The use of electric scooters as a convenient and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation has been on the rise. Unfortunately, along with their increased usage, there has also been a noticeable increase in electric scooter thefts.
Some people had the experience of being in a rush, only to find that their e-scooter was missing. This can be especially frustrating because scooters are often used as an alternative to public transportation or cars. In a lot of cases, this will mean that you'll have to go back home or call someone for help—but it could also mean that your ride is gone forever. In other words, this isn't just a minor inconvenience. Luckily, there are steps that you can take before leaving your scooter unattended so that theft isn't even an option for thieves in the first place!
Electric Scooter Theft Statistics
In Los Angeles alone, there were a total of 539 reported incidents of crimes involving motorized vehicles in the city between January 1 and November 20 last year (based on the publicly available Los Angeles Police Department data). The police department includes motorized bicycles and wheelchairs in their overall count, but they are not able to provide more detailed information. This number represents a significant increase of about 129% from the 235 reports made during the entire year of 2021.
It's important to note that these statistics only include reported thefts and may not represent the actual number of electric scooter thefts that occurred in all areas of the United States last year, but it does give us some insight into how many people are actually experiencing this issue.
Security Measures To Prevent Electric Scooter Theft
Lock Your Electric Scooter
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent electric scooter theft is to lock your scooter properly. Locking your electric scooter makes it less attractive to potential thieves, as they will need to break the lock to steal the scooter. Many electric scooters come with built-in locks, but you can also purchase additional locks to secure it. Always use a sturdy and durable lock to prevent thieves from cutting or breaking it easily. One electric scooter that we can recommend is Gyroor’s 5-Digit 15mm Combination Cable Lock. In addition, GYROOR X8 has a built-in NFC card lock. Once you lock the scooter with the NFC card, others will not ride your electric scooter away. But it is still possible to be taken away directly, so you'd better cooperate with other locks to keep it in a fixed place.
Store Your Electric Scooter
In A Safe Place.When you're not using your electric scooter, it's important to store it in a safe place. Avoid leaving your electric scooter unattended in public places for extended periods of time. Instead, store it in a secure location such as a garage, shed, or inside your home. If you live in an apartment or condo, ask your building management if there is a secure storage area for your electric scooter.
Use GPS Tracking Devices. GPS tracking devices can be a useful tool to prevent electric scooter theft. These devices allow you to track the location of your electric scooter in real-time using your smartphone. If your electric scooter is stolen, you can quickly notify the authorities and provide them with the location of your scooter.
Insure Your Electric Scooter
Insuring your electric scooter can provide you with peace of mind in case of theft. Many insurance companies offer coverage for electric scooters, which can include theft protection. Make sure to read the policy details carefully to understand the coverage and any exclusions.
Be Mindful Of Where You Park Your Electric Scooter. When you park your electric scooter, make sure to choose a well-lit and visible location. Avoid parking in dark and isolated areas where thieves may be more likely to target your scooter. If possible, park your electric scooter in a designated parking area for scooters or bicycles.
Lock your scooter to a solid object, such as a bike rack or pole
This will make it harder for thieves to steal your scooter by removing it from its stand and carrying it away on their shoulder or back. If you have an older model that doesn't have this feature, consider getting one with built-in locking mechanisms which allow you to secure both wheels together so they don't move when someone tries taking off with them.
Conclusion
Electric scooter theft is a growing concern in the United States, but there are several security measures you can take to prevent it. By following these tips, you can keep your folding electric scooter safe and secure. Remember to always be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your electric scooter from theft.