How to Lock Your Scooter Like a Pro

A scooter owner is always concerned about theft and robbery. This is where locks come in use. They provide security. So what do you mean by security here? It refers to the sense of safety and certainty. In this state, you feel safe for your belongings, especially your e-scooter.

Hence, I will be discussing a crucial aspect of electric scooter ownership. We are finding the best lock types to keep your electric scooter safe and secure. E-scooters are expensive therefore there are high chances of becoming a victim of e-scooter theft. Thus, It is important to lock your vehicle securely whenever you leave your scooter unattended. Let me introduce the different types of locks available in the market. Which lock is more secure and why? How to lock an electric scooter properly? 

Many e-scooters can be locked electronically using the built-in app. Just open the app and activate the lock icon. It will lock the wheels and the vehicle is unrideable. But, it does not prevent the thief from lifting it putting your scooter into the car, and driving away. This is the reason why you need a physical lock for better security. 

There are four most common lock types for locking an electric scooter:

Cable Lock

This is the most affordable lock, you get from the market. It is lightweight and easy to use. However, it is the least secure scooter lock as they are easy to cut and it is only a matter of minutes for a skilled thief to break the cable lock. You can use the cable lock as a secondary lock but it is not advisable to use it as a primary lock.

U-Lock

Locking your electric scooters using a U-Lock has advantages and disadvantages. U-lock is one of the most secure locks among all the e-scooter locks. They look like large padlocks that go around the frame of your scooter and the anchor point. These locks provide high-security locks that weigh as much as two kilograms, which is roughly four pounds. The best U-locks have hard steel bodies and thick shafts making them highly durable. These locks are of different sizes, make sure you get one that comfortably locks around your electric scooter. However, the U lock is quite heavy making it difficult to carry.  

Chain Lock

Just like the U lock the chain lock provides all sorts of highest levels of security. I like chain locks more than U locks because they are more versatile and flexible. The lock can be easily wrapped around the scooter handlebar. But still, the chain lock is also heavy and it may not be easy to carry. You might need a backpack to carry. 

Folding Lock

Folding locks are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, so I prefer them the most. Often the lock comes with a small pack that can be attached to the electric scooter. However, the folding lock is less secure than the chain lock or U-lock. It has many moving parts that can be vulnerable to attacks but, is still much more secure than a cable lock.

How to choose the best lock for my electric scooter

There are several important factors to consider when purchasing the lock for your electric scooter. 

Budget

Quality locks can be expensive. This is the reason why one must know how much he or she is willing to spend. Invest in quality locks and safety tools instead of fancy bells and whistles. As with any other security product you get paying for a cheaper lock is ideal for low-risk environments, such as private parking lots but do not ever make the mistake of parking them at the cutting corners in high-risk environments. 

Value of your electric scooter

If you possess an expensive e-scooter, then it’s a more attractive target and thus you will require more security to prevent theft. But if it is a relatively inexpensive model, then it does not make sense to invest in expensive locks. However, it does not mean that you should leave your inexpensive scooter unattended. A cheap unsecured electric scooter is more attractive to criminals and thieves than any expensive scooter with a decent lock.

FAQ that will help you select the best locks

1. Where do you live?
2. How safe is the neighborhood you park in?
3. Can you maintain a line at your parking a scooter at all times?
4. How long do you usually leave your electric scooter unattended?

Depending on the answers you may not need the most high-end lock. But if you leave your scooter unattended for hours then you need strong locks that can threaten thieves and can survive multiple attempts 

How to lock the electric scooter 

Now that we have chosen the best lock for us it’s time to learn how to lock an electric scooter most efficiently. Here is step-by-step guidance on how to lock your scooter.

Secure Locking Point

The most secure locking point on your electric scooter is built of solid materials like stainless steel and aluminum, free of screws and removable attachments, difficult to break, and vital to the functioning of the scooter. Some scooters have a dedicated hole in the frame that can be used to lock the scooter. These are the best lock points. However many scooters do not have locking points at all. The stem looks like a good idea you can easily screw off the handlebar and then the lock is useless. If, the wheel does not have a quick release you can use it as a locking point. Also if the lock is short enough you can wrap the lock above the wheel under the stem. 

Choose a crowded place

The biggest obstacle to theft is the other people. So whenever possible you park your electric scooter near crowds or high-traffic areas. Ensure the area is widely visible while lifting and easily monitored and accessible. Shopping centers are a good place to park, they are often crowded, and the shops have outdoor security cameras that can detect theft.

Choose Permanent Object

Wide racks and other permanent cemented grounds are the best options to lock up your electric scooter. Your best pet is a designated bike rack since it is designed for that purpose. But stair railings, steel posts, and signposts avoid these structures too as it looks easy to cut through wire cutters.        

Keep the lock off the ground

It is a bad idea to let the lock hang too close to the ground, that’s the sure way to get it polarised by a hammer make sure it is suspended slightly above the ground far enough to make the hammer attack ineffective. 

FAQ

1. Where should I lock my e-scooter?

Ans: Choose a fixed, immovable object like a bike rack or a designated parking area to lock your electric scooter. Avoid locking to small objects like lamp posts, around tree trunks, or fences as they can be easily lifted lifted, or broken.

     2. How do I secure my scooter’s wheels?

Ans: To secure your scooter’s wheels, use a secondary lock or cable to lock the wheels to the scooter’s frame. This will prevent thieves from removing the wheels or making off with the vehicle. You can also consider using wheel locks or nuts for security purposes.

     3. Should I lock my electric scooter in a visible location?

Ans: Locking your electric scooter in a visible location can help deter theft. Thieves are less likely to target a scooter that is in plain sight. Additionally, consider locking it in a designated parking area or near a security camera.

   4. How to transport the lock while riding?

Ans: Carry a bag or backpack, and attach it to the electric scooter frame using a hook or clip. This will keep the lock secure and out of the way while riding. You can also use a lock holder or mouth specifically designed for electric scooters.

Conclusion

If you lock up your electric scooter at a particular place daily and leave it unattended then there is a good chance that you will not become a victim of theft. Remember that chain locks and U locks provide the highest level of security, and cable locks are only good for short-term locking. The folding lock is a nice compromise between security and convenience. if you follow all the security guidelines, you can deter the most motivated thief.