VOK electric cargo bike 2.0 User manual

Vok 2.0
User Manual

Table of contents
1. Introduction 3
2. Contact information 3
3. Symbols 4
4. Features of the bike 5
5. Instructions for operating 6
5.1. Loading 6
5.2. Operating controls 7
5.2.1. Locations of controls 7
5.2.2. Brakes 8
5.2.3. Seat adjustment 10
5.2.4. Mirror adjustment 11
5.2.5. Display 12
5.3. Pre-ride inspection 13
5.4. Driving 15
5.5. Battery change 17
5.6. Charging 18
5.7. Cold start 20
5.8. Towing a trailer 21
6. Troubleshooting 23
7. Cleaning 24
8. Noise declaration 24
2

1. Introduction
This manual provides important guidelines and requirements for operating a Vok
electric cargo bike. Even though you may have had experience with similar bikes
before, it is important to fully read the contents of this manual to ensure safety
during those operations.
This version of the user manual is considered the original instructions for the bike. For
translated versions, contact the manufacturer.
Although some instructions may be shared with other models, this manual must only
be considered applicable to the Vok Bikes model Vok2. In the context of this manual
the terms bike, cargo bike, bicycle, vehicle, EPAC and Vok are used to refer to the
model Vok2.
2. Contact information
Manufacturer: Optigon OÜ (Vok Bikes)
Address: Kassi 17, Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia, 12618
Web: www.vokbikes.com
Support phone: [phone] (9:00-18:00 EET)
E-mail: [email protected]
3

3. Symbols
This symbol marks useful information about how to handle the bike to
avoid damage or incorrect use.
This symbol marks imminent risks to your life or health. Please comply
with all instructions and take preventive measures accordingly.
This symbol marks the location of important functions on the bike.
This symbol indicates a positive action or status.
This symbol indicates a negative action or status.
4

4. Features of the bike
A Vok is a 4-wheeled cargo bike with electric pedal assistance. Below are described
some of the main characteristics of the bike.
Nominal power:
250 W
Max speed:
25 km/h
Range:
50 or 100 km
Overall dimensions:
H: 1700 x W: 850 x L: 2130 mm
Cargo compartment dimensions:
H: 995 x W: 655 x D: 590 mm
Cargo compartment volume:
380 l
Vehicle unladen mass:
~150 kg (most usual configuration)
Max payload:
120 kg
Max weight of the driver:
100 kg
Max weight of driver + payload:
200 kg
Max laden mass of the bike:
350 kg
Max trailer laden mass:
240 kg
Max bike+trailer laden mass:
490 kg
Operating temperature:
-20 …+40 °C
Pedal assist:
Vok dynamic drive by wire system
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes + regenerative brake
Battery:
1 or 2 Li-ion battery packs
Motors:
2x in-hub motors (as standard)
5

5. Instructions for operating
The bike is intended to be used for cargo delivery in an urban
environment, on streets, bicycle lanes and pathways. Excessive use on
off-road terrain is considered unintended use and may pose
unforeseeable risks that have not been covered by the vehicle’s design or
this manual.
5.1. Loading
You are free to modify the cargo compartment of your bike to better fit
your needs/cargo type, as long as it will not change the total
measurements of the cargo compartment.
The cargo shall be stowed such that, if possible, the centre of gravity of
the entire cargo lies over the vehicle's longitudinal centreline. The centre of
gravity shall be kept as low as possible.
The vehicle shall be loaded within the framework of the permissible total
weight and the permissible payload.
Efforts shall also be made to achieve even weight distribution with partial
loads so that each axle is loaded proportionately.
Before loading operations, make sure that the parking brake is engaged!
Unfavourable weight distribution can negatively affect braking behaviour
and riding stability.
Do not place animals or persons into the cargo box!
It is strictly forbidden to transport passengers on a Vok!
In case a trailer is used, the trailer must also be loaded in accordance with the
loading principles set out in this chapter.
6

5.2. Operating controls
5.2.1. Locations of controls
Get acquainted with the controls in a safe and traffic-free area.
7

5.2.2. Brakes
Each VOK is equipped with independent hydraulic braking systems for both axles.
It is strictly forbidden to brake the vehicle by dragging your feet on the
ground!
Always engage the parking brake after parking the vehicle.
The left-hand lever operates the front brakes.
To engage the front parking brake,
pull the left brake lever and push
down the handbrake pin, which
limits the lever's movement.
To disengage the front parking brake,
pull the left brake lever and pull the
fixator plate towards you,
releasing the handbrake pin.
8

The right-hand lever operates the rear brakes.
To engage the rear parking brake,
pull the brake lever towards you and
push the handbrake lever forwards,
which limits the brake lever's
movement.
To disengage the rear parking
brake, pull the brake lever, which
then releases the handbrake.
9

5.2.3. Seat adjustment
Adjust the seat to the most comfortable pedalling position for you.
Do not adjust the seat while driving! Only adjust the seat when the vehicle
is stopped and the parking brake is engaged.
10

5.2.4. Mirror adjustment
Adjust both of the rear-view mirrors so that you can see the vertical edge
of the cargo box and the rear mudguard.
Always readjust the mirrors after adjusting your seating position!
Do not adjust the mirrors while driving! Only adjust the mirrors when the
vehicle is stopped and the parking brake is engaged.
11

5.2.5. Display
12

5.3. Pre-ride inspection
Visually assess that the vehicle
appears in a good condition.
The vehicle must be visually in working
order.
No parts missing.
Nothing seems out of order or
misaligned.
Windshields are clean and you can see
through them.
Check tyre condition.
No bumps or visual cuts.
There should be at least some thread
left on the tyres.
Check tyre pressure
depending on the tyres fitted
on the bike.
Visually check if all the tyres are
properly inflated. Apply pressure with
your hand to get a better
understanding.
If needed, inflate the tyres up to a 100%
max allowed pressure written on the
tyre sidewall.
Make sure the lights are
working correctly.
Front daylights
Front nightlights
Turn signals (both front and back)
Brake lights
Before joining traffic, test the
brakes at low speed.
Try pushing the bike with the handbrake
on. It should barely move if you push
hard.
Test the electrical brake that is
activated when riding the bike forwards
and then pedalling backwards!
13

Make sure that the riding position is comfortable and adjust the side
mirrors. On an everyday basis, you should be checking for changed
behaviour and new noises. If there are changes, like sounds, something
feels loose, low top speed, strange handling, poor brake performance, etc.
–immediately consult with Vok Support.
As with all mechanical components, the cargo bike is subjected 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, possibly causing injuries to the rider.
Any form of crack, scratch or change of colouring in highly stressed areas
may indicate that the life of the component has been reached and it
should be replaced.
The handlebar, the rider's response to steering and braking can be
adversely affected.
If you need to manually push the bike, stand to the side of the vehicle,
hold one hand on the handlebar for steering and braking, and push with
your other hand from the cargo box. Do not push solely from the
handlebar!
Do not touch the brake discs after heavy use. Risk of burns!
14

5.4. Driving
To put the vehicle in the riding
mode, hold the ignition card in the
start/stop area (Vok logo)
until you hear 2 beeps, and the
dashboard screen lights up.
Release the parking brake.
Use the thumb throttle only to
manoeuvre at low speeds
(up to 6 km/h).
To move forwards, start pedalling
forwards.
To reverse, start pedalling
backwards. Check the blindspot
behind the vehicle before reversing!
Ignition Start / Stop area
If pedalling backwards while the
vehicle is moving forwards, the
vehicle will start to slow down.
Hold the ignition card in the
start/stop area until you hear 1
beep to shut down the vehicle.
In case of emergency turn off the
ignition (as shown on the right) to
shut down the vehicle.
15

Important riding tips to keep in mind:
Ride safely and always be considerate of pedestrians.
Do not hand over your rental bike to any third parties without your
Employer/Bike Owner's written permission.
Make sure that you’re always up to date and comply with local driving
regulations by reading the daily press and government publications.
Whenever and wherever possible use bicycle lanes.
Switch on the high beams while driving at night, but be cautious about
blinding other road users.
Be aware that stopping distances for your bike may be longer than they
are for conventional bikes you may have had experience with. Under wet
conditions, stopping distances may increase further as the braking effect
is reduced. Extra caution is required.
Keep in mind that riding and braking behaviour in laden and unladen
conditions of the bike will differ, particularly when riding on sloping roads
or cornering.
Although Vok has a stable frame, we still recommend wearing a helmet
for your protection. PS. A helmet is required by law if you’re under 16 years
old.
Do not use your phone while driving! Come to a full stop in a traffic-free
area and engage the parking brake before operating with a phone.
16

5.5. Battery change
The battery compartment of Vok has the capacity for 2 batteries, but the
bike is still fully functional with a single battery (with reduced range).
1. Turn on the Vok with the RFID card.
2. Push the button under the seat as
shown in the picture.
3. Lift up the compartment lid.
4. Disconnect and take out the empty
batteries.
5. Put in and connect the new batteries.
6. Push the lid down and wait until it
locks (you should hear a click).
There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with anything else
than a genuine Vok Bikes battery!
The battery compartment does not close without batteries inside!
If the battery lid is open, the vehicle will not start!
17

5.6. Charging
We recommend charging the battery to
its full capacity.
The charging port on the seat post
allows you to charge 2 batteries
simultaneously (if your Vok has 2
batteries inserted).
Charge the battery with the
supplied Vok charger only.
Do not use a battery or charger that
is defective.
Only use the original Vok specific batteries supplied by the manufacturer!
We recommend charging the
battery during the night and
in dry rooms fitted with smoke
detectors, but not in your
bedroom.
Do not expose the battery or charger
to the blazing sun during charging.
Make sure that the battery is
in sound condition (no
corrosion, cracking, or other
damage) before using or
charging. Do not open,
disassemble, or crush the
battery.
Avoid leaving your battery fully
discharged for prolonged periods.
This will negatively and permanently
affect the battery’s capacity.
Keep the battery and charger
away from moisture and
water during charging.
Keep the battery and charger out of
reach of children.
18

Always follow the instructions
contained on the label of the
battery charger.
Do not use the charger outdoors
when it’s raining.
Temperature range for
battery storage: 0 … 40 °C
Do not use the charger, if its cable
appears damaged.
Keep the battery away from
fire and heat.
Remove the batteries from the bike if
you do not use it for a long period of
time.
19

5.7. Cold start
If you haven’t operated Vok for some time, or it doesn’t turn on with charged
batteries inserted, the bike will need a “Cold start”:
1. Plug the Vok without any batteries
into the 220 V socket using the onboard
charger cord.
2. Turn on the Vok using the RFID card.
The LCD screen should show “Fault”.
3. Open the lid and insert a fully
charged battery into the battery
compartment. Connect the battery
cable.
4. Close the lid - the LCD screen should
show “OK” after a few moments.
20