LITELOK X1 review: This bike lock is so strong I use it on my motorcycle
I’m a bit of a bike lock collector. After having my favorite e-bike stolen a few years ago (as well as several less favorite bikes stolen over the years), I’ve gotten much more serious about security. After testing the LITELOK X1, I can tell you that this lock is so overbuilt that I even use it on my electric scooters and motorcycles.
U-locks, sometimes referred to as D-locks in many parts of the world for god-only-knows-what-reason, are often considered the ideal form factor for many riders. They’re compact, don’t rattle, and offer the kind of theft prevention that only a giant hunk of reinforced steel can.
The LITELOK X1 offers all of those features and more. Not only is the shackle nearly an inch thick (21x24mm), but it’s also got a hardened fine-grain high-tensile steel core coated with a patent-pending material known as Barronium to further degrade angle grinder cutting blades.
As the company explained, “Barronium® is a fused composite armor that offers unparalleled angle grinder resistance without adding extra weight. It is a super hard ceramic composite material that repels angle grinder attacks and turns the grinder’s energy and force in on itself. Continuous cutting wears down the grinder discs, batteries, and ultimately the grinder motor itself.”
That doesn’t mean the lock can’t be cut. Every single bike lock can be defeated with the right tool and with enough time. But multiple independent tests have shown that it takes many angle grinder disc swaps before the lock can finally be cut through. And even then, it uses an anti-twist design meaning that a single cut isn’t enough – the thief will need to make a second cut to remove enough of the shackle to get it off of the bike or anchor. At that point, the thief will need another handful of cutting discs, not to mention enough spare batteries to keep going with a tool that is now likely close to overheating anyway.
Suffice it to say, this is about as angle grinder-proof as it gets, even if such a thing doesn’t technically exist in reality. With a half dozen cutting discs or more, plus a few battery swaps, a thief is likely to give up before they ever make it away with your bike. LITELOK has plenty of testimonials and pictures on its site sent in from owners who found themselves in that exact scenario, returning to their bikes to find their lock only partially cut and no thief in sight.
More than just theft resistance
Part of choosing a good lock isn’t only how strong it is, but also how convenient it is. At just under 4 lb, the LITELOK X1 isn’t lightweight but also doesn’t weigh nearly as much as my 8-10 lb chain locks. It’s annoying that it can add nearly 10% to my e-bike’s weight, but that sure beats adding 20%!
The design also includes a nice reflective strip, which can be an added safety bonus when riding around with the lock mounted to the frame.
There’s also convenient neoprene carrying pouch that comes standard with the lock and helps keep your bag nice and clean, even when your lock gets dirty.
And while this is a small detail, I like how minimalist the keys are. I have enough chunky keys to keep on my ring already, so any low-profile key is greatly appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up extra real estate with big molded grips and branding on something I’m trying to shove deep down in my pocket, and I’m glad LITELOK realized that.
Security ratings
Of course, the added convenience is nice, but security ratings are still the most important factor in deciding which lock can best protect your ride.
The X1 is Sold Secure Diamond rated for both pedal bikes and powered bikes (a category including both motorcycles and e-bikes). This means the lock has received basically the highest security rating it can from the premier lock testing company, UK-based Sold Secure.
The lock is also rated ART 4 out of a possible score of 5. ART, a Dutch-based lock testing organization, considers a score of 2 to be sufficient for bicycles and e-bikes, and a score of 4 to be sufficient for motorcycles parked in public places.
In other words, the leading lock testing organizations in the industry pretty much agree that the X1 gets top marks and is probably more than sufficient for pretty much any e-bike – and likely motorcycles too.
Which is why I feel perfectly comfortable using it as a wheel lock on my own motorcycles and e-scooters.
How could it be improved?
The lock is really nicely designed, both in terms of form and function. However, there is still room for improvement.
I find that when I want to close the lock, I often have trouble getting it perfectly lined up on the shackle, meaning the key won’t turn to lock it down. I have to jiggle the lock until it seems like either the pins in the cylinder free up or the locking latches in the shackle align, and then it closes nicely. It’s annoying to have to massage it into place, that’s for sure. Maybe it’s just mine, but it doesn’t seem to be something that goes away with use.
Another area I would have liked to see improved would be to offer it in either multiple colors or at least a single bright color that isn’t black.
The problems with black locks are numerous, at least in my opinion. I don’t like how they disappear into the bike, meaning you might forget that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far if you try to ride away, but you might end up with a bent spoke or disc, depending on how you locked up. A small and cheap $7 reminder cable can help, but a brightly colored lock would be easier. Highly visible locks also serve as a warning to thieves from a distance, helping to ward them off before they invest time in examining your ride. And lastly, they’re just easier to find in a gear bag or drawer, not getting lost in a sea of other black riding gear.
Finally, this lock is expensive. I’m talking $179 expensive. That’s a significant outlay, but I always remind people to consider how much their e-bike or motorcycle is worth to them. If it’s worth more than $179 to keep it yours, then maybe such a powerful lock isn’t that expensive after all, relatively speaking.
There are other more affordable locks out there and I use many of them, but now that I’ve been testing the LITELOK X1 recently, I know I’ve got one of the highest-security locks out there to add to my quiver of options.
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The US battery storage market set another record in 2024, installing 12.3 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity across all sectors, according to a new report from the American Clean Power Association (ACP) and Wood Mackenzie.
In total, 12,314 megawatts (MW) and 37,143 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage were added, marking a jump of 33% and 34%, respectively, compared to 2023.
Grid-scale storage breaks records, despite some delays
While the final quarter of 2024 saw a 20% dip in grid-scale battery storage compared to Q4 2023, this decline was mainly due to the delayed completion of 2 GW worth of projects, now pushed into 2025.
Texas and California continue to dominate the grid-scale market, making up 61% of total capacity added in Q4. The remaining installations are spread across 13 other states, showing energy storage is expanding beyond traditional leaders. In 2025, grid-scale storage installations are expected to grow further, reaching around 13.3 GW.
ACP VP of Energy Storage Noah Roberts highlighted the growth, noting, “Energy storage is solidifying its place as a leading solution for strengthening American energy security and grid reliability in a time of historic rising demand for electricity.” Roberts emphasized storage’s key role in balancing renewable energy and improving the efficiency of traditional power plants.
Kelsey Hallahan, senior director of market intelligence at ACP, noted that the market is diversifying geographically, with significant additions coming from New Mexico, Oregon, and Arizona, which accounted for 30% of the new capacity in Q4 2024. She also predicted continued rapid growth, saying the industry is on track to surpass 100 GW of grid-scale storage by 2030.
Residential battery storage hits new highs
Residential battery storage saw its strongest year ever, installing over 1,250 MW in 2024, a 57% increase from the previous year. The last quarter alone saw a record-breaking 380 MW added, a 6% bump compared to Q3.
The community-scale, commercial, and industrial (CCI) market also had a strong year, growing 22% year-over-year with 145 MW installed. California, Massachusetts, and New York together accounted for 88% of this market segment.
Looking ahead to 2025
The forecast for 2025 remains bullish, with expectations of 15 GW in total new storage installations – up 25% compared to 2024. However, Wood Mackenzie research analyst Allison Feeney warned that policy uncertainties could slow growth temporarily before it picks back up toward the end of the decade. Between 2025 and 2029, total installations could reach as much as 81 GW.
Wood Mackenzie’s global head of storage, Allison Weis, cautioned that uncertainties around US tax incentives and tariffs could significantly impact the storage industry:
The combination of new tariffs on China and other countries with continued 45x and domestic content bonus adder incentives would make US-based systems more competitively priced. However, many domestic providers are not set up to meet quick demand. If higher pricing is combined with ITC tax incentives phasing out beginning in 2028, it could lower our five-year deployment outlook by as much as 19%.
Read more: Chick-fil-A is piloting solar + storage microgrids in California
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The Seagull is BYD’s cheapest EV, starting at under $10,000 in China. Later this year, it will launch in Europe as the Dolphin Surf with added safety tech and more. BYD’s executive vice president, Stella Li, said it will be “the best value” when it arrives.
BYD’s cheapest EV will arrive in Europe this year
After launching the Seagull in 2023, the small electric hatch quickly became one of China’s best-selling EVs with a low price, modern tech, and BYD’s advanced batteries.
In November, it topped Tesla’s Model Y as the top-selling vehicle in China, EV or gas-powered. Later this year, the Seagull will arrive in Europe as the BYD Dolphin Surf with more advanced safety tech and other features.
Although it won’t start at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan), as in China, the Dolphin Surf will still be among the most affordable electric cars in the UK and Europe. Li said (via Autocar) that the Seagull (Dolphin Surf) may “not be the cheapest,” but it will be “the best value.”
It’s expected to start at under £20,000 ($26,000), which would undercut rival EVs like the Citroen e-C3 (£21,990). However, it’s not expected to beat others like the Dacia Spring, starting at £14,995 ($19,500).
The Seagull is available in three trims in China: Active, Free, and Flying, starting at 69,800 yuan ($9,700). Two BYD battery packs, 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh, provide 305 km (190 miles) and 405 km (252 miles) CLTC range, respectively.
| BYD Seagull trim | Starting Price | Range (CLTC) |
| Active | $9,700 (69,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Free | $10,500 (75,800 yuan) |
190 mi (305 km) |
| Flying | $12,000 (85,800 yuan) |
252 mi (405 km) |
The interior is relatively simple, with a 10.1″ rotating center infotainment and 5″ driver display screens. But with its DiLink intelligent network connection, the smart cockpit features an Android-based system with navigation support, video and other media capabilities, and more.
BYD’s low-cost EV has earned the nickname “Mini Lamborghini” in China because former Lamborghini designer Wolfgang Egger led the Seagull’s design.
At just 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, and 1,540 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm, BYD’s Seagull is smaller than the Volkswagen ID.3 (4,264 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, 1,568 mm tall).
Earlier this year, BYD launched 21 of its top-selling vehicles, including the Seagull, with its “Gods Eye” smart driving system, at no extra charge.
BYD has already launched the Seagull EV in several other overseas markets, calling it the Dolphin Mini. It’s been on sale in Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, Chile, and the Philippines since last year.
Will BYD’s cheapest EV win over buyers in Europe like it has in other markets? First, it will launch the highly anticipated Sealion 7 midsize electric SUV. According to S&P Global Mobility, BYD’s sales are expected to double from 83,000 last year to 186,000 in 2025. By 2029, that number could reach just under 400,000. The report claims that “the Seagull’s pricing strategy ensures competitiveness in the EU even with tariffs.”
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South Korea just got its largest outdoor EV fast-charging hub, and it’s at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang. The new hub, built by charging network Water, features 46 fast chargers capable of juicing up everything from electric cars to buses and trucks.
KINTEX hosts around 5.8 million visitors a year, so a major charging hub like this makes a lot of sense. Water installed eight 200 kW and 38 100 kW EV chargers. The station is split across two sections of an outdoor parking lot near Exhibition Center 2.
Drivers can easily access the chargers from Ilsan Lake Park, and there are no height restrictions, meaning electric buses and trucks won’t have to struggle to find a compatible spot. The hub is also topped with Water’s signature wooden canopy, which not only makes it easier to spot but also lowers the construction carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete structures.
Dongyoon Lee, Water’s director of business development, says the 46 chargers eliminate the hassle of hunting for multiple stations and provide a one-stop fast-charging experience. Even during peak hours, wait times should be minimal.
KINTEX has nearly 7,000 parking spaces, and South Korean regulations require that at least 5% of spaces at large public venues be designated for EV charging. This new hub goes above and beyond that requirement, which is especially needed as KINTEX expands and some parking areas close.
The project is part of a broader push to improve Goyang’s green infrastructure. Water was chosen last April to install 107 chargers across 14 locations in the city, and the entire network is expected to be up and running by the end of the month.
Daewon Yu, managing partner at Water, calls KINTEX a prime location for charging infrastructure and notes that “the hub will also support green mobility initiatives in Goyang by serving EV owners, taxis, buses, and other commercial vehicles.”
Water is the EV charging network brand of Brite Energy Partners, a South Korean renewable energy infrastructure company backed by BlackRock.
Read more: Researchers achieve super-safe, ultrafast Li-ion battery charging
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