Moped and scooter safety
How you can help protect and secure your moped or scooter from thieves.
Thousands of scooters and mopeds are stolen each year. A large number of those lack extra security, meaning it can take seconds for a thief to steal a moped or scooter, if unprotected.
Tips to keep your moped or scooter safe
Unfortunately security measures cannot guarantee your moped or scooter will not be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves.
Use ground anchors and locks
A ground anchor, combined with a lock and chain, is the best security measure moped or scooter riders have against thieves, especially if you have a garage.
When parked up in public, chain your moped’s rear wheel to an immovable object, such as a lamppost. This will prevent it from being lifted into a van, if it is secured.
Whenever you lock and chain the rear wheel, wrap any excess chain around the rear wheel and try to enclose the lock.
Do not rely on the steering lock, as standard steering locks are easily defeated. Use a D lock to help secure the front disc brake and stop it being wheeled away.
You could also use a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls.
For security products for your moped or scooter, search Secured by Design’s accredited products page.
Keep the lock off the ground
Keeping the lock off the ground can prevent it being attacked by a portable angle grinder or smashed by a hammer.
These tools are more effective when the lock is resting on the ground, as it enables a thief to use the ground as leverage to cut through the lock.
Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings
Stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure your plates.
No specialist tools are needed to install them; a standard flat-bladed screwdriver is will do the job, making them a cost-effective and simple security solution.
However, once installed, clutch head screws are intended to remain in place permanently and removal is extremely difficult.
Clutch head screws are widely available online in various sizes.
Use a moped cover
Covers are another hassle for an opportunist thief, as they instantly make it less attractive by providing another time-consuming obstacle for them.
If they cannot see what moped it is, they are less likely to target it.
Covers are not security rated but are widely available online and in specialist vehicle shops.
Buying a moped or scooter safely
When buying a moped or scooter, make sure:
- the seller has the original V5C logbook and their name and address matches their ID
- you check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the frame and engine matches the V5C
- you check the moped or scooter has not been recorded as stolen or written off
- you meet in a safe location – arrange to view the vehicle in a well-lit public place, ideally covered by CCTV, and bring a friend.
Red flags to watch out for include:
- the price is significantly lower than the market value
- the seller is unwilling to answer detailed questions, provide service history, or allow a third-party inspection by a mechanic
- poor-quality photos are used in the advert
Selling a moped or scooter safely
When selling a moped or scooter, ensure you:
- check the payment has cleared before giving the bike to your buyer
- keep all paperwork, including the V5C and service history, safe until the sale is complete
- transfer ownership correctly to avoid any future liability for fines or crimes committed on the vehicle