting what it’s wrapped around. So if you run quick-release wheels, for example, this isn’t going to keep them from being stolen. 

While an interesting design in premise, you may end up needing to use additional locking methods to keep your entire bike safe from savvy thieves. 

But if you are interested in backing the project, a pledge of €210 (roughly £180) plus €35/£30 delivery will get you a V-160 lock and a protective case. At the time of writing, the project has raised £6,433 of its £7,795 goal and has until 14 May to reach it. 

The brand is hoping to ship the first deliveries of the locks in November 2025.