The Best U-Locks for Electric Scooters | Mearth Electric Scooter

The Best U-Locks for Electric Scooters

THE BEST U-LOCKS FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

One of the advantages of riding electric scooters is that you no longer have to look for parking space. E-scooters can be left alone on bike racks as long as it’s secure. However, as e-scooter theft becomes rampant, riders should take proper measures to protect their e-scooter.


To keep your e-scooter safe, use electric scooter locks to help your e-scooter stay where you left it. U-Locks, in particular, are one of the most popular types of locks that e-scooter riders use. If you are shopping for U-Locks for electric scooters, here are some of the best in the market.


What is a U-Lock?

A U-Lock is a heavy and thick metal U-shaped ring used to join a bicycle or electric scooter to a bike rack or pole. The U-shaped metal attaches to a crossbar, locking the e-scooter in place. This looks like a letter D, so others also call it an electric scooter D-lock.


The Pros and Cons of Using a U-Lock for Electric Scooters

Before buying a U-lock, consider the following advantages and disadvantages of using them.

Pros of a U-lock

  • Most secure type of lock
    It’s one of the best electric scooter locks because of its unique locking mechanism. Moreover, this type of lock provides high resistance to cutting, especially with bolt cutters. E-scooter riders can feel at ease with a U-lock.

  • Very durable
    U-locks are made from hardened steel and are resistant to most cutting tools. As a result, it’s also very heavy. However, these qualities ensure that a U-lock is durable and will last a long time. Overall, it’s a good long-term lock, especially for those who only need to use one lock.
  • Cons of a U-lock

      • Can break with enough leverage
        Unfortunately, some U-locks are vulnerable to cutting or breaking. If a thief can fit a jack into the U part of the lock, they can break the lock with enough leverage. Also, some U-locks can be twisted open using brute force. U-locks are also vulnerable against angle grinders, as with any lock.

  • Not portable
    A heavy-duty U-lock can be quite bothersome to carry due to its weight and uncommon shape. This is especially true for commuters who ride their e-scooters daily and park them outside. Although there are lighter U-locks available, they may be less resistant to cutting or wearing.


  • The Best U-Locks for Electric Scooters


    Product

    Strength

    Material

    Cost

    Kryptonite New York LS U-Lock

    Very High

    Steel

    $158.50

    USHAKE Combination U-Lock

    High

    Zinc Alloy, PVC

    $31.79

    DINOKA Heavy Duty U-Lock

    Very High

    Zinc Alloy, Braided Steel Cable

    $53.12

    Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7

    Very High

    Steel, Steel Cable

    $82.68

    Amazer U-Lock

    High

    Alloy Steel, Polycarbonate, Zinc, PVC

    $18.99


    1. Kryptonite New York LS U-Lock

    Image via Amazon


    The Kryptonite New York LS is one of the best locks for scooters in the market. It’s also known for its strength and durability, as seen in our list of the strongest electric scooter locks


    Coming from a trusted lock brand, this specific Kryptonite U-lock has a dimension of 26 x 2.5 x 10.2 centimetres and uses a combination lock to open and secure it. 


    It’s currently priced at $157.13 on Amazon, which is quite expensive for some. However, you can’t go wrong with this trusted U-lock model and brand.


    Pros

    Cons

    • Made by a trusted and reliable lock brand
    • High resistance to cutting, breaking and wearing
    • Comes with free keys
    • Comes with anti-theft protection of up to $4,000
    • Great value for money
    • Expensive for some people
    • May be difficult to carry for some people (weighs 2.07 kg)

    2. USHAKE Combination U-Lock

    Image via Amazon


    The USHAKE Combination U-lock features a four-digit combination and U-lock design that’s easy to use, making it great for beginner riders. It’s made from a 10mm hardened zinc alloy and a PVC coating to protect it from wearing. 


    Overall, the USHAKE U-lock offers a high-performance electric scooter lock that’s easy to use and bring.


    Pros

    Cons

    • Lighter than some U-locks (0.54 kg)
    • Robust material
    • Easy-to-use combination lock
    • More affordable
    • Other reviews report shipping issues

    3. DINOKA Heavy Duty U-Lock

    Image via Amazon


    The DINOKA BKL242412 heavy-duty U-lock features a double-opening head, which is uncommon for U-locks. This feature makes it more challenging for potential thieves to break the lock since they would need to break the lock on both sides at the same to unlock it.


    The lock is made from a solid zinc alloy and includes a braided 1200mm steel cable for added security. The 4ft cable lock is enough to join two or more e-scooters together. Overall, it’s a durable lock that has extra features to make your e-scooter more secure.


    Pros

    Cons

    • The double-opening head design adds extra protection
    • Sturdy zinc alloy material
    • Includes braided steel cable
    • Comes with two copper keys
    • Slightly heavy (1.24 kg)
    • It may be challenging for some people to carry
    • Some reviews say that keys are not durable

    4. Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7


    Image via Amazon


    The Evolution Mini 7 is another popular U-lock model from Kryptonite. Compared to the standard Kryptonite New York LS, this electric scooter lock is smaller with a dimension of 8.3 x 3 x 17.8 centimetres.


    Despite its size, it features a 13mm hardened steel that has high resistance to cutting. The Mini 7 also features a double deadbolt mechanism for extra security. 


    Pros

    Cons

    • High resistance to cutting
    • Comes with spare keys
    • Includes a double deadbolt design
    • Smaller and easier to bring
    • The small size may not lock thick rails.


    5. Amazer U-Lock

    Image via Amazon


    Also featured in our list of the cheapest electric scooter locks, the Amazer U-lock only costs $18.99, but it’s made of 12mm performance alloy steel, polycarbonate, zinc, and PVC coating. 


    It has a dimension of 22.7 x 14.57 x 1.58 centimetres and a weight of 0.81 kg, making it a fairly ideal lock to carry around. Overall, the lock offers enough protection given its price point.


    Pros

    Cons

    • Durable
    • Easy-to-set combination lock
    • Heavy-duty
    • Affordable than other locks
    • A cheap price may reflect on the reliability



    Which U-lock Should You Choose?

    Among the locks listed above, your best option is the Kryptonite New York LS U-lock since it has proven its reliability and strength. However, if you need a more portable electric scooter lock, choose a lighter product. As you narrow down your choices, always consider the pros and cons of each lock and see if its features solve your needs.


    For more tips and guides on electric scooter locks, browse through Mearth’s blogs.