Electric scooter theft prompts security warnings from local retailers
Luis Avila
LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – As electric bikes and scooters continue to grow in popularity, they’re also catching the attention of thieves — leading to a troubling rise in thefts.
Following the arrest of two men accused of stealing electric scooters in Rancho Mirage, local shop owners are urging riders to take extra precautions to protect their rides.
Bryan Newman, owner of Pedego Electric Bikes in La Quinta, says thefts are becoming more common — and not just from the streets.
“It’s probably a little more common than most people would assume. We’ve had some theft with bikes that were stolen that were customers’ bikes that were in for service that were just put outside for a moment.”
Bryan Newman, Pedego Electric Bikes Owner
One brazen theft was even caught on camera last year, when someone walked up to the front of Newman’s store and rode off with a bike in broad daylight.
According to Newman, many of these thefts are crimes of opportunity. Some bikes are used for a quick getaway, then abandoned. But others are stripped down or resold, making them nearly impossible to identify.
Newman says it all starts with the basics: investing in a high-quality lock and knowing how to use it properly.
“Having a good quality lock is good and understanding not to lock them through the tires. Often people can just loosen a tire with a couple of axel nuts, in some cases by hand.”
Bryan Newman, Pedego Electric Bikes Owner
But heavy-duty locks aren’t always enough and can be expensive. That’s why some riders are turning to tech — such as Apple AirTags or other GPS tracking devices — to keep tabs on their bikes. Newman and other local shop owners are also taking steps to educate their customers on theft prevention and smart storage practices.
As electric mobility continues to grow in the desert, one thing is clear — riders need to stay one step ahead to keep their e-rides safe.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.