If you are new to the world of personal transportation vehicles, you may want to learn how to lock an electric scooter. The best scooters, after all, are significant investments, so lock them up to protect them from would-be thieves. So what are the various ways to successfully lock up your e-scooter? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Locking an electric scooter when parked is crucial to dissuade would-be thieves with power tools from trying to steal your investment.
- U-locks, cable locks, disc locks, and chain locks all have pros and cons, so your best bet is to mix and match types of electric scooter locks.
- Pay attention to where you park, opting for highly trafficked areas over desolate spots to keep your scooter safe.
Locking an Electric Scooter
In addition to learning how to fix an electric scooter, it is worthwhile to learn how to lock one up. Many people have had the unfortunate experience of having their electric scooter stolen, and it is important to equip yourself with the knowledge on how to prevent theft. Investing in a good alarm system and making sure it is installed properly can be effective in deterring any thief.
This allows you to use the scooter for errands without any fear of it being stolen if you are wondering if pedestrians are a danger to electric scooters. Locking up a scooter is one of the most important maintenance skills to have in your arsenal, along with choosing the best lights for an electric scooter.
The best bike rack for an electric scooter will often feature a folding mechanism, which is a great option if you need to store your scooter in tighter spaces. This allows you to easily transport the scooter and keep it secure when you are away from home.
Insider Tip
Keep various locks on hand to mix and match as needed, depending on your destination.
Secure locking is essential to reduce the risk of break-ins. Plus, there are many types of locks available. Choose from padlocks, deadbolts, or a combination lock for added security.
Here are some tips to consider when locking up a scooter so any would-be thieves will wonder why won’t the electric scooter move.
Combine Locks
Each type of lock has advantages and disadvantages. U-locks, for instance, offer some fantastic protection but can be cut through with the right tools. Unfortunately, a bolt cutter is the most common type of cutter used to break locks, and this can decrease the level of security that you have in place.
Cable locks can wrap around nearly any component of the bike but also run a risk of being cut by nefarious individuals. Chain locks are harder to cut but are extremely heavy and cumbersome. Hardened steel locks provide an optimal balance between being lightweight and strong enough to thwart most thieves. Their perfect lock design ensures that the steel shackle is protected from bolt cutter attacks as well as leverage and pry bar attempts.
Your best bet? Combine a number of locks to achieve maximum security. A physical lock, such as a deadbolt or padlock, combined with a secure lock, such as an alphanumeric combination or keycard, are good options. Moreover, even electronic theft deterrents can give you the peace of mind that your e-scooter is safe.
Remember, although U-locks and cable locks can be cut with the right tools, it still takes time. If your scooter is equipped with multiple locks of different types, it could take hours to cut through. The more annoying the process seems to thieves, the more likely they will move on.
It’s All About Time
If you are just going to the convenience store for one or two things, a standard U-lock should be fine. Thieves can cut through it, but not in the time you’ll be inside the store. If going to a movie, on the other hand, stack the locks as needed. Basically, the more time you plan on being away from the scooter, the more locks you should incorporate.
STAT: The most secure traditional type of lock for scooters is a D-Lock or U-Lock. (source)
Park Wisely
Stick to main throughways when parking to dissuade thieves. To further secure any scooter left in public spaces, steel posts have been set up in many cities. These impenetrable posts provide even more protection against crime and help keep electric scooters safe.
Furthermore, cutting through scooter locks is not exactly inconspicuous, so thieves will likely avoid areas with plenty of pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
