Your cart is currently empty.
Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
Understand which personal electric vehicle is best, the choice between an electric bike or electric scooter might already be made for you by some critical factors, including portability and storage capacity.
You said to yourself, "Hey, I always keep my electric scooter with me. If I'm not riding it I'm carrying my scooter. On the subway, up the stairs."
But supposing there's no locker storage at your destination. Or the locker is too small.
What happens if you need to park your scooter?
Alongside protective headwear an electric scooter lock should be your No.1 priority.
Particularly, if you sign up for riding the daily commute on a desirable looking e scooter.
In this article we'll check out the best electric scooter locks to keep your scooter secure.
From current and new heavy-duty U locks, chain locks, cable locks, disc brake locks and folding locks. To latest anti theft alarms and tracking devices.
Let's get safe...
You might think the answer is obvious. Why would you leave your scooter unattended without locking it? Especially, if you've subscribed to riding a high quality, smart looking scooter, such as the Unagi Voyager.
But as more people use an electric scooter for the daily urban commute - and for recreation - e scooter theft is also on the rise.
Different surveys highlight an increase in e scooter theft:
(Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau - NICB).
(Source: Crosstown, news and data).
(Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau - NICB).
It's clear... if you own an e scooter, or crucially, gotten a subscription on one - we absolutely recommend you need a reliable lock to keep your electric scooter safe. It makes perfect common sense.
Time to check out some of the latest, and best scooter locks out there for your hard-earned dollars.
To lock an electric scooter you'll most likely choose between a range originally designed as a bike lock. And mainly used to secure e bikes as well as for e scooter security.
Your choice of locking mechanisms will mainly depend on:
Ultimately, no lock is unbreakable - given enough time and some heavy-duty power tools.
Like e bike owners, the key aim of electric scooter riders is not only to stop a thief stealing their e scooter.
But also to put a chance thief off - or even a determined thief.
You simply limit the number of thieves likely to carry the necessary hand tools, and the longer time needed to steal your scooter.
If you want to achieve as near to maximum security as you can - you should be prepared to get the best electric scooter lock your budget will allow.
Further down this page we'll also check out other types of anti theft devices. Including, electronic theft deterrents such as anti theft alarms and tracking devices.
Let's first dive into the current different options to lock an electric scooter to secure locking points, as follows:
It has to be said - the best electric scooter lock will always be more heavy-duty, and more expensive. You're sure to have seen them used by owners of e bikes - for securing to bike racks, for example.
In the heavy duty category U locks are one of the most secure types of lock that e scooter owners can buy. This is because:
U-locks come in a variety of sizes, so you need to get the right size for your particular e scooter.
IMPORTANT: You need to ensure your U lock is small enough so it cannot be quickly slipped over:
No listing of recommended high quality locks - both new and long standing - would be complete without first including:
Kryptonite locks - from the US Kryptonite brand - are among the strongest and most reliable for both e bikes and e scooters, including U locks, chain locks and disc locks. They also offer lifetime warranty and theft insurance.
Amongst the Kryptonite range the New York Fahgettaboudit Mini Lock has long been known as the strongest portable lock. The main reasons are:
However, it's not so resistant to attack by an angle grinder.
This is a similar U lock to the Kryptonite but with a slightly reduced 13 mm thick U shape. It's hardened steel build means it's totally resistant to lock picking, bolt cutters, hacksaws and wire cutters.
But once again, it can take just seconds for an angle grinder to cut through.
You would need to look to some of the newer U locks to hold out against an angle grinder, and better able to offer greater e scooter security.
Highlighted are:
All four U locks have the all-important ability to:
The Litelok X1 is slightly less muscular than the Litelok X3. It also has a small lock cylinder compared to the X3 cylinder. Both are resistant to lock picking, bolt cutters, hacksaws and wire cutters.
The Altor SAF is often highlighted as one of the top, super-tough angle grinder resistant U locks. It gives you an 80 mm shackle thickness, which double-locks into a hardened steel cross bar of 14 mm thickness.
Weighing in at a massive SIX kilos ( 13.2 lbs), this U lock will not only beef up your anti theft security but also impact portability and ride load.
Chain locks consist of a heavy steel chain and locking bar. They offer more than sufficient security when wrapped fast around a permanent fixture or immovable object.
The strongest chain locks will resist particular types of attacks that even some U locks cannot withstand. Most typically, crow bars and hydraulic bottle jacks, which find it almost impossible to break a chain lock.
This is because the chain is made of:
and
Chain locks are available with links of various thickness. This is because of the noticeable weight and bulkiness of a chain lock as the thickness of its links increase. Extra carrying weight will inevitably be added to most electric scooters, which can also also limit overall portability.
However, you should really only be looking at chain locks with links of around 15-16 mm thick, minimum. This is because chain links of a lower thickness can be cut open by bolt cutters.
It's always important to choose:
The way it locks should:
As with U locks, most e scooter chain locks are ultimately, not resistant to attack by an angle grinder.
First up:
Considered one of the most secure locks available, the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain is made with:
Other chain locks in the Kryptonite range include:
Also recommended as the most secure lock in the range, the Legend 1515 has:
A similar heavy duty chain lock for raising your scooter's maximum security level, the New York 1275 has:
An alternative to the double bar lock, the Terra Hiker offers a 5-digit combination lock.
This gives:
As with many of the best lock types on the market, the Terra Hiker is made from manganese hardened steel bars, and highly resistant to hand tools such as cutters, drills and saws.
The slightly smaller thickness links mean this chain lock weighs in at 0.64 kg (1.42 lb). Which you might find more portable.
Cable locks are the most common type of lock used to secure cycles, bikes, e bikes and electric scooters.
They are relatively inexpensive and lightweight. And often a good option if you want a lock that's easy to carry and use compared to heavy duty U locks and chain locks.
A cable lock basically consists of a single steel cable, usually enclosed in PVC or vinyl to prevent scratching or wear to your scooter's frame. It's normally available as either one of THREE different locking methods for securing the cable ends together:
However, when used with an U-lock, a cable lock is often tipped as making a great secondary lock for adding a further layer of scooter security.
Quality and price can differ when comparing cable locks for electric scooters and e bikes, as well as for use in other applications. There are a variety of cable lengths and thicknesses. Here are a few typical examples.
This cable lock has:
Both of which, offer protection from the weather and, potentially, a longer working life.
At a fairly hefty 0.38 kg (0.7 lbs), this cable lock is definitely more heavy duty than most for security duties.
Some combination cable locks offer a 4 digit lock. The Segway gives you:
Construction also makes it difficult for trying to quickly break open with hand tools.
This cable lock weighs in at 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs), so lighter for those riders concerned about carrying on their daily commute.
This method of securing your scooter combines a cable with a U lock. Instead of the two ends of a steel cable secured by combination lock or key lock, here you have a U lock inserted into the cable's two looped ends.
Amongst the many products available to choose from are:
A heavy duty steel and zinc U-Lock to secure looped cable ends.
Combining a heavy duty U Lock with a long, chunky steel cable produces a weight of 3.2 pounds (1.45 kg). It will add to your scooter load, and some riders may find not so easy to carry back and forth every day.
An almost identical weight for the Sigtuna U lock and cable at 3.1 lb (1.41 kg).
Hardened steel and double deadlock U lock to secure looped cable ends.
The Kryptonite brand is known for its heavy duty products. And this U lock and cable combo is one of the heaviest - weighing in at a hefty 3.65 lbs (1.66 kgs).
Disc brake locks are a relatively inexpensive method of adding an extra layer of security to your electric scooter.
Disc locks are designed to slot inside the wheel hub and attach to the disc brake of an electric scooter. The brake discis securely locked into place to immobolize your scooter and prevent a thief from quickly riding away.
IMPORTANT: Disc locks are not as secure as U-locks or chain locks. Using a disc lock may not deter a thief from simply picking up and walking away with your scooter.
Inbuilt sound alarm
However, some disc locks have an inbuilt 'anti-tamper' sensor, and will sound an alarm if any movement is detected.
What you should also know... disc locks tend to be made for a wider wheel disc brakes, and may simply not fit your particular scooter unless it has wider wheels.
Disc locks are lightweight and portable but it's recommended to be used as additional anti theft protection alongside a more solid locking mechanism, such as U locks or chain locks.
Kicking off with an alarm disc lock:
Kryptonite KryptoLok Alarm Disc Lock
A non-alarm disc lock from the Kryptonite brand:
Kryptonite KryptoLok DFS-10 disc-lock
Linkax Alarm Disc Lock
Using a folding lock could be the answer if you're looking for security and portability. The clue is in the name - folding lock.
More secure than a cable lock
As a small and lightweight folding mechanism, it's more secure than a cable lock. However, a folding lock is unlikely to match the full-body resistance of a chunky U lock or heavy chain lock. This means less resistance to an attack by hand tools such as a bolt cutter.
There are quality folding locks available, better able to stand up to hand tools such as a saw and drill.
Nanrobot folding lock
A robust folding mechanism from Nanrobot Technology features:
Seatylock Foldylock Mini
Foldylock is a select range of folding locks made by Seatylock, from small size premium to large size premium locks.
Levy Folding lock
Many e scooter riders may prefer to go for the latest security devices that use technology. This usually means electronic theft deterrents such as:
which can be :
Standalone - attach to your scooter with a strap, or
Part of a manual security device - such as a disc lock which sounds when tampered with or scooter is moved.
Are linked to the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), which uses the satellite to provide real-time location data.
A GPS tracking unit may be hidden in handlebars, a scooter's frame, or another cavity, such as within a lighting unit.
Folosafenar
Fosmon
Nineleaf
Important to know ... there are various different types of trackers, including:
Geofencing function
A tracker may also enable you to set up a GPS controlled zone via an app or website which will alert you if that zone is breached.
SIM card is needed to activate the GPS tracker.
There are simply loads of trackers out there, of varying quality and function.
But here are some GPS trackers specifically designed for electric scooters:
Navirec
Rewire Security
TKMars
Investing in a high quality lock for your electric scooter is a no brainer.
Why risk losing your pride and joy to a chance thief because your electric scooter wasn't locked up tight properly - or at all?
The main thing is to work out which type of lock you can feel comfortable to ride with and carry around. It's always best to go with at least one heavy duty U lock or cable lock.
Even better is to add another type of lock for an added layer of security. Particularly, if you only have a cable lock because of ease of portability.
Also consider hiding a tracking device inside your scooter for locating if, unfortunately, the worst does happen.
FIND OUT MORE about looking after your scooter for the daily urban commute
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
The basis and the premise of my work is that we either operate out of love or we operate out of fear...Time is currency. The coolest thing about the scooters is that it's really quick, and it goes uphill. From there, traveling more efficiently and having a good time doing it--I think that's the most important thing.
Cynthia Leu has a full plate. A tech worker by day, Cynthia spends her off time balancing the parallel lives of a powerlifter, entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and more. Riding Unagi helps this USMC veteran cut down on everyday…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m2hVBE62LY Rasheed Muhammad is sick of Los Angeles traffic. In order to preserve his sanity, Rasheed has traded his everyday driving habit for the portable and beautiful Unagi Model One. It’s an essential accessory for navigating LA streets -- and…
Rich Lee, Co-Founder of San Francisco’s SPRO Coffee Lab, wants to share his love for coffee with the world. He depends on riding Unagi to avoid the hassle of navigating the parking crunch in the booming Mission Bay neighborhood.…
