Marc Graells Ballve proposes an alternative solution against scooter thefts. Why use a padlock or chain to lock up your scooter, when you can have an anti-theft solution proved to be effective by nature’s very own natural selection process?

Graells’ solution is inspired by the armadillo armor formed by plates. By simply, covering your scooter with his design, the so-called “Protect 486”, you will ensure it is no longer accessible by thieves – unless, the thieves choose to lift up your scooter together with its cover, load it on a truck and vanish…

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Storing your scooter at home may seem to be a good way to protect it from theft, but a recent incident shows that it is definitely not good for your own safety. So, never store your scooter at home!

This morning, the Florida police was informed of a suspicious gas smell at a condo complex. After some investigation and evacuating the residents of the complex, they were able to locate the apartment the smell was originating from.

When they entered the first floor apartment, they were surprised to find a gas leaking motor scooter in the kitchen. A resident, who was exposed to the gas was hospitalized for treatment.

We wish the resident to recover soon.

The post Storing your scooter at home can get dangerous first appeared on scootcats.

No one wants their scooter to be stolen. You can lower the risks by taking preventative measures, such as locking up your scooter each time it is parked.

Here are some tips on how to and how not to lock your scooter…

First of all, always make sure you activate the steering lock, this will prevent the thieves from simply rolling your scooter away. Using a disc lock or a grip lock or putting a chain around your wheel without looping it around an anchored object will still make your ride vulnerable to lift-away theft. Secure your bike to an immovable object that is fixed to the ground, such as a lamp post. This will protect it against being lifted into a truck, known as lift-away theft. Note that, if you just chain it to a sign post, the sign can be removed and the bike can still be lifted. Same applies if you just chain it to a short pole as seen in the below picture.

Not the best way to lock up your scoot

One of the best ways to lock your scoot is to use a chain and a u-lock. Cables on the other hand are generally less secure, since they are often easier to cut through. Some scooters, such as the Genuine Buddy, have by default a u-frame welded underneath the frame, you can pass a chain through the frame and then attach it to another object. Draping the chain through the wheel won’t be as effective, because of the wheel being easily removable.

locking the wheel only

welded u-frame underneath the scoot

Use quality locks that can not be removed with simple tools. Thieves will usually go after easier targets. After you lock it, if possible keep your scooter out of sight; instead of parking in front of your front door, park it in your backyard. If they don’t see it, they can’t steel it.

Covering it, will avoid thieves from knowing what kind of scooter you have, if the brand and condition are not obvious, they will be less interested in steeling it.

If you are riding in groups, securing the scooters to each other will make it difficult to roll away the scooters.

securing two scooters to each other

The post Tips for locking up your scooter first appeared on scootcats.