Whether we like it or not, electric scooters can attract attention, and given their price, it is logical to want to protect your property. Even though in most cases the nature of the scooter is to be easily portable, it remains true that you may need to leave it outside for a few moments.
In these cases, it is better to have an effective electric scooter lock so that your two-wheeler is secure. But of course, not all locks are equal. So which type should you choose and why?
1. Some obvious points to keep in mind
Before recommending one product or another, there are some obvious facts you must absolutely keep in mind.
First of all, an electric scooter is a product designed to be portable and some parts are removable. It is therefore not difficult for a malicious person to manage to take it if the opportunity arises. Another important point is that there is no foolproof lock; often thieves have good equipment and know-how.
You must therefore remember that most locking devices have more of a deterrent value and that this type of device is only effective for a short period of time.
If you need to park your electric scooter for a long time on a busy street, consider taking it with you for more security. However, if you need to park your electric scooter outside, think about locking it to a stable and sturdy point such as a bike rack or a pole.
Of course, avoid places with little foot traffic which will give potential opportunists all the time they need to take it, and avoid leaving it outside for a long period such as overnight.
2. The different types of electric scooter locks
There are of course various models of locks that are generally used for electric scooters as well as for bicycles or electric bikes.
Always keeping in mind that the electric scooter is much easier to move than bicycles, here are the different types of electric scooter locks you can find on the market.
Generally, to steal your scooter, thieves prefer to cut through the lock body with a cutter rather than trying to pick it, which would take longer. However, both options exist, so you need to choose carefully.
Cable (or chain) locks
There are different forms of cable locks: thin cable locks, thick cable locks, chain locks, or so-called boa locks.
Overall, they have the big advantage of being reasonably priced, easy to carry, and easy to install. That said, no matter the size of the cable or chain, with the right tools like bolt cutters or wire cutters, it won’t take long for this system to be compromised.
So basically, this type of lock is more recommended for a quick stop or to prevent someone around you from using it without your knowledge, but these locks are not especially reliable as they are easy to cut.
It would then be preferable to use a chain lock like the Abus Steel-O-Chain.
U-locks
This is one of the best-selling models because it is indeed more resistant; potential thieves will need an angle grinder to get through it. However, this system has its limits.
U-locks are often heavy and not necessarily practical to carry, plus they cannot be attached just anywhere. You will need to carefully consider where you will place them, which can be problematic because they do not fit around lampposts, for example.
We recommend the Abus Granit Plus 470 or the Trelock BS 450.
Folding locks
The folding lock for scooter is practical to carry because once folded it takes up little space, and the plates that make it up are resistant.
However, there are several drawbacks: first, there are major quality differences depending on the product range, and the fastenings are quite fragile; with some know-how, it is very easy to break them.
Note also that this type of lock, like U-locks, is rigid, which makes placement quite complicated in some cases.
We recommend using the Foldy Lock Compact.
Handcuff locks
This new generation of handcuff locks lives up to its name. Indeed, when you see them, they clearly look like a pair of handcuffs.
Lightweight, easy to handle and carry, this type of lock is quite easy to use without the drawbacks of U-locks or folding locks which are too rigid. Moreover, the resistance seems to be there.
This is truly the type of electric scooter lock we recommend using. For example, the Master Lock Street Cuff handcuff lock model.
3. How to prevent electric scooter theft
We have of course talked about the most common electric scooter lock models. It should also be noted that alarm locks exist, as well as locks with cameras, but these always work in a deterrent spirit. Because as we pointed out at the beginning, there is no real miracle way to prevent theft if the person committing it is determined and especially if you give them the opportunity.
The only truly sure way would be to keep your electric scooter with you all the time, which depending on the situation can be complicated. Or rather depending on the places, as some stores or businesses will refuse to let you bring your vehicle inside.
So it is up to you to always keep an eye on your scooter, to not leave it unattended in risky places or to leave it outside all night.
Marking the scooter, a future essential in case of theft
Mandatory since January 2021 for the purchase of new bicycles, marking with a unique number in a national database can now be extended to electric scooters. In case of theft, it will then be easier to find your electric scooter, thanks to the tamper-proof ICA Bike label.
2 comments
Karen
Si les menottes de Master Lock sont effectivement ergonomiquement pratiques, elles ne sont pas légères, et surtout la serrure est très fragile. J’en suis à ma 3ème paire et ce sera la dernière !!!
Brigitte
J’aurais bien fait de lire cet article car l’on m’a volé la mienne le 23 juillet