Here’s our complete guide for how to lock your electric scooter, what lock you should use, and the best (and worst) places to lock your scooter.
Because most electric scooters weigh under 23 kg and can easily fit in a car or be rolled away, it’s important to lock up your scooter whenever leaving it unattended.
Although there are many types of locks that you can use for an electric scooter, including built-in electronic alarms, the only lock type that we recommend are high-security U-locks, specifically the Kryptonite New York U-lock series.
Not all U-locks are created equal. Some look strong, but are quickly compromised with hand tools.
With a longer shackle length, you have a slightly wider range of places where you can lock up. However, the longer the shackle, the less secure, as any extra space between the lock, anchor point (pole you’re locking to) and the scooter gives thieves more room to work their tools.
New York Fahgettaboudit Mini
The New York Fahgettaboudit Mini has the thickest, shortest shackle, making it the best security you can get. It’s also on the lighter side for carrying around in your backpack. Note: The shorter shackle will make it more difficult to lock to a variety of parking fixtures.
New York Standard
The New York Standard U-lock has a standard length shackle that’s slightly thinner, which is a little easier when locking a scooter to different objects.
New York LS
The New York LS has an extra long shackle, which might work best if you’re locking up a larger scooter that has a wider stem. However, longer shackles are less secure and easier for thieves to manipulate.
New York Fahgettboudit Chain
Another option that’s twice as heavy to tote around is the New York Fahgettaboudit Chain. This isn’t technically a U-lock, but consists of a heavy duty, 2 m long chain that opens up many possibilities for locking to all kinds of things while still maintaining a high level of security.
Anti-Theft Warranties: Don’t Count on Them
All Kryptonite locks come with an impressive sounding warranty that will cover up to €1,600 replacement cost (or insurance deductible), however don’t count on using it.
You’ll need to meet the requirements below, and it’s also not clear whether or not electric scooters are covered as powersport vehicles.
- Have registered the lock and vehicle with Kryptonite before the theft
- File and provide a police report
- Provide a description of how you locked up your vehicle
- Provide an image of the broken lock (you may have to send in)
- Provide an image of an original key
- Show proof of deductible (if covered by insurance)
Other Types of Locks for Electric Scooters
In general, we recommend storing your scooter indoors, but there are a few other ways to secure your scooter if left outside.
Some scooter riders use a U-lock along with electronic theft deterrents to double their protection against burglars.
Electronic Theft Deterrents
Many electric scooters come equipped with anti-theft features. Some security measures can be installed fairly easily with plug-and-play cabling, while others need professional electrical rewiring.
Probably the simplest and most popular anti-theft feature, the keystart ignition controls the scooter’s power. There are also NFC card readers and scooters that come with key fobs. If you do not have the key, card, or fob, you cannot power on the scooter.
Some of these configurations also include immobilizer alarms, which use the scooter’s power to keep the wheels from being rolled. These usually come with a loud audible alarm that’s triggered when the scooter is moved.
One downside to anti-theft deterrents that utilize the scooter’s battery, to sound alarms and restrict the wheels movement, is that they can drain the battery completely — especially if the scooter has been kept in storage for an extended period of time.
Another alarm that’s common on entry-level scooters is Bluetooth-enabled security, which is controlled through a smartphone app. When active, the lock usually causes the scooter to sound an alarm, immobilize the wheels or both.
Ring Locks and Disc Brake Locks
A ring lock or disc brake lock is attached to the wheel and meant to immobilize the scooter.
Most electric scooters with spokes in the wheel have minimal space for using a ring lock. It might make its way around the scooter and a pole, but the shape is more restrictive than the U-lock. Some disc brake locks are accompanied by cables for wrapping around a bike rack, but are easily cut with wire cutters.
If these types of locks are not used in combination with something that anchors it to a secure locking point, the scooter can easily be carried away.
Cable/Chain Locks
Although very common for securing a bicycle, cable locks and chain locks aren’t the most locks for an electric scooter, as they generally have smaller builds and there’s less space to carry the added 5 kg weight of a metal chain.
If the chain is placed too loosely around the stem, you could slip the scooter out of the loop. If the cable or chain is resting on the floor, it can be hammered until broken. Most cable and chain locks can be severed or compromised by impact, so won’t provide you long-term security outdoors.
Summary
This guide has covered how to lock your electric scooter, what lock to use and where are the best location to lock your scooter.
However, even using proper technique, all locks can be compromised by thieves, given enough time.
This why you should always try to bring your scooter inside and leave it locked up in public spaces for as short of time as possible.
