Vanraam Chat User manual

User manual
Chat
Version 19.06
Van Raam | Guldenweg 23 | 7051 HT Varsseveld | The Netherlands

User Manual | Chat 19.06
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Table of contents
Contact details manufacturer....................................................................................................1
Conformity..................................................................................................................................2
Introduction ................................................................................................................................2
Delivery.......................................................................................................................................2
Indication ....................................................................................................................................2
Intended usage...........................................................................................................................3
Safety measures........................................................................................................................3
Adjustment of the tricycle .........................................................................................................5
Before the first use ....................................................................................................................8
Electro system Silent...............................................................................................................14
Van Raam e-Bike App ..............................................................................................................22
Accessories...............................................................................................................................23
Technical specifications ...........................................................................................................26
Maintenance and adjustments by owner ...............................................................................26
Repair and maintenance by your dealer .................................................................................28
Adjustments by dealer.............................................................................................................29
Disposal....................................................................................................................................31
Handover/sale to a new owner...............................................................................................31
Guarantee .................................................................................................................................31
Frame number..........................................................................................................................32
Form service, maintenance, modifications and warranty claims..........................................33
Contact details manufacturer
Van Raam
Guldenweg 23
7051 HT Varsseveld
The Netherlands
Tel. : [phone]
E-mail : [e-mail]
Internet : www.vanraam.com

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Conformity
Van Raam declares as manufacturer that the Chat tricycle, as described in this manual, has
been produced in accordance with the 2006/42/EGguidelines. The 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 tricycle. We ask you to read
this manual thoroughly before using the tricycle. Always follow
all the instructions given inthis manual.
Delivery
- Tricycle with packaging
- User manual(s)
- Possible chargers (depending on options)
- Spare key
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.
READ CAREFULLY

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Intended usage
The tricycle has been designed for normal use on a flat, solid surface (do not use the
tricycle offroad). However, a general tricycle caution should always be observed. Moreover,
the safety instructions as described inthis manual should be explicitly followed. The local
regulations for participation in traffic should also be observed.
The tricycle is suitable for cycling together, with one driver (maximum 120 kg) and the
passengers (maximum combined weight of 200 kg). The driver is required to be individually
mobile and is not permitted to have a serious visual impairment or other disability that
may negatively affect operation of the bike. The bike is not made for the transportation of
goods.
All other use, including damage or injury caused as a result, does not fall under the
responsibility of the manufacturer.
Safety measures
Ensure the tricycle 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 is equipped with car valves.
We recommend always having a First Aid Kit present on the bike and having an
option 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 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 tricycle on a solid and level surface (or: not for off-road use).
A tricycle 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 lose hanging clothing don’t get caught in the
chain, spokes or pedals.
Block the tricycle to stop itfrom moving when you are getting on or off the
tricycle. Do this by using the parking brake and holding the tricycle.

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Always lock the tricycle when leaving it unattended.
Prevent cycling without a passenger as much as possible. The tricycle will behave
differently, which may lead to instability.
Never place your feet underneath or beside the footrest. You may get hit by
moving parts and incur bruising.
Make sure that no dangerous speed develops when driving downhill and
entering tunnels. Brake in time and bike at a moderate speed.
Please note 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
In case of pregnancy, extra care is required owing to a higher risk of injury.
Do not put the tricycle in direct sunlight: the temperature of someparts could
reach above 41ºC resulting in possible hypersensitivity of the skin.
In case that the tricycle is equipped with the Silentelectric motor system, make
sure that you get used to riding with electric support. Beware when you turn on
the 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 information in the index of technical
details on page 26. 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 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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MIN INSERT
Adjustment of the tricycle
Before using the tricycle, 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 tricycle.
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 necessaryto
close the clamp, the nut should be loosened slightly.
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.
[B]
[A]

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MIN INSERT
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 in practice.
To adjust the handlebar:
1. Loosen the screw with an Allenkey.
2. Slide the handlebars stem to the desired
height and then firmly tighten the screw.
Do not slide the handlebars stem 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.
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 when parking and
leaving the bike. Also block the bike with the
parking 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].
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.
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.
Adjusting the front light
Adjust the angle of the front light so that the
centre of the light beam is located approximately
ten metres in front of the tricycle.
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.
[B]
[A]
1. on/off
switch

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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.
To operate the footrest, follow the steps below:
1. Place the bike on the parking brake by
pinching the left break [A] and securing the
brake with the handle [B].
2. Remove the security from the footrest by
pressing the lip down.
3. Remove the safety pin.
4. Press the footrest 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 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 solimbs do not get trapped!
4.
3.
4.
2.
2.
[B]
[A]
1.

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6. To lift the footrest, place your foot on the
pedal and slowly press the pedal down
until it locks and you can hear a 'click'.
Please note! Warnyour passengers
before you lift the footrest.
7. Place the footrest back into the brace.
8. Finally, place the safety pin back inthe link.
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.
6
.
7.
"click"

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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.
Gears
Your tricycle has eight gears. The gears can be
adjusted by turning the handle.
Your tricycle has an electric motor at the rear,
you must continue pedalling when changing
gears.
[B]
[A]

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Seat cushion
The seat cushion is water resistant. Remove the
cushion from the bike when you park the bike and
leave it unattended.
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 tricycle is subject to wear and high loads. If a
component fails, this may lead to very dangerous situations and damage or injury to the
tricycle 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 bike 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 tricycle 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.

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One of the brake levers (usually the right) operates the brake on the front wheel. This
deserves special caution, as a forceful braking could block the front wheel, which could
result in a fall. The driver should be familiar with controlled braking of the front wheel!
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 tricycle
reverses.
High speeds in the bends, driving on rough ground, and sharp bends can lead
to the tricycle falling over!
The tricycle 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 tricycle 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 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, itgives 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
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.
When the system is not used, it will automatically turn off after a certain time.
1. On/off button
3. Start assist
2. Degree of
support (1,2,3)
4. Battery indication lights

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With the option “integrated lighting”, the lights will automatically switch on when you turn
on the electric motor system. You can switch the lights on and off by briefly pressing the
on/off button in this mode.
Always turn off the electrical system when you are
getting off the tricycle. Turn the electrical system on
after you have taken up your riding position.
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.
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 five seconds. To accelerate, press the start assist
button and keep it pressed down. The function will only activate again, when the s upport
button has been pressed down again.
If you peddle normally, the function works for up to five seconds, each time the button is
pressed, up to maximum speed of the tricycle (20-25 km/h).
The start assist is used for:
Extra support when starting.
Extra support for cycling uphill.
Tip: when cycling a steep climb, you can use support in level 3 and push the start assist
repeatedly for five seconds to achieve maximum support.

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4. Battery indication lights
The level of charge in the battery is givenby 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 lastred LED light flashes, the battery is empty and the motor
will no longer support while cycling. The integrated lighting continues
to work.
Never leave the tricycle with an empty battery!
Note: charge the battery within one day.
If you push the tricycle, turn off the motor.
If your battery is equipped with a button and indicator
lights, the charge-level in the battery can be checked by
pressing the button briefly [A]. The five green lights
indicate the level of charge in your battery, the left one of
these, if flashing, given the lowest level. While charging
the battery, these lights will also indicate how far the
charging has progressed.
Reverse mode
The reverse mode is activated by pedalling backwards from a standing position. Within a
few seconds the motor is activated and the tricycle cycles at a speed of about 2 km/h
backwards (when you start to pedal backwards).
[A]

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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 tricycle cycles backwards.
Other functions
The smart display has an automatic dimming function. Withan inbuilt light sensor the
lights of the display will automatically creating less distraction for the cyclist in darker or
more shadowy conditions.

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Charging the Battery
For the best performance and to prolong the life
of the battery, we recommend that you charge
the battery at home at room temperature.
To charge the battery:
1. Unlock the battery by turning the key a
quarter.
2. Pull the handle forward.
3. Take the battery pack from the holder.
4. Take the battery pack inside. First
connected the charger into the plug
contact of the battery.
5. Then connect the charger plug into the
mains socket. Turn the switch [A] on. A
green LED light on the charger will start to
blink fast. Now the battery will recharge.
Beware! If the battery is not connected
properly, the green LED light blinks
slowly. In case of a poor contact, the
connector of the charger needs to be
cleaned.
6. Depending on the battery level, the charging
time is about 2,5 hour.
7. Once the battery is fully charged, the green
LED light stays on. Pull the plug from the
mains socket first or turn the switch [A] off.
8. Then pull the connector from the battery.
5.
[A]
4.
3.
1.
2.

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9. Put the battery back in the holder of the
cycle. Slide it behind bar [A] and press it
firmly on strip [B].
10. Pull the handle backwards and push the top
of the battery to connect as shown in the
drawing and close the lock.
11. Push the handle forward and close the lock.
It is alsopossible to charge the battery while it
is still inthe holder.
Do not wait until the battery is
completely empty. It is better to
recharge the battery interim.
9.
[A]
[B]
10.
11.