Mercedes Benz Hybrid Bike (HELP)

[John C. Price]

Guys,

I have a problem I am hoping some one can help me with. I bought this bike from the Mercedes dealer while living in Kuwait. I crated it back to the USA where is sat for several years. On the day I unpacked it I put it on its kick stand and it turned over because the tires were flat. As luck would have it the bike landed squarely on the key, which was installed in the switch, bending the key, and knocking the ignition and battery release button off center inside the assembly. The key can be straightened and the ignition and battery release button can be repaired however I am unable to remove the battery to access the screws which hold the assembly together.

Is it possible that some one could shed some light on how I might remove this battery so I can repair this disaster?

I have attached a picture of the key mechanism and battery release button.

Thank You,
John

 

[birdtrek]

I have one of these. I will have a look in morning if there is any alternative from the rear.
For now: Does not the straightened key still turn the assembly?
Chris

 

[mike killay]

Firstly, make sure that it is not something daft like having to push the key in when turning to unlock the battery. Many require such an action. Make sure that the key is straight, do you have a spare one?
If all else fails there is a way of opening the lock, but I am not going to put it all over the internet. PM me.

 

[John C. Price]

I have straightened the key somewhat and while it will insert partially into the mechanism the combination of a bent key and the ignition switch being receded at an angle is prevent the switch from fully turning. I only have the parts section of the manual, a copy of this is all I received at the time of sale, while it has fairly good diagrams of the different section of the bike the only thing depicted on the battery unlock button is the hole in the cover, it does not display what this button actually engages when pushed. With it being bent the way it is I am wondering if it is failing to engage what's necessary to release the battery.

Chris could you please remove the battery from your bike and then detail for me the process required to do this. I haven't removed the battery in many many years and quite frankly just do not remember.

Mike I take note of the comment of turning the ignition switch in order to release the battery, my brother and I wondered the same thing.

As of today we have not attempted to do very much. This post was to gain some insight prior to beginning the repair process.

Another question I'd like to ask if I may. The battery has not been charged in 9 years. Am I correct in assuming the cells will most likely have to be replaced before I can get it to take a charge?

 

[flecc]

The cells will almost certainly be useless after all that time John. The originals were 5 Ah NiCad, but replacement pack inserts for the Mercedes e-bike are on German ebay on this link. They have 9 Ah NiMh cells.

You can also get a suitable cellpack insert from Batteryspace in the USA, also NiMh but 10Ah. Here's a suitable one on this link

You'll find plenty of advice on this e-bike in a past pedelecs thread on this link

These e-bikes were made by the German Sachs* company (originally Fichtel & Sachs) for Mercedes Benz between 1996 and 2004. Oddly though, I understand some have the Austrian Puch company branding on parts of the bike.

*This Sachs company is nothing to do with the Sachs bicycle gears company which was later bought by the American SRAM company.

 

[John C. Price]

I want to post another question about issues I have had with this bike since the day I brought it home from the Mercedes dealer in Kuwait.

The tire have never held air for more than a couple of days. I noticed a picture of the same bike posted in 2008 and see the tires on this bike are also flat so I assume this is an on going issue for other owners. Specifically I would ask Chris if he has this problem with his bike?

Since I have never address this problem and have no owners manual outside the parts list I am woefully shot on information. Are the tires on this bike tubeless? Is it possible tubes can be inserted in order to solve this problem?

I badly need to get this bike up and running properly for local transportation as I am retired, own no car and really can't afford to add one to my very limited budget. Any assistance in the form of information or proper manuals that can be provided would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Innertubes are only about £3 each. Buy a couple of new ones and the problem is solved.