How to Lock an Electric Scooter
Electric scooters Ahh, the electric scooter – the latest trend in micro-mobility that is both an easy and environmentally friendly way to travel short distances. But like the popularity of the poses, so is the threat of theft. Keeping your scooter safe from potential theft is very important, and locking it up securely is one of the best ways to keep what's yours. In this post, we’ll talk about how to lock up an electric scooter so your theft worries will become a thing of the past.
Why Locking Your Electric Scooter Matters
Before getting into the how to lock your electric scooter steps, it’s important first to know why we need one. Electric scooters are expensive pieces of equipment, with costs ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. And just like bicycles, scooters are subject to theft, particularly in public spaces or cities with high foot traffic. In a split second of an unfortunate lapse in attention, your scooter could be gone when you'd wish it not to have.
The theft of your scooter will feel worse than a punch in the gut and can leave you out-of-pocket bad!
Securely locking your electric scooter can be as effective a deterrent as there is. There’s no such thing as a lock that will offer complete protection, but the right pair of locks, layered properly on the right anchor point, can greatly reduce your chances of your scooter getting stolen.
The Lock That is the Best Fit for Your Electric Scooter
The first step in locking up an electric scooter is choosing the correct type of lock. Not all locks are made the same and offer varying levels of security. Here are popular lock types that you can choose from to keep your scooter safe:
U-Locks (D-Locks)
When it comes to securing your electric scooter, you can always depend on a U-lock being reliable. Hardened steel makes them resistant to cutting and breaking with simple hand tools. On the whole, U-locks can take a bit more time to cut through vs cable locks, and so they have some value here if tracking gives you peace of mind in retrieving your ride – especially with something as costly (and as beloved) as a scooter. If you do, choose a U-lock with a thick shackle (hopefully 16mm or more) and a solid locking mechanism.
Folding Locks
Folding locks are also great scooter security options. They are constructed of interlocking metal plates that can be folded into a compact unit when not being used. They are not as rigid as U-locks, but still offer decent security. Some folding locks are made to be lightweight and compact, so you can take them with you.
Chain Locks
Chain locks are usually also utilized with a high-security lock and are another good choice for keeping an electric scooter safe. Chain locks are better than U-locks in that they are more flexible and can be used to attach your scooter to many different objects (poles, bike racks, or stands). Though you will need tons of practice to master lock picking, it’s ideal to also secure your bike with a chain that is composed of hardened steel because they can easily be cut.
Cable Locks
Cable locks are not secure; they can be snipped with bolt cutters. Still, they can offer a layer of protection alongside more-secure locks. Cable locks are lightweight and portable: These types of locks could act as a supplementary lock for protection. For optimal security, check them together with a U-lock or chain lock.
How to Lock an Electric Scooter Correctly
You’ve finally decided on a good lock, but do you know how to lock your electric scooter properly? Here is a step-by-step guide to securely locking your scooter:
Choose a Secure Location
The very first thing that you need to do when it comes to locking your scooter up is to find the right place. If possible, park your scooter in well-lit and high-traffic areas. Steer clear of dark, secluded places that make you more prone to robbery. Use public bike racks or scooter-specific parking areas as a place to lock and forget your scooter. If you’re in a city, seek out places with security cameras or other types of protection that may dissuade would-be thieves.
Lock the Frame and Wheels
When locking up a scooter, it is important to lock both the frame and wheels. The frame is literally the guts of the scooter as that's where the motor and battery reside. If you lock only one wheel, a thief can remove the wheel and steal the rest of the scooter in seconds. Secure the frame to any stationary object such as a post or bike rack with your lock.
If your scooter’s wheels are removable (which some are), consider securing both of them independently. That makes it difficult for thieves to take the scooter apart in mere minutes.
Avoid Locking to Movable Objects
When picking a spot to lock your scooter, make sure you’re not running your lock through something it can slip off or that can be cut. Don’t lock your scooter to fences, small bike racks, or anything that could be unscrewed or taken apart. Always lock your scooter up to something that’s immovable and solid -- you don’t want a thief to just be able to take the lock off.
Lock the Battery on Its Own (Wherever Possible)
The battery tends to be one of the most expensive parts of an electric scooter. If your scooter has a detachable battery, you can remove it and take it with you when parking. Otherwise, you can purchase a battery lock or secure the scooter in a way that makes it more difficult for someone to get at the battery. Some electric scooters have built-in battery locks; consult your model for details.
Use Multiple Locks
For extra security, snap on multiple locks. One lock may be enough, but you can deter a thief even further by locking it up twice using two different types of locks (like a U-lock and cable lock). The longer it takes for a thief to break your locks, the more likely they are to give up. Multiple locks also give you constant protection in case one gets jammed.
Register Your Scooter
On top of physically securing your electric scooter, consider registering it with the manufacturer or local registry. Some cities have bike registration programs or scooter deposits, where you can register your serial number in the event of theft. This helps with tracking the scooter if it’s found.
More Tips for Keeping Your Scooter Safe
In addition to keeping your scooter on lockdown, there are some other measures you can take to ensure it stays safe:
Park in High Traffic Areas
While you certainly can always find a spot to leave that scooter, make an effort to park it in a busy area. The fewer people around, the more vulnerable your scooter is, and a thief may want to take away your scooter.
Utilize Anti-Theft Features
Electric scooters include certain anti-theft features like alarms and GPS trackers. If your scooter has those, you are also going to want to make sure they’re turned on.
Buy Insurance
You might want to buy insurance for your electric scooter. This can safeguard you financially if your scooter is stolen.
Conclusion
It is important to properly lock an electric scooter to prevent theft. By selecting the proper lock that keeps your scooter locked away safely and taking additional precautions, you can minimize the chances of losing your scooter. And, of course, keep in mind that no lock is 100% effective, but with these steps and being vigilant over the security of your e-scooter, you can have peace of mind while riding around your newly purchased e-scooter! Stay vigilant, and happy riding!