Which anti-theft device to choose for your electric scooter?

Whether we like it or not, electric scooters can generate envy and given their price, it makes sense to want to protect your property. Even if in most cases the characteristic of the scooter is to be easily transportable, the fact remains that you may have to leave it outside for a few moments.

In these cases, it is better to have an effective electric scooter lock so that your 2 wheels are safe. But of course not all are equal. So which style to choose and why?

1. A few facts to keep in mind

Before recommending this or that product, there are a few facts that you absolutely must not lose sight of.

First of all, an electric scooter is a product designed to be transportable and some parts of which are removable. It is therefore not difficult for a poorly caring person to succeed in seizing it if necessary. Another important point, there is no infallible lock, often thieves have good equipment and know-how.

It should therefore be kept in mind that most anti-theft devices will have more of a deterrent value and that this type of device is only valid for a short period of time.

If you need to park your electric scooter on a busy road for an extended period, consider bringing it with you instead for added safety. However, if you need to park your electric scooter outdoors, remember to attach it to a stable and resistant point such as a hoop or a post.

Of course avoid places with little traffic which will give potential opportunists all the time necessary to seize it and avoid leaving it outside for a long period of time , for example all night.

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2. The different types of electric scooter locks

There are of course various models of locks that are generally used for both electric scooters and bicycles, or even electric bicycles.

Always keeping in mind that the electric scooter is much easier to move than bicycles, here are the different types of locks for electric scooters you can find on the market.

Knowing that generally in order to steal your scooter, the people concerned prefer to cut the body of the lock with pliers, rather than trying to pick them, which would take longer. However, both options exist, so choose carefully.

Cable (or chain) locks

There are different forms of cable locks. Either thin cable locks, thick cable locks or chain locks or so-called boa locks.

Overall they have the big advantage of being within a reasonable budget, easy to transport and easy to install. That said, no matter the size of the cable or chain with the necessary equipment, a wire cutter or a bolt cutter, it will not take long for this system to find its limits.

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 particularly reliable because they are easy to cut.

It would then be preferable to use a chain lock such as the Abus Steel-O-Chain .

U-locks

It is one of the best-selling models because it is actually more resistant and potential thieves will need a grinder to overcome it. However, this system has its limits.

U-locks are often heavy and not necessarily practical to transport , moreover they cannot be fixed anywhere. You will have to think carefully about where you are going to place them, which can be problematic as they do not go around street lamps, for example.

We recommend the Abus Granit Plus 470 or the Trelock BS 450 .

Folding locks

The folding scooter lock is practical to transport , because once folded it takes up little space, the plates that constitute it are resistant.

However, several disadvantages arise from this, initially there are major differences in quality depending on the range of products , moreover the bindings are ultimately quite fragile with a little know-how it is very easy to overcome.

Also note that this type of lock just like the U-locks are also rigid which makes their placement quite complicated depending on the case.

We advise you to use the Foldy Lock Compact anti-theft device.

Handcuff locks

This new generation of handcuff lock is aptly named. Indeed seeing them it is clearly a pair of handcuffs.

Quite light, easy to handle and transport, this type of lock is quite easy to use without the disadvantages of U-locks or folding locks which are too rigid. In addition, the resistance seems to be there.

This is truly the type of electric scooter lock that we recommend using. For example the Master Lock Street Cuff handcuff anti-theft model.

3. How to prevent theft of an electric scooter

We have of course talked about the most common models of electric scooter locks. It should also be noted that alarm locks exist, as well as locks with a camera, but this always works in a spirit of deterrence. Because as we pointed out from the beginning, there is really no miracle way to avoid theft if the person who commits it is determined and especially that you give him the opportunity.

The only really safe way would be to keep your electric scooter with you all the time, which can be complicated depending on the situation. Or rather depending on the location, indeed some stores or businesses will refuse that you bring your machine with you inside.

It is therefore up to you to always keep an eye on your scooter, not to leave it unattended in risky places or even to leave it outside all night.

Conclusion on locks for electric scooters

The new craze for this type of product makes it particularly prone to theft. This is something to take into account when acquiring the model you want (also think about electric scooter insurance ).

Of course, an electric scooter lock, given the price of an electric scooter, therefore seems necessary, even mandatory. Because even if the current systems are not infallible, they nevertheless remain sufficiently dissuasive and they will certainly give you time to avoid theft.

The marking of the scooter, future essential in case of theft

Compulsory since January 2021 for the purchase of a new bicycle, marking with a unique number in a national file can now be extended to electric scooters . In the event of theft, it will then be possible to find your electric scooter more easily, thanks to the ICA Bike tamper-evident label .