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TMD’s keyless bike lock is a $280 solution to a $60 problem
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TMD’s keyless bike lock is a $280 solution to a $60 problem
How much do you hate keys?
by Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Deputy Editor
Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow See All by Thomas Ricker
Jun 28, 2026, 7:00 AM UTC
A $280 bike lock on a $10,000 e-bike.
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.
Follow See All by Thomas Ricker
is a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for 20 years.
I’ve seen lots of so-called “smart” bike locks over the years, but none so far could justify the added cost. A newcomer that got its start securing ATMs for banks is trying to change that. There’s nothing wholly unique about the TMD Chain Lock, but the combination of materials, performance, and insurance-friendly ART-2 certification makes it worth considering.
TMD’s first bicycle lock combines a Bluetooth proximity sensor and motion alarm with a slender core of hardened steel chain wrapped in a soft and lightweight sleeve of high performance Dyneema and Kevlar fibers. That makes this lock tough, yet flexible enough to conveniently wrap around your seat post when cycling. TMD also designed the keyless lock to be shareable with friends and family, and capable of withstanding shock, rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. That makes it highly suited to city bikes parked outside and ridden all year long.
I like the TMD Chain Lock I’ve been testing, but spending €249 (about $283) on something that typically costs far less is a big ask.
6
Verge Score
TMD Chain Lock
$280
$280
The Good
- Strong yet flexible lock won’t scratch bike
- Digital key can be shared with friends and family
- Convenient if you lock your bike several times a day
- ART-2 certified for insurance
- Loud enough alarm
The Bad
- Very expensive
- Lacks USB-C charging
- Annoying operating sounds
How we rate and review products
The chasm separating ATM security from bike security isn’t as wide as it might seem. TMD developed a centralized, keyless system for banks to authorize access to its ATMs for service, replacing the physical master keys that created a massive security risk whenever they were lost or stolen.
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