Do Electric Scooters Have Keys? | Can You Lock and Unlock It?

By: Kevinsmak
Date: January 12, 2023
Time to read: 7 min.

Affiliate Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

With your new electric scooter in hand, the fun can truly begin. Enjoy the wind in your hair as you zip about town on your scooter.

Is there a way to secure the scooters when you’re in the store purchasing a drink, such as with a key or a button? Hmm, I wonder.

Stock electric scooters do not come with a key ignition system. They come with a push-to-start button that will turn on the e-scooter, not a key. This is true for all models you purchase. You can install an aftermarket key lock. After installation, it has two positions ON (key won’t remove) and OFF (key removes).

What is an Electric Scooter

They are frequently referred to as “E Scooters” as they contain a battery pack and can be powered so you don’t have to keep pushing the vehicle along. There are primarily two types of electric scooters.

Kid’s electric scooters

The majority of children’s electric scooters will be priced around $300. Compared to adult e-scooters, these are slower and safer for children.

Avoid confusing these with ordinary scooters, which you propel with your feet. A battery and a motor will also be included.

Adult electric scooters

An adult electric scooter is very similar to the kids, except it is more expensive and has the following upgrades:

Larger battery
Up to 15 MPH
Some fold up
Stronger design

These electric scooters cost more than $250, and the price rises as you choose additional features and powerful batteries.

Do Electric Scooters Have Keys?

Electric scooters have an ignition system where you just push a button to start. Key ignition is very rare to find on a stock scooter though you can install an aftermarket two keys lock.

The main reason people would want a key ignition system is for security. Since a scooter doesn’t have this, it can be very easy to steal if you don’t use the proper security.

Many people will use a ground anchor, so the scooter is basically an immovable object and can’t be taken easily.

You can do this by using these types of locks when securing to bike racks:

Chain locks
Cable locks

The important thing to know is these types of locks can slow down theft from happening but any good thief will still be able to get through both of these locks. Let’s break them down a bit more.

Scooter Chain Lock vs Cable Lock

Chain locks

The chain lock is going to be the strongest of the two and usually requires more long bolt cutters to get through once locked. These are not easy to carry since they are larger.

This will be noticeable if the thieves are trying to take your electric scooter.

Cable locks

The cable lock is going to be a decent deterrent for the novice thief when you secure your electric scooter. A cable lock can however be cut once locked with hand tools that can fit in a thief’s pocket.

What to choose?

I would go with a chain and make sure you get the sold secure: the gold standard. Keep the chain tight and away from the ground. It’s also helpful to keep the anchor and lock portion inaccessible to the thief.

You can even look further and find some locking mechanisms that make loud sounds when they are attempted to be broken. Lots of people that use bikes will use similar types.

Better option?

Yes, there is a better option. The installation of a key ignition system will really help as the thief won’t be able to start the electric scooter.

If they have a heavy knowledge of the key lock, they could reverse the installation, though, so keep this in mind and use this with a lock. These two options will really help with the electric scooter being stolen.

How to Install Keys for Your Electric Scooter

You would first have to purchase a key lock for your electric scooter. These are nice because they also have a power indicator showing how much charge you have left.

Of course, the main reason you want this is to secure the scooter by using a key. Once complete if the key is turned on you won’t be able to remove it and you can use your scooter as normal.

When you are done, simply turn it off position and the key will then remove. Here is a quick idea of how you installed the key lock.

I would turn to the instructions for the model you purchased when ready for the installation.

Disconnect the batteries
Strip wire tips of key lock kit
Cut LCD wires (usually 6-7 bundled inside)
Strip tips of LCD wires
Connect black wire to black wire
Connect red wire to red wire
Connect green wire of lock to red wire of the controller
Make sure to use heat shrink wrap or electric tape on the bare wires
Once complete, use a wire wrap to cover all the wires
Add it to the handlebars and screw it tight

Here is a video to help you do a quality installation:

Electric Scooter Key FAQs

Does keeping the key in the off position lock the wheels on scooters?

The front or rear wheels won’t lock if the key is not in the ignition. The power won’t turn on as a result. To turn on and make the lights usable, you must turn the switch to the “on” position.

How to stop electric scooters from being stolen?

The best way is to use a gold standard chain lock with setting up the switch for the key lock. You can even add in u locks as they are similar and can offer some extra protection.
This does cost a good amount and you will need to do some wiring with the setup.

Do I start a scooter without a key?

Correct, scooters have a push-to-start button that will switch on the motor. They do not require an ignition system with keys though they can be added to the scooter is locked in the off position.
This may deter thieves but they could also still take the scooter and undo this aftermarket feature and have it running like the scooter was beforehand. Still, we think this is a great way to stop or slow them down with locking devices.
The harder you make it for the thief, the less likely they will try and take it. They will just search for another one that is less secure to take.

What if I lose the key to the scooter?

When you purchase these aftermarket products, they give you a spare key. Check to see if you can find where you have put it.
If you can not find it, you will have to uninstall the modification. If you are already at a location, it is recommended not to use a scooter manually.

Final Thoughts

You should have a much better grasp of how electric scooters function now. Increases in functionality and power are expected to be sought in all consumer goods, so it’s possible that electric scooters could soon have keys.

There are many benefits of scooters, such as a nice way to get around than using a car on public roads and being more environmentally friendly.

Please note, if you are interested, we do have our recommendations for the best e-scooters, of course, without a key.

Kevinsmak

Hello! I’m Kevinsmak; I have been a content producer of RC Ride On Cars since the start of this site. I have always enjoyed Power Wheels with my family. My two boys love them, and seeing this helps me make sure this website is very accurate for the safety and enjoyment of your family. Read more here

Please be careful and use at your own risk
None of the authors, contributors, administrators, or anyone else connected with RCRideOnCars.com, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked from these web pages.