One of the key factors to consider when choosing a lock for your electric scooter is its application. In other words, where on the scooter will you be attaching the lock to?
Generally speaking, it’s important to choose a lock that can thread through a sturdy part of your scooter, whether it’s a dual-stem, folding mechanism, or as is the case with the Apollo Ghost 2022 and Phantom, a gap in the neck.
Consequently, any lock you opt for must be big enough to provide ample space to fit around both objects. You also do not want it to be too fiddly – having enough space to quickly lock and unlock the scooter is crucial.
Another important factor is the lock’s resistance to hydraulic cutting pressure, sawing, drilling, and picking.
You may think this all sounds like overkill – who’s going to get a saw out? But electric scooters are expensive – this makes them a valuable commodity, and thieves will go to great lengths to steal one – as we see from gangs that specialize in the organized crime of stealing expensive bicycles. Therefore, you must choose a lock with appropriate safety credentials.
Here, heat-treated hardened steel is the base-level requirement. Anything less and you’re opening yourself up to risk. You’ll also want a lock that comes with a small cylinder that prevents picking and an anti-drill lock hole. Always check before making your decision, as the lock itself is the most vulnerable part.
As for cutting, gangs that specialize in electric scooter theft will likely use some form of a hydraulic bolt cutter. The cheapest battery-powered hydraulic cutters typically have a cutting force of 15 Kilonewtons (1.5 tons), while top-end cutters can cut with 45 Kilonewtons (4.5 tons). All of the locks that we recommend can resist hydraulic pressure up to 9 tons, with the U-Lock withstanding 20 tons.
There's a variety of different locks to choose from. Some offer more anti-theft protection than others so choosing the right one is vital.
One that we’ve already featured in our list of the best locks is the U-Lock, or D-Lock, depending on who you talk to.
This will always be our first recommendation when considering which type of lock to buy, as quite simply, no other kind can offer the same level of protection. If maximum security is important and you have no additional layers of defense, we say go with a U-Lock every time.
However, some U-Locks can be easily breached with bolt-cutters and power tools. This brings us back to our insistence on opting for a lock with a heat-treated hardened steel alloy, which is practically invincible to any form of attack.
The size of your shackle – or U-bend – is also important. While you want a lock that gives you enough room to secure your scooter to an immovable object, you also do not want it to be too long, as this will make it less secure. The trick here is to find one that snuggly fits the profile of your scooter.
While not quite as robust and durable as a U-Lock, folding locks come out on top when considering portability and practicality. They’re lighter, adjustable, and more compact, which may appeal if you have an added layer of security such as an electronic theft deterrent.
You’ll also want to be careful which folding lock you buy. Due to the fact they use rivets to bind the metal arms together, they can be more structurally vulnerable than a U-Lock. With this in mind, you’ll want one that uses hardened steel and rivets that can withstand pulling power.
Cable locks are lighter and more flexible than pretty much any other type of lock, which makes them appealing to riders who also have a light and portable electric scooter.
Some scooters – including the GoTrax G4 and GMAX Ultra – come with a cable lock pre-installed.
The disadvantage? Anyone with the right tools can cut a cable lock in mere seconds. In terms of security they trail behind U-Locks, folding locks, and chain locks – so be warned, while fine for a short stop as you venture into a shop, you’ll want to use a stronger lock if you plan on leaving your scooter for any considerable length of time.
If they’re good enough for motorbikes, they’re good enough for electric scooters, right? Absolutely – but chain locks are also very heavy.
You could go with smaller chain links, of course, but beware that going too small (less than 13mm) can make your lock vulnerable to bolt-cutters, while even 16mm links or larger can be prised apart with heavy-duty power tools. Unfortunately, with chain locks, there’s often a weak link if someone looks hard enough.
Considering this and their relative heft, we don't recommend a chain lock over a U-Lock or folding lock.
A ring lock may be suitable if your electric scooter sports wheels that have open spokes. Typically, they have a reinforced steel ring that is threaded through the rim of the wheel, before looping back into the steel ring to prevent the scooter from being rolled or ridden away.
Some ring locks also come with the ability to plug them into cable or chain locks to double up on the security to prevent lift-away theft.
We don’t recommend using a ring lock on its own because, ultimately, a scooter’s wheels are one of its most vulnerable parts. Even if your lock is strong and secure, powerful tools can easily overcome the wheel.
Disc brake locks are great as an added layer of security alongside a U-Lock or folding lock. The problem is that, while they’re effective in stopping somebody from wheeling your scooter away, they offer no protection from thieves picking it up and carrying off with it.
Based on our experience, disc brake locks are better suited to heavier scooters. It’s generally good practice to use a disc brake lock in tandem with another more robust lock that secures it to an immovable object.
For lighter scooters, disc brake locks should be avoided.
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