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An electric bike would benefit tremendously from having a lock and key system. Not only does it give you the feeling of riding a motorcycle, but it also provides you with an additional layer of protection. In most cases, the electric bike is equipped with a key that can be used to switch it on and off. You may draw parallels between it and the ignition mechanism of a motorcycle.
In any case, everything works out great up until you have the key to start the bike safe. However, if you misplace your e-bike key, you will be in a precarious situation. On the other hand, you are here because you have already misplaced the key.
Therefore, you should refrain from dwelling on or lamenting the key. Instead, it would help if you become used to starting the electric bike without the key for the time being. In addition, I will explain how to prevent a situation like this from occurring in the future. You can do so as well.
So, let's start.
You may think that getting started on your electric bicycle is difficult, but it's quite easy. After all, you must find a working battery charger and plug it into the electric bicycle. Once you've done that, you'll be able to ride off into the sunset. Of course, if you're planning on riding around town, you might consider purchasing a new set of batteries before you go. That way, you won't have any problems finding a power source once you arrive at your destination.
In any case, none of these approaches will work for someone like you. I have provided a comprehensive explanation of these procedures. Use the one that strikes you as the most ideal.
We have also written an article about how to charge your ebike's battery without a charger. It will also help you if you read it.
The following is a rundown of six possible ways to get an electric bike going without needing a key. After completing the more secure procedures, I moved on to the more hazardous ones. If you are unsure which approach will yield the best results for you, you should test each one in turn.
One of the most secure methods for starting your electric bicycle without causing any harm to either the bicycle or the battery is to remove the battery. When you take the battery off of the electric bicycle and detach it from the bike, you have effectively turned the electric bicycle into a standard bicycle that is pedalled by hand.
If you have the battery attached to the e-bike and the bike is turned on, then pedalling will activate the motor, providing you assistance as you pedal and will cause the bike to go more quickly. While you are contributing some human effort by pedalling, the engine does most of the work.
The motor will be left without any power source when the battery is removed. Therefore, when you pedal, the bike will move only due to the effort you put into it manually, and it will operate just like a typical manual bicycle. There will be no requirement for the use of electric power.
An additional method for starting the engine is to connect the wires. The ignition on an electric bicycle does not function as it does on a motorbike or in a vehicle. The sole purpose of the key for the electric bike is to complete the electrical circuit so that the motor may get power from the electric bike battery.
You can manually turn on the lights by connecting the wires if you don't use the keypad.
To accomplish this, you will need to set aside some time to locate the appropriate cables that need to be connected. The ignition wiring will likely be situated beneath the area that houses the key-lock mechanism.
After you have determined which cables are necessary, you may proceed to cut them and join them. After the wires have been joined together, the electrical circuit will be finished, and you will be able to ride your electric bicycle.
You should only attempt this procedure while keeping safety precautions in mind. When working with exposed wires, there is a significant possibility that you will give yourself an electric shock. Put on some rubber gloves if you don't want to get shocked.
Constructing a shim may circumvent the need for a key to start your electric bicycle. A shim is simply a thin strip or tiny wedge of material utilised to align the internal components of a key-lock system. Using a shim is an inexpensive and relatively risk-free alternative to starting the bike using the key.
Cutting a strip of metal from an empty beverage can and using it to build a shim is the simplest way to make one. Remove the lid and bottom of the can using a pair of scissors until you are left with a sheet of plain metal.
After that, you should cut the sheet into the letter 'M' shape and then fold it along the axis that runs vertically.
This will provide you with the appropriate form that you are looking for. When cutting the shim, you should strive to obtain the dimensions as near as possible to the length and breadth of the key. Start the bike by inserting a shim into the keyhole, then turning and twisting it.
If you have access near where you live to a toolbox, take a closer peek at its contents. You might find a screwdriver that looks like your bike lock's shank. Take it out and see if it fits into your lock. If so, you can use it as a makeshift replacement for your lost keys.
However, if you're using an old lock, you may have issues trying to use it with a new electric bike. Also, when trying to start the bike by inserting the screwdriver into the ignition hole, be careful not to damage the key-lock mechanism.
If you use excessive force, you risk breaking a minor component of the key-lock system. If this happens, you will need to have the system repaired or replaced entirely.
We have also written an article about removing the speed limiters from electric bikes.
There is no difference between a bump key, a universal key, or a master key. These universal keys will work on practically any lock you can think of! It would be well worth your time to experiment with bumping your lock, provided that you either already possess a bump key or know where to locate one. It may or may not start the bike, depending on your luck.
On the other hand, the issue with bump keys is that it might be challenging to track them down. You will likely not have a bump key on hand if you do not have the spare key to your electric bicycle.
Furthermore, most electric bikes have a special ignition system that allows them to be started using a unique set of keys. As a result, there is a chance that a bump start may not function properly.
The use of a plastic pen is the final technique that may be utilised to kickstart an electric bicycle in the absence of a key. This is the extreme last resort strategy, and we wouldn't recommend using it unless you've exhausted all the other possibilities first.
This is because the plastic pen approach is not only rather dangerous but also quite archaic because it primarily only works in more traditional tubular-shaped locks.
You will need to track down a plastic pen and take it apart to complete this task. After removing the nib and the ink tube, you will be left with just the plastic cylinder. To melt the plastic, set the cylinder over an open fire.
You should not melt it completely but just to the point where it can be shaped into desired shapes. After inserting the plastic pen into the keyhole, please wait for it to get cold and solidify before removing it. After that, you may give it a spin to see if that will start the regular bike.
Because of the potential for this approach to cause harm to your key-lock system, we do not always advocate using it. There is a possibility that the plastic will become caught in the keyhole, making it impossible to remove. You run the risk of injuring yourself if you overheat the pen. There are quite a few perils that must be avoided at all costs.
You can try starting your e-bicycle without the key, but then you'll have to deal with the consequences. So, make sure you follow my instructions carefully and do everything right. Otherwise, you might end up in a situation where you're stranded somewhere far away from home.
In any case, starting the electric bike does not require a key and is a simple process. To reiterate, engaging in such behaviour is fraught with peril. Therefore, proceed with caution when you are out of other possibilities. In addition, it is not a long-term solution to the missing key problem. Whenever you misplace the key, you should seek the advice of a professional.
I hope that you won't find yourself in any further difficulty.
Moreover, it would help if you also read our previous article about removing the e-bike's battery without keys.
