Wiktor Wise
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in cities across the US, with companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin deploying them in cities from Denver to Atlanta to Washington, DC. However, the rise of electric scooters has also led to issues such as hoarding, vandalism, and theft. While some people have resorted to cutting brake lines, slashing tires, or throwing scooters into the ocean, others have found creative ways to hotwire the scooters for a free ride. In this paragraph, we will explore the world of electric scooter hacking and the methods people use to hotwire Bird scooters.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the GPS tracker
After removing the screws, gently pull out the GPS tracker. You may need to wiggle it to free it from its mount. With the tracker removed, the next step is to reattach the cover plate to the hole that is left behind. This will prevent dirt and water from entering the scooter.
If the GPS tracker is being stubborn and doesn't want to come out, try wiggling it back and forth until it loosens and comes out. Once removed, dispose of the tracker responsibly, preferably by recycling it.
Alternatively, if you don't want to remove the GPS tracker yourself, you can take your Bird scooter to a mechanic or a Bird service center, where a technician will be able to safely and easily remove the GPS unit and send it back to Bird.
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Disconnecting the modem
One method to disconnect the modem is to use a power drill to create a hole in the middle of the top panel of the scooter, which will disable the cellular modem. This method, however, may not allow you to harvest the Particle dev board.
Another way to disconnect the modem is to access the internal wiring of the scooter. First, ensure that the scooter is powered off and the battery is disconnected to avoid any electrical hazards. Then, remove the deck plate using a Phillips-head screwdriver. This will expose the internal wiring, including the wires connected to the modem. You can then cut or disconnect the wires leading to the modem, effectively disabling it.
Additionally, it is possible to disconnect the GPS and SIM card, which are components connected to the modem. To do this, you may need to remove the "tamper-proof" plastic casing around the scooter's handlebars. Once the casing is removed, you can access and disconnect the GPS and SIM card, severing the scooter's ability to transmit location data.
It is important to emphasize that these methods are hypothetical and should be treated as such. Attempting to modify or disable the electrical components of a Bird scooter comes with inherent risks and may void any warranties or legal usage of the scooter. Proceed with caution and ensure you have the necessary skills and tools to work with electrical systems.
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Avoiding GPS tracking
Bird scooters are equipped with GPS tracking technology to monitor their location in real time and identify any suspicious activities. This allows Bird to track down stolen scooters and take appropriate action.
To avoid GPS tracking when hotwiring a Bird scooter, you will need to locate and remove the GPS device. Here are the steps to do so:
Firstly, turn off the power to the scooter by removing the battery pack. The battery is usually located under the seat. Once the power is off, locate the GPS device, which is typically mounted under a plastic cover on top of the battery pack housing. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the screws holding down the GPS device, being careful not to misplace them. Then, carefully pull out the GPS device and unplug any attached cables.
After removing the GPS device, you can proceed with hotwiring the scooter. However, keep in mind that tampering with electric scooters, especially those that do not belong to you, is illegal and can lead to severe consequences. Additionally, hotwiring a scooter can pose safety risks, including potential damage to internal components, malfunctioning parts, and the risk of fires or electric shocks. Therefore, it is important to prioritize safety, legal compliance, and respect for others' property.
If you are considering hotwiring a Bird scooter, it is important to explore alternative options first. Bird offers various discounts and promotions, such as online promo codes, coupons, email list specials, and student discounts. By taking advantage of these offers, you can obtain a Bird scooter without resorting to illegal and unsafe practices. Remember to use scooters responsibly and within the parameters set by the company.
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Dismantling the scooter
To dismantle a Bird electric scooter, you will need some basic tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and wire cutters. The first step is to remove the screws holding the scooter together. This will give you access to the internal components. Be sure to keep the screws organized, as you will need them later if you decide to reassemble the scooter.
Once the scooter is open, locate the battery and motor. These are the most valuable parts of the scooter and are also essential for creating a functional personal scooter. Disconnect the battery and motor from the scooter, being careful not to damage any wires or components. You may also want to remove the lithium-ion batteries, which can be resold or reused.
Next, locate the scooter's "'brain", which includes a Particle Electron board. This component is worth around $70 and can be resold. To avoid GPS tracking, you can pop out the SIM card or disconnect the modem. Additionally, removing the logo will help disguise the scooter's origin.
If you are interested in disabling the GPS tracking without completely dismantling the scooter, a simple method is to slap a sticker on the QR code used to unlock the scooter. This will effectively disable the tracking feature.
Finally, collect any other useful parts, such as wires, lights, or additional electronics. These can be saved for future projects or repairs.
Keep in mind that dismantling a Bird electric scooter may be illegal and can result in legal consequences if done without authorization.
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Converting it to a personal scooter
Converting a Bird scooter for personal use is a complicated process and may be illegal, depending on where you live.
Firstly, you will need to purchase a scooter "conversion kit", which costs around $30 and ships directly from China. This kit will disable all recovery and payment components.
Next, you will need to research the specific Bird model you have, as different scooters may have varying methods for conversion. You will then need to replace the BMS with another 10s BMS. To do this, you must unsolder the BMS and connect the main negative to cell 1, then connect to the main positive for #10.
You may also need to replace the throttle and grips, as well as the board. You can then add your own BMS.
It is important to note that tampering with these scooters may be illegal and could result in fines or other penalties.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase a $30 plug-and-play conversion kit from China to convert a Bird scooter into a personal scooter.
The Frankenstein method involves collecting spare parts from destroyed and vandalized scooters and building a working scooter from them.
The sticker method involves slapping a sticker on the QR code used to unlock the scooter, effectively disabling it.
The GPS disconnect method involves disconnecting the GPS and using cheap products from AliExpress to reactivate the scooter.
