Typically, e-bikes need their specific key. However, you may have lost your ignition key and wonder how to start an electric bike without a key. Well then, don’t be perturbed; we’ve got the answer you need right away.
How to start electric bike without a key? You need to join both wires of the switch together. This can be done using a thin plastic, lock pick, etc., to kick start your electric bicycle. There are sundry ways to turn on your bicycle without using a key.
This article talks about all you need to understand in detail to power a bike without its key. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Is It Possible To Start An Electric Bike Without A Key?
Electric bicycles usually use keys to power the motor and facilitate movement. However, sometimes we may misplace the keys dedicated to our e-bikes. Also, considering that the keys are pivotal for the riders, losing them can be very dangerous. Nonetheless, it’s possible to turn on the electric bicycle without its dedicated keys.
How to Start Electric Bike without Key?
There are several simple ways to power the e-bike without its keys. These ways include:
- Joining the wires.
- Dismantling the e-bike’s battery.
- Using a bump key.
- Using a shim.
- Using a screwdriver.
- Trying the plastic pen.
You must keep these steps at heart while attempting to turn on your electric bicycle without its key. Also, note that these techniques are extreme and can destroy your lock forever. Therefore, whatever way you’re trying to turn on your e-bike without the battery, be careful not to damage the lock. So, what are these techniques we’re talking about today?
Joining The Wires
To access a temporal solution, maybe you’re stuck. Joining the wires is an ideal option. To do this, briefly analyze the wire combinations on your e-bike carefully. You’d notice the two wires connected to the ignition switch. After you have identified the wiring, join both wires together. That will automatically turn on your motors.
Dismantling The E-Bike’s Battery
There are some electric bicycles that come with a removable battery. Ensure to disconnect the ignition wires after the battery replacement. After removing the ignition, screw back the battery, and it will permit you to use your e-bike freely.
There are several efficient e-bikes available for purchase. Most of them are above $1,000. However, you can get a good 750 watt electric bike with standard qualities.
Using A Bump Key
A bump key is otherwise called a universal key. After inputting the universal or bump key, implement the pull-back technique. Then twist the key, and your electric bicycle will power on.
Using A Shim
To make a shim, cut open both the bottom and top of any available aluminum beverage can with a scissor. With the same equipment, tear the aluminum can from its middle and clean it. Trace an M shape and cut through, following it. Once that is done, fold the M shape to have a V look (Bend its top one time, and it’s both sides).
Rotate it round the lock’s shackle so that it becomes round-shaped. After that, input the shim into the shackle, then twist it. If your electric bike is a double bolted ignition, you’d need to use two shims.
Using A Screwdriver
One other effective means to starting your electric bike without a key is using a screwdriver. Search out a screwdriver much similar to your lost e-bike’s key. After getting a similar screwdriver, input it into the ignition keyhole, turn the screwdriver within the hole, and the bike will come on.
Trying The Plastic Pen
Last on our list today is using a plastic pen. There are some electric bicycles whose keyholes are tubular. If you have such an electric bike, you can turn it on using a pen. This is a vintage technique to turn on your e-bike without its dedicated key.
Wield a BIC-pen preferably. Take off the ink tube. Insert the plastic body into the tubular key cylinder and keep turning and pushing until the bike powers on.
Things To Keep In Mind While Bypassing Regular Ignition
Here are the things you must keep in mind while bypassing the regular ebike starting mechanism:
Legal concerns
Presently, over 2,000,000 bicycle theft in the United States alone. You riding your electric bicycle without a key can easily make you prone to being suspected of theft.
Electric hazard concerns
While starting your electric bike without its key, you may need to end up cutting the ignition wires to join them together. This is one of the fastest ways to start your bike without its key, but it can expose the circuit to short-circuiting. Short-circuiting your controller will cause it to burn and get damaged. It can also destroy other components of the e-bike.
What to do after finding the key
Once you have found your e-bike keys, ensure to store them in a location that is safe. Also, if any part of the e-bike has been damaged in the process of riding without a key, take it to the repairman to troubleshoot and repair it.
How to Keep Your Electric Bike Safe?
Most electric bicycles have a lifespan of over 5 years or more. However, to effectively reach this lifespan, you need to properly take care of your e-bike. So, ensure to follow the following tips to keep in mind.
1. Register Your Electric Bicycle
There are many electric bicycle theft apps available to prevent thieves from obtaining your e-bike. Register your electric bike with any of these applications. Once the e-bike has been stolen, the app will inform the police and rightful owner about the theft. These apps also offer live location descriptions and media, such as pictures, to trace the bike.
2. Record Your Bike’s Serial Number
You will need a serial number to offer to the police if your e-bike gets stolen. Usually, you can find the serial number on the rear wheel’s mount, under the crank, head tube, or on the seat tube. The serial number is the bicycle’s ID (identification) number; this grants you the access to reclaim your stolen bike when you identify it.
3. Always Park In Safe Locations
One major point to look out for in ensuring your e-bike’s security is always to park it in a secure location. If you need to keep the bike alone and unwatched for hours, ensure to locate an indoor place to hide it within. Places like garages, sheds, even parking areas, etc., are significant considerations. During the nighttime, locking up your e-bike in the house is recommended, as this period is when most thievery actions are at their peak.
4. Select the Right Locks
Select an effective and fully functional lock to make sure your e-bike is theft-proof. Cheap locks are not advised, as they are more prone to easy damage. Also, you can use multiple locks to reinforce your bicycle’s safety.
The e-bike motors, batteries, LCDs, and even wheels can be stolen as well, so you should consider getting multiple locks if you want to secure your e-bike from theft. We discussed before that ebike batteries are removable without key!
5. Ensure To Protect From Abrasion
Overuse, aging, and under-maintenance negatively impact your e-bike’s efficiency. Therefore, ensure to perform some maintenance check-ups on the tire, chain, brake, and even battery connection. Also, ensure that the batteries remain fully charged to prevent encountering strong headwinds while your battery is low.
We also recommend that you even have an additional battery charging.
Electric bicycle tires have to withstand additional pressure because of the motor and battery’s extra weight during a ride. So, ensure that the tires are at the optimal psi level each time. Also, the e-bike chain needs occasional maintenance, such as lubrication and cleaning, to facilitate smooth movement in the bicycle’s paths.
Finally, regular maintenance of your brake will keep them in perfect shape for effective braking. So, ensure to adjust them regularly to sustain their functionality before each ride.
6. Store Your Bike Properly
As you’re storing the e-bike for a longer time, ensure to store it in a cool and dry environment. You can remove the battery if the environment is damp and wet, as the batteries are quite expensive.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes as a rider, you might misplace your e-bike battery and may wonder how to start electric bike without key. Using any flat and fitting object, removing the battery, or connecting the wires together can help you power up the bike again.
However, you don’t want to ride your e-bike feeling like a thief if you encounter the police. So, ensure to keep your e-bike keys safe or go for a replacement if they get missing. Also, ensure to properly maintain your e-bike to avoid disappointments while riding.