How to Secure Your Electric Scooter from Theft?

Electric scooters are becoming popular among urban commuters in Australia. Their appeal lies in their convenience, portability, and the sheer enjoyment of riding them. Once you’ve invested in one, it’s easy to see why they’re in high demand.

 

However, this growing popularity also makes electric scooters attractive targets for thieves. Given the chance, many would jump at the opportunity to snatch a free e-scooter. It’s estimated that one in ten e-scooter owners may experience theft during their riding journey.

 

So, how can you secure your electric scooter from being stolen?

 

To help you secure your e-scooter investment, we've compiled a list of effective theft prevention strategies in this guide.

 

How Are Electric Scooters Easily Stolen?

It might sound surprising, but one of the most common ways electric scooters get stolen is simply by being left unattended. On a busy day, leaving your scooter outside for just a few minutes is easy, but that’s all a thief needs to make off with it. Scooter thieves are always looking for easy targets and are quick to act when someone lets their guard down.

 

Another method thieves use is coming prepared with the right tools. You might think a simple padlock will protect your scooter, but it’s often not enough. An experienced thief can steal your scooter with a pair of bolt cutters within seconds. Even disc locks aren’t foolproof; some thieves might still take the scooter and sell it for parts if the wheels are locked.

 

What Makes Electric Scooters Vulnerable?

Leaving your electric scooter in the same spot daily can make it vulnerable to theft. Thieves are observant and quickly learn where they can find easy targets. If they notice you consistently leave your scooter in the same place without surveillance or tracking devices, they’ll wait for the right moment to strike. Even if you use a sturdy lock, a thief with enough time can eventually break through it.

 

New South Wales's laws surrounding electric scooters add to the problem. Since e-scooters are illegal for commuting in that part of Australia, you can’t register them with the police or file an insurance claim. Many people leave their scooters at bike racks, which offer minimal security. If thieves see no one around, they won’t hesitate to take an easy score.

 

Why Are Electric Scooters Such a Target for Thieves?

The reason is simple: high value, low risk. Most thieves don’t want to deal with anti theft alarms, GPS tracking, or other deterrents. They prefer to go after valuable items that are easy to steal, and electric scooters fit that description perfectly.

 

In Australia, the average electric scooter costs around $700 - $1,600—a significant reward for just a few minutes or hours of work. Even scooters for kids, which can cost a few hundred dollars, are attractive to petty criminals. With the growing popularity of electric scooters, there’s always a market for them, along with their accessories and parts.

 

5 Tips to Secure Your Electric Scooter

Whether it costs $300 or $3,000, your electric scooter is an investment worth safeguarding. Thankfully, you can take several effective security measures to keep it out of the hands of thieves. By combining these strategies, you can prevent electric scooter theft:

 

Let’s explore 5 key ways to secure your electric scooter:

 

1. Never Leave Your Electric Scooter Unattended Outside

Leaving your electric scooter unattended is risky, even if you only step into a coffee or grocery shop. Thieves are quick to seize opportunities like this. If they spot an unattended e-scooter, they won’t hesitate to take it.

 

Experienced e-scooter thieves know how to act swiftly, even in broad daylight. While locking your scooter can deter them, keeping it with you is a more effective theft prevention method. Thanks to the portability of e-scooters, this is easy to do. Here’s how:

 

• Fold up your e-scooter and bring it inside with you.
• Store your e-scooter safely beneath your desk when you arrive at work.
• Keep it inside your home or garage when not in use.

 

2. Be Strategic About Outdoor Parking Locations

If you must leave your e-scooter outside, choosing the right parking spot can deter potential thieves. Consider the following when selecting a location:

 

1. Good lighting – Thieves prefer the cover of darkness, so park your scooter in a well-lit area to reduce their chances of targeting it.

 

2. Security cameras – Many public areas are under video surveillance. Parking near a camera can discourage thieves, especially if a sign indicates active monitoring.

 

3. Secure locking structure – Always lock your scooter to a sturdy, immovable object like a bike stand or light pole. We’ll cover lock options shortly, but the key is to ensure your scooter is securely attached to something solid.

 

4. Visible to onlookers – Thieves are less likely to attempt stealing your scooter if they’re being watched. Public spaces with plenty of foot traffic can serve as a deterrent. If possible, park your scooter in a spot where you can watch it from your destination.

 

Choosing a safe parking place is crucial to securing electric scooters, though it works best with other protective measures.

 

3. Secure Your Electric Scooter with a Lock

Locking your electric scooter is crucial to protecting it from theft, especially when leaving it outside. With various lock types available, choosing the right one can make a significant difference in safeguarding your ride. Here’s a breakdown of the most common electric scooter anti theft lock:

 

• U-locks: Made of hardened steel with a U-shaped shackle, U-locks are popular. They securely fasten around your scooter’s stem and attach to a sturdy object. However, while effective, many U-locks can be cut with bolt cutters or power tools, so they may not offer the strongest protection.

 

• Cable locks: Lightweight and affordable, cable locks are made of steel cables coated in plastic to prevent scratches. They can be locked with a key or combination, but their flimsy construction makes them easy targets for thieves with wire cutters. 

 

• Chain locks: Composed of steel links often covered in cloth or plastic, chain locks provide stronger protection than U-locks and cable locks. They’re tough to break without specialised tools, making them ideal for high-crime areas. The downside is their heavy weight, which can be cumbersome to carry.

 

• Disc brake locks: These locks attach to your scooter’s brake calliper, preventing the wheels from turning. Some models include an alarm that sounds if the scooter is moved, adding an extra layer of security. While lightweight and compact, disc brake locks may not be sufficient for lighter scooters, as thieves can carry them away.

 

• Grip locks: Mounted on the handlebars, grip locks keep the brakes engaged, immobilising the scooter. They’re effective in drawing attention if someone tries to move the scooter, but like disc brake locks, they may not offer enough protection for lighter models.

 

• Folding locks: Combining the benefits of U-locks, cable locks, and chain locks, folding locks are made of steel bars connected by metal rivets. They offer robust protection in a compact form and can be folded and stored in your bag or attached to your scooter. According to Statista, folding locks were the most popular among electric scooter owners.

 

Choosing the right lock depends on your budget and security needs. For added protection, consider using two different locks simultaneously. While a thief may know how to break one lock, tackling two in a limited time is much more challenging.

 

4. Additional Anti-Theft Devices

Locks are just the beginning when protecting your electric scooter from theft. You increase your scooter security with these additional anti-theft measures:

 

1. Alarms – Some locks have built-in alarms, but you can opt for a standalone anti-theft alarm. Simply attach the alarm to your scooter. If anyone tries to tamper with it while you’re away, the alarm will go off, alerting everyone nearby.

 

2. GPS Tracking Devices – Even with the best theft prevention tactics, there’s always a small chance that a thief might succeed. In such a case, a GPS tracking device is invaluable. Secretly attach one to your scooter; if it’s stolen, share the tracking data with the police instead of confronting the thief yourself. This way, you increase the chances of recovering your scooter without putting yourself in danger.

 

5. Insurance

While locks, alarms, and trackers provide physical protection, insurance offers financial security. Scooter insurance policies can cover theft, damage, and even liability in case of an accident. When selecting an insurance policy, ensure it includes theft coverage and consider the deductible and premium costs to find a plan that suits your needs.

 

According to Statista, in 2021, only one-third of cyclists had accident insurance. Additionally, just one in eight insured their bike or electric scooter against theft or damage, while one in five carried third-party liability insurance for private life.

 

Secure Your Ride with E-Ozzie Electric Scooters

Looking for an e-scooter that’s worth safeguarding? At E-Ozzie, we design electric scooters that combine exceptional power with unmatched portability. Each of our models is packed with high-performance features, ensuring a safe and smooth ride every time. No matter your budget, we have an electric scooter that fits your needs. Check out our website to explore a variety of high-performance electric scooters!

 

Final Words

Securing your electric scooter is essential to protect your investment. With their rising popularity, e-scooters are becoming prime targets for thieves. Implement the strategies from this guide to secure your electric scooter. Never leave it unattended. Choose secure parking spots. Use strong locks. Consider adding anti-theft devices like alarms and GPS trackers. Also, look into insurance for extra protection. By combining these measures, you can significantly lower the theft risk and enjoy your ride with peace of mind.