If you’ve been to Hawaii before, you might have noticed how popular scooters and mopeds are on the road. Most of the citizens and tourists depend on these efficient vehicles to commute around the island. Scooters and mopeds are the easiest and preferred choice to help you maneuver traffic, save fuel, and are easy to afford. If you’re here in Hawaii for a vacation, you can always rent a moped to get around and enjoy beautiful scenery and pleasant weather. Apollo City scooters, for example, come with carrying handles that allow users to securely lock them, enhancing their security.
This recent increase in scooter usage has also led to a rise in security issues around the island, specifically theft incidents. So, to help you secure your scooter, I’ve written this guide with essential scooter security tips to keep your scooter safe and secured.
Understanding Scooter Theft
In an island like Hawaii, most residents and tourists opt for an easy mode of transportation and prefer scooters. This has led to scooters being a popular target for thieves due to their lightweight and easy-to-move design. Recently, Hawaii’s scooter scene has evolved rapidly. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, Oahu reported more than 2,881 motor vehicle thefts, averaging about 9 vehicles stolen each day. The government is imposing new laws and tips to increase awareness and precautions to secure the scooter among moped riders.
Thieves often target scooters parked in tourist-heavy locales, especially in Oahu. Thieves steal mopeds and scooters through different strategies like breaking locks, quick lift-and-go techniques, or observing parking patterns. Most locks tend to be large and cumbersome, making them less convenient for transport. Additionally, common cable and chain locks may not offer adequate security for smaller vehicles like mopeds and electric scooters due to their susceptibility to being easily cut or compromised.
Hawaiian police have a few precautionary tips for moped and scooter riders:
- Keep your bike concealed in a garage or storage area when it’s parked at your home.
- When in public, park in safe, well-lit areas and double-check if the key is removed from the ignition.
- Lock scooters to a strong fixed object, and buy a Kryptonite-type lock or heavy chain, or a combination of both.
- Increase the security measures on your scooters.
- Keep a record of the vehicle identification number, registration number, and engine number.
- Inscribe an identifiable name or number in as many inconspicuous parts of the moped as possible to help police identify it, if it’s stolen.
Common Ways in Which Scooters are Stolen
Here are the common ways in which a thief steals your scooter:
Hotwiring: Thieves connect the ignition wires directly to the battery, without needing the ignition switch to start the scooter.
Lock picking: Thieves utilize a variety of strong tools to pick the lock on a scooter.
Breaking the lock: Thieves use tools like bolt cutters or angle grinders to break the security lock found on a scooter.
Wheeling the scooter away: Thieves sometimes try to wheel a scooter away either by hand or by using a dolly.
Loading the scooter into a van or truck: Thieves get hold of scooters by loading the scooter into the back of a van or truck and driving away.
Effective Strategies to Secure Your Scooter
Here are some most convenient strategies you can follow to secure your scooter.
Choosing the Right Scooter Lock
I’ve witnessed myself that scooter theft is a growing concern in Hawaii. The high demand for scooters in areas like Waikiki can make stolen vehicles easier to sell or part out. So, you need to make sure you use proper security measures like investing in quality locks.
A good security lock is essential for protecting your scooter from any possible theft in your locality. There are various types of scooter locks available, so it is important to choose one that is right for your scooter and your needs. Securing the scooter’s frame with a sturdy lock is crucial to prevent theft, as it ensures the most secure points are protected.
Consider the following factors before choosing a lock:
- The strength of the lock: You can choose a lock that is made of a strong material such as hardened steel or a Kryptonite-type lock.
- The type of locks: Usually, there are two main types of locks: chain locks and U-locks. Chain locks are more flexible and easier to use, but they are more convenient for thieves to bypass. U-locks are more secure, less flexible, and difficult to use. Making sure you use a combination of chain lock and U-lock will increase your scooter security.
- The length of the lock: If you’re using a chain lock, you can buy a long chain lock that can lock your scooter to a secure object or a solid anchor.
Assessing Your Moped’s Locking Points
Assessing your moped’s locking points is a crucial step in securing your vehicle. A moped’s locking points refer to the areas where you can attach a lock to prevent theft. Identifying the most secure locking points on your moped will help you choose the best lock for your needs.
Identifying Secure Locking Points
When assessing your moped’s locking points, look for areas that are:
- Made of sturdy material, such as metal or thick plastic
- Difficult to remove or break, such as bolts or screws
- Located in a way that makes it hard for thieves to access, such as under the seat or near the engine
Some common secure locking points on mopeds include:
- The Frame: This is the main structure of the moped, often made of sturdy metal. Look for areas where you can attach a lock to the frame, such as near the front or rear wheel. The frame is one of the most secure points to lock your scooter, making it difficult for thieves to tamper with.
- The Wheels: Attaching a lock to the wheels can prevent them from being removed. Look for areas where you can secure a lock to the wheel hubs or spokes. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if the frame is compromised, the wheels remain locked.
- The Seat: Some mopeds have a removable seat, which can be a target for thieves. Look for areas where you can attach a lock to the seat or the seat post. Securing the seat can deter thieves from stealing parts of your moped.
- The Handlebars: You can attach a lock to the handlebars to prevent them from being removed. Look for areas where you can secure a lock to the handlebar stem or the grips. This can prevent thieves from easily maneuvering or riding away with your moped.
By identifying and utilizing these secure locking points, you can significantly enhance the security of your moped and deter potential thieves.
U-locks
U-locks are typically considered a great option for locking a scooter, as they are high-security and can resist bolt cutters and power tools. With a large U-shaped shackle, these can be passed through the wheel, around the fork legs, or sometimes the swingarm. They’re difficult to cut or break and challenging to pry open. You can use these locks to secure your scooter to any street object that’s strong and hard to move.
Quality U-locks are made from hardened steel and will be bulky, typically around 5 pounds, with a thick shackle and crossbar. It can be used to solidly lock either the wheel to prevent pushing away and offers the versatility of being used with a chain to lock to something solid.
Disc Locks
Disc locks are typically a small security gadget that can be used to secure the front or rear disc brake on your scooter, making it harder to roll away. It’s a portable device that stops the bike from being pushed away, and some of these locks come with added extra security. But you have to remember to remove it before you ride off, and a tip is to fit the lock close to the fork leg, in the direction you’ll ride off. Disc brake locks function as a means to immobilize scooters by locking the brake disc, but they should be used in combination with other locking mechanisms and secure anchoring to prevent theft. But the only disadvantage is that it doesn’t stop the thieves from picking it up and putting it in a van to steal it. So, making sure you have extra security added on the scooter helps prevent theft.
Cable Locks
Cable locks are popular among cyclists, and these locks roll up reasonably small to carry in your scooter or moped. These cable locks help secure your two-wheeler to a nearby solid object, and if it’s made from strong materials, it can’t be cut with bolt croppers. But basic cable locks will be cut quickly with hand tools.
Chain Locks
Chain locks can be considered the flexible heavyweights, where a chain and a padlock can be used to secure the scooter to a solid object near your parking spot. It’s a versatile, most secure option among the locks, as it is convenient, portable, and helps you secure your scooter with an anchor. However, chains can be vulnerable to attacks from tools like angle grinders, making it crucial to invest in high-quality chains. You can choose a chain lock made of hardened steel links (14mm and thicker), and if it’s got a textile sleeve, bonus points to prevent scratches on your scooter’s body paint.
Lock Maintenance and Upkeep
- Regularly clean and lubricate your lock to keep it in good working condition.
- Check your lock regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace it if necessary.
- Consider using a lock with a built-in anti-corrosion coating to protect it from the elements.
Extra tip: While not foolproof, always engage your scooter’s built-in steering column lock when parking. This adds an extra layer of difficulty for potential thieves.
Scooter Locking Best Practices
Use a Combination of Locks:
When you use multiple locks to secure your scooter, it gets harder for the thieves to steal it. Basically, thieves target scooters that are easy to steal in a limited time frame — for example, while you leave for buying groceries or just parked somewhere dark. They have to bypass the security and get away with your scooter in minutes. If the security measures are higher, it’s impossible for them to overcome them in a short period of time. So, they avoid your scooter if it comes with multiple locks.
Find Ground Anchors for Fixed Security
Ground anchors are an excellent measure against theft. They are sturdy, hard, and can be fitted to a concrete floor or brick wall, allowing you to secure your scooter with a chain and padlock. Invest in a ground anchor, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully during installation, followed by securing with a high-quality chain and lock to attach your scooter to the anchor.
Position the Lock Smartly
You need to make sure you position the scooter locks properly. You need to position them with the keyhole facing down, making it harder for thieves to pick. Maybe put the locks out of reach, like on the road, making it harder to break them using any hand tools.
VIN Marking and Registration:
You can inscribe your scooter with its Vehicle Identification Number and register it on platforms like Immobilise. This makes it easier to recover your scooter if it’s stolen and can aid the police in identifying your vehicle if it’s traceable.
Additional Scooter Security Measures
Invest in a GPS tracker:
A GPS tracker helps you get real-time location tracking and monitor your scooter’s whereabouts, and act quickly in case of theft. This is an extra added security measure to your scooter, especially if you’re living in a crowded place like Honolulu. This also ensures your chance of recovering your scooter after being stolen is high.
Use a scooter cover:
Hawaii’s a tropical island, and it’s necessary to protect your scooter from the harsh weather and thieves. So for this, you can invest in a good scooter cover to protect it from weather and make it less visible to thieves. Keep your scooter in a secure location, such as a garage or shed, when not in use.
If you own an electric scooter:
Electric scooters have unique locking needs due to their design and components. You can use the battery lock mechanism that can help prevent someone else from stealing your battery, since without the battery, your scooter won’t be useful for the thieves.
Install a scooter alarm:
You can use an alarm as it can go off and notify you when there’s the slightest movement or vibration, blasting a loud siren that can scare the hell out of thieves, forcing them to run away from the crime spot. There are various types of alarms such as motion-activated, vibration-activated, or remote-controlled alarms. You can invest in one that you think is good for your scooter.
Scooter Security Tips for Urban Riders
Here are some extra scooter security tips for urban riders — some from personal experience, some are pieces of advice from well-wishers. Some little extra caution and awareness help you keep your ride safe for a long period of time.
- Park in well-lit areas with plenty of foot traffic, and you can utilize the dedicated scooter parking zones when available.
- Always lock your scooter when not in use, even if it’s just for a short period of time.
- Avoid parking in the same spot every time to prevent thieves from identifying patterns.
- Try to make your scooter less tempting by maintaining and keeping it clean all the time. If the thieves get an idea that your scooter feels neglected,, they feel like stealing it.
- Don’t try to leave your personal items behind while parking the scooter, especially your wallet, helmet, gloves, or groceries. In case your scooter gets stolen, you can keep your important stuff with you.
- Look for security cameras before parking in an area. This way, the surveillance available can prevent theft, and you’ll have footage of the theft if something does occur.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid parking your scooter in isolated or poorly lit areas. If you notice someone behaving suspiciously, try to report it immediately to the police.
What To Do If Your Moped Is Stolen
Let’s imagine the worst scenario, where your scooter gets stolen — then here are the immediate steps you need to follow:
Report to Police
You must file a police report for a stolen scooter to follow up with insurance claims and recovery efforts. You need to provide the police with the serial number and identifying information. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and report the theft.
Check for Surveillance Footage
You can check for surveillance footage and check with nearby establishments, businesses, or homes to see if any cameras have captured the theft. This evidence can assist the police in their investigation and increase the chances of recovering your moped.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You need to immediately contact your insurance company after the theft to initiate a claim and document the incident. You can provide them with the police report number and any other relevant details. So, if you don’t have insurance till now, make sure you get one immediately. Check with local insurance providers to understand your options and legal requirements.
Conclusion
Scooter security is an important aspect of owning or riding a scooter. But one thing is you always need to be prepared to expect the unexpected. So making sure you’re aware of basic scooter security measures is the first step to being a responsible and vigilant scooter owner. By combining physical locks, smart parking habits, technological solutions, and community awareness, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and enjoy peace of mind while exploring the beautiful Hawaiian islands.
Consider joining or starting a local scooter club or online group where members can share information about theft incidents, suspicious activities, or effective security measures. Stay vigilant, follow local laws, and prioritize both your safety and your scooter’s security to ensure many miles of worry-free riding in Hawaii!
FAQs
What is the best security for a scooter?
Use a disc brake lock and motion detection to protect against accidental tampering. or an alarm system for scooters without disc brakes. Alarms need to increase their effectiveness.
How do I keep my scooter from being stolen?
In my garage, the ideal place where your car can be found would be your garage. Install garage door lock or install garage door lock replacement. Garage alarm systems and shed illumination are also advisable to improve security. Installed anchors also provide additional security.