Electric scooter lock: Protecting your scooter from theft, and what to do afterward

Electric scooters are easily stolen: they can be folded, carried, and a powerful machine represents a significant value, including its components. No anti-theft device is completely foolproof; the goal is to make theft time-consuming, noisy, and unprofitable, and to help recover the scooter if it is stolen. This guide presents best practices, from choosing the right anti-theft device to filing a police report, and explains what your insurance company expects from you.

Where should I park it?

The best way to prevent theft is to not leave the scooter outside. For a powerful scooter, the ideal solution is to bring it indoors: a garage, office, or locked storage space. It folds or rolls, so take advantage of that. If it absolutely must stay outside:

• Choose a well-lit and frequently trafficked location, preferably one that is monitored
• Secure it to a solid and stable support, such as a bracket, arch, or post, that cannot be unscrewed or lifted
• Avoid staying in the same location for extended periods, especially at fixed times, as this makes it easier for a thief to identify the vehicle.

Regarding regulations, parking on the sidewalk is permitted if it does not obstruct pedestrians, but the mayor may prohibit it. See our guide EDPM and Highway Code: Rules. In condominiums, the regulations determine what is allowed in common areas: our guide on condominiums and charging details this point.

Choosing the right anti-theft devices

The families of anti-theft devices

• U-lock: Rigid and difficult to cut, but short. It requires an attachment point close to the frame.
• The chain: It's more flexible, allowing it to reach a fixed point. Its strength depends on the thickness of the links and the padlock; a thin chain can be easily cut.
• The folding lock: A compromise between a U-lock and a chain, easy to carry.
• The cable: Lightweight but flimsy. It's intended for attaching accessories, not for protecting valuable equipment.
• The disc brake lock: It prevents the scooter from being ridden, not from being stolen. It's useful as a supplementary security measure, especially if it has an alarm. Remember to remove it before leaving: starting the scooter with the disc brake lock in place can damage the brake disc and the caliper.

How to attach

Install the main lock through a part of the frame or handlebar that cannot be easily disassembled in a few seconds, and around a fixed point. A single wheel can be unscrewed, and a handlebar can be removed. The tighter the lock is around the machine and its mount, the less likely a tool is to be able to fit inside. A second lock, of a different type, doubles the effort required by a thief.

Electronic devices

A sound alarm draws attention. A tracker, hidden within the machine, can help locate it; check its power source, any potential subscription, and never attempt recovery alone: report the location to law enforcement. The GPS module in our SmartDisplay, the GPS EB6, is designed to record trajectories and lap times on the track, not as an anti-theft tracker. For locking, our upcoming RageLink range of controllers, displays, and telemetry will offer machines that can be adjusted and locked from your phone; it is currently on a waiting list.

Preparing for the day it disappears

• Serial number: Note the serial number of the frame, and if possible, the controller and the battery. Take pictures of them.
• The invoice and the invoices for any added parts: these documents prove ownership and value, both for the claim and for the insurance company.
• Photos of the machine from various angles, showcasing its unique features: scratches, stickers, and unusual parts.
• A discreet marking, in a location known only to you.

For bicycles, marking has been mandatory since 2021 when they are sold by a retailer, with an identification number registered in the national database of identified bicycles. This regulation applies to bicycles, including electric bicycles; it does not apply to electric scooters. Therefore, your own records are all the more important.

Theft insurance

Civil liability insurance, the only mandatory insurance for electric scooters, does not cover the theft of your own vehicle. Theft insurance is an optional add-on. Before subscribing, please read:

• The required anti-theft conditions: type, certification level, and the obligation to secure it to a fixed point
• The permitted locations: private residence, enclosed premises, public roads, and the specific hours during which use is allowed
• the guaranteed value, the applied depreciation, and the deductible
• The value of added parts: A customized vehicle is worth more than its original catalog price, provided the insurer accepts this and you can provide proof.

See our guide on electric scooter insurance.

After the flight

1. File a complaint. According to service-public.fr, in the event of theft where the perpetrator is unknown, the complaint can be filed online; otherwise, it should be filed at a police station or gendarmerie. Bring the serial number, invoice, and photos.
2. Notify your insurance company within the timeframe specified in the contract, along with a copy of the complaint.
3. Monitor classified ads for used items. If you recognize your vehicle, please forward the ad to the investigators rather than arranging a meeting yourself.

Conversely, if you are buying a powerful electric scooter used, request the original invoice and verify the serial number. Our guide on buying a powerful electric scooter used lists the points to check.