Vanraam Chat User manual

[phone]
[email protected]
www.vanraam.com
Version 21.01
Van Raam
Guldenweg 23
7051 HT Varsseveld, The Netherlands
Chat
User manual

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Table of contents
Manufacturer contact details..................................................................................................................... 3
Conformity........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Levering............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Indication........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Intended usage ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Safety measures............................................................................................................................................. 5
Adjustment of the trishaw .......................................................................................................................... 7
Before the first use......................................................................................................................................10
Electro system Silent ..................................................................................................................................17
Van Raam E-Bike App.................................................................................................................................27
Accessories.....................................................................................................................................................29
Technical specification................................................................................................................................32
Maintenance and adjustments by owner.............................................................................................33
Repair and maintenance by your dealer ...............................................................................................35
Adjustments by dealer ...............................................................................................................................36
Disposal...........................................................................................................................................................37
Handover/sale to a new owner...............................................................................................................37
Guarantee .......................................................................................................................................................38
Frame number...............................................................................................................................................39
Service record, maintenance, modifications and warranty claims ..............................................40
Delivery and service form..........................................................................................................................43

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Manufacturer contact details
Conformity
Van Raam declares as manufacturer that the Chat trishaw, as described in this manual,
has been produced in accordance with the 2006/42/EG guidelines. The signed declaration
of conformity can be found on the Van Raam website.
Introduction
This user manual provides important and necessary
information about the use of your trishaw. We ask you to read
this manual thoroughly before using the trishaw. Always follow
all the instructions given in this manual.
[phone]
[email protected]
www.vanraam.com
Van Raam
Guldenweg 23
7051 HT Varsseveld, The Netherlands
READ CAREFULLY

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Levering
Your delivery should include the following:
•Trishaw with packaging
•User manual(s)
•Possible Smart-battery including card with 5-digit code (depending on options)
•Possible chargers (depending on options)
•(Spare) keys
Check the delivery immediately after receiving it. In case of damage or incomplete delivery
we ask you to contact your dealer immediately. Upon delivery you should fill out the form
“Form service, maintenance, modifications a warranty claims” in the back of this manual.
Indication
The Chat is meant for cycling together with children or adults.
Intended usage
The trishaw has been designed for normal use on a flat, solid surface (do not use the
trishaw off-road). General trishaw-caution should always be observed when using the
trishaw. Moreover, the safety instructions as described in this manual should be explicitly
followed. Local traffic laws and regulations should also be observed.
The trishaw is suitable for cycling together, with one driver (maximum 120 kg) and the
passengers (maximum combined weight of 200 kg). The driver must be physically fit and
should not have any serious visual impairment or other disability that may negatively
affect the operation of the bike. The bike is not made for the transportation of goods.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage or injury caused as a result of or
during the course of any other type of use.

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Safety measures
•Ensure the trishaw is in good condition each time before using it. Check before
each ride that the brakes are in order. Check the lighting and make sure there is
enough tyre pressure. Please note, your bike tires are equipped with car-type air
valves.
•We recommend always having a First Aid Kit present on the bike and having an
way to call for help in case of emergencies, for example a mobile phone.
•Never leave the bike unattended with passengers on the bike.
•The use of a seatbelt by passengers is mandatory. If one of the seatbelts is
defective, have it repaired at your dealer as soon as possible.
•Regularly check if the wheels, the handlebars and the saddle are properly fixed
and also whether all screw joints are tight.
•Only use the trishaw on a solid and level surface (or: not for off-road use).
•A trishaw is sensitive to tipping when riding across a speed bump. Therefore, it is
important to always drive straight towards a speed bump.
•Make sure that wide trousers or loose hanging clothing don’t get caught in the
chain, spokes or pedals.
•Block the trishaw to stop it from moving when you are getting on or off the
trishaw. Do this by using the parking brake and holding the trishaw.
•Always lock the trishaw when leaving it unattended.
•The trishaw is specifically designed to perform best when carrying passengers;
avoid cycling without a passenger as much as possible. The trishaw will behave
differently, which may lead to instability.
•While riding as a passenger, never place your feet underneath or beside the
footrest. You may get hit by moving parts and incur bruising.
•Make sure that you do not reach a dangerous speed when driving downhill and
entering tunnels. Brake in time and bike at a moderate speed.
•Please note, when pedalling the trishaw that the front has a small blind spot
where you do not always have an optimal view.
•The bike is not made to transport goods, this may negatively affect steering.
•Exercise more care if the driver or any passenger is pregnant, owing to a higher
risk of injury.
•Do not leave the trishaw in direct sunlight: the temperature of some parts could
exceed 41ºC resulting in possible burns to the skin.

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•Your trishaw is equipped with the Silent electric motor system, make sure that
you get used to riding with the electric support engaged. Be careful when you
turn on the electric support system and make sure you don’t get startled by
unexpected behaviour because you turned on the electric support.
Load
The maximum load should not be exceeded. See the information in the technical data table
in the ‘Technical Specifications’ section of the user manual. The permitted load refers to
the total load, including the load in the baggage compartment and on the baggage carrier.
Make sure that the permitted load on the luggage is not exceeded. (maximum 20 kg).
People may not be transported on the rear luggage rack.
Damaged or worn out parts
The replacement and repair of parts (frame, forks, light, brakes, drive mechanism and the
handlebars) should always be performed by an authorised dealer. If not, the guarantee
ceases to be valid and you will be personally responsible in the event of possible damage.
Specific safety parts should always be replaced by new parts!

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Adjustment of the trishaw
Before using the trishaw, adjust its height to the height of the rider. This is of essential
importance, especially with regard to the, saddle, handlebars and seat.
If an optimum setup with specified instructions is not possible you can contact your
dealer for a suitable solution.
The brakes are always properly adjusted and may only be adjusted during regular
maintenance by your dealer.
Take care that fingers and limbs do not get trapped while adjusting the trishaw.
Saddle Height
You can correctly set the saddle height by sitting on the
bike and placing your foot on the pedal in the lowest
position. Make sure your leg is stretched, yet still relaxed.
To adjust the saddle:
1. Open the quick-clamp [A].
2. Slide the saddle to the correct height.
3. Close the quick-clamp.
Make sure clothing cannot get caught in the clamp!
If the clamp closes too easily, the clamping force is too low.
In this case, open the clamp and tighten the nut [B] a bit
more. If a lot of force is necessary to close the clamp, the
nut should be loosened slightly.
[B]
[A]

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MIN INSERT
Don't pull out the seat post further than the markings. If you
do so, the tube won't be inserted deep enough into the shaft,
increasing the risk of breakage, which may lead to serious
injuries.
Handlebars height
The height of the handlebars greatly influences
ride comfort. It determines the pressure on the
hands and posture of the back. You decide the
most comfortable position yourself with some
practice.
To adjust the handlebar:
1. Loosen the screw with an Allen key.
2. Slide the handlebars stem to the
desired height and then firmly
tighten the screw.
Steering Position
You can tilt the handlebar. This affects the
distance from the handlebars to the upper body.
Feel free to determine what setting is most
comfortable for you.
To tilt the handlebar:
1. Loosen the screw using an Allen key.
2. Place the handlebars in the desired
position and firmly tighten the screw.
2.
1.
2.
1.

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Passenger hip belt
Use the hip belt when you go cycling. Place the
belt around the body of the passenger and
adjust the length of the belt for the individual.
1. Fasten the metal fittings together.
2. Adjust them by pulling the loose end
of the belt.
3. To remove the belt, lift the top part of
the buckle and disconnect the fittings.
1.
2.
3.

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Before the first use
Parking brake
Always use the parking brake if you park the
tricycle and leave it behind.
Block the tricycle with the hydro brake when
passengers are getting on and off.
To operate the parking brake, squeeze the left brake
[A] and secure the brake with the lever [B].
Always try to park the tricycle on a level surface. The tricycle may never be parked
on a slope bigger than 6 degrees.
Centrally operated lighting
The bike is fitted with centrally operated lighting whereby the
lighting is connected to the electronic system.
The lighting automatically turns on when the electronic
system is activated.
Adjust the angle of the front light so that the centre of the
light beam is located approximately ten metres in front of the
trishaw.
[B]
[A]

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You can switch the lighting on and off manually by
briefly pressing the on/off button on the display or by
using the button on the lighting. If the electronic
system is switched off, the lighting automatically
switches off.
When cycling in the dark, make sure there is always a battery present on the bike!
When the battery is almost empty, the motor will no longer provide support while cycling.
However, the switchable lighting will still work on the residual power.
Gears
Your trishaw has eight gears. The gears can be
adjusted by turning the handle.
Your trishaw has an electric motor at the rear, you
must continue pedalling when changing gears.
Please note! Do not shift gears and then paddle backwards. This could cause
the chain to run off the sprocket.
Footrest
For optimal accessibility when passengers are
getting on and off the bike, you may lower the
footrest.
Always lower the footrest when getting
your passengers on and off the bike to
prevent the bike from tipping over.
[B]
[A]
1.
On/off button

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To operate the footrest, follow the steps below:
1. Set the parking brake by pinching the
left brake [A] and securing the brake
with the handle [B].
2. Lower the footrest control pedal by pressing
down on the tab marked “PUSH”.
3. Remove the safety pin securing the handle.
4. Press down on the footrest control pedal
with your foot and pull the handle up so the
footrest unlocks. You can slowly lower the
footrest by providing counter-pressure with
your foot on the footrest control pedal when
you lift your foot.
Please note! If the passengers are already
seated, warn the passenger before
unlocking the footrest.
5. Have the passengers take their place
on the bike and secure the seatbelt
around the passengers.
Place legs and feet inside the footrest
space so limbs do not get trapped!
6. To lift the footrest, place your foot on
the control pedal and slowly press
the pedal down until it locks and you
can hear a 'click'.
Please note! Warn your passengers
before you lift the footrest.
4.
3.
4.
2.
2.
6.
"click"

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7. Place the footrest control pedal back
into the brace.
8. Finally, place the safety pin back in
the link in the handle.
Only use the footrest when standing
still.
The footplate is only intended to
support the passengers’ feed. Do not
load heavy objects on the footrest
and don’t stand on it while the
footplate is raised.
8.
7.

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Baggage space
On the back of the seat there is a baggage
compartment [A].
At the front, beneath the seat, there is also a
baggage compartment [B]. You can access this
baggage compartment by lowering the
footrest.
Seat cushion
The seat cushion is water resistant. Remove the
cushion from the bike when you park the bike and
leave it unattended.
[A]
[B]

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Before every ride check:
•The brakes (including the parking brake)
•The tyre pressure
•The lighting
•That all parts are secure
•That the battery is sufficiently charged
Contact your dealer and never use your bike if you notice any irregularities.
As is the case with all mechanical parts, the trishaw is subject to wear and high loads. If a
component fails, this may lead to very dangerous situations and damage or injury to the
trishaw or user. Any form of cracks, scratches or change of colour in heavily loaded parts
of a component is an indication that the part must be replaced.
Points of attention while cycling
Once you've set up the bike on the basis of the rider and passenger's size you can start
using the bike.
Your trishaw is a tricycle. The experience of riding a tricycle is completely
different from riding a bicycle with two wheels!
Practice, in particular, with bends and braking, because a trishaw can react contrary to
what you would expect. It may happen that the back wheel comes off the ground on the
inside when going round a bend. To avoid this, the rider leans towards the inside of the
bend with his body.
One of the brake levers (usually the right) operates the brake on the front wheel. This
deserves special caution, as a forceful braking could cause the front wheel to stop
suddenly and skid, which could result in a fall. The driver should be familiar with controlled
braking of the front wheel!

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If there is an electric motor on a bike: you must train with the acceleration
function and reverse functions. Be careful that the acceleration mode or
reverse mode are not unintentionally started while using the bike. For
example, at traffic lights the reverse function can accidentally be activated and
the trishaw reverses.
High speeds in the bends, driving on rough ground, and sharp bends can lead
to the trishaw falling over!
The trishaw will behave differently when cycling without a passenger. Try this
very carefully the first time!
Important safety precautions for the rider
•Make sure you ride with extreme caution when first using the bike.
•While riding, keep both hands firmly on the handlebars and your feet on the
pedals.
•Test the bike's behaviour at an appropriate speed on uneven surfaces. In doing
so, you will learn how to respond to unexpected movement of the bike and
handlebars.
•Explore how the tilting movement of the trishaw reacts to your posture. Always
lean towards the inside of a bend.
•Small obstacles must be traversed at appropriate speeds.
•Obstacles higher than five centimetres (or two inches) must be avoided.
•Please note that the front has a small blind spot where you do always not have
an optimal view.
•Make sure not to ride at dangerous speeds when riding downhill. Brake in time
and bike at a moderate speed.

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Electro system Silent
The Silent Electric motor system is a special developed support system by Van Raam for
the rehabilitation market. The system is characterized by:
1. A simplicity of operation
2. Individually adjustable support for cycling
3. Modern and efficient electronics
4. The powerful electric motors
5. High quality and safe batteries
6. Highly reliable system
The Silent system comes standard with a basic support mode individually programmed for
your bike. In most cases, it gives precise and smooth cycling characteristics with a good
compromise between support and radius of action.
In special cases, an individually tailor-made cycling program is necessary. You can obtain
information from the dealer about the possibilities of a customised cycling program.
Functions:
The electric system has the following functions:
•Pedal support while cycling
•Start support
•Backwards pedalling with support
•Centrally operated lighting
1. On/off button
Using the on/off button, the electrical system
can be switched on or off.
•Switching on: Push the button briefly.
•Switching off: Push the button for
two seconds.
After the system is turned on, the electric motor is active in level 1.
1. On/off button
3. Start assist
2. Degree of
support (1,2,3)
4. Indication lights

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When the system is not used, it will automatically turn off after a certain time.
Always turn off the electric system before getting on and off the bike, and when
you are walking while holding the bike.
Make sure that the switch under the luggage carrier is
always pressed to the side where the battery is
located. Note that with some models the battery
switch has a middle (neutral) position as well. That
means the battery is switched off.
2. Degree of support 1, 2 and 3
The desired support can be set by using one of the
support levels 1, 2 or 3.
1. Light support, maximum range.
2. Average support, average range.
3. Maximum support, low range.
You can change the level while cycling.
The behaviour of the battery depends on a lot of different factors and is strongly
influenced by: capacity and voltage of the battery, degree of support that is used,
temperature, wind speed, tyre pressure, cycling speed, weight of the user, passenger’s
and the luggage, use of gearing etcetera.

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3. Start assist
The Silent electric motor has a start support. This allows the driver to pull-away without
pedalling up to a speed of 6 km/h over 6 seconds. To accelerate, press the start assist
button and keep it pressed down. The function will only activate again, when the support
button has been pressed down again. If you peddle normally, the function works for up to
6 seconds, each time the button is pressed, up to maximum speed of the trishaw (20
km/h).
The start assist is used for:
•Extra support when starting.
•Extra support for cycling uphill.
When cycling a steep climb, you can use support in level 3 and push the start assist
repeatedly for 6 seconds to achieve maximum support.
4. Indication lights
The level of charge in the battery is given by five LED lights: four of these are green, the
one on the left can show either green or red, if charge is low.
The battery is fully charged. When in use, the number of green LED
lights on the battery will decrease.
The battery is 50% charged when two green LED lights are on.
The battery is almost empty if only the last red LED light is on. The
battery needs to be recharged or replaced by a (new) fully charged
battery.
When the last red LED light flashes, the battery is empty and the
motor will no longer support while cycling. The integrated lighting
continues to work.

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The battery is equipped with a button and indicator
that makes it possible to check the charge by briefly
pressing the button [A]. The status of the battery is
shown with five green indicator LEDs, of which the left
most one can blink. That means the battery is nearly
empty. During charging, the battery displays the
progress of the charging.
Reverse mode
The reverse mode is activated by pedalling backwards from a standing position. Within a
few seconds the motor is activated and the trishaw cycles at a speed of about 2 km/h
backwards (when you start to pedal backwards).
Do not be startled by an unexpected reaction from the electrical system. If you
e.g. wait for the traffic light and you play with the pedals by moving them
backwards the reverse mode is activated and the trishaw cycles backwards.
Centrally Operated Lighting
The bike is equipped with centrally operated lighting, with the lighting automatically
turning on when the electric system is activated. Further instructions can be found in the
chapter 'Before the first use'.
Other functions
The smart display has an automatic dimming function. With an inbuilt light sensor the
lights of the display will automatically creating less distraction for the cyclist in darker or
more shadowy conditions.
[A]