NORTH49 BRANDS SYNERGY STEP 2020 User manual

VINTAGE IRON CYCLES & NORTH49 BRANDS
2020
SYNERGY STEP MANUAL
Please read this manual in full prior to operating your new bike
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
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CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations on the purchase of your new SYNERGY STEP, and welcome to
the ever-growing electric bike family! You are now part of a worldwide community
of riders seeking adventure and excitement on two wheels. We sincerely thank you
for helping support our dream of bringing affordable and one-of-a-kind e-bikes to
the world — for any rider, any situation, and any journey. Whether its a trip up the
mountain, across the beach or down the coast, let us help you get there in style.
Please read this manual from beginning to end prior to taking your new
SYNERGY STEP for a ride. Our safety warnings are especially key!
Happy riding!
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FRAME NUMBER
Please take a moment to record your SYNERGY STEP frame number located at the underside of
the bottom bracket.
Write down this number here in the manual in case yourSYNERGY STEP is lost or stolen. It
starts with WMAB followed by a numerical sequence.
In addition, it is wise to register these numbers with your insurance company and your local
police station in the event of theft or loss. Hold onto your sales receipt/invoice for further proof
of ownership.
Owner’s name_________________________________________________________________
Frame number_________________________________________________________________
Color_________________________________________________________________________
Date of purchase_______________________________________________________________
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Foreword
Frame Number
Table of Contents
Safety First
Inside the SYNERGY STEP Box
Assembling Your SYNERGY STEP for the First Time
How to Adjust the Frame-Folding Lever
The Computer Display
Folding your SYNERGY STEP
Unfolding your SYNERGY STEP
SYNERGY STEP Specifications
Battery
Charging
Throttle Usage
Setting Up SYNERGY STEP for Your Perfect Fit
Brakes
Gears and Pedal-Assist
Maintenance
Product Replacement
General Tips
Warranty
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SAFETY FIRST
If you are unfamiliar with any aspect of this manual, it is advised that you take your SYNERGY STEP
and this manual to a local bike shop for inspection, assembly and instructions.
➢It is extremely important that you follow the safety guidelines contained in this manual in order to
ensure maximum safety for you as well as maximum durability of youSYNERGY STEP.
➢Before you ride your SYNERGY STEP for the first time, please be sure bike has been correctly
assembled. You will find step by step instructions in this manual. If for any reason you are
uncertain about your bike's assembly please bring it to your nearest bike shop.
➢Key assembly steps that must be completed with absolute certainty (including secure fastening) are
pedals, saddle height, handlebars (both rotation and height) and wheels
➢Please ensure all safety latches, including quick releases and rings, are locked in place and snug
without any movement.
➢Please ensure all bolts (including the front/rear wheels, saddle bolt and brake rotors) are properly
tightened. Certain components must be tightened to exact specifications using a torque wrench for
safety assurance. Fixed front wheel axle nut: 28-32Nm, Fixed rear wheel axle nut: 30-35Nm,
Handlebar bolts: 6-8Nm, Handlebar stem bolt: 13-15Nm, Bar end bolts: 4-5Nm, Saddle bolt:
22Nm.
➢Test your brakes prior to using the SYNERGY STEP every time. In wet or icy conditions, use extra
caution.
➢Check your tire pressures frequently. They should be pumped to 1.4 bar (20 psi). Low tire
pressures could result in damage to the tires and rims.
➢Always wear a helmet when riding any bike or e-bike.
➢Please observe all traffic regulations and other applicable laws.
➢Don’t drink and ride. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your judgment and lower your
ability to remain safe.
➢SYNERGY STEP are not toys. All riders must be at least 16 years old.
➢The SYNERGY STEP is meant to be ridden by a single person. The total recommended weight of
a rider, including all items such as a backpack,is 150 kg (330 1bs).
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➢Your SYNERGY STEP is intended for riding on both street and light off-road. Be extra careful if
you decide to use it on other surfaces.
➢It is advisable to be extremely cautions when riding in traffic. Cars are not used to the speed at
which a SYNERGY STEP can travel, as compared to a regular bike.
➢Since it is impossible to anticipate every situation or condition which can occur while on the
SYNERGY STEP, this makes no representation about the safe use of the SYNERGY STEP under
all conditions. There are risks associated with the use of any transportation vehicle like a
SYNERGY STEP. These risks cannot be predicted or avoided; hence they remain the sole
responsibility of the rider.
➢When you need to replace the battery, please either dispose of it properly or send it back to us or
your local bike shop to ensure that it is properly recycled.
➢Warning: Do NOT take apart OR repair parts by yourself. Please send our service team an email
at [email protected], or give us a call for assistance!
INSIDE THE SYNERGY STEP BOX
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Before opening the packaging, please check to see if the box has been compromised in any way
that could impact the contents.
Once you’ve confirmed that your SYNERGY STEP box is in good condition, then it’s time to
open it. Inside you will find the following items:
Assembly Tools
3 allen keys (4 – with Philips head.5.6mm), 2 crescent wrenches (10, 15mm)
Please contact us right away if something is missing or appears to be damaged.
-Suspension bike frame/fork
-Front wheel/stem/handle bar
-Brakes
-Left/right pedals
-Battery keys
-Wheel reflectors
-Rear bike reflector
-Rear wheel
-Gears/chain
-Seat (saddle)/seat post
-Battery
-Battery charger
-Front bike reflector

ASSEMBLING YOUR SYNERGY STEP FOR
THE FIRST TIME
Front Wheel Assembly
1. Remove the fixed axle by unscrewing the nut on both sides and removing the axle
from the wheel. If it is tight, it can be loosened with a 15mm crescent wrench.
2. Lift the frame/fork and place the front wheel in the bike’s fork.
3. Make sure that the disc brake is well placed in the middle of the brake calliper.
4. Screw the nuts back onto both sides and very securely tighten the wheel using an
15mm crescent wrench. Using a torque wrench, tighten to 28-32Nn. Be sure to also
tighten the fixed rear wheel axle nut to 30-35Nm.
If something appears to be wrongly assembled – even if you have followed the instructions,
please contact us before riding your SYNERGY STEP.
IMPORTANT: Attach the wheel securely. A loose or detached wheel can cause you to lose
control of your SYNERGY STEP, fall,and lead to a serious injury.
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Handlebar Assembly
1. Straighten the handlebar until is it perpendicular to the ground and lock the handlebar
stem safety locking mechanism in place.
2. Insert the loose handlebar into the handlebar stem with the brakes facing outward and
push down. You may raise and lower the handlebar as you wish until you find a height
comfortable for riding. This means that you can easily reach the brakes for safe
control of the SYNERGY STEP. When this is complete, simply pull the handlebar
rotation quick release backward to secure the handlebars in place. Please ensure the
lever is snug and there is no movement.
3. For safety assurance, tighten the handlebar bolts using a torque wrench to 6-8Nm,
handlebar stem bolt to 13-15Nm and end bolts to 4-5Nm.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the handlebar fits tightly into the handlebar rotation quick release,
and that the handlebar height quick release and handlebar stem locking mechanism are
securely fastened. Failure to do so could result in loss of control of your SYNERGY STEP
and could cause you serious injury .
Saddle (seat) and Seat Post Assembly
1. Remove the seat post wrapping.
2. Loosen the seat post quick release.
3. Insert the seat postto the desired height before securing it in place with the quick
release.
4. For safety assurance, tighten the saddle bolt to 22Nm with a torque wrench before you
ride.
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IMPORTANT: Do not raise the seat post above the “minimum insert” line clearly printed on the
backside of the seat post. Raising the seat post above the minimum insert line can cause the seat
post to fall, which could in turn result in loss of control of your SYNERGY STEP and could
cause you serious injury.
Assembling the Pedals

IMPORTANT: If the pedal does not turn smoothly into the crank, do not force it. Take it back
out and try again until it goes in smoothly. In addition, make sure the pedals are tightly
attached to each crank arm. Failure to tightly attach the pedals could result in the pedals
becoming loose while riding. A loose or detached pedal can cause you to lose control of your
SYNERGY STEP, fall,and lead to a serious injury.
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Each pedal has an “L” sticker or “R” sticker to indicate left or right side of the SYNERGY
STEP. Otherwise, please check the external edge of the pedal body or inside of the pedal axle
where the pedal inserts into the crank arm for the imprinted “L” or “R”.

How to Adjust the Frame-Folding Lever
If your folding-frame lever does not strongly snap into place when locked, or is not flush
against the frame, you will need to adjust the locking mechanism and/or lever-to-frame
distance.
Locking mechanism
To adjust the locking mechanism (perform ONLY if your frame-folding lever does not
strongly snap into place when locked or appears to come loose to allow frame to fold):
▪Flip up the mini knob on top of the silver frame-folding lever that releases this handle
to open it.
▪Once opened, locate the very small black pin that protrudes upwards. It is close to the
round silver battery-release button.
Now that you’ve located the pin, close the frame-folding lever by pushing it back against the
frame.
▪Grab a small 3mm size allen key and stick it into the tiny hole on the underside of the
small black pin. Turn it clockwise. You’ll know it is the correct direction if the pin
protrudes upwards.
▪Keep turning until the pin reaches the lever. You’ll know you’re there when you can
no longer turn the pin.
Lever-to-Frame Distance
To adjust lever-to-frame distance (perform only if your leveris protruding a bit too far
outward or feels loose):
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▪Slide the mini knob on top of the silver frame-folding lever that releases this handle
to open it.
▪Once opened, locate the large silver button socket cap screw.
▪Grab a size 3mm allen key and stick it into the screw. Turn counter-clockwise one-
quarter of a turn to bring the lever closer to the bike and eliminate that loose feeling
of the lever.
▪If you find the lever still feels loose or is not flush solid against the frame, try another
one-quarter counter-clockwise turn and repeat until you get there.
▪If you find the lever will no longer close easily, tighten the screw with one-quarter
clockwise turns until it’s perfect.
How to Operate the Display
Turn on display: press the on/off button on the top left corner of the black remote box
Power assist levels: push +and –on the left side of the remote box to increase/decrease
Adjust settings: Click on “M”
▪Toggle between settings using “M” button
▪Click and hold “M” to open the selected setting to adjust.
▪Click + and – to scroll through adjustment options.
▪Click on “M” to exit
Turn on light: Press and hold the +button. To turn off, press and hold + button.
Activate walk assist: Press and hold –button.
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THE COMPUTER DISPLAY

FOLDING YOUR SYNERGY STEP
•Pull up the handlebar stem vertical locking mechanism on
the handlebar safety locking mechanism to fold the
handlebar towards the right side of the front wheel.
•Remove the key from the battery so it is not damaged
during the folding process.
IMPORTANT: When folding your SYNERGY STEP, be careful to always turn the front wheel
to the left and do not pinch the cables, as this may damage the cables. Damaged cables can
result in loss of control of your SYNERGY STEP and serious injury.
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•Next slide the safety button on the locking mechanism’s folding handle located on the
middle of the frame and pull the handle to fold the frame. Hint: you may use your knee to
help easily fold the frame.
•Open the seat post quick release lever to lower the saddle, first making note of its height
using the handy numbered lines on the back of the sear post shaft. Once lowered,
retighten the quick release so the seat post stays in place.
•Push the pedals inwards to fold them.
•Pull the pedals back into riding position. You will hear a click when they are securely in place.
•Pull up the handlebar stem safety locking mechanism, located
on the handlebar stem, to unfold it back to its riding position.
•Push the safety button on the metal folding handle on the frame
and pull the handle to unfold the frame so that it locks into
place.
•Open the seat post quick release lever to raise the saddle to its
original height. Once raised, re-tighten the quick release so the seat
post stays in place. If it needs to be more firmly secured, open quick
release lever, tighten nut on opposite side lever, then re-close lever.
Test to confirm that it’s secure before hopping onto the saddle.
UNFOLDING YOUR SYNERGY STEP
IMPORTANT: Do not raise the seat post above the “minimum insert” line clearly printed on the
backside of the seat post. Raising the seat post above the minimum insert line can cause the seat post
to fall, which could in turn result in loss of control of your SYNERGY STEP and cause serious
injury.

SYNERGY STEP SPECIFICATIONS
Model Number SYNERGY STEP X 500S
Motor 500W brushless geared rear-drive
Battery Battery 48V 10.4AH
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Max Speed 32 km/h/ 20 mph
Up to 60+ km/ 37 +mi
Battery range
(with pedal-assist dependent upon usage, weather,
conditions, terrain and rider's total weight)
Bike weight without battery 26 kg/ 57.3 lbs
Bike weight with battery 29 kg/63.9 lbs
Bike dimensions 180cm / 71" L x 65cm/ 25.6" W x 124cm / 48.8" H
Bike dimensions when
folded 103cm / 40.5" L x 59cm/ 23.2" W x 78cm / 30.7" H
Front suspension
Lightweight forged alloy. Responsive adjustable spring tension.
60mm travel. Mechanical lock-out, 1.5 kg
Rear suspension 125L x 750 LBS - Pre-adjusted with 24 +/-2 mm travel
USB - port 5V output
Rims 20" x 4.0" 36-hole F, 36-hole R, black
Front hub 135mm, 20" 36-hole
Rear hub 185mm, 20" 36-hole
Tires 20" x 4.0" all-terrain or street profile
Crankset 170mm alloy crank arms, 53-tooth chainring
Bottom bracket BB988 68mm x 164mm, threaded
Rear derailleur 7-speed Shimano
Shifters 7-speed Shimano SIS index shifting
Disc brakes F/R Mechanical, aluminum Tektro rotors, 160/160
Rider size range 150-215 cm
Max permissible total
weight 150 kg/330 lbs
Rider minimum age 16 years old

BATTERY
The battery is main energy source of your SYNERGY STEP, so be sure to treat it with care at
all times. We recommend that you recharge it only with the chargerprovided with your
SYNERGY STEP.
Battery Functions
1. There are three key positions - on, locked and unlocked.
2. When the key is turned to the unlocked position, the battery ready to be removed.
3. In the locked position (which can be found by turning the key one click from the
unlocked position), the battery cannot be removed, and motor cannot be switched on.
4. In the on position (which can be found by turning the key two clicks from the
unlocked position), you have full use of your bike's electronic components. When the
key is in the on position, turn the motor and LCD screen on and off by pushing the
power button on the display.
IMPORTANT: When parking a SYNERGY STEP, we recommend you lock your battery by
setting it on locked position and removing the key.
Removing the Battery
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Inserting the Battery
1. Ensure the battery is in the unlocked position.
2. Remove the saddle and seat post.
3. Insert the battery vertically into the battery housing.
4. Insert the key and turn it to the on or locked position.
5. Replace the saddle and seat post.
1. Turn the key to the unlocked position.
2. Remove the saddle and seat post.
3. Remove the battery by pulling vertically from the housing.

CHARGING THE BATTERY
IMPORTANT: Do not charge the battery with any chargers other than the one supplied with
your SYNERGY STEP. Failure to do so may result in battery damage and will void the battery
warranty. Follow all instructions provided with the charger supplied with your SYNERGY
STEP. Failure to do so could result in damage to your battery or could create a fire hazard that
could cause serious injury.
There are TWO ways to charge the battery:
Directly from the bike
•Make sure that the key is in the locked position when charging directly from the bike.
•Plug the charger directly into the battery first, then directly into the electrical socket.
Removing the battery to charge
•Simply remove the battery from the bike as explained above and plug the charger first into
the battery, then directly into the electrical socket. For further charging instructions,
please refer to enclosed spec sheet inside your charge’s box.
NOTE: For both charging methods, make sure the charger light turns green when plugged into
socket, then red when plugged into battery. Once light returns to green, your battery is fully
charged. You can then unplug the charger.
CHARGE TIME (FOR BATTERY)
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With the provided battery charger, it takes 6 to 8hours* to fully charge 10.4Ah from empty to
full (depending on your current battery usage level, climate conditions and earlier charging
cycles).
IMPORTANT: If your SYNERGY STEP will be kept for a long period in extreme temperatures
(below 0°C/35°F or above 35°C/95°F), remove the battery and keep it in a place where the
temperature is between 4°C/40°F and 32°C/90°F.
Do not charge the battery when the air temperature is below 0°C/32°F or above 40°C/ 104°F.
Serious damage to the battery could result.

BATTERY USAGE
•To reach the furthest distance on one charge, it is recommended to pedal the SYNERGY
STEP while the Pedal Assist System is turned ON. It will help save the battery.
•When battery power is low while riding your SYNERGY STEP, it is recommended to pedal
as much as possible to minimize battery usage so you can get to your destination on the
charge that is left on the battery. Charge it as soon as possible if the battery is dead.
•Turn off the power when parking. If you decide to push your SYNERGY STEP for any
reason, make use of the “walk-assist” option.
SYNERGY STEP BATTERY: IMPORTANT INFO
Type: Lithium battery.
Voltage: 48V
.
Capacity: 10.5 Ah (please check directly on the battery’s label).
Battery lifespan: between 600 and 1000 charges.
NOTE FOR THROTTLE USAGE:
•Once the SYNERGY STEP is powered ON and in any level of pedal-assist higher than“0”,
when the rider twists the throttle, the SYNERGY STEP will move forward. Do NOT power
ON until you are ready to go.
•Squeezing the right/rear hand brake, or releasing the throttle, will automatically cut the
power to the motor.
•When walking with the SYNERGY STEP, you can turn it to “walk-assist” by pressing the
assist level arrow down for more than 3 seconds so you don’t automatically turn the throttle
on and make the SYNERGY STEP start suddenly.
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WARNING: Do not take the battery apart. Do not burn, puncture, submerge in water or damage
the battery in any way. Do not use the battery if it appears to be damaged. In case of any noise,
irregular heat or leakage from the battery, seize all use immediately. Keep the battery stored in a
ventilated place and out of direct sunlight. Keep the battery store above 0° C to avoid excess
loss of battery power.

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SETTING UP THE SYNERGY STEP
FOR YOUR PERFECT FIT
Saddle Height
To adjust saddle height, open the seat post quick release lever located on the frame where the
seat post enters. Once loose, adjust saddle to desired height, then straighten saddle so that it is
centred (parallel to the SYNERGY STEP frame). When the desired height is set, firmly tighten
the quick release so that saddle is securely in place. Try to manually move the saddle from left to
right to be sure it is firmly secured.
IMPORTANT: Do no raise the seat post above the “minimum insert” line clearly printed on the
backside of the seat post. Raising the seat post above the minimum insert line can cause the seat
post to fail, which could in turn result in loss of control to your SYNERGY STEP and could
cause serious injury.
Saddle Position
To move the saddle more forward/backward or adjust the nose of the saddle to point slightly
upward/downward, loosen the bolt located under the saddle, at the top of the seat post. You can
use one of the allen keys provided. Once loosened, move the saddle to its ideal position. When
the desired position is set, firmly tighten the bolt to 22Nm for safety assurance. Try to manually
move the saddle up/down as well as forward/ rearward to be sure it is firmly secured.
Handlebar Height
To adjust height of handlebar to match your comfort and riding style, first loosen the handlebar
height quick release located next to the front end of the frame. Adjust the handlebar to the
desired height, making sure to centre the handlebar so that it is perpendicular to the frame.
Securely tighten the quick release. Once tight, try to manually move the handlebar from side to
side to make sure it is securely in place.
CAUTION: You must slide the handlebar stem connecting the handlebar to the frame in far
enough that the series of parallel grooves that mark the minimum insertion level in the tubing are
hidden (NOT exposed). DO NOT raise the handlebar higher than this height. If the handlebar
stem is not inserted, at minimum, to this line, serious injury can occur to the rider.

Brakes
Disc brakes are pre-installed on both the front and rear wheels.
Brake adjustment
Note: Before making any adjustments, double-check that the screws fastening the brake rotors
are very tight.
As you ride, your brake pads will start to become thinner. When you notice that braking power
decreases, adjust that pads closer to the rotor. Always keep an eye on them so you can replace
them the moment they are worn out. If you are unsure of anything relating to your brakes,
please take your bike to your local dealer for their expert advice.
CAUTION:
•Note which brake lever controls which wheel: left brake lever controls front wheel, right
brake lever controls rear wheel.
•Be sure to avoid abrupt or strong braking as it can cause you to fall off the bike.
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Gears
All SYNERGY STEP’s come equipped with 7 gears. To change gears, simply click the shifter
(one click per gear change) - the higher the gear, the higher the resistance. Change gears to
match your peddling comfort level. Be sure to pedal when shifting gears to ensure a smooth
gear change. In addition, when climbing steep hills, be sure to lower your gearing. These
recommendations will also prolong the life of your drivetrain components.
Pedal-Assist
There are 5 pedal-assist level options with the computer display. When switched to “0”, there is
zero pedal assist – complete human power. 5 is the highest level of pedal assistance on the
SYNERGY STEP.
** Some countries require bikes be equipped with a bell. Be sure to check with your local
authorities to learn if you need to install one.**

MAINTENANCE
Tire Pressure
Be sure to check twice a month. We suggest to keep it at 1.4 bar (20 psi). Riding with too low
pressure can result in:
1. Lowered travel range per battery charge
2. Increased wear on the tires
3. Increased risk of a puncture
4. Compromised steering as fat tires with inadequate pressure tend to oversteer.
Mechanical Brakes
If you experience a lack of braking power, often times this is a simple sign that the brake cable
needs to be adjusted. You can do this by turning the brake cable that enters the brake lever. As the
brake lever comes closer to the handlebar, the brake pads will also come closer to the braking
rotor for stronger braking power. If this does not help, then it’s necessary to further identify the
specific cause to determine what needs to be done.
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Squeaking Brakes
•The rotor needs to be thoroughly cleaned with a rag dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove
any oil or residue.
•Pads need to be filed down, usually glazed over from debris on the road:
▪To remove the pads and pad holder, unscrew the pinch bolt. Gently push out the
pads and holder from above, either with a finger or an allen key. Once out of the
calliper, pads can easily be removed from the holder.
▪Carefully and evenly file the surface down with a metal file.
▪Lastly, place pads back into holder and re-insert the holder into the calliper. After
re-insertion, pull the cable back into its original place and firmly re-tighten the
pinch bolt.
•If pads are worn out and are less than 0.5mm thick, it’s time to replace them. Replace
them by following the instructions above. If you are not comfortable with doing this work
yourself, please take your SYNERGY STEP to your local bike mechanic.

PRODUCT REPLACEMENT
It is always recommended to keep spare tires, inner tubes, lube, chains and brake pads on hand as
these items are worn out most quickly.
If a product is in need of replacement and you are not completely certain how to do this, it is
recommended to take it to your local bike dealer. This includes cables/housing, bearing
adjustments, brake adjustment and wheel adjustments. Be sure to replace parts with original
SYNERGY STEP bike components to ensure optimal level of performance.
WARNING: As with all mechanical components, the SYNERGY STEP is subject to wear and high
stresses. Different materials and components may react to wear or stress fatigue in different ways.
If the design life of a component has been exceeded, it may suddenly fail, potentially causing
injury to the rider. Any form of cracks, scratches, or change of colouring in highly stressed areas
indicate that the life of the component has been reached and it should be replaced.
Failure to repair or replace worn components could reduce your ability to control your SYNERGY
STEP and could cause serious injury.
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GENERAL TIPS
▪While our SYNERGY STEP bikes are splash-proof, their electrical components should not
be submerged in water. Water damage is NOT covered under the manufacturer warranty,
so we strongly discourage any use in the rain.
▪When washing your bike, use ONLY a damp cloth. Do not spray any water directly on
your SYNERGY STEP as it could result in water damage.
▪To prevent corrosion, dry the SYNERGY STEP and its components after every wet ride.
Store bike and battery in a dry location.
IMPORTANT! Do not attempt to open the casings of the battery, motor, or controller. This can be
dangerous and will void any warranties by doing so. If you experience a problem, please contact
our service department or your local bike shop.