organic transit ELF 1.9 User manual
ELF 1.9
Owner’s Manual
Copyright 2017
We’re glad to have you as a member of the Organic Transit family!
Organic Transit, Inc.
105 W. Corporation Street
Durham, NC 27701
919 908 1599
Organictransit.com
support@organictransit.com
Updated 6/30/2017
2
Table of Contents
Foreword..................................................................................................................4
Manual Structure .....................................................................................................4
Safety .....................................................................................................................5
General Notes on Safe Driving ................................................................................5
Adverse Conditions ................................................................................................6
Avoiding Road Hazards ..........................................................................................6
Equipment and Controls ............................................................................................7
The ELF: An Overview ............................................................................................7
Know Your Controls................................................................................................8
Vehicle Operation .....................................................................................................9
Before You Get In .................................................................................................9
Getting Into The Vehicle.........................................................................................9
Before Riding ......................................................................................................10
Taking Your First Ride ..........................................................................................10
Adjusting the Seat.........................................................................................10
Riding Your ELF ............................................................................................11
Understanding the 3-Speed Hub ........................................................................... 11
Shifting to Higher Gear..................................................................................11
Shifting to Lower Gear...................................................................................12
Understanding the NuVinci 380 CVT (if equipped) .................................................. 12
Shifting to Higher Gear .................................................................................12
Shifting to Lower Gear .................................................................................12
Harmony Shifter (if equipped)...............................................................................12
Using the CycleAnalyst® (if equipped) ..................................................................13
Basic Button Navigation ................................................................................13
Status Screens..............................................................................................13
Setup ..........................................................................................................13
Handling the ELF..................................................................................................14
Turning .......................................................................................................14
Reversing .....................................................................................................14
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Stopping ......................................................................................................14
Parking.........................................................................................................14
Using the Parking Brake ...............................................................................15
Understanding Your Battery..................................................................................16
Battery Connection .......................................................................................16
Carrying and Using Two Batteries ..................................................................16
Charging Your Battery ..................................................................................17
Using the Battery Wall Charger ......................................................................17
Full and Depleted Voltage Readings ..............................................................18
Testing with a Digital Multimeter ...................................................................18
Using the Solar Charger.................................................................................19
How to Get the Most out of Your Battery .......................................................19
Care Instructions ...................................................................................................20
Drivetrain ...........................................................................................................20
Wheels and Tires ................................................................................................20
Battery ...............................................................................................................20
Brakes ................................................................................................................21
Shifting ..............................................................................................................21
Cleaning .............................................................................................................21
Transport ...........................................................................................................22
Security ..............................................................................................................22
Online Resources ...................................................................................................23
Service and Warranty .............................................................................................23
Replacement Parts .................................................................................................24
Legal .....................................................................................................................25
Notes ....................................................................................................................26
4
Foreword
The ELF is built by Organic Transit, Inc. in Durham, North Carolina, USA. It is constructed with
rugged, but ultra-light materials used in boats, aircraft, and bikes and should be ridden gently
and with care to ensure a long and efficient life. This guide is constructed to help you get to know
your ELF model smart-bike and enjoy it safely for years to come.
Manual Structure
Please note the following important points before riding your ELF:
•This is a general manual for the ELF 1.9; some of the equipment described may be optional
or may not be included in all variants of the vehicle.
•Figures and illustrations may be slightly different from your vehicle. Please use all figures
and illustrations as a general guide for all configurations of the ELF.
•On pages 1 and 2 you will find the
Table of Contents,
listing all the topics found in this
manual in the order in which they appear.
•Directions and positions (left, right, front, and rear) will always refer to the orientation of
the vehicle as seen from the rider’s position.
WARNING
Any text with this symbol will indicate important information
concerning the safe operation of your vehicle and how to reduce
the risk of personal injury.
Note
Any text with this symbol will help to clarify some of the text
within this user manual as well as give more insight into the
nature of the equipment installed in the ELF.
5
Safety
General Notes on Safe Driving
The ELF is an ultra-efficient transportation device unlike anything else you have ever ridden. It is
essential that you take the time to get to know your ELF inside and out before attempting your
first ride.
WARNING
Do not attempt to ride your ELF until you have read and understood all
instructions and warnings in this manual. Operators must exercise good
judgement and common sense to detect and avoid hazards.
WARNING
If you have health concerns, please discuss them with your doctor before
driving the ELF. If your doctor approves, work up your endurance with
moderate goals until you are able to cover the distance you want.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or death, please adhere to the following guidelines:
•Never operate your ELF while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
•When coasting down hills, use brakes to maintain a safe speed.
•Make sure the push-down lever for the seat is in place (pushed down) prior to riding.
•Familiarize yourself with the controls before operation.
•Maintain appropriate and safe speeds for the given conditions. See
Adverse Conditions
on page 6 for more information.
•Reduce speed when turning corners and make gentle arcing turns to avoid loss of
control. The ELF can roll over if turned sharply, even at low speeds.
•Be aware that releasing the throttle may not slow the vehicle.
•Wear closed toed shoes with wraparound heel (no sandals or flip flops). Do not wear
high heels.
•Make sure shoelaces are tied and cannot be caught in the chain.
•Use mirrors; be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles.
•Check that tires are inflated to designated tire pressure printed on tire wall.
•Always wear a protective helmet.
•Ensure that nothing is on the roof and that all hatches and items are secured.
•Always obey the rules of the road and respect your fellow travelers.
•Always keep feet on pedals while the vehicle is in motion - placing feet on
the ground while riding could result in serious injury.
6
Adverse Conditions
We recommend that you avoid riding in the conditions listed below, but if necessary, use
caution and pay attention to the possible dangers listed.
•High Winds: may cause swerving and loss of control
•Heavy Rain: may impede visibility and create hazardous road conditions
•Snow and Ice: may make road surfaces slippery and increase stopping time
•Fog or humid conditions: may obscure visibility
Avoiding Road Hazards
When encountering road hazards, steer the ELF so that the hazard passes beneath either pedal
(left or right). This will allow the rear wheel to avoid contact with the hazard and give you a more
comfortable ride.
Avoid deep puddles and moving water. If riding in wet conditions, check to make sure the battery
is dry when you complete your ride, wiping dry if necessary.
WARNING
This vehicle is not intended for use in off road conditions.
WARNING
It is not possible to list every potential hazard or circumstance you
may encounter while driving your ELF. Exercise common sense and
good judgement to avoid causing harm to yourself or others.
7
Equipment and Controls
The ELF: An Overview
Bulkhead
Gear Hub
and Motor
Brake Lights
Battery
Tray and
Brain Box
Headlights
Turn Signals
Side Mirror
Controls
Seat
Slider with
push
down
Turn Signals
Tail Lights
Hatchback
Solar
Panel
Rear Disc Brakes
Front Disc
Brakes
8
Know Your Controls
The ELF uses only a few, easy to use controls, but it is important that you take the time to
familiarize yourself with them before attempting your first ride. Use the diagrams below to
identify and locate the following items:
#
Control
#
Control
1
Rear Disc Brake
6
Horn
2
Gear Shift
7
Bell
3
Gear Display
8
Throttle
4
Lights
9
Parking Brake Pin
5
Turn Signals
10
Front Disc Brake
Note
The front disc brake lever (right) provides 70% of your stopping power.
The rear brake lever (left) provides additional stopping power, but will
primarily assist in immobilizing the vehicle when parked.
The controls shown above are for the standard ELF 1.9, which is equipped
with a parking brake on the right-side handle. (See
Parking
on page 14 for
additional instructions on use.)
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
00
2
1
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Vehicle Operation
Before You Get In
Do a simple ABCDEF safety check:
1. Air Pressure: Check tire pressure and inflate as needed to the recommended pressure
listed on the tire wall.
2. Brakes: Make sure that squeezing the brake handles about halfway engages the brake
completely.
3. Chain: Make sure the chain moves smoothly, is well lubricated, and is free of rust.
4. Damage: Look for loose or damaged parts, foreign objects, or other potential hazards.
5. Electricity: Make sure the battery is properly connected and secured in the vehicle.
6. Familiarize: Locate the horn, bell, lights, turn signals, throttle, and gear shift (see
Know
Your Controls
on page 8).
If you have problems with any of the ABCDEF checks, take your ELF to a bike mechanic or contact
Organic Transit support. Please see
Service and Warranty
on page 23 for more information.
Getting into the Vehicle
Make sure that the seat is far enough toward the rear to be out of the way but not so far that
you cannot sit down easily. Refer to
Adjusting the Seat
on page 10.
Step in with your foot nearest to the ELF and place your foot on the drop axle or ground,
whichever is more comfortable. The axle can easily support the weight, but taller riders may find
it more comfortable to use the ground. See location of drop axle in photo below. If your ELF has
floorboards, you may step on this flooring as it is load-bearing. Sit down and bring in the other
foot. Place both feet securely on pedals.
1.
WARNING
Do not step on plastic panel inside door (labeled “Do Not Step”)
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Before Riding
1. Remove all loose items from your pockets and stow securely.
2. Always wear a helmet.
3. Check side-view mirrors for positioning.
4. Turn key to engage battery. (Located to the right of the handlebars.)
5. Test horn and bell.
6. Disengage parking brake.
7. Check for hazards, obstacles, pedestrians, traffic, etc.
Taking Your First Ride
Adjusting the Seat
Sit in the vehicle and pedal backwards to check that your feet comfortably reach the pedals, and
that your knees do not bump into the dash strut. Adjust seat as needed until you find a secure
and comfortable position for your ride. Keep in mind that if you sink lower into the seat while
riding, your knees may rise up, so be sure to keep a few inches of clearance between your knees
and the dash strut.
To adjust your seat, stand up to remove your weight, make sure the seat adjustment bar is
pushed up, and slide the seat forward or backward until it is in the desired position. Then push
down on the bar to secure the seat in place.
Seat Adjustment Bar –push up to move
seat forward or back; push down to lock
into place.
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Riding Your ELF
1. Start out slowly, using just the pedals to move forward. (Apply the throttle slightly if
necessary to gain forward momentum. Also note that battery life can be substantially
extended by pedaling to get the ELF moving, instead of solely relying on the assist.)
2. Make slow arcing turns to feel how the ELF handles and to get comfortable with the
steering.
3. Test brakes at slow speed at first. While the ELF’s dual disc brakes offer superior stopping
power to calipers, sudden or excessive braking will make for an uneasy ride and can
shorten the life of your brakes. Applying brakes too hard in wet conditions may cause
skidding.
4. Apply gentle and even pressure to the thumb throttle to accelerate using the motor.
Releasing the throttle will stop the motor but may not slow the vehicle. Use caution and
do not exceed a speed appropriate for the conditions and terrain. Always reduce speed
for turns.
WARNING
Always keep feet on pedals while the vehicle is in motion.
Placing feet on the ground while riding could result in serious
injury.
Understanding the 3-Speed Hub
The standard ELF comes equipped with an internal SRAM 3-speed hub, which is controlled by the
gear shifter on the left handlebar. Position 1 is the lowest, or easiest gear, and position 3 is the
highest or fastest gear.
The gear you are currently using is indicated by a number in red. As you change gears, the
numbers will change from clear/grey to red. SRAM 3-speed hub gears can be changed while the
ELF is at a full stop or while moving, but it is recommended that you ease off the pedals while
shifting. Do not remove your feet from the pedals, but do reduce pedaling speed and pressure or
momentarily pause pedaling.
On non-electric bikes, the gear shifter is usually located on the right handlebar grip. Because the
ELF has a throttle on the right handlebar grip, the gear shifter is positioned on the left handlebar
grip, and the gear indicator display is upside down.
Shifting to Higher Gear
Shifting to a higher or faster gear increases the resistance and makes the ELF harder to pedal,
which is good for cruising on flat ground or downhill. Shift to a higher gear by rotating the shifter
12
grip away from you while pedaling forward. You may notice that it becomes harder to pedal at
low speeds and on hills when in higher gear. The display will indicate a red “2” or “3” to show
that you are in higher gear.
Shifting to Lower Gear
Shifting to a lower or slower gear makes the ELF easier to pedal, so it is great for starting out or
climbing hills. Down shift by rotating the shifter grip toward you while pedaling forward. The
display will indicate a red “1” to show that you are in the lowest gear.
Understanding the optional NuVinci N380 Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
Changing gears with your N380 hub is simple: rotate the shifter grip while pedaling. The graphic
display shows a hill for slower speeds and a flat line for faster speeds. Please note that the display
is inverted on the ELF. For more detailed information on the NuVinci N380, visit:
http://www.nuvincicycling.com/en/products/nfinity.html
WARNING
Do not over-rotate the shifter for the NuVinci. When you feel
friction, stop to avoid mechanical failure. Be sure to pedal lightly
while shifting to avoid detaching the shifter cables.
Shifting to Higher Gear
Shifting to a higher or faster gear increases the resistance and makes the ELF harder to pedal,
which is good for pedaling on flat ground or downhill. Shift to a higher gear by rotating the shifter
grip away from you while pedaling. You may notice that it becomes harder to pedal at low speeds
and on hills when in higher gear. The line on the display will become more flat (like flat ground),
indicating that you are in higher gear.
Shifting to Lower Gear
Shifting to a lower or slower gear makes the ELF easier to pedal, so it is great for starting out or
climbing hills. Shift to a lower gear by rotating the shifter grip toward you while pedaling. The
line on the display should show more of a curve (like a hill), indicating that you are in lower gear.
Using the HARMONY SHIFTER (if equipped)
http://www.fallbrooktech.com/sites/default/files/videos/HarmonyOM_EN_Web.pdf
13
Using the CycleAnalyst® (if equipped)
The CycleAnalyst® is an advanced bicycle computer that can help you track your speed, mileage,
battery level and energy consumption.
Basic Button Navigation
•Press right/left buttons to navigate Status or Setup Screens.
•Press/hold left button to enter Setup.
•Press/hold right button to reset trip statistics.
•From the 'Trip Regen Stats' status screen, press/hold right button to reset peak trip
statistics.
Status Screens
There are eleven Status screens on the which display information grouped by function. Some
information (e.g. speed, Amps) is displayed on more than one screen to give the operator a more
comprehensive view without changing screens. Due to the design of the ELF, screens 3 and 5
do not apply and should be ignored. The status screens are shown below; press the left or right
buttons to navigate through them on the CycleAnalyst®.
Setup
The CycleAnalyst® will arrive set up it if was installed by Organic Transit. If the CycleAnalyst
was user-installed, please refer to the
CycleAnalyst V3 User Installation Manual
for setup
instructions:
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=571345#p571345
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Handling the ELF
Turning
Make gentle, wide turns at low speed. Avoid making sharp turns. Avoid engaging the throttle
with the wheels sharply turned. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in a dangerous loss
of control. Take the time to familiarize yourself with how the ELF handles and turns in a controlled
environment before joining traffic.
The ELF has a large turning radius of about 11 feet. Make sure to plan accordingly when riding
as it may be difficult to maneuver out of tight spaces. Backing up may help to complete the turn.
Always use the turn signals when making turns. Make sure to return the turn signal control to
neutral once you have completed the turn as the signal will stay on until you change it.
Always ride at appropriate speeds for the road conditions. Increased speed increases risk —
exercise good judgment to stay safe.
Reversing
The ELF does not have a reverse gear. To reverse, make sure the vehicle has come to a complete
stop and place your feet on the ground. Then simply push the vehicle backward using your feet;
we like to call this “Flintstone Style.”
Stopping
Engage the brake (right hand is 70% of braking power) by squeezing the brake lever. Try to use
even pressure to avoid jarring stops. Under wet conditions, the stopping power of the ELF is
significantly reduced and tires do not grip as well. Ride more slowly and brake earlier in wet or
icy conditions.
Parking
Remember to always engage the parking brake and turn the wheels toward the curb when parking
the ELF. The parking brake should aid in immobilizing your ELF, but additional steps may need to
be taken to prevent rolling, particularly on steep or slippery terrain. Always make sure your ELF
is securely parked before leaving.
To activate the parking brake, squeeze the right-hand brake lever fully, maintain pressure and
push in the pin (located on the brake lever), then continue to hold in the pin while releasing the
brake lever. To release the parking brake, squeeze lever and the pin will release and pop up
automatically. (See pictures below.) Remember not to park on too steep of an incline.
15
Parking Brake Engaged:
Parking Brake Released:
16
Understanding Your Battery
The standard 16Ah battery pack is enclosed in the plastic case shown below. (The older model
11Ah and 15Ah batteries are also enclosed in the same case.) Each battery pack consists of a
lithium-ion NMC battery and uses a built-in Battery Management System (BMS).
Battery Connections
The battery tray is located just above the pedal assembly, while the brain box sits on top of the
battery tray. In order to power the ELF and allow the solar panel to charge the battery, you must
load the battery with the connection point on top and the handle facing you. Plug it into the
stationary connection secured on the top of the tray. The two Anderson connectors are designed
to mate only one way and should snap into place. Then raise up the drawbridge and secure the
latch to ensure that the battery is in place.
Carrying and Using Two Batteries
The battery tray can house two batteries back-to-back in a non-series connection (with the short
side of the case against the bottom of the tray and the handle facing you). Otherwise a piece of
foam is placed behind the first battery to keep it in place. Please note that if you are carrying
two batteries, it will be necessary to manually switch the connections from the depleted battery
to the full one (the two batteries are not connected).
17
WARNING
When disconnecting the main power connection, avoid personal
injury on the surrounding elements - disconnect the connectors
using a gentle wiggle/pull motion.
Charging Your Battery
Using the Wall Charger
1. Disconnect the battery from your ELF by holding the base of both connectors and gently
wiggling and pulling the connection apart. Once the battery is disconnected, unhook the
latch (which keeps the drawbridge vertically in place), lower the drawbridge, and carefully
lift the battery out from the battery tray.
2. Plug the battery wall charger into a standard wall outlet first. You will need an
adapter for use in countries outside the United States. You will see one red light and one
green light appear. This indicates that the charger is on and ready for charging.
18
3. To charge your battery, connect the Anderson connector on the battery to the Anderson
connector on the charger. Hold the base of both terminals and gently push them together
until they click into place.
4. While the battery is charging, both indicator lights will be red.
5. Once the battery is fully charged (steady green light), disconnect the battery from
the battery wall charger first. Then unplug the battery wall charger from the wall
outlet.
Note
The battery wall charger must be unplugged between
charges to work properly during charging.
Note
The 16Ah battery will charge in about 4 hours.
The older model 11Ah and 15 Ah batteries will charge
in roughly 2.5 hours and 3 hours, respectively.
Full and Depleted Voltage Readings
A fully charged battery will display a reading of 54 volts. A reading of 48V indicates that it is
time to charge the battery. (Technically the batteries can go lower than 48V and still power the
vehicle, but 48V is a good number to be on the safe side.)
Testing with a Digital Multimeter (dmm)
If you do not have a CycleAnalyst installed to give you a battery reading, you may do your own
battery testing with a digital multimeter (dmm) that can test Voltage DC. The most basic, cheap
dmm can do this. Turn the meter on, and set the dmm selector to VDC, 0-50V. (Note that some
types of dmm specify a voltage range and some do not). Then using your dmm’s +and -
probes, touch the negative and positive leads to the negative and positive leads of the battery’s
Anderson connector. The dmm will display your voltage reading. See image below. Use
caution to not short out the battery by touching the probes together while testing or
it will arc and spark, potentially damaging the multimeter and the battery.
19
Using the Solar Charger
Once the main power connector on the battery is plugged into the ELF, the solar charger will
begin charging the battery. There are no extra connectors that need to be plugged in.
Keeping the solar panel clean is crucial in efficiently harnessing the power of the sun. Please
refer to
Cleaning
on page 21 for more information.
Note
Do NOT rely entirely on solar charging, even if you live in a very sunny
climate. The sharp spike of current from an electrical outlet enables the
cells within the battery to perform at their optimum. We recommend
charging the battery with the wall charger at least one time
per week. This will increase battery longevity and performance.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Battery
Follow these tips to maximize the miles you get out of each battery charge:
•Using the throttle to start from a dead stop requires a lot of energy and greatly
increases the load placed on the battery. Though it may take some effort, try using
the pedals to get your ELF rolling before engaging the throttle to save battery power.
•Use the pedals to maintain speed as much as possible, saving the motor for uphill
climbs.
•Look for opportunities to coast or pedal to maintain speed without using the throttle.
•When approaching stop lights/signs, coast to a stop.
•Do not leave the battery uncharged for longer than one month, even if you
are not regularly using your ELF. Regular charging maintains battery health.
20
Note
Temperature change can affect battery efficiency. Battery capacity may
be drastically reduced when used in temperatures ranging from 0 to
30ºF (-18 to -1ºC). If you store your ELF outside and live in an area
with extreme cold or heat, it is best to bring your battery in with you at
night.
Remember to pedal. It’s fun, good for you, and extends the range of your battery.
Care Instructions
WARNING
We do not recommend using a plastic tarp to cover and store
your ELF, as direct contact with the tarp material will cause
damage to the clear window and windshield plastic.
Drivetrain
Chains and cables need regular lubrication. Use a high-quality lube available at bike shops. The
internally geared NuVinci Hub does not need lubrication. For more detailed information on your
NuVinci Hub, visit http://www.nuvincicycling.com/en/products/nfinity.html
Wheels and Tires
Make sure tires are inflated to proper tire pressure listed on the wall of the tire. Proper inflation
will ensure your tires last longer and you enjoy a smoother ride. Proper inflation also improves
battery range.
Battery
Periodically examine your battery case for cracks, holes, and other signs of wear. It is important
to protect the internal components from moisture –all cracks and holes in the external plastic
shell should be repaired immediately using a water-resistant tape such as duct tape or similar.
Keep the battery tray in the ELF clean and dry. If the battery gets wet during
operation, be sure to remove and dry all parts once you have reached your
destination.
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