Scooter security is a hot issue, so we’ve not only tested Oxford’s latest alarm disc-lock, but we’ve also made you a nice video on how it works as well.
VIDEO | SLUK review of the Oxford XA5 disc lock alarm
What’s it for?
In our opinion disc locks are a good secondary security device, or for use when leaving your scooter for a short amount of time outside a shop. They are not enough on their own for long periods in the same spot in a high-crime area because it’s still possible to lift a disc-locked scooter into a van. Where possible, always lock your scooter to a solid object with a chain or U-lock.
Alarmed disc locks are a big improvement on normal disc locks because they add an extra layer of aggravation for the thieves in the fact that other people may get involved if they set an alarm off while attempting to steal a vehicle.
What’s good?
This tiny disc lock has been designed to fit where other larger locks fail to work. Small-wheeled scooters like the Vespa PX provide a special challenge due to the lack of space between the wheel rim and the disc. This lock is universal in that the small 5.5mm diameter hardened locking pin fits through the vent holes in many brake discs which larger locks would not work with.
We are pleased to say that we’ve tried this lock and it does indeed fit the PX, both with standard wheels and even with the thicker SIP rims.
Perhaps the best thing about this lock is that it can be placed in positions on Vespa scooters that are hard to reach with angle grinders.
We liked:
- Diminutive size
- Easy operation of lock and alarm
- USB recharging
- Passed our waterproofness dunk test
- Included reminder cable
Price: £44.99
Features: 110db alarm, 3 keys, USB cable, reminder cable and comes in a variety of colours
Availability: Oxford Products and all decent scooter/bike shops
What’s not so good?
For a start; the instructions. Not only are they too small to read but also don’t actually tell you how the alarm operates. And at the time of writing we couldn’t find any legible or useful instructions on the Oxford website either. Thankfully you have our SLUK video to sort that one out.
Secondly, the lock did not stand up to a great deal of abuse before we broke it, but given the small diameter of the locking pin, that’s hardly a surprise. You can’t have universal fitment AND the security of a thicker pin like, those found on bulkier, more expensive locks.
If you can afford it and have the room on your wheel for a bigger and better lock, preferably one with a double-locking pin, then obviously that would be our recommended option, but we accept that not everyone has those options open to them.
Verdict
Given the current use of battery-powered tools to steal vehicles, no locks are 100% safe, so your greatest defence is simply to make your scooter look so much trouble to steal that the thieves look for an easier target. As such an alarmed disc lock like the Oxford XA5 is one useful step towards that goal, even if it doesn’t offer Fort Knox level security.
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