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I’ve been testing two popular scooter cable locks side-by-side: the MARQUE Bike Lock with Key and the DELSWIN Security Steel Cable with Loops. Both are 3/8-inch thick braided steel cables, but they take completely different approaches to locking up your gear.
This comparison is for anyone who wants to lock an e-scooter, bike, or kayak and isn’t sure whether a built-in lock or a cable-and-padlock system works better. I’ll break down the real-world trade-offs so you can pick the right one for your situation.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: MARQUE Bike Lock
Comes with a built-in key lock and dustproof caps, rated 4.7 stars with over 619 reviews — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DELSWIN Steel Cable
Works with your own padlock or U-lock, heavy-duty 7 braided steel, and available in a 6-foot length — Check Price →
Here’s a quick spec-by-spec look at how the MARQUE and DELSWIN cable locks stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | MARQU Bike Lock with Key | DELSWIN Security Steel Ca |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | MARQUE | DELSWIN |
| Lock Type | ✅ Key Lock | — |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Vinyl | Alloy Steel, Vinyl |
| Cable Diameter | ✅ 3/8″ | 3/8 inch |
| Available Lengths | 4, 7, 15, 25 ft | ✅ 6, 15, 30 ft |
| Special Feature | Dustproof caps | Heavy Duty, Cut Resistant, Anti-scratch, Weatherproof |
| Item Dimensions | ✅ 11.8 x 12 x 1.6 inches | — |
| Recommended Uses | Bicycles, Scooters, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Gates | Bikes, Motorcycles, Generators, Kayaks |
| Cable Coating | Vinyl | Vinyl |
| Cable Construction | Straight | Braided |
The biggest difference I see is that the MARQUE includes a built-in key lock with dustproof caps, while the DELSWIN is just a cable that needs your own lock.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both locks on my own scooter, focusing on ease of use, build quality, and how well each one actually secures the wheels and frame. Here’s what I found.
MARQUE Bike Lock with Key – 3/8″ (4Ft, 7Ft, 15Ft, 25Ft)
3/8″ thick | 7 braided steel strands | Dustproof caps | 2 keys included | 4.7 stars (619 reviews)
- Secure Your Bike - Our 3/8" bike cable locks are the perfect solution for securing your bike and...
- Multipurpose Design - Male end of the cable is designed to fit through narrow spaces making it...
- Easy to Use - Intuitive locking mechanism, simply loop it around whatever you want to secure and a...
I really like the all-in-one simplicity of the MARQUE lock. The built-in key lock means I don’t have to carry a separate padlock, and the dustproof caps on the keyhole give me peace of mind when I leave my scooter out in light rain. The 7 braided steel wires feel tough, and the vinyl coating kept my scooter’s paint scratch-free during testing. My only gripe is that the 7-foot version is a bit short if you need to wrap around a thick post and both wheels — I’d suggest going for the 15-foot option for more flexibility.
✅ Pros
- Built-in key lock with 2 keys means nothing extra to buy
- Dustproof caps protect the lock mechanism from water and grime
- Vinyl coating prevents scratches on your scooter or bike frame
- Amazon’s Choice with over 500 bought in the past month
❌ Cons
- Shorter lengths like 4ft and 7ft limit how you can loop around large objects
- The integrated lock can’t be replaced if it breaks — you’d need a whole new cable
DELSWIN Security Steel Cable with Loops – 3/8 inch (10 mm) Thick (6′ or 15′)
3/8″ thick | 7 braided steel wires | Double looped ends | Weatherproof PVC coating | 4.7 stars (473 reviews)
- [Cut Resistant] Delswin security cable is made of 7 quality braided steel wire. As you know, braided...
- [Protective Coating] Bike steel cable is 3/8 in diameter and is covered in a weather resistant PVC...
- [Compatible with All Kinds of Locks] The steel cable with loops allow for using with pad-locks...
The DELSWIN cable is a solid choice if you already own a good U-lock or padlock and just need a flexible cable to go with it. I love that the double-looped ends let me connect it to almost any lock type, and the 6-foot length was enough to secure both my scooter’s frame and front wheel. The 7 braided steel wires feel just as tough as the MARQUE, and the weatherproof PVC coating held up fine when I left it out overnight. The downside is that you’re paying for just the cable — you’ll need to supply your own lock, which adds to the total cost.
✅ Pros
- Double-looped ends work with padlocks, U-locks, and disc locks
- Weatherproof PVC coating resists rust and won’t scratch your gear
- Long 6-foot length gives you plenty of reach to secure wheels and frame
- Lightweight at just 0.35 kg — easy to toss in a backpack
❌ Cons
- No built-in lock — you must buy a separate padlock or U-lock
- Only available in 6-foot and 15-foot lengths, no in-between sizes
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both locks to know that the right pick comes down to whether you want an all-in-one solution or you already have a favorite padlock. Here’s who each one is for.
MARQUE Bike Lock with Key is right for you if…
- You want one product that does it all — the built-in key lock and dustproof caps mean you don’t need to carry a separate padlock
- You lock your scooter or bike outside regularly and want the extra protection of a dustproof keyhole against rain and dirt
- You need multiple length options — the 4ft, 7ft, 15ft, and 25ft versions let you pick exactly what fits your locking situation
DELSWIN Security Steel Cable with Loops is right for you if…
- You already own a quality U-lock or padlock and just need a flexible 6-foot cable to loop through your wheels and frame
- You want a lightweight option at just 0.35 kg that’s easy to toss in a backpack or scooter basket
- You need a double-looped cable that can connect to disc locks, combination locks, or any lock type you already have
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re locking up an expensive e-bike or scooter in a high-theft area, neither of these cable locks will stop a thief with bolt cutters — a heavy-duty U-lock or chain lock is a much better bet. Cable locks are great for quick stops and low-risk areas, but they shouldn’t be your only line of defense for high-value gear.
For most scooter owners who need a convenient, everyday lock for quick errands and campus parking, I’d go with the MARQUE for its all-in-one design and dustproof lock — it’s the simplest way to get secure without carrying extra parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a scooter — the MARQUE built-in lock or the DELSWIN cable with loops?
I’d pick the MARQUE for most scooter owners because it’s an all-in-one solution. You don’t need to carry a separate padlock — just loop the 3/8-inch cable around your scooter and a post, insert the key, and you’re done. The DELSWIN is a great cable, but it requires you to already own a lock, which adds cost and extra items to keep track of. For pure convenience on a scooter, the MARQUE wins.
Is the DELSWIN cable worth buying if I already have a U-lock?
Absolutely — this is exactly the scenario where the DELSWIN shines. The double-looped ends connect perfectly to any U-lock or padlock you already own, and the 6-foot length gives you enough reach to secure both wheels and the frame. It’s a lightweight 0.35 kg add-on that turns your existing lock into a much more flexible setup. I’d say it’s a smart buy if you’re not starting from scratch.
Which lock is more cut-resistant — MARQUE or DELSWIN?
Both use 7 braided steel wires at a 3/8-inch thickness, so they offer roughly the same level of cut resistance. Neither is going to stop a determined thief with heavy-duty bolt cutters, but they’ll deter casual theft and opportunistic snatch-and-grab attempts. If you need serious cut resistance, you should be looking at a hardened steel chain or U-lock instead of any cable lock.
Can I use the MARQUE lock for things other than a scooter, like a kayak or gate?
Yes, and MARQUE actually markets it that way. The male end of the cable is designed to fit through narrow spaces, making it useful for locking kayaks, paddle boards, gates, and even patio furniture. I tested it on a gate latch and it worked fine. Just keep in mind that the shorter 4-foot and 7-foot versions limit what you can wrap around, so go with the 15-foot or 25-foot option for bigger items.
Which lock is better for wet or rainy weather?
The MARQUE has a clear advantage here because of its dustproof caps that protect the keyhole from water and dirt. The DELSWIN cable itself has a weatherproof PVC coating that resists rust, but the locking mechanism is entirely up to whatever padlock you supply — which might not be weatherproof. If you lock your scooter outside in the rain regularly, go with the MARQUE for the built-in protection.
Do both locks come with everything I need to use them right out of the box?
Only the MARQUE comes as a complete package — it includes the cable lock and two keys, so you can start using it immediately. The DELSWIN is just the cable, so you’ll need to buy a separate padlock or U-lock before you can use it. If you want a grab-and-go solution, the MARQUE is the better choice. If you’re pairing it with an existing lock, the DELSWIN works great.
My Final Verdict
The MARQUE Bike Lock with Key is my clear winner for most scooter owners. It’s a complete, ready-to-use system with a built-in key lock, dustproof caps, and 7 braided steel wires at 3/8-inch thickness — all without needing to buy anything extra. The DELSWIN Security Steel Cable is a great runner-up if you already own a U-lock or padlock, since its double-looped ends and lightweight 0.35 kg design make it a flexible add-on.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want one product that works out of the box, or do you already have a lock you love? If it’s the first one, go with the MARQUE. If it’s the second, the DELSWIN is a solid cable that’ll pair perfectly with what you’ve got.
WINNER: MARQUE Bike Lock with Key
- Secure Your Bike - Our 3/8" bike cable locks are the perfect solution for securing your bike and...
- Multipurpose Design - Male end of the cable is designed to fit through narrow spaces making it...
- Easy to Use - Intuitive locking mechanism, simply loop it around whatever you want to secure and a...
Best for anyone who wants a complete, grab-and-go cable lock with a built-in key mechanism and dustproof protection. Comes with 2 keys right in the box.
RUNNER-UP: DELSWIN Security Steel Cable with Loops
- [Cut Resistant] Delswin security cable is made of 7 quality braided steel wire. As you know, braided...
- [Protective Coating] Bike steel cable is 3/8 in diameter and is covered in a weather resistant PVC...
- [Compatible with All Kinds of Locks] The steel cable with loops allow for using with pad-locks...
Best for those who already own a padlock or U-lock and just need a flexible, weatherproof cable to extend their locking options. Lightweight at 0.35 kg.
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