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Celebrating 15 Years of Hiplok

Designed for riders, built for security

Fifteen years ago, Hiplok made its very first sale with the launch of the world’s first wearable bike lock back in 2011. What started as a simple idea between riders has grown into a global brand focused on making bike security smarter, stronger, and more rider-friendly.

For the last decade and a half, Hiplok has been dedicated to creating security solutions that cyclists can genuinely trust — helping protect not just bikes, but the freedom and enjoyment that come with riding.

From day one, every product has been shaped by real riding experience combined with innovative design thinking. Along the way, Hiplok has continued to challenge traditional bike security, creating game-changing products that solve everyday problems for riders around the world.

Many of these products have gone on to become staples in bike security — the Hiplok Heroes that riders rely on every day.

15 Years of Hiplok

Hiplok’s journey began in 2009 after co-founder John Abrahams had his bike stolen. To John, it was more than just a bike — it was the one he used every day to take his son to nursery. Alongside fellow rider and product designer Ben Smith, he set out to rethink bicycle security and create something riders actually wanted to carry and use.

That idea led to the launch of the Hiplok ORIGINAL in 2011 — the world’s first wearable bike lock. Designed to make carrying a lock easier and more practical, it marked the beginning of Hiplok’s mission to combine security, innovation, and real rider insight.

As cycling and bike theft evolved, so did Hiplok’s approach to protection. In 2017, the brand launched AIRLOK, the world’s first high-security bike storage hanger. Combining stylish home storage with serious protection, AIRLOK remains the only wall-mounted bike hanger certified Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond.

In 2018, Hiplok introduced Z LOK after spotting riders using simple zip ties as makeshift café-stop security. Ben and John saw the potential for a smarter, reusable alternative — lightweight enough to fit in your pocket, but tough enough to deter opportunist thieves. Z LOK quickly became a rider favourite worldwide and received the prestigious Design & Innovation Award the same year.

Then came one of cycling security’s biggest modern challenges: angle-grinder theft. In response, Hiplok launched the D1000 in 2021 — the world’s first portable anti-angle grinder lock. Built using advanced materials and engineered to resist serious attacks, it set a completely new standard in bike security and later expanded into the wider 1000 Series range.

Every Hiplok product has been created with one goal in mind: solving real problems for real riders through thoughtful design and meaningful innovation. Over the last 15 years, those ideas have earned Hiplok numerous international design and industry awards, while helping riders around the world protect what matters most.

Explore the Hiplok timeline to discover the key moments, products, and innovations that shaped the brand’s journey.

Message from Ben and John

Hiplok turns 15 on 17 March 2026.

Fifteen years ago, we sold our very first lock as we set out to change security for riders around the world. And what a journey it’s been. From launching the world’s first wearable chain lock to introducing the first portable anti-angle grinder lock.

We’re incredibly proud of this milestone, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our customers, ambassadors, retailers and distributors. Thank you to everyone who has flown the Hiplok flag and been part of our story.

Here’s to the next 15 years.

What's Next?

Their passion for riding drives everything they do.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, their mission remains clear: to deliver trusted, high-quality security solutions that give riders real peace of mind.

As the bike industry continues to grow, they’ll keep exploring new ideas and developing smarter, more effective ways to help protect your bikes. They’re excited to keep pushing bike security forward so you can ride with confidence wherever the journey takes you.

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