I was wondering if anybody has had problems with the ignition switch on their e-scooters? For some reason mine seems to want to turn off whenever there is a load on it.. I think the inside contacts are starting to go. However i really dont want to have to change the ignition setup and have it do it again. So i am thinking of putting a hidden switch somewhere on my bike that would bypass the ignition.. Any thoughts on this?

Selnea

It may not be the "ignition" at all. The controller will (should) have a current limit cutout, and a low voltage cutout.

The controller will draw very high current when starting, and this can trigger a current limit cutout. If the batteries are running low, this can trigger the low voltage cutout. Also, a loose wiring connection can trigger the same effect (especially if there is some kind of short).

Things to check: Make sure all connectors are secured. Carefully touch the connectors to see if any are heating up after a ride (this is a sign of a faulty connection, just make sure you don't electrocute yourself). Examine the wires going into the motor to see if any are frayed. Does this happen on a freshly charged battery? Or after a while? Or is it all the time?

It could be a number of things; it could even be the key switch. I would, however, rank the key switch as being a problem as "not too likely" (they should last for years, and wiring problems are far more likely). You may want to contact Stew for a "house-call".

It just occurred to me -- you have a modified ebike -- is one of the modifications lithium? If so, check the battery pack to see if any of the cells have expanded (um... "puffy"). Look for signs of damage to the cells. A cell may be damaged, and, as soon as load is applied, the BMS may be forcing a low-voltage cutout on you. This failure mode would be "all the time".

FredW

Thankyou for the reply;

The ignition switch does it all the time.. I can be just getting going in the morning with a fresh battery or just heading home after the bike has been sitting for a while.. I will turn the key and sometimes it will connect and sometimes it will not. Then f you jiggle it a bit then it makes contact and might stay on for a tiny bit or just switch back off again.. due to this fact I think it is the keyswitch itself.. But really do not want to replace it and have the same problem happen again.. This one is only less than a year old. I have not replaced my battery with a lithium yet it is a 60volt lead acid.. I have tried using the original 48volt battery but the same thing keeps happening so i am quite sure that it is the keyswitch.. You Mention "Stew" who is he and how do i get hold of him?

Thankyou

Selenea

Stewart's member page -- send an IM or email

http://www.ebikerider...

FredW

Selenea's riding around the Cowichan Valley...

...transportation costs for Stews' services might be prohibitive

Selenea... I think you mentioned the bike's been mod'ed? Higher voltage eg 60V maybe? The key switch is switching full pack voltage? (ie not a 12V circuit that controls a contactor?)

lock

Lock, Selenea

Um, ouch, my bad.

FredW

Hehe...

Selenea, ebike parts are pretty generic. Any of these look familiar?
http://www.electricsc...

I see their most expensive one is only $15...

LocK

If you are handy take our body panel off the front of the bike. look for the ignition there should be 2 screws remove them. now you have the ignition in your hand take a close look at it there are 2 small tabs holding it together get a small screw drive and pop the top off but be sure the springs dont pop out on you. One or two of the springs have moved on you that is why you have problems. there should be 3 holes the springs sit in and a copper plate that sits on top of the springs now put the top back on and put the ignition back on the bike and try your hand work and see if that did the job for you.

Thankyou for the advice and i am fairly handy with the tools...lol I am a computer tech.. I will take the front cowling off and take a look.. I was just not really wanting to have to take my bike apart..lol sometimes i forhet to put all the screws back in. oh well i will attempt this repair tommorow and get back to you.. Once again thankyou to all of you for your help.
S. Ratcliffe

Thankyou for the advice and i am fairly handy with the tools...lol I am a computer tech.. I will take the front cowling off and take a look.. I was just not really wanting to have to take my bike apart..lol sometimes i forhet to put all the screws back in. oh well i will attempt this repair tommorow and get back to you.. Once again thankyou to all of you for your help.
S. Ratcliffe

Did you have any luck with your ignition problem.