How to Lock an electric scooter
In order to prevent theft and keep your scooter safe, you need to check your e scooter for secure locking points. I.e. a part of the scooter that is sturdy, made from metal not easily cut or broken, even with power tools.
It might be around the stem, sometimes through the folding mechanism, or another part that is fixed and that you can get your lock through.
Avoid weak parts made of plastic, rear fenders f.e. or through the front wheel spokes, since some wheels can be unscrewed easily.
Thread Your Lock through a Secure Locking Point
Thread your lock through the secure locking point of your e scooter. Some electric scooters have specific slots designed for this. In most cases, the stem or folding mechanism will be the best locking point.
Lock the Electric Scooter to a Permanent Fixture
Make sure to lock your e scooter to a permanent fixture, such as a bike rack, or some other metal construction that is concreted to the ground. Anything that can be unscrewed, cut through, or in another way be lifted is to be avoided.
Which Type of Electric Scooter lock Should You Use?
There are a variety of locks to choose from. Should you go for a cable lock, chain lock, ring lock, disc lock, or U lock?
U locks are the best option if you get the right one. They vary in quality, and if you go for the cheapest one, it will be possible to cut it with power tools or even bolt cutters. A quality U lock will be heavy, made from hardened steel, and will be around the $90 mark. To prevent theft, don't go for the cheapest option.
A proper wearable chain lock such as Kryptonites New York Fahgettaboudit, is a heavy but reliable option to a U lock. It's 6 ft 6 inches (2 meters long) making it possible to lock on to many more things.
But there are other lock types that can be good either as a compliment to or instead of a U lock.
Immobilizing the wheel, if possible, is also an effective way to prevent thieves from the action. A ring lock or disc brake lock is designed for this exact purpose. Depending on what type of wheels your e scoter has you can get it through or attach it to the disc brake.
A cable lock or some type of chain locks is probably best suited for bicycles. They can be cut or smashed and also if it sits to lose, they can be slipped off your e scooter.
Keeping it Safe
It's not if you should pick a lock but rather... pick the right lock. Don't make your e scooter the easiest target.
There are many locks to choose from and securing your e scooter will be important. You might consider some type of immobilizer alarm that prevents the electric scooter's wheels from turning. Some e scooters have Bluetooth security enabled through an app, which can sound an alarm and also stop the wheels from turning.
But even if you have the best lock on the market, the toughest scooter chain or U lock, if thieves with bolt cutters or some other power tools are given enough time, they will be able to succeed.
As a general rule, avoid parking in a dark alleyway, or to metal fences and other weak structures.
As much as possible, try to bring it inside, safe and secure, and avoid having it parked in public spaces for too long.