E-bike keys - getting spare keys, replacing key barrels, keying alike and more!

Keys - dreary at best, stuff of nightmares when it goes wrong. And all of it because we can't seem to stop pinching stuff from each other. We'll do our best to make your e-bike key issues as simple as possible! And as always, it's simpler if you bought your e-bike from EBT originally!

In this article we will cover:

1. Key brands/types. These are not the brands of your e-bike and often not even the brand of its electric system! Think Abus/AXA, not Trek/Bosch
2. Key numbers. It's easier if you know yours (check your receipt) but there are some tricks and tips if you don't know your key number
3. Ordering spare keys - how to do it and how long it takes
   
4. Locksmiths - the magicians of security
5. Keying alike, also known as 'one key'. Wouldn't it be nice to have just one key that operates all your e-bike locks - battery removal, built in wheel lock and your bike lock? You can match all the e-bikes in your household too

Key brands and types

The brand of your e-bikes keys and therefore where and how to get spares is dependent on the choices made by the manufacturer of your e-bike. As a general rule, European style e-bikes using major global motor systems like Bosch, Shimano, Brose, Yamaha will choose major global security companies for the battery key systems, such as Abus, AXA and Trelock.

Brands that use other e-bike systems might be using keys for the battery system itself such as Reention. And some others use 'in house' systems, like the eZee ignition key. 

You probably guessed it - the major brands are more likely to have a more accessible and predictable way to order spare keys. 

Key numbers/code

Without your key number,  you are going to struggle to get a spare key, even when you are still in posession of a surviving key. In most cases the key number is written on the key itself. In some lower security systems like Reention, the key number is also written on the key barrel of yoiur e-bike.  And in higher security level systems like Abus Plus and Xplus, the key number is not stamped on the key but on a credit card sized keychain that the keys originally came with - otherwise a high end thief could borrow/photograph your key and its number, order a spare and then later take your bike! eZee key numbers are generally not on the key either, but on a small metal key tag around the original keys. 

If you don't know what your key number is, check on the original proof of purchase (receipt) from the shop where it was bought from. If it's not there, call the shop in case they keep some other record of it. Still no luck? There's a field in the Bosch diagnostic report for key number, so go to a bike shop and ask them to plug in your bike and check if that field has been filled in - some manufacturers fill this in by default and even if they didn't, the bike shop might have or the previous owner. 

Ordering spare keys

Abus

For Abus bike lock and e-bike keys, you can order from our website here. We order them from Abus and 4-6 weeks later they arrive to our store. From there you can pick them up or we can send them out to you. They will not send them straight to you, they always come via us (and first via the distributor in Christchurch to tell the truth). 

AXA/Trelock

AXA and Trelock both have a public facing 'key service' that you can order from yourself and have your keys sent straight to your address in 1-2 weeks for a reasonable cost. We're happy to order them for you if you like, but sending it out to you will add to the cost

eZee

We can order eZee keys using the 4 digit code. However, the time taken for arrival really varies, sometimes fast, sometimes slow and occasionally they just don't show up. We have therefore got in the habit of changing out the entire key barrel rather than order new keys, given the key barrels are not all that expensive and they don't last forever anyway so there's value in starting fresh. It's a straightforward job if it's unlocked at the time. From time to time we have eZee key blanks available to take to a key cutter (assuming you have a surviving key). 

Reention

I have yet to find a reliable supplier of Reention keys but I will admit that we haven't tried very hard as not many of our bikes have used this. I would recommend contacting the brand of your bike to get assistance with ordering from Reention and if anyone knows more than me, please share the info and I will update this page

Locksmiths, cutting keys and getting stuff open

It's amazing what a locksmith can do. We've heard of some cases where a customer had lost their keys and no-one knew the key number. They want to a locksmith who got the battery lock open and provided a 4 digit key code to the customer based on their study of the arrangement of the lock inside. And they cut them a key. However, that would likely have been one of the more basic style locks and not something like an Abus Xplus etc so you probably don't know exactly what your local locksmith can and can't do for your e-bike. 

Getting locksmiths to cut keys for an e-bike is hit and miss and will depend on your key type and how well stocked they are for key blank shapes. The higher tech the key, the less likely you are to have any joy. However, in most cases a Locksmith will be able to open up your e-bike so that you can visit us and we can remove your key barrel and install a new key barrel complete with new keys. That is exactly the strategy for cases where you cannot find your key and don't know your key number or cannot wait the time it takes for keys to arrive. Line up all your ducks though, as you'll probably be riding pedal power only from the moment you leave the locksmith with the battery out until you've made it to us and we've fitted new parts. Call us first to check parts availability etc.