On the security front, I think it likely that my daughter would be able to store the scooter at an indoor location which should be relatively secure, though she would not be able to keep an eye on it at all times?
Perhaps she could store it in a locker, which would again make smaller size an asset. I’ve been researching a number of models and what I’ve determined so far is that features like keyed ignition are not common? That’s a shame given what you said about how escooters are fairly unusable without the motor.
There are apparently some disc locks you can buy that are specifically oriented towards scooters and would serve essentially the same purpose, which is to say discouraging a bad actor from the temptation of simply hopping on and riding off. They may even make an alarm sound if the scooter is moved.
Something like a U-lock would be more protection, but assumes you have something to lock it to, which may or may not be the case indoors?
Another option might be to detach the battery and carry it around on your person, but I’m not sure how heavy/awkward those things are? My ebike battery’s actually not too bad. Were I a student, I could see myself shoving it into a backpack or whatever.