Electric scooters are becoming more and more popular among adults and all over the world, not only for enjoyment but for personal use for specific situations. Due to an explosion in the electric scooter market, there will inevitably be a rise in theft of them. So, do they use keys as an ignition system, and if not, can they?
Electric scooters designed for both adults and children do not come equipped with keys and hence a key ignition system. They come fitted with an ignition system in the form of a “push start” button. However, you are able to purchase aftermarket key ignition systems and have them installed on your electric scooter very easily.
We will briefly discuss electric scooters and the various types to determine if those types are different in the ways in which the motor and electrical system is designed. In knowing that, we can perhaps understand if one class would have a key ignition system and one would not. Then we will look at which scooters have key ignition systems, if any, and how to install them if you opted to do so.
The New Electric Scooter Boom
When you ask a person to think of a scooter, they tend to think of the kick scooters from the ’90s. They comprise of two wheels, a platform called a deck, and then handlebars for steering.
These types of scooters are usually regarded as scooters for kids. However, over recent years there has been a rejuvenation in the popularity of scooters, especially electric scooters which are a modified version of the ones individuals tend to think of. This is because of the astronomical prices of gas, vehicles, public transportation, and so on.
The interest in motorized scooters has grown tremendously due to the fact that they are small, lightweight, and electrically charged. Hence it has led to an explosion in compact urban cities where individuals need to get around quickly, where the traveling distance is not that great, and where the use of public transport or personal transportation is not a viable option. An example of this would be getting around a university on a daily basis.
One thing to note is that individuals also tend to purchase electric scooters for fun and they are not always bought with the intent for a specific purpose. Sometimes individuals just want to take them to the beach and ride along the walkways enjoying their free time.
Electric scooters are almost identical to typical manual scooters except for the fact that they have a battery, electric motor, and air-filled tires, which is different from a regular scooter for kids.
Due to it being motorized, you would think that an electric scooter would have some form of an ignition system to turn it on, and perhaps it would use keys to do so. An electric scooter will have an ignition system; however, we will need to discuss the various types of scooters to determine if any of these types use a key to turn on the ignition system.
Types of Electric Scooters
Electric scooters have now been separated into two distinct categories, and they are electric scooters for kids and then electric scooters for adults.
Electric scooters for adults
Electric scooters for adults have now surpassed the demand for scooters that are made for children. As we briefly discussed, this is based on a few factors, mainly economic and of course environmental!
Adult electric scooters have a larger weight capacity than that of scooters for children and are typically around 100kg (kilograms) which equates to approximately 220lbs (pounds). You would expect them to be larger in size when considering all components if compared to that of a kid’s scooter, and that would be correct.
The typical weight of an adult electric scooter is approximately 30 pounds and has a 250-watt motor. The lithium-ion battery can produce a top speed of 15mph. It can also last a distance of about 10 miles depending on an individual’s weight and the terrain over which they are traveling.
They have more powerful motors, a larger deck, taller handles (stern), and a larger battery. As you would also expect, adult electric scooters’ prices will be substantially more than a kid’s scooter. Adult scooters are priced starting at $300 and up, whereas kids scooters are sometimes priced well under $200.
Furthermore, adult scooters do not come equipped with keys and, therefore, any form of a key ignition system.
There are now many notable brands and models of electric scooters for adults, with brands that include the likes of Kaabo, MiniMotors, Xiaomi, Glion, Swagtron, and many more.
Electric Scooters for Children
Electric scooters for children and teenagers are typically smaller, weigh less, and are also cheaper than electric scooters for adults. Typically you would expect these scooters for children and teenagers to be made of less durable materials such as plastic, and they would almost certainly have weaker motors.
One thing to note is that an electric scooter designed for children and teenagers is almost always and certainly intended as toys and should be regarded as such. Hence these types of electric scooters should not be used in the way an adult scooter is used (they should not be ridden by adults or used on public roads). Furthermore, if an adult scooter does not come equipped with a key ignition system, then it is doubtful that a children’s scooter would.
Electric scooters designed for children typically weigh approximately 20lbs and also have a 150-watt motor. However, their range is generally limited to 3 miles. As we discussed above, their price range is typically under $200.
Seated Electric Scooters
These types of scooters are not really a specific design but rather an attachment that an individual can purchase. Typically, these attachments will be bought and placed on the scooter for adults who have to endure a long ride and prefer to sit rather than stand.
Electric scooter motors (ignition and keys)
We now know that both electric scooters made for adults and children are generally the same in design and in principle.
In the electrical system design, an electric scooter does not have keys and is not designed to have keys. However, you are able to purchase a key ignition system and fit them yourself or have a professional do it for you.
Typically on all models and makes of electric scooters, you will have a power button that acts as the ignition starter system on the console located on the handlebars.
Depending on the scooter’s model and make, you may have to depress and hold the power button for a few seconds to start it. There will be some indication it has turned on in many instances, such as a light or a sound.
The best thing to do if you do not know how to start your electric scooter is to check the owner’s manual, and that will detail how to turn it on.
How to Install a Key Ignition System on an Electric Scooter
If you are up for a little DIY it is possible to purchase and install a key ignition system on your scooter to prevent or rather deter theft.
It is beyond this article’s scope to detail exactly how to install a key ignition system on your electric scooter; however, there are many detailed YouTube videos that will help you if you so wish to install a key ignition system on your electric scooter such as the one below.
Conclusion
We conclude that electric scooters do not, in fact, have keys. Although they are not built and designed to ship and be sold with a key ignition system, you can purchase aftermarket key ignition systems that you can install on any form of electric scooter that you may have.
This includes most makes and models, and the only limitation you would face is purchasing the correct key ignition system for your electric scooter based on its electrical wiring system.
Although this article did not detail how to install an aftermarket key ignition system physically, we did reference a couple of YouTube videos so you are able to view them to see if that would be a possible modification you would opt to perform on your scooter to deter it from being stolen.