How to Switch on an Electric Bike Without Using a key

As urban areas grow, there is an increased need for cheaper and more effective transportation worldwide. Electric bikes are one such transportation method that is environmentally friendly and more efficient.

People with electric bikes swear by them for short-term travel, which is why there are an increasing number of solutions for the pitfalls of electric bikes. 

One common issue many folks have with electric bikes is that they may lose their keys. Like any other vehicle, the one running theme is human error. Thus, if you’re stranded at a bus station because your key is lost or the bike key is split, we have compiled some ways to switch on an electric bike without using a key. 

The great thing about electric bikes is that you can pedal them without keys. However, if you want to switch on your electric bike without using a key to save yourself the trouble, we have just the thing for you. 

Why is the E-bike Key Necessary?

Before you learn ways to switch on your electric bike without using a key, it may be relevant to know how the key works and how you can troubleshoot your electric bike. 

So when you’re locking your electric bike, you’re essentially locking the battery into place so that you may close the circuit, and no one can run off with your bike or utilize the battery for their purpose. When you lock the e-bike, you lock it to your battery frame, stopping the current flowing from the battery to the motor. 

So if we look at the functioning of the key, then we can find ways to switch on the bike so that it functions appropriately manually.

What to do When You Lose Keys?

If you lose your keys, you should try to procure a spare one. You likely got two keys when you first bought your electric bike, which should be in your home. Thus, if you search for them in your home, we reckon you will find them in your home. 

However, what happens if you’re outside somewhere else and can’t reach your home? We recommend that you reach out to the bike manufacturers and order a set of spares for your current location. 

Doing this could cost you a fair amount of money and may take a while to procure. Once you have ordered the spares, you can then take the time to look for the keys that you may have lost. It would be best if you didn’t abandon hope simply because you can’t find them when needed. 

6 Ways to Switch on Your Bike Without Using a Key 

Once you have tried to find a key and come up empty-handed, it may be time to switch on your bike without using a key. We have stated before that the keys lock in the battery, so if there are manual ways to remove the lock, we can access the battery plus the e-bike again. 

It’s a simple process if you follow the correct steps. However, when things get complicated, we recommend you step back and return to the issue at hand. We have listed some ways you may switch on your bike without using a key, and we’ll be with you every step. 

Connect the Wires

Just like you can hot-wire your car, you may also hot-wire your electric bike. However, you must know what wires you must connect to do this. It’s a much simpler process than that in a car or a motorbike because you’re good to go once you make the connection. 

The key only needs to complete the circuit so that the battery can provide the necessary power. Thus, if you can connect the wires, you may be well on your journey. 

The wires you’re looking for will be near or underneath the key-lock system. If you’re not sure about where the connections are at all, then you could refer to someone who is more experienced with e-bikes. In any case, look at the wire that moves into the battery. 

You would then have to cut the wires using wire cutters or sharp knives. Once you do that, you can connect and tape them up using an electrical tape, and voila! You can drive your electric bike home. 

Be careful when following this method because you could harm yourself quickly when exposing yourself to open wires. Ensure you have protective gloves or protection in place, so you don’t harm yourself. 

Extract the Battery 

It’s one of the easiest ways to get your electric bike going. If you have an emergency, this is the simplest way to get your bike going since removing the battery will make it completely manual. So removing the battery would be smart if you want to get your bike away from the current location. 

When you pedal the e-bike, you may find that the motor does help you out. The motor will do most of the work, and the battery may no longer work, but you will still move from one place to another. 

Use a Screwdriver 

Sometimes you need an alternative to the key to open up the circuit. Finding the ignition wiring and then connecting it can be difficult, so you need a device that may substitute for the key, like a screwdriver.

 But it would help if you got a similar screwdriver to your key. For older types of locks, this trick works perfectly fine. But you want to ensure you don’t apply too much force if your electric bike isn’t responding. 

Use a Shim 

A shim uses the same principle as a screwdriver, i.e., it acts like an alternate that may fit into the ignition. A shim is a small piece of material that you may fix inside the system so that the lock system works how you prefer. This method is one of the simplest and easiest ways of making your bike work for you.

To construct a shim, you must get a strip of Aluminium from a can or any other place. Remove the can’s top and bottom parts, so you have a simple sheet. You can cut the sheet from this piece until it gains an M-letter shape and bend it on the vertical axis. 

You may work the sheet until it’s the same size and width as your key. You can then place the shim into your lock and try switching it on. 

Attempt To Use a Bump Key 

A bump key or a master key is one of the keys that you may use to unlock any lock. If you have a bump key or a master key on hand, you can attempt to resolve the issue by inserting it and seeing where it lands.

Once it works, you won’t have to worry about applying any other method. Bump keys don’t require you to invest a lot of time and effort. You also don’t have to make anything from aluminum which is why so many prefer this method of unlocking an e-bike. 

The issue with these keys is that you rarely find one. If you’re in a foreign location, it may be even more difficult to find a master key that will switch your bike on. Chances are if you don’t have a spare key for your bike, you also don’t have your bump key. 

There is also a big chance that your bump key doesn’t work on the newer version of e-bikes. So, you may have to be careful when using one as an alternative. 

Melt a Plastic Pen 

This method carries the most risk, so you must be careful about proceeding with it. The way to make this work is by heating the plastic from a pen slowly and then inserting that melted version into your lock. 

Once inserted, you may wait for it to cool to twist it so it may double as a key. Rotate the pen so that you may switch on the ignition. 

You want to ensure you don’t melt the key completely, which may harm the lock-key system and ruin your electric bike. Instead, you want to melt the pen to the point that it’s malleable and soft. 

Precautions to Avoid Losing Keys 

  1. Keep an extra spare in your bag. 
  2. Make several copies of your electric bike keys. 
  3. Keep your registrations with you, as you could always go to a police station to have them help you.
  4. Ensure the lock is always clean and has no grime in the middle.

Concluding Thoughts

Losing your keys can be annoying and frustrating, but the most important thing to remember is to keep calm. There are always methods to move your electric bike, even when you don’t have a key. 

Remember that having a spare key in your home will save you time and effort. If you don’t have that spare key, you can use any of the methods we have highlighted above, and if they fail, you can always hire a professional to help you out. 

If you don’t want to use your electric bike as an electric bike, you may use it as a normal bike and ride it home. It may become heavier for you, but it can help you move around still when you’re in a foreign place. 

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