As we all know, electric bikes are powered by a motor and battery. They are usually started by either pressing a button on the handlebars or by inserting a key into the bike’s lock.
There is no key needed to start an electric bike, but this is only true if you have the right type of bike.
Some bikes require a key to be inserted into the lock in order to start them, which means that you will need to carry your key with you at all times if you want to use this type of bike.
For this reason, in this article, I will show you how to start an electric bike without a key.
What Do I Do If I Lost My E-Bike Key?
If you have lost the key to your e-bike what you can do is order a new key with the same number that was printed on the previous key. This is assuming that you had this number written down. If not, you could try using an impact wrench or a master key.
Do Electric Bikes Require A Key?
Yes, an electric bike needs a key to turn on, either in some position on the electric bike or on the battery to unlock it. You must remember that each key is different for each electric bike so if you lose it you will be in trouble.
How to Start Electric Bike Without Key? [7 Ways]
There are several ways to start an electric bike without a key when you are in an emergency or have lost the key, which although not highly recommended because it can cause damage to our bike, are a feasible and easy solution to help us in the problem.
Here are 7 ways to start an electric bike without a key:
- Way 1: Removing the battery
- Way 2: Using a screwdriver
- Way 3: Using a plastic pen
- Way 4: Applying a shim
- Way 5: Using a bump key or a master key
- Way 6: Connecting wires
- Way 7: Alternating ignition
Way 1: Removing the battery
This is one of the safest and easiest ways to start the keyless electric bike, as you just remove its power source and start it manually using the pedals like a normal bike.
If you need to remove the battery from your e-bike without the key, there are a few things you can do:
- Step 1: If the battery is mounted on the frame, you can try to remove it by unscrewing the bracket.
- Step 2: If the battery is attached by a strap or other device, you can try to remove it by cutting the strap or device.
- Step 3: If the battery is held by a lock, you can try to remove it by forcing the lock.
- Step 4: Finally, if the battery is attached to a cable, you can try to remove it by cutting the cable.
Way 2: Using a screwdriver
In this second way, we will only use a screwdriver as an alternative form of key to start the e-bike without keys. In this way, you only have to find a tool that has a flat tip or is very similar to the key of your electric bike. This way is not highly recommended as it may damage the key entry system.
You should note that for modern electric bikes this method will not work. Therefore you will have to use a cable connection method described below.
Way 3: Using a plastic pen
This way to start an electric bike without a key is not highly recommended and only works if the lock of your electric bike is tubular in shape, but if you are having problems it can be a great option.
This way is to use a plastic pen without the pen and ink tube, as we are going to place it in the fire until the tip of the plastic pen is malleable. Once this is done just insert the pen into the keyhole and wait until it solidifies.
As you can see what you are doing is making a plastic key. You must keep in mind that this method can damage the locking system, for this reason, it is not recommended. But if you are in a bind and have no other options, it can be very useful.
Way 4: Applying a shim
Starting your keyless electric bike with a wedge is one of the easiest ways to start it, as we only need a piece or an M-shaped metal strip along the vertical axis, which you can get by cutting an aluminum can.
Way 5: Using a bump key or a master key
Although just hard to find, bump keys or master keys are an excellent option for starting an electric bike without a key, as they can open almost any lock.
Way 6: Connecting wires
If your electric bike has been stolen, or if you’ve lost your keys, you may need to know how to hotwire it. This process is relatively simple, and all you need is a screwdriver and a wire coat hanger.
- Step 1: Start by removing the seat. This will give you access to the battery.
- Step 2: Use the screwdriver to remove the cover of the battery.
- Step 3: Inside the battery, you’ll see two wires. One is positive, and one is negative.
- Step 4: Take the wire coat hanger and make a hook on one end.
- Step 5: Touch the hook of the coat hanger to the positive wire, and then touch the other end of the coat hanger to the negative wire.
- Step 6: This will complete the circuit and the electric bike should start.
How Do You Start An Electric Bike?
It’s actually pretty simple. First, you’ll need to make sure that the battery is charged. Once the battery is charged, you can simply press the power button on the bike (usually located on the handlebars) and the motor will start. Then, you can use the throttle to control the amount of power that the motor is using, and you’re off!
How Do You Unlock A Bike Without A Key?
If you’re like most cyclists, you probably don’t give much thought to how you unlock your bike. After all, as long as you have your key, it’s not a big deal, right? Wrong. What if you lose your key or it gets stolen? How are you going to unlock your bike then? Fortunately, there are a few ways to unlock your bike without a key.
Way 1: Use a paperclip
Just straighten out the paperclip and insert it into the keyhole. You may need to wiggle it around a bit, but eventually, you should be able to turn the lock.
Way 2: Use a bobby pin
Again, straighten out the bobby pin and insert it into the keyhole. You may need to wiggle it around a bit, but eventually, you should be able to turn the lock.
Way 3: Use a credit card
Just insert the credit card into the keyhole and slide it back and forth until the lock pops open.
So there you have it, three ways to unlock your bike without a key. So next time you lose your key, don’t panic, just try one of these methods and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Conclusion
If you do ride your e-bike without the key, be sure to keep the speed low and be prepared for a sudden stop. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of obstacles in your path.
Overall, riding an e-bike without a key is not something that is recommended. However, if you do choose to do so, be sure to take the necessary precautions.