Ducati Energia FREE DUCk Operating instructions

OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
FREE DUCk
LIGHT ELECTRIC QUADRICYCLE

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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 4
2. RULES ON USE .......................................................................................................... 5
3. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................ 6
3.1. Safe driving ........................................................................................................ 6
3.2. Identification data............................................................................................... 7
3.3. Tyres................................................................................................................... 8
3.4. Power supply...................................................................................................... 9
3.4.1. Batteries (type and location)................................................................ 10
3.4.2. Battery recharging ............................................................................... 12
3.4.3. Battery location and connection.......................................................... 13
4. VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................. 14
4.1. Technical specifications ................................................................................... 14
4.2. Main components............................................................................................. 16
4.3. Instrument panel, main switch, keys ................................................................ 17
4.4. Multi-purpose digital display ............................................................................ 18
4.4.1. Display’s main functions electric version ............................................ 18
4.4.2 Malfunction signalling...........................................................................19
4.5. Steering wheel controls.................................................................................... 20
4.5.1. Right-hand satellite.............................................................................. 20
4.5.2. Left-hand satellite................................................................................ 21
4.6. Front lights ....................................................................................................... 22
4.7. Rear lights ........................................................................................................ 23
4.8. Windscreen cleaners ........................................................................................ 23
4.9. Fuses................................................................................................................ 24
4.10. Case ................................................................................................................. 25
5. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................. 26
5.1. Advice............................................................................................................... 26
5.1.1. Checks prior to use ............................................................................. 27
5.1.2. Start-up................................................................................................ 27
5.1.3. Stopping .............................................................................................. 27

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5.2. Operating trouble ............................................................................................. 28
5.2.1. Failure to start up................................................................................. 28
5.2.2. Faulty braking system.......................................................................... 28
5.2.3. Punctures ............................................................................................ 28
6. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE........................................................................................ 33
6.1. Summary of routine maintenance .................................................................... 33
6.2. Brake oil ........................................................................................................... 33
6.3. Parking brake ................................................................................................... 34
6.4. Cleaning the vehicle ......................................................................................... 34
7. SUPPLEMENTARY MAINTENANCE......................................................................... 35
7.1. Front and rear brakes....................................................................................... 35
7.2. Front and rear shock absorbers....................................................................... 35
7.3. Bearings of the front wheels............................................................................. 35

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1. INTRODUCTION
Read this manually carefully before using the FREE DUCk and follow the operating and
maintenance instructions herein.
Spare parts and accessories should be requested from Concessionaires and/or
authorized Retailers.
This FREE DUCk is a new and extremely environmentally friendly way of traveling
involving electric traction and minimal acoustic and atmospheric pollution.
It is also highly economical as fuel is replaced by rechargeable batteries ensuring
particularly low running costs.
ATTENTION! The warranty is forfeited if persons not authorized from DUCATI
energia carry out any work on FREE DUCk within the period of the
same warranty.
ALWAYS COMPLY WITH THE HIGHWAY CODE AND DRIVE CAREFULLY...

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2. RULES ON USE
You should be at least 14 years of age to ride the FREE DUCk.
The user must be in possession of suitable vehicle insurance documents and a suitable
driver’s licence.
The FREE DUCk must be fitted with a registration plate.
This model of FREE DUCk can take 1 passenger, providing the driver is over 18 years old.
The FREE DUCk does not require use of a safety belt or helmet.
Always comply with the Highway Code: signs, stop signs, pedestrian crossings, speed
limits, prohibitions for overtaking, etc.
Making any changes to the main structure, frame, braking system, electrical system,
suspension, etc, is referred to as tampering. In this case the manufacturer cannot assume
any liability and the warranty will be forfeited.

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3. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
3.1. SAFE DRIVING
• Always keep the front window perfectly clean.
• Adjust the rear-view mirrors properly.
• Always drive with both your hands on the steering wheel.
• Always keep at a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.
• Exceeding the national speed limit when traveling downhill could make the vehicle
unstable and damage some of its electronic components (e.g. the board).
• Do not travel downhill with the key OFF.
• Good psycho-physical condition is essential to ensure safe driving. Drugs, alcohol,
psychopharmaceuticals, etc, physical tiredness or drowsiness could result in serious
danger to the driver and others.
• You should always use your indicator when changing direction, changing lanes, turning
down side-roads or pulling to one side.
• Always slow down gradually when approaching stop signs, red lights, level crossings,
speed bumps, etc. Safety is essential for you the driver and the vehicles behind.
• Before traveling, always check tyre wear and pressure, and correct working order of
the electrical and braking systems.
• Any changes or removal of original parts could compromise the FREE DUCk’s
reliability.
• Do not be distracted when driving.
• Do not leave objects (mobile phones, etc) in the box for the recharging cable.
• Zigzagging and swaying are extremely dangerous for the driver and others.
• Do not exceed the maximum permissible weight (refer to the technical data).
• Avoid at all costs making changes to increase the vehicle’s performance and changing
its original technical characteristics.

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3.2. IDENTIFICATION DATA
FRAME: the frame’s serial numbers are embossed on the same behind the front right-
hand wheel (Figure 1).
ANTI-TAMPERING PLATE: this plate, featuring the identification data required by Directive
97/24/CE-chap.7, is attached to the frame on the top right-hand side (Figure 1).
WHEEL MOTOR: the motor’s identification data is given under the rim cover.
ATTENTION! Changing the identification is punishable by law.
-1
e3 *
dB (A) - min
ZKCFD0000008XXXXX
FIGURE 1

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3.3. TYRES
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
• Type of tyre (TUBELESS): 3.0 - 10” - 42J
Non-compliance with the instructions on tyre pressure or load capacity could adversely
affect driving ability, operation and control of the FREE DUCk.
Check the tyres’ condition (before all journeys) for any signs of cracks or cuts and have
them replaced as and when necessary.
NOTE: Minimum permissible tread (at front and back) is 2 mm.
ATTENTION! The tyres’ pressure must be checked when the tyres are cold and
with the motor switched off.
The tyres’ pressure is essential to ensure good performance, autonomy and safety.
FRONT TYRE 3 bar
REAR TYRE 3 bar

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3.4. POWER SUPPLY
Power (48 V) is supplied by 8 x 12V batteries connected in series and in parallel.
Batteries ensure excellent performance at ambient temperature between +20°C and
+25°C, however performance can differ according to temperature.
Always recharge the batteries using exclusively the supplied cable with type-approved
plug which should be inserted in a suitable 220 Vac socket.
IMPORTANT! Always charge the batteries whenever you can to avoid running them
fully down; the batteries do not have storage effect.
Recharging with the power supply on board the vehicle takes less
than 8 hours when the batteries are fully run down and SHOULD
NEVER exceed 18 hours.
The batteries’ energy is controlled by an electronic board that regulates the motor’s
current.
Contact DUCATI energia Technical Assistance in the event of faults possibly involving
inefficiency of the electronic board.
The electric motor does not require any maintenance.
IMPORTANT! If the batteries do not recharge, check the fuses on the power
connection board at the bottom of the battery compartment
ATTENTION! The ignition key must ALWAYS be OFF when recharging.
Do not connect or use auxiliary batteries or recharge normal
rechargeable batteries.
IMPORTANT! Initial running in of the battery charger is advisable to ensure the
batteries’ maximum potential. To ensure the batteries’ efficient future
yield, initially drive for short but increasingly longer periods without
fully running down the batteries, before recharging them.
This “procedure” should be carried out during the first week of using a whole new pack of
batteries.

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AUTONOMY
Variables that can most affect autonomy:
• Use: using the FREE DUCk on roads where you have to keep stopping and starting can
negatively affect autonomy, compared to constant and linear driving. You should also
increase speed gently, without pressing the accelerator roughly and without holding
the accelerator pedal right down as maximum speed can be maintained equally well by
lesser pressure on the pedal.
• Weight: this can greatly determine autonomy; a combined weight of the driver,
passenger and load exceeding 200 kg (the limit on the data plate) can vastly increase
energy consumption.
• Temperature: changes in temperature (especially during winter) can adversely affect
energy consumption.
• Slope: travelling on sloping roads vastly increases energy consumption.
• Tyre pressure: correct tyre pressure is essential to ensure good performance, autonomy
and safety.
Average autonomy is about 50-60 km with the batteries fully charged.
3.4.1 Batteries (type and location)
The FREE DUCk is fitted with a set of cutting edge batteries.
There are 8 x lead acid batteries (12 V), not requiring maintenance.
All the batteries are housed in the battery compartment under the vehicle’s floor. The
compartment is accessed by undoing the 4 screws on the cover.
IMPORTANT! Batteries should always be replaced with original ones designed
and tested to our specifications. Use of any other type of battery
will forfeit the warranty and could compromise the FREE DUCk’s
performance.
RULES:
Do not drive the vehicle to the point the batteries are fully run down.
Make sure the batteries are never fully run down.
Do not with on “reserve” for a long time; if you have to, try not to use the accelerator
too much. The reserve is indicated by a red indicator light on the instrument panel.
Never use the vehicle with the key in the OFF position.

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Never remove the fuses when recharging the batteries.
Never use the vehicle when the display isn’t working properly.
Always turn off the ignition key before maintenance. You should also remove the
battery pack’s two connectors from the fuse board.
MAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERIES
In the interest of health and safety, only experienced, qualified persons should carry out
work on the batteries. You should be especially careful with the batteries as they contain
highly corrosive acid. They do not require any maintenance such as filling up with distilled
water.
It is forbidden to open the batteries; you only need to check the outside of the batteries
to make sure there are no cracks or deformations or signs of oxidization on the poles (in
this case, clean the poles and apply a layer of the relative lubricant). You should also make
sure the connectors are properly fitted.
IMPORTANT! • Do not use any recharging systems other than the one provided.
• Do not disconnect the batteries’ connections.
• Do not use naked flames and do not smoke, etc, near the
batteries.
• Use exclusively insulated tools.
• Do not place any tools on the batteries.
• Do not touch the batteries’ terminals when the battery charger is
connected to the mains.
• Keep the batteries out of the reach of children.
• In the event of accidental contact with the batteries’ acid, wash
with plenty of water and seek medical treatment.
• Recharge the batteries in a preferably well ventilated area.
• In the interest of the environment, dead batteries must be taken
to authorized waste disposal sites where they are sent to a
consortium for recycling.

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3.4.2. Battery recharging
How to recharge the batteries:
• Turn the ignition key “OFF”.
• Lift the seat on the “passenger’s side” and remove the recharging cable.
• Connect the power cable to a 220 Vac socket.
The message “vehicle charging” will appear on the vehicle display.
IMPORTANT! If you have any trouble, unplug the power cable and contact an
authorized Assistance Centre.
• Remove the plug from the socket, wind up the cable and return it to the case behind
the passenger’s seat. N.B. RECONNECT THE PLUG INTO THE SOCKET FOUND
UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT (REFER TO THE FIGURE BELOW). THE VEHICLE
WILL NOT START WITHOUT THIS CONNECTION.
• Close the case under the passenger’s seat.
You can now put the key back in the ignition and start up the motor.
IMPORTANT! If you have any trouble, contact an authorized Assistance Centre.
RECHARGING TIME (indicative)
10 HOURS – recharging to 90% (when battery is completely run down).
The batteries must be recharged in a sufficiently ventilated area.
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

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THE VEHICLE AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF INACTIVITY
If the vehicle is not used for a long time, you should fully recharge the batteries at least
twice a month to prevent them from deteriorating.
3.4.3. Battery location and connection
ATTENTION! The following action must be carried out by an authorized Assistance
Centre.
The 8 x batteries, fitted in their compartment, are in 2 x lines of 4 x batteries connected in
parallel using the connectors on the “power connection board”.
NOTE: Protect the batteries’ connections with copper grease or equivalent and
cover the batteries’ poles with their caps.
If for any reason you need to remove the batteries, it is extremely important you
consult the connection diagram illustrated below.
N° 2 N° 2
N° 1 N° 1
N° 4
N° 3
N° 3 N° 3
N° 5 N° 6
- +
-
+
+
-
+
-
-
+
- + - + - +
N° 3
FIGURE 4

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4. VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS
4.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS:
• Step 1170 mm
• Maximum length1750 mm
• Maximum width 1320 mm
(including mirrors)
• Maximum height 1630 mm
• Weight for traveling 317 Kg
1170
1750
200 380
1000
800
905
1320
1630
1000
770
FIGURE 5

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MOTORS and TRANSMISSION:
• 2 x brushless motors in the rear wheels.
• Direct transmission on the rear wheels.
• Power 2 x 2.5 Kw
• Feed 48 Vcc.
• Torque provided 2 x 45 Nm.
• Maximum rotation 600 rpm.
BRAKES:
• Front disk brakes (Ø 170) with hydraulic
calliper and transmission.
• Rear disk brakes (Ø 258) with hydraulic
calliper and transmission.
• Mechanical parking brake on the rear
wheels.
FRAME and BODYWORK:
• Monocoque; 2 x steel monotrave rings
connected by lateral beams
• Rear monotrave forks in steel box.
• Shockproof ABS bodywork.
• Capacity of case 180 litres.
SUSPENSION and WHEELS:
• Oleopneumatic suspension at front and
back.
• Front wheels: 10 inch aluminium
wheels.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (48 Vcc):
• Two high beams and dipped head-
lights.
• Front side lamps and indicators.
• Rear side lamps and indicators with
incorporated stop lights.
• Horn.
• Front windscreen washers.
• 8 x 12 Vcc, 42 Ah hermetically sealed
lead acid batteries, maintenance free.
• High efficiency electronic MOSFET
speed regulator with maximum speed
and current control and limitation
system.
• Automatic electronic battery charger
incorporated in the vehicle, with voltage
and current control system.
PERFORMANCE:
• Maximum speed 45 Km/h.
• Autonomy for about 50 km with
batteries fully charged (on average
urban or suburban roads).
• Battery recharging time 8-10 hours.
• Maximum load capacity 200 Kg (with
passenger).

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4.2. MAIN COMPONENTS
FIGURE 6
A) Ignition key
B) System console
C) Instrument panel
D) Display
E) Steering wheel with satellite control
F) Windscreen washers
G) Rear-view mirrors
H) Parking brake
I) Brake pedal
L) Accelerator pedal
G
D
E
F
I
L
A
B
C
H

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4.3. INSTRUMENT PANEL, MAIN SWITCH, KEYS
FIGURE 7
A) Ignition key
B) Windscreen washer button
C) Windscreen wiper button
D) Position light and dipped headlight on/off button
E) Right indicator
F) Left indicator
G) Main beam indicator
H) Dipped headlight indicator
I) Position light indicator
A
B C D
E
G H I
F

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4.4. MULTI-PURPOSE DIGITAL DISPLAY
 


 




  
FIGURE 8
4.4.1. Display’s main functions electric version
A) Speedometer (number and graphic)
B) Mileometer (total and partial)
C) Battery status indicator
D) Current absorption indicator (value in Ampere)
E) Engaged parking brake indicator (red)
F) Battery status or battery pack malfunction indicator (red)
G) Vehicle diagnostics indicator. In the event of vehicle malfunction a red light on the
display switches on with a description of the type of fault.
H) Display change button: allows user to pass from battery status level indicator to battery
back voltage level indicator.
I) Display change button: allows user to pass from graphics display to descriptive display
of battery current and charge levels.
L) Button not enabled
M) Reset partial km button
AC
I
L
M
H
E
F
G
B
D

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4.4.2. Malfunction signalling
If one of the traction drives malfunction, a message on the display indicates the type of
fault.
Error messages which can be displayed:
N. DESCRIPTION RESOLUTION
1 Accel. pressed at start-up Make sure that the pedal was not accidentally pressed.
Switch off and restart with key.
2 Accel. power too high Contact authorised Technical Assistance
3 Battery power too low Contact authorised Technical Assistance
4 Overcurrent Contact authorised Technical Assistance
5 Hall probe error Contact authorised Technical Assistance
6 Inverter disabled Contact authorised Technical Assistance
7 Battery power too high Contact authorised Technical Assistance
8 Temp. inverter over 85 degrees Switch off vehicle and wait a few minutes. If this message
reappears contact authorised Technical Assistance.
9 Temp. inverter over 110 degrees Switch off vehicle and wait a few minutes. If this message
reappears contact authorised Technical Assistance.
10 Battery power too low Contact authorised Technical Assistance

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4.5. STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
4.5.1. Right-hand satellite
FIGURE 9
A) Booster (1) and reverse gear (2)
1) Booster
A gentle push of the lever towards the driver increases current to the electric motors
and thereby speeds up the vehicle.
NOTE: This runs the batteries down more quickly. To be done only when absolutely
necessary.
2) Driving forward/reversing
• Lever in forward position: driving forward
• Lever in central position: driving forward
• Lever in back position: reversing
NOTE: Moving the lever for reversing also sets off an intermittent horn.
A