As electric scooters continue to grow in popularity, so does the opportunity to attract the attention of thieves. Their compact design and potential for high resale value makes e-scooters prime targets for theft, especially when left unattended in public space. Whether you’re cruising around town or running a quick errand, the right lock can make all of the difference in whether you’ll have a scooter to come back to. In this article, we’ll explore different kinds of locks and some tips on where to park your scooter for better security.
Lock Categories
Riders have several types of locks to choose from, each with its own level of convenience and security for different kinds of situations. Here they are listed below, in no particular order, with some quick pros and cons for each:
U-Locks:
U-locks are one of the more secure and well-known types of locks for bikes and scooters alike. We’re talking about a solid steel shackle that forms a “U” shape that’s difficult to break with tools like bolt cutters.
They are fairly compact and easy to carry around while providing strong resistance against theft weapons. The downsides are that they’re on the heavier side and have a smaller locking area, which limits where you can secure the scooter. You might struggle getting the lock around larger racks and poles, but this is one of the more affordable and secure options out there.
Chain Locks:
Chain locks are made from a strong, thick chain with a lock mechanism at the end. These tend to be longer than the U-locks which can be used for securing your scooter to a wider variety of objects. They are also generally heavier than U-locks and could lose out to power tools if the lock or chain aren’t strong enough.
Folding Locks:
Folding locks are composed of multiple steel links that fold together when not in use. They combine the flexibility of range on the chain lock with the security of a U-lock, making them a good choice. They are compact and portable and find a nice sweet spot between security and convenience. The one main downside is that they are typically a jump up from the other locks in price.
Cable Locks:
Cable locks are flexible, typically made from some kind of braided steel, and tend to be covered in a layer of plastic for weather protection. They are lightweight and flexible, but tend to offer much less protection than U-locks or chains. They aren’t a bad option, but if you ever plan to lock up your scooter in areas overnight or where there’s a high likelihood it could be stolen this is not the choice for you.
I made the mistake of locking up my Wolf King GT Pro (a $3500+ scooter back in 2021) with a cable lock overnight in a secluded area. I came back in the morning, and it had been stolen. Since then I have always used U-locks.
Alarmed Locks:
Alarmed locks combine a more traditional lock mechanism like the U-lock, chain, or cable with the additional integration of an alarm system. As expected, the alarm goes off if the lock is tampered with in an unexpected manner which helps add an extra layer of security, especially in crowded spaces. The downsides are that they can be on the expensive side, and may require additional batteries and/or maintenance to keep the alarm working properly.
Whatever lock you decide on, just make sure that you actually locked your ride!!!
Best Places to Lock Your Electric Scooter
Bike Racks
Bike racks are a great choice as they are already designed for securing a different kind of transportation vehicle. They tend to be located in areas with higher traffic which makes it a good spot to keep thieves away, and are pretty widely accessible across parks and shopping centers. The one thing to keep in mind is that depending on its size your scooter might not fit.
Fences and Poles
Generally, fences and poles are a good option as they are study and thicker and therefore harder for thieves to try and cut through. Big drawbacks are that they could be in more isolated areas, and not all fences or poles are designed for locking, so they could be easy to tamper with. Additionally, it could be illegal in some areas to make use of them so make sure you know the local laws for your part of town.
Parking Lots/Garages
Parking garages, while not completely secure, offer better protection from the elements. They are usually conveniently located, making it less likely that you will need to park far away from the garage itself. Just like parking lots, they will have limited accessibility for scooter riders in some locations. Finding a metal street sign in a parking lot with a safe area to secure your scooter—such as a yellow-lined no-parking zone—can be an excellent alternative. This is especially convenient if you plan to return to your scooter within 30 minutes.
Final Tips:
- Consider using a combination of lock types in order to increase security. By double locking your scooter, you’re increasing the odds of it staying safe from theft.
- Always lock through the frame of your scooter, not just the wheel. This is to make sure that the lock or scooter cannot easily be removed from the other.
- Try to lock your scooter in well-lit, high-traffic areas to keep thieves at bay
- If there are any easily removable accessories on the scooter, be sure to remove and take those with you in order to avoid having those taken as well.
If you’re looking for something affordable, we recommend some sort of U-lock or chain lock, as these get the job done for most riders most of the time. If you have a little more to spend you might consider a folding lock or alarmed lock for extra protection. As for where to lock it up, it will always depend on what’s around for you to use. Do your best to ensure that what you’re locking it to is secure, and in an area where a thief would be deterred from targeting it. By investing in a high-quality lock and being mindful of where you leave your scooter, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and enjoy peace of mind while enjoying your sweet ride around the neighborhoods.
If you are especially worried about theft, consider using StableCare for theft insurance.
Scooter Comparison Tool
Use our Freshly Charged Scooter Comparison Tool to evaluate more than 500 scooters. Compare and organize scooters by factors such as price, top speed, battery size, weight, water-resistance rating, and more!