Moped and scooter safety
How you can help protect and secure your moped or scooter from thieves.
Thousands of mopeds and scooters are stolen each year. Many of those lack extra security, meaning it can take seconds for a thief to steal a moped or scooter if it is left unprotected.
Always take your keys with you
Remove the ignition keys and use the steering lock, even if you are close by or away for just a few minutes. Never rely on just using your steering lock to secure your bike, as thieves can break it and wheel the motorcycle away or load into a van and drive off.
Tips to keep your moped or scooter safe
While these tips cannot guarantee the security of your moped or scooter, using multiple security measures will make it harder and less attractive for thieves.
Fit a tracking system, alarm and immobiliser
Tracking systems can improve the chances of recovering your moped if it is stolen and even help trace it overseas in some cases.
Many systems are battery operated and activate once the motorcycle is stolen by tracking the moped via GPS and other detection systems.
Secured by Design (SBD) have several members which specialise in this area and can advise on the best system for your moped or scooter and can also fit the product.
Alarms and immobilisers
Under the MCIA Secured scheme, new mopeds and scooters may have an alarm system installed as part of the star rating.
However, if one has not been installed, consider fitting an Thatcham-rated system which falls into one of the following categories:
- Electronic Alarm and Immobiliser (Category 1)
- Electronic Immobiliser (Category 2)
- Electronic Alarm (Category 2-1)
A Thatcham-approved system that has been professionally fitted can also reduce your insurance premiums.
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