Lost keys - what can be done?

I have just bought a secondhand Woosh Big Bear from one of their customers advertised on their website https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?secondhand so I'm pretty sure it's not stolen:) Unfortunately the seller has lost the keys. It's in great condition as although it's 6 years old it's only done 26 miles. The battery works but I'm not sure how much charge it holds as I've not had a chance to try it out properly or put a meter on it yet.

I've emailed Woosh to ask about getting spare keys but just found a note in the Big Bear manual that came with the bike saying not to lose the keys as Woosh can't supply replacements. Assuming this is the case what are my options? I assume that I could replace the whole rack & battery if necessary but that is an expensive option if the battery is still good. Any ideas?

I have just bought a secondhand Woosh Big Bear from one of their customers advertised on their website https://wooshbikes.co.uk/?secondhand so I'm pretty sure it's not stolen:) Unfortunately the seller has lost the keys. It's in great condition as although it's 6 years old it's only done 26 miles. The battery works but I'm not sure how much charge it holds as I've not had a chance to try it out properly or put a meter on it yet.

 

I've emailed Woosh to ask about getting spare keys but just found a note in the Big Bear manual that came with the bike saying not to lose the keys as Woosh can't supply replacements. Assuming this is the case what are my options? I assume that I could replace the whole rack & battery if necessary but that is an expensive option if the battery is still good. Any ideas?

Any good locksmith will be able to open the lock for you if the needs removing.

I have keys made from just the lock barrel in the post. The key profile is on most batteries is pretty basic!

It's not worth the cost of a locksmith, considering the cost of a new lock, which you can buy from Aliexpress or Ebay for about £5.

If the battery is unlocked, you can simply unscrew the lock and take it out to replace it, If it's locked, drill it with a 5mm drill to let the tumblers out, then you can turn it to unlock it.

If you buy one online, make sure that the picture shows exactly the same body shape because there are two or three different versions of your type and loads of completely different ones.

It's not worth the cost of a locksmith, considering the cost of a new lock, which you can buy from Aliexpress or Ebay for about £5.

 

If the battery is unlocked, you can simply unscrew the lock and take it out to replace it, If it's locked, drill it with a 5mm drill to let the tumblers out, then you can turn it to unlock it.

 

If you buy one online, make sure that the picture shows exactly the same body shape because there are two or three different versions of your type and loads of completely different ones.

I use the DIY locksmith method.

Got a set of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lock-Jiggler-keys-piece-set/dp/B00HZIP190/ref=pd_lpo_60_t_0/261-7902289-9724634?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00HZIP190&pd_rd_r=c1602185-2078-4f8a-ac95-18c1091c5dc3&pd_rd_w=14F7b&pd_rd_wg=DRRUe&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=5F6KD2VSFHGQCJHD4371&psc=1&refRID=5F6KD2VSFHGQCJHD4371

Used these with great success for unlocking comms cabinets, which use similar keys.

"Horses for courses" .... Choose your method

Any good locksmith will be able to open the lock for you if the needs removing.

I have keys made from just the lock barrel in the post. The key profile is on most batteries is pretty basic!

PERFECT!

It's not worth the cost of a locksmith, considering the cost of a new lock, which you can buy from Aliexpress or Ebay for about £5.

 

If the battery is unlocked, you can simply unscrew the lock and take it out to replace it, If it's locked, drill it with a 5mm drill to let the tumblers out, then you can turn it to unlock it.

 

If you buy one online, make sure that the picture shows exactly the same body shape because there are two or three different versions of your type and loads of completely different ones.

Thanks for the suggestion. The battery is locked onto the bike so drilling out the lock is going to be the cheapest course of action.

I use the DIY locksmith method.

Got a set of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lock-Jiggler-keys-piece-set/dp/B00HZIP190/ref=pd_lpo_60_t_0/261-7902289-9724634?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00HZIP190&pd_rd_r=c1602185-2078-4f8a-ac95-18c1091c5dc3&pd_rd_w=14F7b&pd_rd_wg=DRRUe&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=5F6KD2VSFHGQCJHD4371&psc=1&refRID=5F6KD2VSFHGQCJHD4371

 

Used these with great success for unlocking comms cabinets, which use similar keys.

 

"Horses for courses" .... Choose your method

Thanks I really like this suggestion. It will be cheaper than getting a locksmith & I'm always happy to acquire new skills & picking locks could lead to a whole new career opportunity

Thanks for all the suggestions I'll let you know how I get on.

This business with the lock has made me realise that my wife & I now have 5 bike battery locks (currently only 4 keys:)). It would be great if we had 5 locks all the same so we only needed one key. You can easily buy multiple keys for one lock how abut multiple locks with the same key?

Thanks for all the suggestions I'll let you know how I get on.

 

This business with the lock has made me realise that my wife & I now have 5 bike battery locks (currently only 4 keys:)). It would be great if we had 5 locks all the same so we only needed one key. You can easily buy multiple keys for one lock how abut multiple locks with the same key?

When you have the keys, you can disassemble the locks, which are normally only held together with a circlip, then you can take out the tumblers and reassemble the lock. You can then open each lock with any key.

When you have the keys, you can disassemble the locks, which are normally only held together with a circlip, then you can take out the tumblers and reassemble the lock. You can then open each lock with any key.

Perfect! I'm interested in being able to easily remove the battery from the bike for storage or security & not too bothered about the likelihood of somebody else removing the battery especially as it will appear to be locked.

Perfect! I'm interested in being able to easily remove the battery from the bike for storage or security & not too bothered about the likelihood of somebody else removing the battery especially as it will appear to be locked.

We had a programmable press button combination lock at work one time. When the need for extra security went away we programmed it so it just opened, but if you pressed any keys it wouldn't open (till you pressed clear again). Nobody who wasn't in the know found that combination.

You can easily buy multiple keys for one lock how abut multiple locks with the same key?

Easily available, our Council has these for facilities which a number of people need to access.

This company offers just about any type of "alike" keyed padlocks.

.

I use the DIY locksmith method.

Got a set of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lock-Jiggler-keys-piece-set/dp/B00HZIP190/ref=pd_lpo_60_t_0/261-7902289-9724634?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00HZIP190&pd_rd_r=c1602185-2078-4f8a-ac95-18c1091c5dc3&pd_rd_w=14F7b&pd_rd_wg=DRRUe&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=5F6KD2VSFHGQCJHD4371&psc=1&refRID=5F6KD2VSFHGQCJHD4371

 

Used these with great success for unlocking comms cabinets, which use similar keys.

 

"Horses for courses" .... Choose your method

Just a quick update. It took all of 30 seconds to unlock with one of mid-size jiggler keys so I now have the battery off & charged. Thanks for the suggestion. I doubt a locksmith would have charged just £14.95 & I am now set up for when we lose other keys. I still need to remove the lock to extract the tumblers as suggested so that can use the lock with any key.

Remove the 4 screws that hold the cover on the controller box side.

The lock is bolted to it.

Remove two screws that hold the lock.

Remove one screw at the end of the tumbler that holds the tumbler.

Remove the 5 brass slot pieces from the tumbler.

Reassemble.

if you can open it in 30 seconds with one of the jiggler keys, how about leaving the lock like it is until you can find a key profile that suits the barrel?

just a thought.

Just a quick update. It took all of 30 seconds to unlock with one of mid-size jiggler keys so I now have the battery off & charged. Thanks for the suggestion. I doubt a locksmith would have charged just £14.95 & I am now set up for when we lose other keys. I still need to remove the lock to extract the tumblers as suggested so that can use the lock with any key.

Well done.

Sadly, cylinders on practically all those small locks and many padlocks are quickly opened with such tools.

As you pointed out, the tools are far cheaper than paying a locksmith an hour!

For anyone else with interest in "Picking", there are plenty of good videos on YouTube to assist.

Regards

Andy

Just a quick update. It took all of 30 seconds to unlock with one of mid-size jiggler keys so I now have the battery off & charged. Thanks for the suggestion. I doubt a locksmith would have charged just £14.95 & I am now set up for when we lose other keys. I still need to remove the lock to extract the tumblers as suggested so that can use the lock with any key.

That set of jiggler keys has saved me on numerous occasions, when customers have lost the keys to their DATA cabinets.

Sadly it shows just how easy it is to remove an expensive battery from its frame and makes you aware not to leave it unattended...... ever!

That set of jiggler keys has saved me on numerous occasions, when customers have lost the keys to their DATA cabinets.

Sadly it shows just how easy it is to remove an expensive battery from its frame and makes you aware not to leave it unattended...... ever!

Having read this thread with interest I am now concerned that the Bosch battery in my Cube ebike is vulnerable to thieves during those odd occasions when the bike is left unattended (E.g shopping trips). I have a good quality lock and cable for securing to a solid object plus pinlocks on other easily removed components. Has anyone found a way of providing an equivalent level of security for their battery other than the barrel lock provided with the bike?

Having read this thread with interest I am now concerned that the Bosch battery in my Cube ebike is vulnerable to thieves during those odd occasions when the bike is left unattended (E.g shopping trips). I have a good quality lock and cable for securing to a solid object plus pinlocks on other easily removed components. Has anyone found a way of providing an equivalent level of security for their battery other than the barrel lock provided with the bike?

Start off by installing at least one sensitive alarm, one that is really loud.

I use one now, for several years, that a strong wind can set it off occasionally.

This is the model I have with remote control, sits under the saddle and is also a red rear light, USB charging for internal battery, which lasts around 3 weeks per charge.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-Bike-Bicycle-Tail-Rear-Light-Wireless-Remote-Control-Anti-Theft-Lock-Alarm/303403023048?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20200520130048%26meid%3D480be1e64e264df6820d547ea768a767%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D332861122291%26itm%3D303403023048%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithBBEV2bDemotion%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Also, a well disguised GPS tracker. There are some around 40 UK Pounds, disguised as a rear light as well, but appear that they can be also put on a mudguard if needed.

These models I have not tried myself:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GPS-Tracker-Bike-LED-Mini-GPS-Anti-Robo-Waterproof-IP65-Motion-SOS-Warning-Light/353139453137?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item5238c06cd1:g:bLYAAOSwQ7lfDd00&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickkWpEuxXwAiCNKyBQsQ5%252Fe66LbCQ4vdKhpI8ewg8MrQ%252BgAiIpOS7vdHebb%252Bu%252Bq9X0LLHWvmQii9Jc3h5Wd0y%252F2%252BU9ASv7jkro8rPQWNqm%252BLZ%252BVAAQbLjVmhzqzoFuv%252F0hny%252FKgEhRkO5vC9gM8P6o2DSWumwPvOq4%252F66fsrRADwiot09V%252BqsZsNYxqSIIsQu4UCE%252FAjyBfWkEd5LLAXjZ9hkOF%252B6j22u4wDGxYtR0ITl%252FaJMljimouhNkZs3u3saquHd%252FAgvKwR4UDe%252BYntdb7crrdiAFfUeHlPs%252FNv48hUq9q2hJ1CIU%252FHK5edKQLuc41c0sRB08xvzRpShHsoeaXFkhmU1MjDbgXrqYEnkd5SiSsJNxG4wOweq6Pif3n95JiGUCzdoWAp205iTdtOu0O9PWJ6sM48y0FcMIXVL6KuQkch5Y7JH%252BbbLKex51K5uo4DFgcQuD9V2kojlkQt2RWoziytA91Z0stZdl4g3UP4%252FaKx3Rht7zYk2feKtPs%252BNRY4us7PZ08vbInEnL5G2GefmyEdxMoK2cEybX4ndGsUjgPP27E7%252BcJ%252BCVgM7HYolgaJFQV0W5YOQ57W5kB3XKY9mr0lDgdidF31guujAhAVFnOIQEmDczeS6DCUYPiB800Srj0kvtxGrSlXRqVcNW5T%252BVZbwyp0rhLLdr%252F1KTWzDjM%252F2WJ6F%252F%252B%252FBOozvgf3JwJnKfny30hXFL1kHiQj4aneDPUg%252BW01ScanSCH8Lc0l1S1jBUVBeRSHynaAsCYMxSkxSoY%252FGTznwCK5KcOAUj62Q%253D%253D%7Ccksum%3A353139453137e7799bdaec6b427196264dbc749c437b%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hidden-Bicycle-anti-theft-GPS-Tracker-Bike-Tailight-Alarm-Waterproof-5200mAh-New/283975064491?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item421e3b9bab:g:iFYAAOSwb8lfMg2z&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACcBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickk7PdDazAlGltMLJlUhrWsD%252FIWP92fiZu0eLK7o%252BTnbm%252F1XKrmel6oazx9ZBphp3T90mHhhUZHA7NaO%252FjLzJ7x79gyWlEE4HFubuxFerEXeQoRYqmvuGvYkeKU55euO%252BcynvQuV1HxIxPMV7D60eEiRkohN7oyKWVJcN3WH6UOT6hlCjUKE5Hz5zvvqxcKB4DRBbd6qj7qxS%252BOsk0BxOWuSTwdCS8XOQ9sjV%252F5kw3ZGmVOlDLYXQ3z5jbdeHhodE63aK5n5vJq6FcDbiMzeKxH9NNzko1bhd68jKeHrkcVdD6%252Bg%252FZczTa7X0R6EgNvSSKej3%252FPazlD4ATd9oUAj6eTGPym7yeLXNYZpO0mRdfHDbrg0WX1a2GHHy9a02TBoyHjn2XMBvCZXNtO011xA9bnEljoEAmDsoulveiKrLIro40SVqbGG4%252FL26TSYCgMDLepbyMYXsJBh5y488AzDTij6GpI0A%252FBQmAhLuuwsL8FwSZaxrnKbA6oftA%252B7aM4sH0CPXZjzPfyOfbRXkZVTcNa1nhUKcqBLhdtTHj0GevleUXgUM2NSTtbEV%252B%252FzTJCL0I46QfAZn2ZLsvPrNqW5KzowpwFR%252FZ48h1CQkQotvgxuQAwOcZJ7PQCn9X5k%252F03tjY2GenYWrGftFnD3xzwOIc5k%252B6LiLUsWMTE%252FuFP4POaGZB5pyKcwhaoTWjs7kdlXoKtTor1261iygIMSppEOOlgQgPTNqgs5TpMK5lu4Ni5YLc7NfIlDcdxsZcnTOVkwwbca2BYSFmiy8ZX0WASWmqfzw%253D%253D%7Ccksum%3A283975064491980259e5ab0a4780863d963c733aca52%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524

Best wishes.

Andy

Easily available, our Council has these for facilities which a number of people need to access.

 

This company offers just about any type of "alike" keyed padlocks.

.

A chap I used to know got hold of some of those infamous " Council Keys " at one time. He let himself into a multi-story tower block, went right up to the roof and started messing around with the communications equipment installed up there. He had some sort of grievance with the law so he decided to disconnect their radio battery backup system and throw everything 220ft off the top of the roof ! did time for it I believe.

Damn nuisance those keys haven't seen them for years, all electronic push button locks these days.

all electronic push button locks these days.

Or high grade changeable number five rotor combination locks. They offer excellent security.

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Or high grade changeable number five rotor combination locks. They offer excellent security.

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Most of them can be cut with a bolt cutter, and all of them with a diamond coated disk.

IMHO the only way to improve security, is to add at least one sensitive alarm, with a very loud signal, that can be heard a long way away, and hope that they set it off when cutting the padlock off!

In the last 10 years, I have parked my e-bikes next to the rear of my house, chained to a steel water pipe, with two quality bike locks, both with integral cylinder locks, NOT padlocks, and with a bike cover.

I am of the opinion that just removing the plastic cover will most likely set the alarm off, as even strong winds set it off occasionally.

I still have my bike if that means anything, but thieves are a problem everywhere, and one must not become complacent.

Have a great day.

Andy

He had some sort of grievance with the law

It wasn't soundwave was it?