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Electric scooters are fast becoming the most popular way to travel due to their convenience. While e-bikes can be quite large and challenging to manoeuvre, a more lightweight e-scooter is easy to store and park.
However, the best electric scooters are an investment, and you want to make sure you do everything possible to protect your scooter from being stolen.
In this post, we’ll reveal five tips to do just that. Let’s dive in.
Tip One: Invest In a Good Locking Mechanism
The good news for electric scooter owners is there are plenty of locks to secure it, but it can be challenging to know which is best for your needs. Do you go for one lock or invest in a secondary locking mechanism for absolute peace of mind?
Let’s look at the options available.
U-Locks
If you’re looking for a high-security solution for your locks, a U-lock mechanism will suit your needs. The only way to get through one is by using bolt cutters or power tools, which isn’t something the average thief will have on them in the daytime.
The biggest problem with U-locks is they lack flexibility. This extra-strong solution can be pretty heavy to carry around, and your e-scooter must be able to fit a U-lock.
Best U-Lock: ABUS Granit XPlus 540
Cuff Locks
This lock gets its name because it looks like a pair of handcuffs, and it’s simple to use. Cuff locks aren’t very common, which is their primary benefit. Thieves might not know how to navigate a cuff lock, but with some practice, they’re relatively easy to get into.
If you’re looking for maximum security, then this type of lock might not be the best choice, but they’re more flexible than U-locks.
Best Cuff Lock: Master Lock
Chain Locks
Chain locks are excellent if you want a high-security solution but don’t want to carry a U-lock around. These locks have two components; a chain and padlock, but it’s essential to find a strong chain, or the mechanism won’t work.
While a good chain lock can be pretty bulky, it will deter thieves because this type of mechanism isn’t easy to cut through. You can also buy two systems to secure each wheel, which will be even more challenging to steal.
Best Chain Lock: Kryptonite New York
Disc Locks
You can fit a disc lock to prevent your e-scooter from being pushed away. These locks are easy to carry around, and you can use them in conjunction with other security systems. Disc locks are best used on the rear wheel, as it’s easier and more secure than fitting them across front wheels.
However, make sure you don’t forget about removing this important component before riding off. It’s also important to remember that while this lock type is beneficial, it doesn’t stop thieves from picking the scooter up and carrying it away, so you should pair a disc lock with a U-lock.
Best Disc Lock: Scoot-A-Boot
Folding Locks
Folding locks are popular because they’re easy to carry around, but they’re also the least secure solution. As these locks fold to suit any shape, it’s easier for people to manipulate them and break through to your electric scooter.
If you like in a low theft area and want to secure your scooter at home, a folding lock can be an adequate solution, but we recommend choosing a robust lock.
Best Folding Lock: Via Velo Folding Lock
Cable Locks
The cable lock is a popular choice for bike owners, and this type of lock can provide more flexibility than other locks. However, it’s only suitable for low crime areas because a would-be thief can easy use wire cutters to break through the cable.
Many e-scooter users use cable locks alongside U-locks, which gives the scooter a lot more protection. By combining both of these mechanisms, you can create a heavy-duty lock that protects your scooter from being stolen.
Best Cable Lock: Kryptonite KryptoFlex
Which Scooter Lock Is The Best?
With so many locks to choose between, it’s essential to consider your options and which lock fits your needs. Some people prefer to double up on locks, which gives them the ability to customise their e-scooter depending on where they leave it.
For example, you could choose a simple folding lock if you leave your scooter at work or college, but a U-Lock or chain if you live in a city because there are always higher crime rates in busy, urban areas.
Tip Two: Don’t Leave Your Electric Scooter Unattended
Whenever possible, you shouldn’t leave your scooter unattended. We completely understand this is easier said than done, but turning your back for a couple of minutes could be all a thief needs to steal your scooter and cost you a lot of money!
Leaving your e-scooter outside is the easiest way to lose it, but you can avoid using it if you know there won’t be anywhere safe to store it.
Some people prefer to use a scooter carry case, which allows them to take the scooter inside, but this isn’t always practical – especially as most electric models aren’t exactly lightweight.
If you’re going shopping, then it might be best to use public transport and save your scooter for travelling.
Tip Three: Find Designated Parking Spots For Electric Scooters
E-scooters are becoming more popular, and rental models are everywhere. There will be designated parking spots for electric transportation in most large cities, which means you can leave your scooter in a safe place and won’t have to worry about people stealing it.
Even if your city doesn’t have a designed scooter parking area, there will be a bike parking spot (such as bike racks). In most cases, there won’t be an issue with leaving your scooter in one of these designated spots, but if you’re unsure, you can ask your local authority about parking options.
Remember to also look at how other people store their bikes and scooters. Are they using heavy-duty locks to deter would-be thieves? Or have they chosen lighter locks? Doing this will let you see whether scooter theft is a big problem in your city.
Tip Four: Install An Anti-Theft Alarm
Anti-theft alarms are some of the most effective devices available for security. These alarms work by detecting when someone is attempting to steal your property and generating a loud noise, which deters thieves and alerts people to the theft.
These alarms can be highly beneficial as a would-be thief depends on a quick and quiet getaway. However, a determined thief will always find a way to get around alarms in some cases, but if you live in a densely populated area, installing an alarm can be a good idea.
After all, if one electric scooter has an alarm and another doesn’t, then a thief will be more likely to choose the least secure one to steal.
Tip Five: Lock The Steering Column
Most modern vehicles, including cars, motorbikes and some e-scooters, are fitted with a steering lock to prevent theft. The device is combined either by mechanical keys or electronically through the vehicle’s control unit and engaged/disengaged when activated from either source, making it difficult for would-be thieves.
If you want to prevent electric scooter theft, these devices can be beneficial because they make it near impossible for a thief to be able to push your scooter down the street.
Some budget electric scooters don’t have this mechanism, but many do, so it can be a great way to add some extra security.
We have to mention that this type of lock doesn’t guarantee safety from thieves, but it can be an excellent addition to securing your scooter.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your electric scooter safe doesn’t have to be a headache, especially when you take some time to plan and prioritise security. The most important thing is to look at your area and research the crime statistics.
Some places have much lower theft rates than others, so it entirely depends on where you live and how you use your scooter. It’s not always easy to prevent theft, and when a thief is determined enough, they’ll try to find a way around any locking mechanism – but taking precautions can minimise your risk of being victim to crime.
Hopefully, the tips in this post give you some great ideas about how to protect your scooter, so now you can action them and enjoy this convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Nely Hayes
BIO:
Nely is an adrenaline junkie and one of her life goals is to sky dive, but until that day she gets her kicks from testing fast electric scooters. Part time scooter fanatic & part time SEO analyst. Nely’s favourite scooter is the Dualtron X.
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