Heart Sinking Story! – That happened to me in broad daylight outside a cafe.

As you know I live in New York City and theft has become a large problem in NY after covid. So, one day I was coming home from a work and in between I was craving for popping boba so I went to the cafe in Ray Ridge and parked my e-scooter outside the cafe well locked.

When I came outside with my popping soda and saw some marks on the lock like somebody tried to cut it with an angle grinder that too in a busy street and my mind was 🤯, the thief had a bit of great luck that he left in time otherwise I would made his “chutney” (sauce). The shocking part was all these happened in 10 minutes.

Now, you guys also want to know which lock I was using, was that good enough? Which lock was that saved my scooter from being stolen? I have answered all these questions in this article. Keep reading!

Lock Security Ratings

Sold Secure:

• Gold: Offers the highest level of security, typically recommended for high-value bicycles and scooters.
• Silver: Provides a good level of security, suitable for mid-range scooters.
• Bronze: Basic security, suitable for low-risk areas or as a secondary lock.

ART Foundation:

• Rated from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars indicating the highest level of security. ART is a Dutch testing organization that rigorously evaluates locks.

What Lock Types are Available?

Majorly 6 types of locks are available that people use to secure their electric scooter in public. What are they?

• U-Lock
• Chain Lock
• Cable Lock
• Foldable Lock
• Disc Brake Lock

All types are good options for locking your electric scooter securely but each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s talk about the locks individually and see which one is best in which scenario.

1. U-Lock

Typical Price Range: $25 – $300

The U-Lock is one of the most secure locks among all the scooter locks. They look like large padlocks that go around the frame of your scooter and an anchor point. A high-security gold standard U-Lock weighs near around 2 kgs or 4.4 lbs. It comes in different sizes and quality always buy according to your needs. However, U-Lock is quite heavy and big so, it’s not easy to carry.

2. Chain Lock

Typical Price Range: $12 – $50

Just like U-Lock, chain lock also shares some similar sort of security to the scooter plus it is also heavy and difficult to carry like a U-lock. Now, you might see some contradictions but chain locks don’t feel as heavy as U-Lock plus you have to wrap it well so space doesn’t exist between chain and scooter and this can be frustrating sometimes. So, much hustle.

3. Cable Lock

Typical Price Range: $7 – $25

The cable lock is the cheapest lock that you can get in the market. It is lightweight and easy to use. However, it is the least secure lock. Cable locks are easy to cut and it’s only a matter of minutes for a skilled thief to break. You can use cable lock as a secondary lock but use it as a primary lock.

4. Foldable Lock

Typical Price Range: $25 – $100

A folding lock is the most compact and lightweight lock that can be carried easily and is more durable than a cable lock. And good part about this lock is it comes with a pouch that can be attached to the scooter and carry it anywhere you want. But the bad part is it can easily be cut through an angle grinder and it has multiple moving points which can be vulnerable.

In short folding lock is a nice compromise between security and convenience.

Overall, you can use it but not for a long time hardly 5-10 minutes if you are in a high theft zone.

5. Disc Brake Lock

Typical Price Range: $15 – $50

Disc brake can not be used as a primary lock, it provides additional security. It comes with a pair of keys and a rubber string that you can wrap with a handlebar and then attach to the lock.

How does a disc brake lock work?

Put this lock in your disc brake plate hole and if somebody tries to roll your scooter it will create a 110db beep sound.

Which is the Most Secure Lock?

U-lock and Chain lock is the most secured lock. Personally, I like chain lock more than U-Lock because it’s more versatile due to length and flexibility. The lock can be easily wrapped between the anchor point and the scooter. You can put these in the pouches that can be attached to the scooter frame and carry them easily.

Both the locks are the same in terms of giving security, the only difference I face is while locking. In U-Lock it is rigid and sometimes finding an anchor point according to it, is a little bit hustle. In chain lock, you have to wrap the scooter well so it doesn’t get out and I personally find it annoying.

How Much Should I Spend on the Lock?

Quality locks are expensive, it depends on you how much you’re willing to spend. Cheaper locks are ideal for low-risk environments such as private parking lots.

If your scooter is expensive then you should get a high-quality premium lock because there are chances thieves will steal your e-scooter. After all, an expensive scooter looks attractive and thus it will catch everyone’s eyeball.

Putting an expensive lock on a budget electric scooter doesn’t make any sense. Otherwise, thieves will cut the scooter to steal the lock 😂.

Well, before buying the lock, ask these couple of questions:

• Where do you live?
• What is the theft rate in your area?
• Is your neighbourhood safe?
• How long do you leave your scooter unattended?

Depending on your answers you may not need a high-end lock.

How to Lock a Scooter in a Most Efficient Way

• Select a Secure Location: never lock your scooter in an isolated area, always lock your scooter in a well-lit-up busy street.
• Use Multiple Locks: Using multiple locks will increase your security because when the thief suspects which scooter he can steal in less time, he will leave your scooter because it has multiple locks and it will consume more than a single lock scooter.
• Remove Battery: If your scooter has a detachable/removable battery then remove it and take it with you. As the battery is one of the most expensive components and for thieves, your scooter will be kind of useless.
• Enable GPS Tracking: GPS can help you track your scooter location, give this data to police officers so they can help you to recover your scooter.
• Use Disc Brake Lock: It’s a must-use lock for your scooter, as it works as an alarm plus additional security.
• Lock Scooter with Permanent Object: Always lock your scooter with a permanent object that is cemented to the ground like a bike rack, stair railing, sign boards & steel posts etc.

FAQs

Q1. Is it safe to leave my scooter locked outside overnight?

Ans. No, not at all, it is not safe to leave your scooter locked outside overnight. Especially in cities like New York.

Q2. Can I track my electric scooter if it’s stolen?

Ans. Yes, you can track your e-scooter if it has a GPS tracker. Nowadays, the electric scooter comes with a GPS tracker already.

Q3. What should I do if my scooter is stolen?

Ans. If your scooter is stolen, report the theft to the police immediately. Provide them with any tracking information and details about your scooter. Additionally, check local online marketplaces for listings of your scooter.

Q4. How to lock when there is no scooter stand or no locking point on the frame?

Ans. If there is no scooter parking stand near you then find something that is stick to the ground strongly and it can not be picked up easily, put the lock through the wheel to the stationary object.

My Verdict

In the beginning, I told you I was using a lock and that was a $25 U-Lock that I bought from Amazon. No, it wasn’t enough to secure my e-scooter it’s just that I had great luck nothing else. The portable angular grinder can cut it down easily. If I was even slightly late, the scooter would disappear. NY thieves are so professional that they can even steal things from busy streets in broad daylight.

In my opinion, spending $300 on a lock for a budget electric scooter doesn’t make any sense and $25 locks will not save the scooter from getting theft. If you have an expensive scooter then you can buy $300 locks. But a good portable angle grinder can cut the majority of locks (yes, cutting heavy-duty locks are bit difficult) so it’s better to go such places where e-scooters are allowed inside or places with outdoor seating where you can see it at least.

I’ve been riding electric scooters in NYC for about 3 years and it taught me that locks can only help in delaying the stealing process nothing else and do not leave your scooter for more than 15 minutes. I would also recommend you buy insurance as well.

I hope this article helped you to understand which lock is better and what precautions you should take. Do share your stories related to theft in the comment section and share your sorrows with us.