Wiktor Wise
Electric scooters are portable and lightweight, making them vulnerable to theft. While some scooters have built-in security features, such as electronic locks, keys, key fobs, apps, or biometric interfaces, these may not always be enough to deter thieves. As such, it is recommended to use a physical lock to secure your scooter, especially when leaving it unattended outdoors. The most popular lock option is the U-lock, which provides good security when used with a permanent fixture, such as a bike rack or a steel beam in a public place. Other options include chain locks, folding locks, and disc locks with built-in motion-sensing alarms. Additionally, GPS trackers can be paired with locks to provide extra security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Locking mechanisms | Key, key fob, app, biometric interface, remote on/off options, GPS monitoring |
| Physical locks | U-lock, chain and padlock, folding lock, cable, disc brake, Kryptonite New York Standard, Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini, Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain, Voro Motors fingerprint U-lock, ETOOK folding lock, Abus Combo Pack U-Lock, Remote Starter by More 4 Motion |
| Locking locations | Non-removable part of the stem, carrying handles, slots specifically made for locking, permanent fixture or structure that’s cemented to the ground |
| Other deterrents | Airtags, GPS tracking device, electronic anti-theft safeguards |
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What You'll Learn
Use a U-lock
U-locks are one of the most secure options for locking up your electric scooter. They are made of hardened steel and are highly resistant to cutting and drilling attacks from power tools like bolt cutters and angle grinders. The thicker the shackle, the more reinforced it is against hand tools.
When using a U-lock, look for a secure locking point on your scooter, such as a non-removable part of the stem. Some scooters have carrying handles or built-in slots specifically designed for locking. Make sure to lock your scooter to a permanent fixture or structure that is cemented to the ground or difficult to move. Avoid locking your scooter in the same location every time, as thieves notice patterns.
It is recommended to use two locks for maximum protection. In addition to a U-lock, consider using a disc lock to prevent roll-away theft. You can also use a cable or chain to immobilize the steering function and secure any easily removable accessories.
While electronic locks are convenient, they are not foolproof as they rely on battery power. Combining electronic locks with a physical lock like a U-lock can provide the best security for your electric scooter.
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Lock to a permanent fixture
Locking your electric scooter to a permanent fixture is a great way to secure it. While electronic anti-theft measures can be helpful, they won't stop someone from picking up your scooter and walking away with it.
When locking your scooter to a permanent fixture, it's important to use a durable physical lock. A U-lock is a popular option as it is straightforward to use and provides a good level of security. Simply pass the U-lock around a permanent fixture, such as a bike post, and your scooter's frame, and then lock it. The ABUS Ultimate U-Lock Combo Pack is an excellent choice as it comes with a bonus cable for added security. If you're looking for something more portable, the ETOOK Foldable Lock has a flexible design that takes up very little space but can extend up to 90 cm. It also comes with a mounting bracket that can be fastened to your scooter's stem, making it easy and quick to lock and unlock.
Another option is to use a chain and padlock. The New York Fahgettaboudit Chain is a heavy-duty 5-foot-long chain that provides a high level of security and flexibility in what you can lock your scooter to. However, it is quite heavy at 10-15 lbs. Smaller electric scooter chain locks are more portable but can be defeated by bolt cutters.
When choosing a permanent fixture to lock your scooter to, look for something that is cemented to the ground or difficult to carry away. This could be a bike post, a pole, or any other sturdy structure that cannot be easily moved.
Remember, no matter how secure your locking mechanism is, it's always best to bring your scooter inside if possible, especially overnight.
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Use a GPS tracker
Electric scooters are easy targets for thieves due to their lightweight and small size. While you can use a physical lock to secure your scooter, it can be broken and won't help you retrieve your stolen property. This is where GPS trackers come in.
A GPS tracker can be wired or wire-free, and it can be hidden on your scooter. In the event that your scooter is stolen, you can track its location in real-time. You can also set up a geofence, which will notify you if your scooter leaves a designated area. This allows you to take immediate action, such as shutting down your scooter through an app or website.
When choosing a GPS tracker, consider its accuracy and reliability. Look for trackers that use advanced GPS technology, ensuring you can track your scooter even in areas with poor reception. Discretion is also important, so opt for a small and discreet tracker that can be easily hidden from thieves.
Additionally, consider the setup process. GPS trackers can be wireless or hardwired to your scooter's battery. If you choose a wireless option, look for one with a long battery life, such as the Monimoto GPS tracker, which offers 12-24 months of battery life.
By using a GPS tracker, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your scooter is protected even when it's out of your sight. It's a valuable investment that can help you retrieve your scooter if it's stolen and deter potential thieves.
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Avoid locking in dark alleyways
Electric scooters are lightweight, easy to fold, and can be carried away easily, making them vulnerable to theft. To avoid locking your scooter in dark alleyways, opt for a busy, open public place, preferably in view of a CCTV camera.
When locking your scooter, it is important to find a secure locking point on your scooter and a permanent fixture to lock it to. Avoid locking your scooter to weak parts of the scooter made of plastic or rear fenders. The best locking points on your scooter are around the stem, through the folding mechanism, or through a carrying handle. Avoid locking through the wheels, around the handlebars, or through removable or weak points.
When it comes to choosing a lock, U-locks offer maximum security against bolt cutters and power tools. The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock is recommended by many as the strongest U-lock on the market. However, it is heavy and bulky, so it may not be the best option if portability is a priority. In that case, a folding lock may be a more practical option, as it can be easily carried in a bag without adding too much weight or bulk. Just be aware that folding locks have several more weak points than U-locks.
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Use a fingerprint lock
Electric scooters are highly portable, which makes them vulnerable to theft. A thief can simply pick up your scooter and walk away with it in seconds. Therefore, it is important to lock up your scooter whenever you leave it unattended.
One of the most secure locks for electric scooters is the U-lock. However, U-locks are heavy and not very flexible. A chain lock is a good alternative, as it can be wrapped around various points on your scooter and a solid anchor point, like a bike rack. But chain locks are also heavy and expensive.
Smart electric scooter locks are a newer option that combines traditional locking mechanisms with advanced technology. These locks can be operated via an app on your phone, using an access code, fingerprint recognition, or smartphone proximity. They are also often equipped with GPS trackers and anti-theft alarms.
One example of a smart lock is the Voro Motors fingerprint U-lock, which allows you to lock and unlock your scooter without worrying about losing keys or forgetting codes. Another option is the Eseesmart Fingerprint Bike Lock, which features a 4.92-foot cable lock and comes with a mounting bracket and a waterproof bag.
When locking up your electric scooter, be sure to choose a secure locking point, such as a non-removable part of the stem. Look for carrying handles or slots specifically made for locking. Also, make sure to lock your scooter to a permanent fixture or structure that is cemented to the ground and cannot be easily carried away.
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Frequently asked questions
The best types of locks for electric scooters include U-locks, chain locks, folding locks, and cable locks. Some of the most popular U-locks include the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit, the Kryptonite New York Standard, and the Abus Combo Pack U-Lock. The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain is another option, though it is heavier to carry around. The ETOOK Foldable Lock is a popular folding lock option. Smaller electric scooter chain locks are easier to carry, but they can be defeated by bolt cutters.
It is recommended to use two or more security methods when locking your electric scooter. This could include using multiple locks, or pairing a lock with an electronic lock or GPS tracker. It is also important to lock your scooter to a permanent fixture that cannot be easily lifted or dismantled, such as a bike rack or steel beam in a public place. Additionally, avoid leaving your scooter in dark or hidden areas, and try to park in a well-lit and open space, possibly in view of a CCTV camera.
To prevent electric scooter theft, it is recommended to avoid leaving your scooter outside, especially overnight. If possible, bring your scooter inside or keep it locked in a secure location, such as a garage. When you need to leave your scooter unattended in public, try to minimise the amount of time it is left alone. Additionally, consider using electronic anti-theft devices or remote starters that can be activated to sound an alarm if theft occurs.
