Electric scooters are a convenient, eco-friendly way to get around, but their portability and design also make them a prime target for thieves. Realistically, there’s no perfect way to secure them: there’s no real way to secure them with traditional locks, and many scooters are simply too valuable to be left outside exposed to the weather. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or parking outside your favorite café, protecting your scooter is essential.
In this guide, we cover electric scooter theft prevention from every angle, from the best electric scooter locks and smart tech like GPS trackers to parking strategies and theft recovery steps. And if you’ve got tips we haven’t mentioned, we’d love to hear them so we can share them with the Apollo community.
Why Electric Scooters Are Common Targets for Theft
We hate to break it to you, but yes — e-scooters are a target for theft. Maybe not more than other high-value items, but in busy cities where security can be hit-or-miss, they’re definitely on the radar. Here’s why:
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Lightweight & portable – Even with the wheels locked, most scooters are easy to lift into a car trunk and disappear in seconds.
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Valuable & reselable – They’re in high demand on second-hand markets, and in most cases, it’s nearly impossible to tell if a scooter is stolen. For many scooters, it’s as simple as grab, go, and ride. (Fortunately, this isn’t the case for most Apollo scooters — more on that later in the article, so keep reading!)
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Often left unattended – Especially during short stops. Many commuters use their scooters for quick errands, thinking, I’ll only be inside for a minute. But in reality, 60 seconds is more than enough time for someone to take off with it, especially if it’s not locked. Crazy, right? But it happens more often than you’d think.
Sure, there are some scooters out there worth less than a nice dinner out, and leaving those unattended might not be a big deal. But for higher-end models — like Apollo scooters — it’s definitely not worth the risk.
This article isn’t here to scare you away from owning a scooter. Instead, we’re sharing tried-and-true theft prevention tips that we use for our own rides, and they’ve served us well.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on Apollo’s own experience and practices. Every city and neighborhood has different safety considerations, so these tips should be adapted to your personal circumstances. We encourage all riders to assess their own environment and use their best judgment when applying any of these suggestions.
Top 5 Electric Scooter Theft Prevention Tips
These are some of the steps we personally take to keep our scooters safe, and they’ve served us well.
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Keep it with you
To be honest, most of the time we simply bring our scooters inside — whether it’s at home or the office (when allowed). Yes, they can be left outside, but we prefer to avoid the risk. Beyond theft, there’s the chance of accidental damage or sudden rain, and we’d rather not take chances. Of course, we know this isn’t always possible, which is why the rest of these tips are worth following. -
Invest in the best electric scooter lock you can afford
Cheap locks are easy to cut, and many aren’t even compatible with e-scooters. Our Apollo Box Lock is designed specifically for scooters and secures to the stem for extra protection. -
Always lock your scooter to a fixed object
Seems obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how many riders skip this step — especially with performance scooters. Some assume they’re too heavy to steal. While that may be true for casual passersby, a thief with a truck (or just enough strength) can take one with a bit of effort. -
Park in visible, well-lit areas
This applies not just to scooters but to anything you want to keep safe. Choose locations with high foot traffic, plenty of lighting, and ideally, cameras or a security presence. The more eyes on your scooter, the better. -
Consider smart tech
A GPS tracker for electric scooters can be a game-changer for recovery. Some of our models can even be remotely disabled — mark them as stolen, and they power off so they can’t be ridden. You can also check the last known location to help track it down.
Choosing the Right Lock: What Actually Works
When it comes to keeping your electric scooter safe, picking the right lock can make all the difference. With various types of scooter locks on the market, it’s important to know which ones work best for your needs and situation. Here’s a quick guide to some of the top locking options and how to use them effectively.
Top Lock Options for Your E-Scooter
U-locks
These are extremely strong and ideal for locking your scooter to fixed objects. However, because electric scooters often have open-ended frames—unlike bicycles—finding the perfect spot to secure a U-lock can be tricky. Still, in certain locations, U-locks provide excellent protection against theft.
Folding Locks
Folding locks offer a great balance of flexibility and strength. They’re compact, resistant to bolt cutters, and easy to carry around, making them a convenient option for daily use.
Cable Locks
We love cable locks, and that’s why Apollo Scooters offers a high-quality option. These locks are versatile—they can be looped through various parts of your scooter’s frame, especially the stem, which makes them harder to remove. Cable locks combine flexibility with solid resistance, providing excellent additional security.
Smart Locks for E-Scooters
Smart locks are integrated into the scooter and typically work through an app. While Apollo Scooters offers this innovative feature on most of our models, we don’t recommend relying on smart locks alone. They’re great for locking the wheels but won’t prevent someone from simply picking up and carrying away your scooter.
Pro Tip for Scooter Locks
For the best protection, use a combination of locks—typically a U-lock paired with a cable or chain lock. This strategy makes theft more complicated and time-consuming, acting as a strong deterrent.
Important to Know
If you have electric scooter insurance, check the policy details carefully. Some insurance providers require specific types of locks to keep your coverage valid.
Best Practices for Parking Your E-Scooter Safely
Proper parking habits are just as important as choosing the right lock when it comes to protecting your electric scooter from theft. Where and how you park can significantly reduce the risk of your scooter being targeted. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
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Choose Secure Parking Locations
Whenever possible, park your scooter at designated bike racks or scooter parking areas. These spots are designed to accommodate locking and often are in public, well-trafficked locations, which naturally discourages thieves. If available, opt for indoor parking such as a locked garage, building lobby, or monitored parking lot. These spaces provide an additional physical barrier and often have security cameras or staff presence to deter theft. -
Avoid Isolated or Poorly Lit Areas
Thieves tend to operate where they can go unnoticed, so avoid parking your scooter in secluded spots, alleys, or dark corners. Areas with low foot traffic or poor lighting make it easier for someone to tamper with or steal your scooter without being seen. Always look for spots that are visible from streets, shops, or busy pedestrian paths. -
Store Indoors Overnight Whenever Possible
Leaving your scooter outside overnight significantly increases the risk of theft. If you have the option, bring your scooter indoors to your home or office after the day’s use. This is the single most effective way to prevent theft, damage, or vandalism, especially in areas where outdoor security measures are limited. -
Vary Your Parking Locations Regularly
While convenience often leads us to park in the same spot every day, predictable routines can be exploited by thieves who observe patterns. If you have multiple regular destinations, try to alternate your parking spots. This unpredictability makes it harder for potential thieves to plan an easy theft. -
Use Additional Security Measures at Parking Spots
If you must leave your scooter in a public place for an extended period, consider using additional layers of protection beyond locks. For example, use a cover to conceal your scooter from view, or park near security cameras or guarded entrances. The more obstacles and uncertainty you create, the less attractive your scooter becomes as a target. -
Be Mindful of Local Rules and Regulations
In some cities, parking your scooter improperly can result in fines or your scooter being impounded. Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding scooter parking, and always ensure your scooter is parked legally and safely.
By combining smart parking choices with strong locking habits, you can greatly reduce the chances of theft and keep your electric scooter secure wherever you go.
Electric Scooter Insurance
Even though e-scooter use is becoming increasingly common, there still aren’t many insurance programs specifically for electric scooters — and when they do exist, the coverage might not be exactly what you’re looking for.
Some scooter insurance policies cover theft, but not all do. In many regions, scooters with engines of at least 50cc must meet the same insurance requirements as motorcycles. The most common mandatory coverage is motorcycle liability, which protects you if you cause damage to others. You can also add optional coverages, such as comprehensive insurance, which covers events outside your control, including theft.
Pricing for scooter and moped insurance varies widely based on factors like location, age of the insured person, vehicle power, and coverage type. Based on our research, premiums can range anywhere from $50 to $300 per year.
Some insurance providers to explore include:
Is it worth it?
Maybe — it depends on what’s available in your area and the details of the policy you find. Since insurance options aren’t available everywhere yet, it’s important to review the fine print carefully before deciding.
What to Do If Your Electric Scooter Is Stolen
It’s the question no one wants to ask, but if it happens, you need to act fast. Here’s what to do:
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Track it via GPS (if equipped)
If your scooter has GPS tracking, check its location immediately to see if it’s still nearby. Keep the app open so you can share the location history with the police. -
File a police report right away
This step is essential — not just for recovery, but also because it’s required if you want to report your scooter as stolen to Apollo Scooters. Here’s how to file a report with us. -
Contact your insurance provider
If your policy covers e-scooters, file a claim as soon as possible. (We know there aren’t many insurance options for scooters yet, but it’s worth checking.) -
Check local resale platforms
Thieves often try to sell stolen scooters quickly, usually for cash. Keep an eye on online marketplaces and classified ads. If you spot your scooter, notify the authorities before taking any action yourself. -
Notify your community
Local rider groups and online scooter forums can be surprisingly effective for scooter theft recovery. We’ve seen riders rally to help track down and return stolen scooters.
Safety note: Beyond tracking and reporting, avoid confronting a suspected thief directly — it can be risky. Always involve law enforcement.
Final Word on Electric Scooter Theft Prevention
Unfortunately, there’s no method that can guarantee 100% protection, however combining strong locks, smart tech, and smart parking habits gives you the best chance against theft. Think of it as layers of security — the more effort a thief has to put in, the less likely they’ll bother.
