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Post by totallytoasty on Feb 3, 2018 18:13:35 GMT -5
Hello! So I just got my first scooter, it's a Tao Tao, I think the guy said it was 2016. Anyways its not in the best condition (and neither was the guy i bought it from if I'm being Frank) So after I got done riding it for the first time, I put my helmet and gloves in the seat trunk and went to lock it. The key went in, but only 1/3 of the way. I proceeded to twist it and to my surprise it locked anyways! However when I went back out later to go for another ride it wouldn't unlock. So I guess I'm going to have to call a locksmith or drill it out, both of which I would rather not do. Any advice for how I could get it unlocked?
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Post by lilpinny on Feb 3, 2018 18:16:44 GMT -5
If the lock doesn’t work, then there is no point trying to save it. I’d just drill it out and replace it if you can.
If you want to keep the lock and need a key made, call a locksmith.
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Post by 90GTVert on Feb 4, 2018 7:25:21 GMT -5
If it's the most common TaoTao, the ATM50, there should be a cable that operates the lock under a side panel. If you look up on the back side of the panel where the key goes for the seat, you may see it. Pulling that cable should release the seat lock. If the lock is faulty, you can find lock sets online. I wouldn't put the money into a locksmith for this.
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Post by scooterpimp on Feb 4, 2018 9:00:06 GMT -5
Did you try the holding down the seat while turning the key trick? Tossin ideas out there.. i agree with Brent, its cheaper to replace locks than pay a locksmith.
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Post by jackrides on Feb 4, 2018 17:31:59 GMT -5
Going at the lock mechanism thru the left side panel worked for me. You may need a long screwdriver or 2 and needlenose. But first, try some lock graphite or wd40, then slide the key in and out a number of times. Also try pushing down on the rear of the seat while trying the lock.
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Post by benji on Feb 4, 2018 18:31:16 GMT -5
I would find the seat cable (if it exists) and pull on it like Brent said. If not possible, what I do in similar situations is remove all the body panels I can and try to Jimmy open the latch with a screwdriver.
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Post by GrumpyUnk on Feb 5, 2018 9:30:38 GMT -5
Feeling around behind the panel where the lock cylinder attaches, you should find a cable that is slipped into a notch in the cylinder mount. If you can push the cable upward, it will come out of the notch. Once out of the notch, pulling the cable towards the front, more or less, should pull on the seat release latch mechanism.
The cable outer housing will tension the cable just as if you turned the lock cylinder, so you can gain access without doing any permanent damage.
You can get a combo setup with 2 keys, ignition lock, seat lock and locking gas cap for less than $20, and some less than $10. A trip to the locksmith, or having one come to your location would cost several times that.
I have replaced the trio on multiple machines with little problem. If desired, you can also take the gas cap apart and remove the pins from the lock cylinder. Re-assemble, and you won't need the key to remove the gas cap, just twist the flip-up handle to release and re-lock.
tom
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Post by greginisn on Feb 5, 2018 22:57:56 GMT -5
TaoTao doesn't use the same locking mechanism on all their scooters. I've seen a Brent video on that showed his ATM-50's seat lock and it's nothing like the lock system on my Thunder. There's darn little wiggle room with the Thunder so would probably have to get a bit destructive with the Thunder in order to save it.
Good luck, Greg
Maybe you could rig up a chain pull system to operate it in the future and just blow off the key lock system??
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