AmTryke AM-12S User manual

Revised 11/1/12
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
Contents
About AmTrykes®............................................................................................1
About This Manual ..........................................................................................1
Safety ..............................................................................................................2
Safe Riding Tips................................................................................................ 2
Brakes.......................................................................................................... 4
Shift Gears................................................................................................... 4
Assembly Instructions .....................................................................................5
Getting Started ................................................................................................ 5
Front Wheel..................................................................................................... 7
Adjusting Front End (AM-12 and AM-16).................................................... 8
Frames ............................................................................................................. 8
Back Wheels .................................................................................................... 9
Loading Brake .................................................................................................. 9
Seat ................................................................................................................ 10
Pedals and Hand Cranks ................................................................................ 12
Steering Pin.................................................................................................... 12
Fitting AmTryke for Rider ..............................................................................13
Optional Accessories .....................................................................................14
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................14
Maintenance .................................................................................................15
Wheels and Tires ........................................................................................... 15
Brakes ............................................................................................................ 15
Chain.............................................................................................................. 15
Maintenance Schedule .................................................................................. 16
Warranty.......................................................................................................17
Useful Information ........................................................................................17
AmTryke Therapeutic Tricycle Program ........................................................ 17
Donations ...................................................................................................... 18
Returns .......................................................................................................... 18
Refunds.......................................................................................................... 19
AmTryke Sizing Charts ...................................................................................20
Tools .............................................................................................................22

Revised 11/1/12 1
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
About AmTrykes®
AmTryke® therapeutic tricycles, owned and operated by National AMBUCS™
Inc., are designed for people with disabilities who are unable to operate a
traditional bicycle. AmTryke tricycles or “trykes,” can be operated by feet,
hands or both, and include a wide variety of models. The trykes can also be
adjusted to fit the needs of different riders, including frame size, type of seat,
trunk and leg supports.
AmTryke’s AM-12S, AM-12 and AM-16 therapeutic tricycles have been
designed to build strength and coordination for a wide range of children with
disabilities. These trykes feature a continuous chain mechanism for hand/foot
movement and adjustable seating (up/down and forward/back). Foot plates
feature a heel trap, with toe and instep strap, to secure rider’s feet to pedals. A
loading brake makes transfer of rider safe and easy. These trykes also have a
safety steering pin for parental control.
All AM models can also be converted to a hand cycle with the installation of a
permanent foot platform. Foot cups and pedal blocks can be added on the
platform for lower extremity support.
AM-12 and AM-16 also feature a hinged front end with three positions for
adjustable hand crank/foot crank seat alignment.
About This Manual
Read this manual carefully before assembling your tryke or using it for the first
time. This manual includes important information about safety, assembly and
maintenance. Keep this manual in a safe place for information and for ordering
accessories/parts.
AMBUCS/AmTryke reserves the right to make changes to the design and
technology of AmTrykes. The assembly instructions are accurate as of the date
of this manual’s printing.

2Revised 11/1/12
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
Safety
Safety is very important to us. AmTryke products are designed in accordance
with the latest safety standards and are constantly monitored for quality. We
use information from this quality control to develop our products.
We urge all riders to seek the opinion of their health-care provider(s) before
riding their tryke.
AmTrykes should be used for their intended purpose only.
Safe Riding Tips
Before riding, familiarize yourself how the tryke operates —it’s steering,
braking and shift gears (if applicable). Adjust the seat, handlebars and pedals to
fit the rider. See Fitting AmTryke for Rider section in this manual for more
information.
Here are some tips about riding safety:
•AmTrykes should be used with close adult supervision.
•Riders must wear helmets. All our trykes include a free safety-rated helmet.
The helmet must fit appropriately. A properly fitting helmet sits on the head
comfortably −a helmet that sits high on the head is too small. Some
movement is acceptable, but a helmet that moves a lot is too large. See the
illustration below for reference:
Correct Way to Wear Helmet
Wear the helmet flat atop your head,
not tilted back at an angle.
Make sure the helmet fits snugly and
doesn’t obstruct your vision. The chin
strap should fit securely and the buckle
stay fastened.
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF BUDDY BIKE LLC
For more information about
finding the correct size helmet,
see Helmet Sizing Chart on page
21.
NOTE: Be careful not to pinch the
skin when fastening helmet buckle.

Revised 11/1/12 3
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
•Riders must wear shoes. If shoes have laces, they must be tied properly.
•Most trykes are equipped with a steering pin and have three steering options
available:
oFull steering: No steering pin. This option allows riders to make sharp turns
and is appropriate for riders who ride at slow speeds or in close quarters.
Close adult supervision is required.
oLimited steering: This option allows riders to turn 20 degrees in either
direction, thus, reducing the risk of over-steering or tipping over.
oNo steering: This option allows for riding straight only. A supervising adult
is required to turn the tryke.
•To avoid tipping the tryke over, approach wheelchair ramps or thresholds at
a 90-degree angle.
•Use caution on sloped parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. Avoid excess
speed by having an adult restrain the tryke from behind on sloped surfaces.
The trykes have many options for control features. Consult AmTryke to find
out the best solution for your rider.
•Many riders do not have the motor skills required to be able to use the hand
brake effectively.
•Depending on trunk stability, behavioral compliance and body awareness,
some riders may need supports (e.g., lateral, head), belts (e.g. lap, shoulder),
hip abductors or other specialized equipment. A physical therapist/health
professional can assist you with any recommendations.
•Riders should only be allowed to ride trykes that are the appropriate size. If
you are uncertain, refer to AmTryke Sizing Chartsin this manual or contact a
physical therapist.
•Before riding, always check that all tires are inflated properly.
•If parts are broken or missing, the tryke should not be used until repaired.
WARNING: DO NOT RIDE IN OR NEAR TRAFFIC, OR WHERE THERE IS
A RISK OF FALLING OFF CURBS, STAIRS, POTHOLES OR OTHER HAZARDS.
WARNING: NEVER ALLOW MORE THAN ONE RIDER ON AMTRYKE.
WARNING: DO NOT RESTRAIN TRYKE BY GRABBING HANDLEBARS
OR HAND BRAKE — THIS MAY CAUSE IT TO TURN SHARPLY AND TIP
OVER.

4Revised 11/1/12
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
Brakes
If your tryke has brakes (front or coaster brakes) be careful when using the
brakes. Operate the brakes gradually. If your tryke has front brakes (front
caliper brake or both front caliper brake and rear disk brake) squeeze the brake
lever(s) gradually until you feel brake(s) working. The left brake lever operates
the front caliper brake and the right lever operates the rear brake. To stop your
tryke, use both brakes. It is advisable to start braking by operating the rear
brake slightly before the front brake.
Shift Gears
If your tryke has shift gears, use precaution when shifting gears. When shifting
gears keep pedaling but reduce pedaling pressure. Do not try to change gears
when pedals or wheels are not moving. Also, never change gears while back
pedaling and do not force the gear shifter when changing gears.
WARNING: BE CAREFUL WHEN OPERATING BRAKES. SUDDEN
BRAKING MAY CAUSE TRYKE TO TIP OVER.
CAUTION: USE CAUTION WHEN SHIFTING GEARS.

Revised 11/1/12 5
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
Assembly Instructions
Refer to the following instructions on how to assemble your tryke. Study the
instructions carefully before beginning assembly and follow the sequence
shown in the instructions.
Be careful when assembling your tryke. Make sure that your working area is
free of possible sources of danger, such as tools lying around.
Always dispose of packaging material properly. Do not let children play with
plastic bags.
When assembling your tryke, bolt all parts together loosely at first and check
that they have been put together correctly. Tighten lock nuts by hand until
snug; then use proper tools to tighten nuts completely.
Getting Started
Your AmTryke is shipped in parts. Carefully remove and lay out all parts from
the carton so that you don’t scratch or lose any parts or pieces. Check that you
have all the necessary parts. If any parts are missing, please call us at 1-888-
AMTRYKE for assistance.
Remove packaging material and discard. See the following picture to identify
different parts (model AM-12S has a different seat):
NOTE: AmTryke must be assembled by an adult.
CAUTION: CHECK THAT ALL SCREWS HAVE BEEN
SECURELY TIGHTENED BEFORE USING YOUR TRYKE.
WARNING: THERE IS ALWAYS A DANGER OF INJURY
WHEN WORKING WITH TOOLS OR DOING MANUAL WORK.
WARNING: THERE IS A RISK OF SUFFOCATION WITH
PLASTIC BAGS. KEEP PLASTIC BAGS AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

6Revised 11/1/12
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
AM-12S, AM-12 and AM-16 parts
Your AmTryke also includes the following small parts not shown in the photo
above:
Additional small parts
Front
wheel
Saddle
seat
Hand cranks
with grips
Back
wheel
Seat back
Chain
guard
Seat
securing
knob
Frame
knobs
Loading
brake
Hinge
wrap
Pedal
Nut
cover
Lap
strap
Pedal
Seat back
support
rod
Seat post
bracket
Quick release
levers
Main
frame
Front wheel
assembly
Rear
frame
Chest
straps
Steering
securing
spring
Spring cover

Revised 11/1/12 7
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
You need the following tools for assembly (too see a picture of different tools,
see page 22):
Front Wheel
Start assembling your tryke by first attaching the front wheel assembly to the
main frame. Choose which of the
three front wheel positions your rider
will best utilize (vertical or middle
position, or wheel fully extended).
To attach the front wheel assembly:
1. Install the lower quick release lever
to one of the holes and a thumb nut
on the opposite side.
2. Next, put one end of the steering
centering spring on the eyelet on the
main frame and slide a protective
cover over the spring.
3. Use a long screwdriver, pliers or
small pry bar to attach the other end
of the spring to the eyelet on the
front fork as shown.
4. Insert the upper quick release lever
and thumb nut on the opposite side.
Push levers down flat against the
frame.
NOTE: Chain guard is on the
right side of tryke.
Steps 1 and 2
Quick
release lever
Spring
cover
Spring
Eyelets
NOTE: This can be difficult and
requires some strength.
Step 3
Quick
release
levers
TOOLS REQUIRED:
•4 mm Allen wrench
•10 mm wrench/socket
•14 and 15 mm wrench (incl.)
•22 mm socket or adjustable wrench
•Quick release wrench (incl.)
•Screwdriver/pliers
Step 4
NOTE: AM-12S does not have a
hinged front end.

8Revised 11/1/12
AM-12S, AM-12 & AM-16
5. Install the protective hinge wrap
over the levers.
Adjusting Front End (AM-12 and AM-16)
If you need to adjust the angle of the hinged front end, follow these steps:
1. Put the left pedal to the lowest position.
2. Remove the steering pin if installed.
3. Turn the front wheel to the left so that the chain guard is pointing straight
ahead.
4. Remove the lower quick release lever and adjust the position.
Frames
To attach the main and rear frames together, follow these steps:
1. Slide the seat post bracket onto the
main frame.
2. Put the two frame knobs into the
holes.
3. Slide the rear frame onto the main
frame.
Seat post and main frame
Main and rear frames attached
NOTE: Do not completely tighten
the knobs until you adjust the
tryke for rider’s size.
NOTE: Loading brake is on the
right side of tryke.
Seat post
bracket
Holes
for
knobs
CAUTION: HINGE WRAP MUST
BE INSTALLED BEFORE RIDING.
Step 5
NOTE: Make sure that the
wrap is tightly closed to cover
the levers and nuts properly.
NOTE: Be sure that the holes for
the seat post knobs are on the
right side of the tryke.
Frame
knob
TIP: Use the quick release wrench to easily tighten quick release levers.