Which motorcycle anti-theft device is best for delivery riders and couriers?

Let's be honest: a well-equipped thief takes just a few seconds to steal a motorcycle without a chain or anti-theft device.

In Italy alone, more than 26,000 motorcycles were stolen in 2021, of which only 36% were subsequently returned to their rightful owners. This is usually thanks to a GPS anti-theft system.

There are plenty of motorcycle anti-theft devices and security systems on the market; however, wheel locks and chains are often inconvenient to use, especially when you stop many times a day to make deliveries in residential or central areas.

So, how can you protect your scooter between deliveries?

In this article, we will discuss the best motorcycle security systems and anti-theft devices available on the market, their advantages and disadvantages, and why they often prove ineffective for professional couriers.

THE PROBLEM WITH MOTORCYCLE CHAINS

A person cutting a padlock off a motorcycle

The chain is certainly the oldest and most widely used security system in the world. By tying our vehicle to an object firmly anchored to the ground, it gives us a sense of security that few other systems can match. 

Although any anti-theft device is still more of a deterrent than a guarantee of protection, a good-quality chain can be an excellent option for protecting our vehicle.

However, chains are heavy and inconvenient to carry around the city. A courier or delivery rider spends more than 6 hours a day on a scooter, making an average of over 20 deliveries per day. It is not difficult to understand that using a chain to protect your vehicle is an unrealistic option.

Any anti-theft device is only as useful as its use, and unfortunately chains seem to be an unsuitable security system for the hectic life of a courier. 

ARE THERE OTHER MORE EFFECTIVE MOTORCYCLE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES AND SECURITY SYSTEMS?

Are alternative security systems to a chain available? Certainly! Here we have compiled a list of the simplest motorcycle anti-theft devices to transport, which could be suitable for a professional courier. 

DISC LOCKS

A disc lock is simply a padlock designed to immobilize a motorcycle's brake disc. Once activated, it immobilizes the scooter's wheel, making it impossible to move the vehicle without first removing the anti-theft device. The only alternative for a thief would be to load the motorcycle into a van or remove the disc lock with an angle grinder.

Both options tend to attract the attention of passers-by, and thieves generally do not like this kind of attention.

A yellow padlock on a motorcycle

THE DRAWBACKS OF DISC LOCKS

Similarly to what was said about chains, it is often impractical to take a disc lock out from under the seat and activate it every time you stop to make a delivery.

They often end up not being used due to lack of time, exposing your scooter to unnecessary risks.

We should remember that a thief's best friend is a vehicle without an anti-theft device.

D-LOCKS

The so-called D-locks are locks named for their shape, which resembles the letter D. They are typically used to protect bicycles rather than motorcycles, but we are also seeing strong growth among motorcycle users.

This type of lock is usually used on the front wheel and prevents it from rotating by obstructing its spokes. Usually, this type of motorcycle anti-theft device does not allow the vehicle to be anchored to an immovable object.

They are considered fairly convenient to use because their D-shaped design allows them to be activated without getting your hands too dirty, as often happens with traditional disc locks.

A black and gray U-lock on a motorcycle

THE DRAWBACKS OF D-LOCKS

Their unusual shape makes them quite bulky.
This means that if you chose to use a D-lock to protect your vehicle, you would have to more or less give up any space under the seat or in the top case.

Furthermore, due to their shape, this type of motorcycle anti-theft device is particularly vulnerable to attack with an electric angle grinder, a type of theft that is increasingly common nowadays.

CABLE LOCKS

Designed to be compact and easy to transport, cable locks work similarly to a chain.
However, since they are lightweight and coil up, they tend to take up much less space and can easily be stored in the top case or under the seat beneath the helmet.

A black cable lock on a motorcycle

THE DRAWBACKS

Due to their lightweight nature, this type of anti-theft device can easily be tampered with, even by a poorly equipped thief.

Ideal for bicycles, they are not the best solution for the urban courier.

BRAKE LEVER LOCKS FOR MOTORCYCLES

Designed to be fitted to the vehicle's handlebars and immobilize the front brake lever, this type of mechanical motorcycle anti-theft device has achieved moderate success on the market.
Their ease of use and small size certainly make them among the simplest deterrents to use.

A close-up of a yellow alligator lock on a motorcycle

THE DRAWBACKS OF BRAKE LEVER LOCKS

Due to their position, this type of anti-theft device is particularly easy to neutralize. An experienced thief can force this type of security system in just a few seconds.

Furthermore, since their operating method activates the brake lever to immobilize the wheel, a well-equipped thief could simply decide to cut the brake lever and thereby free the wheel's movement.

Certainly easy to use, but ineffective against modern thieves.

STEERING LOCK

A standard accessory on most vehicles currently on the market, the steering lock is certainly the minimum deterrent every motorcyclist should use, even when stopping for the shortest breaks.
Simple to activate and deactivate, the scooter should never be parked without using it.

A close-up of a black steering lock on a motorcycle

THE DRAWBACKS OF THE STEERING LOCK

Unfortunately, however useful it may be, a simple kick to the front wheel is all it takes for a thief to break the lock and push the scooter away without much difficulty. Therefore, never leave the vehicle unattended without an additional mechanical anti-theft device.

WHY EASYBLOCK IS THE BEST ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR COURIERS AND DELIVERY RIDERS

The EasyBlock wheel lock is a simple and effective solution for protecting your scooter while you work.

Unlike most of the motorcycle anti-theft devices listed in this article, EasyBlock offers the right balance between security and ease of use.

This made-in-Italy product is designed to be perfectly integrated with the motorcycle's design and, once installed on the vehicle, does not need to be removed every time you set off again.

EasyBlock is activated by applying firm pressure with your foot or using the dedicated key, and protects the motorcycle by immobilizing the rear wheel with its solid steel pin, which fits between the wheel spokes. 

HOW EASYBLOCK WORKS

You can purchase EasyBlock through our website  and have the product delivered directly to your home. Alternatively, you can view the map of our authorized dealers throughout Italy here.

Installing EasyBlock is very simple, and any mechanic can fit the product by following our installation tutorials available on the website.

Once the device is installed, it will always be with you, so you will have no more excuses for leaving your scooter without an anti-theft device.

Simply activate EasyBlock using your foot or the dedicated key, and you can make that delivery on the fifth floor without any further fear of never seeing your motorcycle again.

In conclusion, the most important thing for a courier or delivery rider is knowing that your scooter is safe every time you make a delivery. For this reason, you need to use an anti-theft device that is simple to activate and does not force you to waste valuable time.

EasyBlock was created precisely to meet this need and is therefore the ideal anti-theft device for urban couriers.


The anti-theft device you actually use