How to Change Ignition Switch on an Electric Scooter

Is a problem with your electric scooter causing it not to start? One of the common problems electric scooter owners face is ignition failure, making learning how to change the ignition switch on even the best electric scooters a necessity.

It’s common for the ignition switch on your e-scooter to fail. One of the apparent signs of a faulty ignition switch is that the electric scooter won’t start. This can happen due to several reasons, including wear and tear. Additionally, you should learn how to test an electric scooter motor, so you know what to do if an issue arises.

Tools Needed: Screwdriver, tape, soldering gun, soldering wire, heat shrink, pliers.

What is an Ignition Switch?

The electric scooter key ignition switch is a complex electric component that reads anti-theft coding in your key before activating electrical systems in the e-scooters so that it can start and let you ride.

Symptoms your Key Ignition Switch is Faulty

If your e-scooter fails to start when you turn the key, then there could be an issue with the ignition switch. These are some of the symptoms of a faulty ignition switch;

• Electric scooter fails to start: it’s perhaps the most obvious sign. When the key is turned, the electric scooter doesn’t start. It’s a common problem that occurs due to wear and tear. Speaking of wear and tear, it is also wise to know how to change an e-scooter tire because they sometimes suffer punctures. Additionally, knowing how to fix the brakes on an electric scooter is important for safety.
• Key doesn’t turn: If you can’t turn the key in your ignition, you might have a faulty ignition switch.
• Electric scooter stalls: A faulty key ignition switch may cause your e-scooter to stall mid-cruise suddenly.

In case your e-scooter shows any signs of a failing ignition switch, refrain from forcefully starting it, or tempering with its internals until you are certain it’s an ignition switch problem. Just in case you have a charger problem, learn how to charge your e-scooter without the charger.

How to Change a Faulty Key Ignition Switch

Changing your electric scooter key ignition switch is easy. All you need is the following tools and some time to spare.

• Screwdriver
• Tape
• Soldering gun
• Soldering wire
• Heat shrink
• Pliers

1. First, remove the wire sleeve, and cut the zip ties. Next, remove the battery pack and the keyboard, and unscrew the clamp lock.
2. Next, remove the acrylic board. The main plan here is to run the key switch wire into the handle stem from the top open side down and stick it through the hole that faces the deck. The best way to do this is to use a thin, strong wire to help direct the wire through the stem.
3. Then, use duct tape to stick the ignition key wires to the thin wire. This also protects it from damaging the other wires as it thrusts through. You’ll face a little resistance pushing the wire through the frame. Be careful not to damage other wires inside the stem.
4. Next, open the front deck cover. This section has all the wiring of the electric scooter, including the motor controller. It is also where you will link the wires of the e-scooter ignition switch.
5. Disconnect the battery from the motor controller to prevent a short circuit. Disconnect the LCD throttle from the motor controller.
6. Now, run the critical ignition wire through the front deck cover and cut the LCD throttle wire leaving enough length of the remaining piece that has a connector.
7. Remove one inch of the insulation of the wires. Connect all the wires needed for the installation of the key ignition switch. To ensure you have a clean and safe connection, use a soldering iron. Make sure all the wires are appropriately connected and covered with heat shrink or electric tape.
8. Zip-tie the key ignition switch and the LCD throttle controller wires to be able to solder the wires correctly. Then, start linking the wires for the installation of the key ignition switch. It is essential to note that, that the three black wires need to be connected. One black wire from the key ignition, another one for the LCD throttle, and the last one to the motor controller. The green wire of the key ignition should be connected to the red wire going to the motor controller. Lastly, the red wire from the key ignition switch should be connected to the red wire of the LCD throttle controller.
9. Secure all the wires with tape or heat shrink. Once you are done re-connecting, put all the wires back into the e-scooter deck in an organized fashion. It makes it easier to identify the wires next time you need to open the deck cover for repairs.
10. Finally, screw back the deck cover. That’s it! You have successfully replaced the key ignition switch on your electric scooter.

F.A.Q.