If you have a disability or trouble moving around independently, a mobility scooter can give you a tremendous amount of independence which, for many people, is totally life-changing.
However, with the increasing popularity of mobility scooters, the theft risk has also increased. It is important to keep your mobility scooter secure to prevent it from being stolen. Having your scooter stolen or vandalised can be a devastating thing to experience, not only costing you a lot of money to repair or replace but also taking away your freedom to move around independently.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your scooter more secure and deter thefts from trying to take your scooter. The two best ways to do this are by using a mobile scooter lock and by taking care how (and where) you park. This article will give you some handy tips to use these two methods most effectively.
Surewise Acceptance Criteria
Although the following tips are helpful to deter thieves, in order for your claim to be accepted by Surewise and regardless of whether your scooter is on your property or not, the following criteria must be met:
- If you leave your scooter unattended for more than 1 hour, it must be locked to an immovable object (something solid that cannot be lifted, unbolted or moved) with a padlock and chain.
- If you leave your scooter outside overnight, or for more than 12 hours, it must be locked to a fixed object with a padlock and chain, hidden from public view, and kept under cover.
You can find this information in Section A1 of your Surewise policy wording (page 12).
Please note: Surewise policies cover you to leave your mobility scooter unattended for up to an hour. If possible, we would still recommend attaching it to an immovable object to be extra safe.
Other insurers may have different criteria and you should check the policy wording from your individual insurer.
Choosing the Right Mobility Scooter Lock
When it comes to choosing the right mobility scooter lock, there are several options available. The best lock for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing yours:
Please note: Investing in an additional lock for your vehicle may make it less likely to be stolen but is not usually considered strong enough for insurance purposes because they don’t tether it to something immovable.
Type of Lock
Whichever extras you choose, the key point for your Surewise cover is this: once your scooter is left for more than an hour, it must be secured with a padlock and chain to an immovable object. Make sure a padlock and chain is the core of your setup, with any other locks as added deterrents.
Security Level
Consider the security level of the lock you choose. Look for locks that are made of durable materials and have a high level of resistance to cutting and picking. Some locks may have a security rating, such as Sold Secure or ART, which can help you determine their level of security.
Portability
Think about how portable you need your lock to be. If you plan to use your mobility scooter frequently and need to carry your lock with you, consider a lightweight and compact option. If you plan to attach your lock to your scooter, weight and size may not be as much of a concern.
Ease of Use
Choose a lock that is easy to use and fits your individual needs. Some locks may require a key to unlock, while others may have a combination or code. Consider how easy it is to lock and unlock the lock, and whether it is easy to attach and remove from your scooter.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the lock. While you don’t want to skimp on security, you also don’t want to overspend on a lock that may not be necessary for your needs. Look for an acceptable trade-off: the level of security you need at a price that fits your budget.
By taking the time to choose the right lock, you can help ensure that your mobility scooter stays safe and secure.
Installing a Mobility Scooter Lock
There are various types of locks that can be used to secure a mobility scooter. Some of the most common types of locks include cable locks, wheel locks, and ignition locks.
Cable Locks
Cable locks are affordable, lightweight and easy to carry, with a cable that loops around the frame and closes with a padlock. They make a handy everyday deterrent, but a cable is far easier to cut than a chain, and your cover specifically calls for a padlock and chain securing the scooter to an immovable object once it’s left for more than an hour. Treat a cable lock as an extra layer, not your main security.
Wheel Locks
Wheel locks clamp onto a wheel to stop it turning and make a strong visual deterrent. They’re useful for very short stops (up to an hour), but because they don’t tether your scooter to anything fixed, they don’t meet your cover requirements on their own once you leave it for more than an hour or overnight. For anything longer than a quick stop, use a padlock and chain to an immovable object as well.
Ignition Locks
Ignition locks are fitted to the scooter’s ignition system and prevent it from starting without a key, a useful deterrent against an opportunist riding it away. Be aware that an ignition lock doesn’t physically secure your scooter to anything.
If you leave it unattended for more than an hour, your cover requires it to be locked to an immovable object with a padlock and chain, so an ignition lock should be used alongside that rather than instead of it.
Mobility Insurance
Cover includes:
- Theft, Vandalism & Accidental Damage
- Third Party Liability & Legal Expenses
- Multiple Riders & No Age Limit
- No Hidden Fees & No Excess
Parking Your Mobility Scooter
As well as locking your mobility scooter, it’s important to take other precautions to prevent theft or damage. Here are some tips to keep your mobility scooter secure:
Choosing a Safe Location
When parking your mobility scooter for short periods of time, choose a well-lit and busy area. Avoid secluded or poorly lit areas that may make it easier for thieves to steal your scooter.
Removing Valuables from Your Scooter
Remove valuables such as wallets, purses, or mobile phones when parking your mobility scooter. Thieves may be tempted to steal your scooter if they see valuable items on it. Keep your personal belongings with you or store them in a secure location.
Always be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Other Tips For Keeping Your Mobility Scooter Secure:
Shop For A Scooter With An Ignition key
Mobility scooters can differ in the way they start: some simply have a button that you need to press to switch it on, whereas others come with an ignition key.
Button-operated scooters, of course, can be much easier for thieves to take if you leave your scooter unattended. Getting a scooter with a starter key may, therefore, be the better option if you are planning on leaving your scooter unattended often.
Register Your Scooter In Our Database
Register your scooter on our free National Mobility Security Database. We understand how upsetting it is to have a scooter stolen. It’s not just the cost, but the loss of the freedom and independence you rely on every day while you wait to put things right.
Our database is here to help. It bridges the gap between you and the police, so that if your scooter is taken and later recovered, officers who spot your database sticker can contact us, and we’ll use your scooter’s serial number to confirm you’re the owner and help get it back to you.
Registration is completely free and open to everyone, whether you’re insured with us or not. We just need your device’s make, model and serial number, along with your contact details. We’ll then post you free database stickers to display on your scooter, which also help deter thieves in the first place.
If you’re insured with us, you can add your serial number through ‘My Account’, if you aren’t a customer of ours, you can still register your device.
Fit Your Scooter With A Tracker
If you are worried about your scooter being stolen, another good security measure is to fit a tracker to your scooter. Trackers work via GPS, tracking the scooter and sending a text to alert the owner of the scooter’s whereabouts.
This can be extremely useful for tracking down the scooter if it is stolen and helping the police to locate your scooter sooner.
Invest In A Wheel Lock
Another good security measure is to get a wheel lock for your scooter to deter potential thieves from trying to wheel your scooter away. Wheel locks simply clamp onto the wheel of your scooter and prevent anyone from wheeling it away – but they also act as a visual deterrent if you need to leave your scooter unattended.
Consider Where You Store Your Scooter
Thieves are most likely to target your scooter when it is left unattended, so where you store your scooter overnight and when not in use is an important consideration.
We would always recommend storing your scooter inside overnight, ideally in a locked garage, shed or dedicated space where you can charge it safely and secure it.
As well as protecting it, this helps you meet the policy’s overnight conditions: locked to a fixed object (a ground anchor bolted into the floor works well) with a padlock and chain, hidden from public view, and kept under cover. If you don’t have indoor space, a weatherproof cover plus a chain to a fixed anchor point keeps it out of sight and covered.
Insurance
Finally, we’d highly recommend getting an insurance policy to cover you and your scooter in the unfortunate event of theft.
Our mobility scooter insurance policies cover you from theft, vandalism, accidental damage, third party liability, and more, to allow you to live life confidently knowing your investment in your scooter is covered.
Starting from just £3.80 per month, this is an easy but extremely practical way to protect your independence and finances in the case of your scooter being stolen.
Read more about our mobility scooter insurance and get a quote to cover your scooter today.
