Having constant access to your mobility scooter is incredibly important to help you maintain your independence and freedom. So what happens when you accidentally misplace or lose your mobility scooter key?
It can be handy to learn the trick of starting your mobility scooter without a key so you can continue with your plans and get a replacement key ordered. It is crucial to know how to start your scooter when you are out and about away from home when you lose your key.
There are safe ways to get your mobility scooter started without a key that won’t cause any damage or an expensive repair bill.
It makes sense to contact your scooter manufacturer to get a new key ordered. However, a new key can take days to be delivered, so you could try to hotwire your scooter in the meantime.
Hot wiring is an old fashioned method of starting cars and other machines that use ignition and battery to start up. But this may seem like a daunting experience for anyone that has never done it before. If you don’t want to attempt this yourself, don’t have the necessary tools with you, or you are not able-bodied enough to try this, then you can call out an emergency car mechanic who could do this for you.
But first, you could try to start your scooter using the mid-sized screwdriver (if you have one to hand) instead of a key. Some scooter models can be started in this way.
If you wish to proceed with one of the methods keep reading below.
Get a replacement key
If you misplace or lose your mobility scooter key, you can use the ways mentioned in this article to start your scooter without a key in an emergency. However, this can be the most cost-effective and sensible approach if you can do without your scooter for a while and wait to get a replacement key.
It is not uncommon for mobility scooters to break or become damaged to a level that they cannot start your scooter. This means you will need to replace the key for the safe long-term use of your scooter.
A replacement key should always be considered before the original key is lost or damaged beyond repair. Replacing the key is the sensible approach to utilising your mobility scooter when it is so essential to your daily life.
For a replacement mobility scooter key, the following information will be required:
- The invoice number
- The make and model
- The serial number
Making a note of these details is essential for protecting your scooter and ensuring a swift replacement key should it be lost, broken or damaged in the future. The manufacturer will need these details before issuing replacement keys, so keeping a record of this information will help speed up the process of obtaining a replacement key.
Replacement Keys
This product offers a universally compatible key set designed to work with all Pride Mobility Power Chairs, Go-Go scooters, and most Victory scooters. The set includes two keys: an easy-pull master key featuring a premium round molded black plastic knob for effortless power activation, and a standard spare key. This set is the ideal solution for replacing lost or misplaced keys. It is compatible with a wide range of models, which are listed in the product description for easy reference.
Can You Hotwire a Mobility Scooter?
While it is possible to hotwire your mobility scooter to get it started, the process of hotwiring may cause unwanted damage to your vehicle. Another downside to hotwiring your scooter is that should you try this in public, it may look like you are attempting to steal it, and passersby may well call the police!
Hotwiring cars used to be the way criminals would start up and steal vehicles, and it is performed by connecting the two wires of the ignition switch to allow the battery to power the scooter. The mobility scooter key acts as the connector between the two wires, and when removed, the ignition connection is broken, cutting the power to the vehicle.
Hotwiring involves disconnecting the key switch and connecting the two wires to complete the ignition circuit. Here are some tools that you will need:
- Rubber gloves
- Needle-nose pliers with rubber handles
- Screwdriver with changeable heads
- Rubber mallet
- Soldering iron to make a permanent fix, if you want to
You should disconnect the battery while connecting the wires to prevent electric shocks and to reduce further damage should you work with the wrong wires. The process involves:
- Unscrewing and removing the cover of the control panel. Use the rubber mallet or screwdriver if needed.
- Locate the underside of the ignition switch and disconnect the two attached wires.
- Temporarily connect the wires to each other to create a circuit. You can re-solder the wires to the original or replacement ignition switch later.
Use a Screwdriver
Using a screwdriver can be a brutal way to start your mobility scooter, but if you have broken the key and a piece has become stuck in the ignition, using a screwdriver may enable you to manipulate the ignition and start the scooter.
You can use a flat-head screwdriver to get some leverage to turn what’s left of the existing broken key in the ignition when it is an emergency. You will need to order a replacement key or fit a new key switch, which is an inexpensive option.
FAQs
I have lost my mobility scooter key; what can I do?
Try not to panic. Think where you have been with your scooter and retrace your steps to check for your key. If you cannot find your key, then ordering a replacement key is the most sensible approach as long as you can do without your scooter until your new key arrives.
How do mobility scooter ignition locks work?
An ignition lock is simply a lockable switch that connects two ignition wires. These wires complete the electric circuit when connected to provide power to your scooter.
Should I attempt to hotwire my mobility scooter?
Hotwiring your mobility scooter should only be attempted in an emergency if you are confident that you know what you are doing and have the right tools.
Mobility Scooter Repair Video
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API