We’d all love to live in a world where it’d be safe to leave our scooters wherever we wanted without giving it a second thought. Unfortunately, we don’t. When chatting about security in the shop, we’ll often hear riders say that it's a pointless exercise as , “If they want it, they’ll take it”. Where classic scooters are concerned there’s some truth in that, and if a rare machine's being stolen to order then only the most draconian measures are likely to be effective. However, most scooter thefts are opportunistic. It’s selfish, but the idea of most security systems is simply to get the potential thief to look at your scoot, decide it’s too much effort and move them on to the one parked next to it. On that basis anything, even remembering to always apply the steering lock, is better than nothing. However, there’s always a balance to be struck between security and practicality; we all want to feel that our ride is safe but none of us want to carry around 100kg of kit. So, how do we strike a balance? Read on to find out.
Out and about
The place your scooter’s at most risk is when left unattended in public. Before even considering buying security equipment there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk:
- Try to avoid parking regularly in the same spot. If you’re a commuter that can difficult but thieves recognise patterns. If they know a machine will be left unattended in the same spot for long periods of time it makes for easy pickings.
- Leave your scooter in places that are well lit.
- Pick a busy location with lots of people walking by
- Look for CCTV coverage
Portable equipment
Because of their storage capacity, scooters are more security friendly than motorcycles, but there are still limits on what can be carried so chose wisely. Where portable gear’s concerned, these are our top picks
Artago practic
If you’ve visited Europe, chances are that you’ve seen scooters secured with handlebar locks. These are fixed to the frame with a bespoke bracket, usually under the seat, and from this bracket comes a cable which locks to a bracket inserted to the handlebar 's end. They’re popular because they work, offering added security at an affordable price and because they’re fixed to the scooter they don’t take up any valuable storage space. We’ve looked at varieties made by several manufacturers and believe that the Artago Practic is amongst the best available.
With prices starting at £84.00, the Artago Practic won’t break the bank but, unlike cheaper versions, these are manufactured in Europe with a high level of quality control. Key security features include:
- Armoured revolving body-lock
- Anti-dust and anti-humidity cover
- Security lock with flat reversible key
- Bespoke firtment for different scooter types
- Steel wire construction, armoured lock with steel cylinder and balls
- Can also be used to secure a helmet
Artago disc lock
Finding a disc lock to fit a scooter isn’t always easy, which is why we stock the Artago alarm, a lock that’s designed to fit PX, T5, GTS, GTV, Primavera and Sprint. At £56.00, it’s something of a bargain and like Artago’s Practic is manufactured at the company’s own factory in Europe.
A disc lock is one of the easiest and most convenient forms of scooter security but, please, don’t ever carry one on a belt loop. In the event of an ‘off’ that could be very painful indeed.
We’re convinced by Artago’s quality and value, but if you need more evidence have a look at Bennett’s Bike Social’s independent review.
Cover it up
One very underrated piece of security equipment is the humble fabric cover. For some reason thieves really don’t like these. Not only do they hide exactly what’s lurking underneath, they add another layer of ‘faff’ to deal with. Whether you store your pride and joy inside or outside, a decent cover is a worthwhile investment and at £24.99, Oxford’s Aquatex offers great value.
At home
Obviously the bulk of equipment becomes less of an issue at home, but whether you’re storing your scooter in a fully-alarmed and centrally heated garage or out in the garden there some golden rules to follow.
It pays not to advertise
Firstly, NEVER advertise that you’ve a scooter on the premises. Novelty signs are a popular gift and look great inside a 'man cave,' but outside they act as a signal to potential thieves.
Use the best chain you can afford
There are plenty of chains on the market and as a general rule the bigger the better. Few chains survive any sustained attack, but the more effort a thief has to go to, the less likely they are to succeed before someone notices what’s going on. Always look for a chain with a fabric cover, not only does that protect the chain it can also clog up a cutting disc. We stock chains manufactured by Piaggio and Oxford .
When using a chain allow enough length so that it can be secured to street furniture whilst out and about or to a ground anchor at home. This will foil any efforts to simply throw a scooter into the back of a van without dealing with any security devices. If you can, try to keep the lock off the ground as it makes a hammer attack far more difficult.
One tip we’ve discovered that’s handy for riders of classic scooters is to secure the hasp of any lock through the rear brake pedal. This makes it difficult to access with a cutting disc, almost impossible with a hammer, and will also apply the rear brake.
Above everything else: enjoy
There’s no doubt that scooter theft exists and it’s a topic that’s very easy to become paranoid about. However, with limited outlay and only minor inconvenience it’s possible to concentrate on the joy of riding, and keep the thieves at bay.
For more advice on security products please contact our sales team on 01226 203377
