Do You Need a Lock for an Electric Scooter?

We previously wrote an article on the Razor A5 Lux Scooter, so check it out. A lock for electric scooters is often necessary, especially in high-risk areas. If you can’t carry your scooter with you all the time get the most durable lock that you can and don’t forget to anchor it to a solid object.

Should you lock your scooter?

When you first buy a scooter, if it’s a decent one you will also receive a lock with it, or you can buy one nonetheless. Many people use bike locks for their electric scooters because special locks have not hit the market yet. But there is always a decision to make – should you bring your scooter with you or leave it outside locked?

Many stores in urban areas that aren’t highly populated don’t respond too well to scooter enthusiasts and they require anyone going in to park their scooters outside. Furthermore, you’re not allowed to ride a scooter through a store, so there is an issue that appears.

The best choice, if you’re going to a store, is to take your scooter with you inside and wheel it next to you. Another option is to fold it and take it on your back or in your backpack if it isn’t too heavy for that. In certain areas, leaving your electric scooter outside, even locked, might be dangerous, as thieves can attempt to steal it.

That is especially true in dangerous neighborhoods, or at night, when people are more inclined to steal. Unfortunately, big companies like Lime and Bird flood cities with electric scooters, and if you live in such a city, you might suffer from the issues they suffer too.

And that doesn’t mean people will try to get your scooter for a free ride. People in large cities where electric scooter sharing services have flooded the streets are somewhat skeptical about scooters. Some of them even hate seeing electric scooters on all the roads and they might want to break some. And your scooter can be the victim of such an attack.

Because electric scooters are a new thing, some people are tempted to steal them and either sell them whole or for parts. That’s why you need a quality lock, and experts advise that you spend at least 10% of your e-scooter’s price on a lock to protect it. The curly locks that you usually get for a bicycle are useless, as they get broken with ease.

The best choice for a scooter is a U-lock. Although these can be defeated too, they require more effort and better tools to do so. And the thief needs to have plenty of time, which he or she usually doesn’t because you only park your scooter for a short while.

The classic cable lock

These are the locks that are lightweight and can be transported easily, in your backpack or bag. Their main advantage is that they’re flexible and that allows them to secure your scooter to a lot of objects and from many angles. They sometimes come as combos, within sets of two or three of them.

The cable lock is a simple one that can be unlocked using a combination, and not a key. It’s a deterrent in low-risk areas, but it should not be used as the main lock. If you’re living or you’re riding your scooter in high-risk areas you shouldn’t use it, as it’s quite weak. With some basic tools, you can cut this lock with ease.

Chain locks

Usually, better than cable locks, chain locks are made of hardened metal links that are harder to break. At the end of the chain, there is a padlock that secures the scooter to the object you want. The heavier the chain, the more secure it is, but that also makes it less portable. Sometimes the links of the chain are covered in a plastic foil to protect the scooter and the object you’re securing it to.

This plastic sleeve doesn’t do much in terms of security though. At its core, this lock is more of a visual deterrent, and, similarly to cable locks, it can be used to secure your scooter to a variety of objects from many angles, and that is its advantage.

Another good thing about that is that it can be awkward for someone trying to steal the scooter to use power cutting tools on it, due to the angle and the fact that the links move. So it’s certainly better than a cable lock.

The cons are that this kind of lock is generally bulky and heavy. Also, most chains can be cut using bolt croppers. If you’re not careful when placing the lock you can leave gaps between the scooter and the object it’s anchored to, and that’s where thieves can get in and snap the chain off. Furthermore, chains that don’t come with a protective plastic layer can damage your scooter.

U-lock

Also known as the D-lock, based on how it looks, this type of lock has been around for quite some time, from the 1970s and it has proven effective since then. It acts like a big padlock. Such a lock can vary in size or strength, but it’s always a decent choice.

You can use a U-lock to anchor your scooter through the wheel and stick it close to a pole or something similar. This lock is generally resistant to bolt cutters, especially thicker models, and it’s also lighter than other kinds of locks, like the chain ones.

It’s also great against drilling, leverage attacks, or picking, and it’s also one of the cheaper models. You can get a high-quality U-lock for the same price as you would a medium-quality chain lock. You can find this lock in many different sizes, and you can choose the one most suitable for your electric scooter.

One drawback of the U-lock is that it’s not always easy to find a place where you can use one. Another bad thing is that, if you want to fit this lock through your wheel, it needs to be small enough, and that makes it less durable.

Folding locks

These locks have a compact design, as the name suggests, yet they are strong. One advantageous thing about them is that you don’t have to carry them in your backpack, but you can attach them to your scooter using a bracket that they come with.

They are easy to carry if mounted that way, and they are highly versatile, allowing you to secure the scooter to a wide variety of objects. They’re also usually lighter than other models and they are surprisingly sturdy. Thieves aren’t used to these locks so they might not try to overcome them. Unfortunately, quality ones are difficult to find.

The ground anchor

Although not a lock, this will help you greatly when trying to secure your scooter. Of course, you can’t take one with you, but you can install it in your garage if you’re going to leave your scooter there often, or in front of your house if you feel good about that.

Fortunately, cities have set up some ground anchors, and although they are mainly for bikes, you can use them for your e-scooter too. Such an anchor will allow you to better secure the scooter in a comfortable position. Remember that your lock is as secure as the thing you’re locking your scooter to, so that’s why using the anchor is ideal.

There are no locks that can guarantee your electric scooter will stay safe, but using quality locks and a good locking technique will greatly reduce the risk of your scooter being stolen. The best advice is to keep your scooter with you at all times, even if it’s sometimes difficult to do that.

When you can’t carry your scooter with you, try to lock it to a ground anchor or a very solid object that doesn’t come off the ground.