VOLTAWAY CYCLONE User manual

CYCLONE/HOTSPOT/COMMUTER
ELECTRIC POWERED BICYCLES
VOLTAWAY HEADQUARTERS
8 Place André Emlinger
64100 / BAYONNE / FRANCE USER MANUAL

BICYCLE OWNER’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT
This manual contains important safety, performance and service information. Read it before you take the first ride on your
new electric bicycle, and keep it for reference.
Additional safety, performance and service information for specific components such as batteries or pedals on your bicycle,
or for accessories such as helmets or lights that you purchase, may also be available. Make sure that you have been given all
the manufacturers’ literature that was included with your bicycle or accessories. In case of a conflict between the instruc-
tions in this manual and information provided by a component manufacturer, always follow the component manufacturer’s
instructions. If you have any questions or do not understand something, take responsibility for your safety and consult with
your dealer or the bicycle’s manufacturer.
NOTE
This manual is not intended as a comprehensive use, service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your dealer or call
the manufacturer for all service, repairs, or maintenance. Your dealer may also be able to refer you to classes, clinics or
books on bicycle use, service, repair or maintenance."
CONGRATULATIONS !
You’ve just bought one of the finest electric bicycles in the world! We developed and refined the quality that an electric
bicycle should be and presented it to you. We work with top name suppliers to identify the best new materials and latest
developments in our technology.
We ride Volta bicycles every day to evaluate and improve our products. The result is a durable, stylish, high performance
electric bicycle that we’re sure you will be proud to own and ride for many years to come.
We are extremely proud of the products we oer, and the service oered by our sta and our distributors.
We are certain that our commitment to excellence will be evident every time you go for a ride. So here’s wishing you many
hours of fun and enjoyment!
Thanks for investing in a Voltaway Bicycle,
-The Voltaway Team-
02

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: BEFORE YOU RIDE
A. Bike Fit
B. Safety First
C. Mechanical and Electric Safety Check
D. First Ride
CHAPTER 2: SAFETY
A. The Basics
B. Riding Safety
C. O Road Safety
D. Wet Weather Riding
E. Night Riding
F. Changing Components or Adding Accessories
CHAPTER 3: MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
A. Wheels
1. Removing and Installing Wheels
2. Removing a disk brake - Front Wheel
3. Installing a disk brake - Front Wheel
4. Removing the rear disc brake
5. Installing a rear disc brake
B. Seat Post Quik Release
C. Brakes
D. Shifting Gears
E. Pedals
F. Tires and Tubes
G. Battery
H. Charger
I. Charging the Battery
J. Motor
CHAPTER 4: BIKE COMPUTER
A. Functions
B. Display
C. Button Definition
D. Set Up
E. Operation
CHAPTER 5: SERVICE INTERVALS
CHAPTER 6: FOLDING YOUR COMMUTER BIKE
07
07
07
09
10
11
12
13
13
14
15
15
15
16
16
16
17
18
19
20
20
22
22
22
22
23
23
24
24
25
28
30
03

COMMUTER FOLDABLE ELECTRIC FATBIKE
Super portable, and easy folding design. Perfect for camping and/or transportation in car trunks.
Seat
Seat Post
Rear Light
Quick release
Seat Tube
Battery Pack
Seat Stay
Rear Brake
Hub Motor
Gear Control Cable
Wheel Reflector
Rear Derailleur
Chain Stay
Shift Lever
Brake Lever
Control Cables
Handlebar Quick Release
Handlebar Hinge
Front Light
Tire Valve
Front Fork
Front Brake
Front Hub
Spokes
Rim
Tire
Chain Wheel
Crank Arm
Pedal
Chain
Handlebar
Handlebar Stem
Head Set
Top Tube
Framefold
Quick Release
04

HOTSPOT SPORT ELECTRIC FATBIKE
Mountain bicycles are designed to give maximum comfort over a wide variety of road surfaces. The wider handlebars and
convenient shift lever position make them very easy to control. Wider rims and tires give them a softer ride with more
traction on rough surfaces. The frame and fork on sport style bicycles are generally much sturdier than those on racing
style bicycles.
Seat
Seat Post
Rear Light
Quick release
Seat Tube
Seat Stay
Rear Brake
Hub Motor
Gear Control Cable
Rear Derailleur
Wheel Reflector
Chain Stay
Handlebar Stem
Head Tube
Top Tube
Battery Pack
Shift Lever
Brake Lever
Handlebar
Control Cables
Head Set
Front Light
Tire Valve
Front Fork
Front Brake
Front Hub
Spokes
Rim
Tire
Chain Wheel
Crank Arm
Pedal
Chain
05

CYCLONE RETRO ELECTRIC FATBIKE
You’re riding it because it looks gnarly and rides smooth. Introducing the new Voltaway Cyclone. The fatty 26”x 4” tires,
super wide rims and 12 gauge spokes practically float over softer surfaces with maximum stability. Meanwhile the disc
brakes keep all that awesome under control.
Seat
Seat Post
Quick release
Seat Tube
Rear Light
Seat Stay
Rear Brake
Hub Motor
Gear Control Cable
Rear Derailleur
Chain Stay
Shift Lever
Brake Lever
Handlebar
Control Cables
Head Set
Front Light
Wheel Reflector
Front Fork
Front Brake
Front Hub
Spokes
Tire Valve
Rim
Tire
Handlebar Stem
Head Tube
Top Tube
Battery Pack
(False Tank Hidden)
Chain Guard
Crank Arm
Pedal
Chain
06

CHAPTER 1 : BEFORE YOU RIDE
NOTE : We strongly urge you to read this Manual in its entirety before your first ride. At the very least, read and make sure
that you understand each point in this section, and refer to the cited sections on any issue which you don’t completely
understand. Please note that not all bicycles have all of the features described in this Manual. Ask your dealer to point out
the features of your bicycle.
A. BIKE FIT
1. Is your bike the right size? If your bicycle is too large or too small for you, you may lose control and fall.
2. Is the seat at the right height?
3. Are seat and seat post securely clamped? A correctly tightened seat will allow no seat movement in any direction.
4. Are the stem and handlebars at the right height for you?
5. Can you comfortably operate the brakes? If not, you may be able to adjust their angle and reach. See Section 3C
6. Do you fully understand how to operate your new bicycle? If not, before your first ride, have your dealer explain any
functions or features which you do not understand.
B. SAFETY FIRST
1. Always wear an approved helmet when riding your bike, and follow the helmet manufacturer’s instructions for fit, use and
care.
2. Do you have all the other required and recommended safety equipment? See Section 2. It’s your responsibility to familia-
rize yourself with the laws of the areas where you ride, and to comply with all applicable laws.
3. Do you know how to correctly secure your front and rear wheels? Check Section 3A to make sure. Riding with an impro-
perly secured wheel can cause the wheel to wobble or disengage from the bicycle, and cause serious injury or death.
C. MECHANICAL AND ELECTRIC SAFETY CHECK
Routinely check the condition of your electric bicycle before every ride. Nuts, bolts screws & other fasteners: you must use
a torque wrench and the correct tightening torque specifications from the bicycle or component manufacturer or from
your dealer. If you need to make an adjustment at home or in the field, we urge you to exercise care, and to have the
fasteners you worked on checked by your dealer as soon as possible. 07

WARNING : Correct tightening force on fasteners –nuts, bolts, screws– on your bicycle is important. Too little force,
and the fastener may not hold securely. Too much force, and the fastener can strip threads, stretch, deform or break. Either
way, incorrect tightening force can result in component failure, which can cause you to loose control and fall.
Make sure nothing is loose. Lift the front wheel o the ground by two or three inches, then let it bounce on the ground.
Anything sound, feel or look loose? Do a visual and tactile inspection of the whole bike. Any loose parts or accessories? If
so, secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone with experience to check.
TIRES & WHEELS : Make sure tires are correctly inflated (Section 3.F). Check by putting one hand on the saddle, one on the
intersection of the handlebars and stem, then bouncing your weight on the bike while looking at tire deflection. Compare
what you see with how it looks when you know the tires are correctly inflated; and adjust if necessary. Tires in good shape?
Spin each wheel slowly and look for cuts in the tread and sidewall. Replace damaged tires before riding the bike. Wheels
true? Spin each wheel and check for wheel wobble, side to side even slightly, take the bike to a qualified bike shop to have
the wheel trued.
BRAKES : Check the brakes for proper operation (Section 3.C). Squeeze the brake levers. All control cables seated and
securely engaged? Can you apply full braking force at the levers without having them touch the handlebar? If not, your
brakes need adjustment. Squeeze the levers again, and twist the throttle at the same time, does the motor engage? If so,
the inhibitors are not working correctly. Do not ride the bike until the brakes are properly adjusted by a professional bicycle
mechanic.
WHEEL RETENTION SYSTEM : Make sure the front and rear wheels are correctly secured. (Section 3.A)
SEAT POST : If your seat post has an over-center quick-release fastener for easy height adjustment, check that it is properly
adjusted and in the locked position. (Section 3.B).
HANDLEBAR AND SADDLE ALIGNMENT : Make sure the saddle and handlebar stem are parallel to the bike’s center line
and clamped tight enough so that you can’t twist them out of alignment.
08

BATTERY CHECK : Depending on the model, the battery is located behind the seat tube and underneath the seat. Make
sure the battery turns on. Turn the key counter-clock wise until you hear a click and the key stops turning. Check control-
ler-lights to see if they are lit. If they are not, press the power button to activate the system. If there is no response double
check the cables, then contact the distributor if the problem is not resolved.
LIGHTS : Make sure the lights turn on and o by pressing at the same time the two upper buttons.
D. FIRST RIDE
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization ride on your new electric bicycle, be sure to pick a
controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the
controls, features and performance of your new bike. Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike (see Section
4.C). Test the brakes at slow speed, putting your weight toward the rear and gently applying the brakes, rear brake first.
Sudden or excessive application of the front brake could pitch you over the handlebars. Applying brakes too hard can lock
up a wheel, which could cause you to lose control and fall. Skidding is an example of what can happen when a wheel locks
up.
Practice shifting the gears (see Section 3.D). Remember to never move the shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal
backwards immediately after having moved the shifter. This could jam the chain and cause serious damage to the electric
bicycle. Check out the handling and response of the bike; and check the comfort. If you have any questions, or if you feel
anything about the bike is not as it should be, consult your dealer before you ride again.
“ON” POSITION “OFF” POSITION “UNLOCKED” POSITION”
09

CHAPTER 2: SAFETY
A. THE BASICS
WARNING:
The area in which you ride may require specific safety devices. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the laws of
the area where you ride and to comply with all applicable laws, including properly equipping yourself and your bike as the law
requires. Observe all local bicycle laws and regulations. Observe regulations about bicycle lighting, licensing of bicycles, riding
on sidewalks, laws regulating bike path and trail use, helmet laws, child carrier laws, special bicycle trac laws. It’s your
responsibility to know and obey the laws.
1. Always wear a cycling helmet which meets the latest certification standards. Always follow the helmet manufacturer’s
instructions for fit, use and care of your helmet. Most serious bicycle injuries involve head injuries which might have been
avoided if the rider had worn an appropriate helmet.
WARNING: Failure to wear a helmet when riding may result in serious injury or death.
2. Always do the Mechanical Safety Check (Section 1.C) before you get on a bike.
3. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls of your bicycle: brakes (Section 3.C); pedals (Section 3.E); shifting (Section 3.D)
4. Always wear:
• Shoes that will stay on your feet and will grip the pedals. Make sure that shoe laces cannot get into moving parts, and
never ride barefoot or in sandals.
• Bright, visible clothing that is not so loose that it can be tangled in the bicycle or snagged by objects at the side of
the road or trail.
• Protective eyewear (to protect against airborne dirt, dust and bugs) tinted when the sun is bright, clear when it’s not.
5. Don’t jump or take any drops with your electric bike, it can put huge and unpredictable stress on the electric bicycle and its
components. Riders who insist on performing jumps with their bikes risk serious damage, to their electric bicycles as well as to
themselves.
6. Ride at a speed appropriate for conditions. Higher speed means higher risk.
10

B. RIDING SAFETY
1. Obey all Rules of the Road and all local trac laws and never exceed 20 miles/25km per hour while using the battery under
load.
2. You are sharing the road or the path with others — motorists, pedestrians and other cyclists. Respect their rights.
3. Ride defensively. Always assume that others do not see you.
4. Look ahead, and be ready to avoid:
• Vehicles slowing or turning, entering the road or your lane ahead of you, or coming up behind you.
• Parked car doors opening.
• Pedestrians stepping out.
• Children or pets playing near the road.
• Pot holes, sewer grating, railroad tracks, expansion joints, road or sidewalk construction, debris and other obstructions
that could cause you to swerve into trac, catch your wheel or cause you to have an accident.
• The many other hazards and distractions which can occur on a bicycle ride.
5. Ride in designated bike lanes, on designated bike paths or as close to the edge of the road as possible, in the direction of
trac flow or as directed by local governing laws.
6. Stop at stop signs and trac lights; slow down and look both ways at street intersections. Remember that a bicycle always
loses in a collision with a motor vehicle, so be prepared to yield even if you have the right of way.
7. Use approved hand signals for turning and stopping.
8. Never ride with headphones. They mask trac sounds and emergency vehicle sirens, distract you from concentrating on
what’s going on around you, and their wires can tangle in the moving parts of the bicycle, causing you to lose control.
9. Never carry a passenger, unless it is a small child wearing an approved helmet and secured in a correctly mounted child
carrier or a child-carrying trailer.
10. Never carry anything which obstructs your vision or your complete control of the bicycle, or which could become
entangled in the moving parts of the bicycle.
11. Never hitch a ride by holding on to another vehicle.
11

12. Don’t do stunts, wheelies or jumps. If you intend to do stunts, wheelies or jumps, think carefully about your skills before
deciding to take the large risks that go with this kind of riding.
13. Don’t weave through trac or make any moves that may surprise people with whom you are sharing the road.
C. OFF ROAD SAFETY
Voltaway does not recommend o road use but here are some tips to follow if you chose to do so.
1. The variable conditions and hazards of o-road riding require close attention and specific skills. Start slowly on easier
terrain and build up your skills. If your bike has suspension, the increased speed you may develop also increases your risk of
losing control and falling. Get to know how to handle your bike safely before trying increased speed or more dicult
terrain.
2. Wear safety gear appropriate to the kind of riding you plan to do.
3. Don’t ride alone in remote areas. Even when riding with others, make sure that someone knows where you’re going and
when you expect to be back.
4. Always take along some kind of identification, so that people know who you are in case of an accident; and take along
some cash for food, a cool drink or an emergency phone call.
5. Yield right of way to pedestrians and animals. Ride in a way that does not frighten or endanger them, and give them
enough room so that their unexpected moves don’t endanger you.
6. Be prepared. If something goes wrong while you’re riding o-road, help may not be close.
OFF ROAD RESPECT
Obey the local laws regulating where and how you can ride o-road, and respect private property. You may be sharing the
trail with others hikers, equestrians, other cyclists. Respect their rights. Stay on the designated trail. Don’t contribute to
erosion by riding in mud or with unnecessary sliding. Don’t disturb the ecosystem by cutting your own trail or shortcut
through vegetation or streams. It is your responsibility to minimize your impact on the environment. Leave things as you
found them; and always take out everything you brought in.
12

D. WET WEATHER RIDING
WARNING : Electronic components may get damaged in wet conditions. Wet weather impairs traction, braking and
visibility, both for the bicyclist and for other vehicles sharing the road. The risk of an accident is dramatically increased in wet
conditions. Under wet conditions, the stopping power of your brakes (as well as the brakes of other vehicles sharing the road)
is dramatically reduced and your tires don’t grip nearly as well. This makes it harder to control speed and easier to lose control.
To make sure that you can slow down and stop safely in wet conditions, ride more slowly and apply your brakes earlier and
more gradually than you would under normal, dry conditions.
See also Section 3.C.
E. NIGHT RIDING
Riding an electric bicycle at night is much more dangerous than riding during the day. A bicyclist is very dicult for moto-
rists and pedestrians to see. Therefore, adults who choose to accept the greatly increased risk of riding at dawn, at dusk or
at night need to take extra care both riding and choosing specialized equipment which helps reduce that risk. Consult your
dealer about night riding safety equipment.
WARNING : Reflectors are not a substitute for required lights. Riding at dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times of poor
visibility without an adequate bicycle lighting system and without reflectors is dangerous and may result in serious injury or
death.
Bicycle reflectors are designed to pick up and reflect car lights and street lights in a way that may help you to be seen and
recognized as a moving bicyclist.
CAUTION : Check reflectors and their mounting brackets regularly to make sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken
and securely mounted. Have your dealer replace damaged reflectors and straighten or tighten any that are bent or lose.
If you choose to ride under conditions of poor visibility, check and be sure you comply with all local laws about night
riding, and take the following strongly recommended additional precautions:
• Purchase and install battery or generator powered head and tail lights which meet all regulatory requirements and
provide adequate visibility.
• Wear light colored, reflective clothing and accessories, such as a reflective vest, reflective arm and leg bands,
reflective stripes on your helmet, flashing lights attached to your body and/or your bicycle ... any reflective device or
light source that moves will help you get the attention of approaching motorists, pedestrians and other trac.
• Make sure your clothing or anything you may be carrying on the bicycle does not obstruct a reflector or light.
• Make sure that your bicycle is equipped with correctly positioned and securely mounted reflectors. 13

WHILE RIDING AT DAWN, AT DUSK OR AT NIGHT:
• Ride slowly.
• Avoid dark areas and areas of heavy or fast-moving trac.
• Avoid road hazards.
• If possible, ride on familiar routes.
IF RIDING IN TRAFFIC:
• Be predictable. Ride so that drivers can see you and predict your movements.
• Be alert. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
• If you plan to ride in trac often, ask your dealer about trac safety classes or a good book on bicycle trac safety.
F. CHANGING COMPONENTS OR ADDING ACCESSORIES
There are many components and accessories available to enhance the comfort, performance and appearance of your
electric bicycle. However, if you change components or add accessories, you do so at your own risk. The bicycle’s manufac-
turer may not have tested that component or accessory for compatibility, reliability or safety on your bicycle. Before
installing any component or accessory, including a dierent size tire, make sure that it is compatible with your bicycle by
checking with your dealer. Be sure to read, understand and follow the instructions that accompany the products you
purchase for your bicycle.
WARNING : Failure to confirm compatibility, properly install, operate and maintain any component or accessory can
result in serious injury or death.
WARNING : Changing the components on your bike with other than genuine replacement parts may compromise the
safety of your bicycle and may void the warranty. Check with your dealer before changing the components on your bike.
14

CHAPTER 3: MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
It’s important to your safety, performance and enjoyment to understand how things work on your bicycle. We urge you to ask
your dealer how to do the things described in this section before you attempt them yourself, and that you have your dealer
check your work before you ride the bike. If you have even the slightest doubt as to whether you understand something in this
section of the Manual, talk to your dealer.
A. WHEELS
Our bicycle wheels are designed to be removable for easier transportation and for repair of a tire puncture. In most cases, the
wheel axles are inserted into slots, called “dropouts” in the fork and frame.
Our Wheels are secured in one of two ways:
• A hollow axle with a shaft (“skewer”)
running through it which has an
adjustable tension nut on one end and
an over-center quick release buckle on
the other.
• Hex nuts or hex key bolts which are
threaded on to or into the rear hub axle.
(bolt-on wheel)
1. REMOVING AND INSTALLING WHEELS
CAUTION : Exercise care in touching the rotor or caliper. Disc rotors have sharp edges, and both rotor and caliper can
get very hot during use.
2. REMOVING A DISK BRAKE - FRONT WHEEL
(1) Move the adjusting nut, move the quick-release lever from the locked or CLOSED position to the OPEN
position (fig. 1).
(2) You may need to tap the top of the wheel with the palm of your hand to release the wheel from the front fork.
CLOSED
ADJUST
OPEN
LEVERADJUSTING NUTS
fig. 1
15

3. INSTALLING A DISK BRAKE - FRONT WHEEL
CAUTION : Your Electric bike is equipped with a front disk brake. Be careful not to damage the disk, caliper or brake
pads when reinserting the disk into the caliper. Never activate a disk brake’s control lever unless the disk is correctly inserted in
the caliper.
(1) With the steering fork facing forward, insert the wheel between the fork blades so that the axle seats firmly at the
top of the fork dropouts. The quick release lever should be on rider’s left side of the bicycle (fig. 1)
(2) While pushing the wheel firmly to the top of the slots in the fork dropouts, and at the same time centering the
wheel rim in the fork:
(3) With a quick-release locking-system, move the quick-release buckle upwards and swing it into the CLOSED position
(fig. 8a). The lever should now be parallel to the fork blade and curved toward the wheel. To apply enough clamping
force, you should have to wrap your fingers around the fork blade for leverage, and the lever should leave a clear
imprint in the palm of your hand.
NOTE : If, on a traditional quick-release locking system, the lever cannot be pushed all the way to a position parallel to the
fork blade, return the lever to the OPEN position. Then turn the tension adjusting nut counterclockwise one quarter turn
and try tightening the lever again.
4. REMOVING THE REAR DISC BRAKE
(1) Shift the rear derailleur to high gear (the smallest, outermost rear sprocket).
(2) Disconnect the motor from the main wiring harness
(3) Loosen the fasteners with a 19mm box wrench; then push the wheel forward far enough to be able to remove the
chain from the rear sprocket.
(4) Lift the rear wheel o the ground a few inches and remove it from the rear dropouts.
5. INSTALLING A REAR DISC BRAKE
CAUTION : be careful not to damage the disk, caliper or brake pads when reinserting the disk into the caliper. Never activate a
disk brake’s control lever unless the disk is correctly inserted in the caliper
(1) Make sure that the rear derailleur is still in its outermost, high gear, position; then pull the derailleur body back with
your right hand. Put the chain on top of the smallest freewheel sprocket.
(2) Then, insert the wheel into the frame dropouts and pull it all the way in to the dropouts.
(3) Center wheel in dropouts.
(4) Tighten the 19mm fasteners. 16

(5) Reconnect motor wire.
(6) Spin the wheel to make sure that it is centered in the frame and clears the brake pads; then squeeze the brake lever
and make sure that the brakes are operating correctly.
B. SEAT POST QUICK RELEASE
Our bikes are equipped with a cam action seat post binder. The seat post cam action binder works exactly like the traditional
wheel cam action fastener.
WARNING : Riding with an improperly tightened seat post can allow the saddle to turn or move and cause you to lose
control and fall. Therefore:
(1) Ask your dealer to help you make sure you know how to correctly clamp your seat post.
(2) Understand and apply the correct technique for clamping your seat post.
(3) Before you ride the bike, first check that the seat post is securely clamped.
Adjusting the seat post quick release mechanism : The quick release squeezes the seat collar around the seat post to hold the
seat post securely in place. The amount of clamping force is controlled by the tension adjusting nut. Turning the tension
adjusting nut clockwise while keeping the cam lever from rotating increases clamping force; turning it counterclockwise while
keeping the cam lever from rotating reduces clamping force. Less than half a turn of the tension adjusting nut can make the
dierence between safe and unsafe clamping force.
WARNING : The full force of the cam action is needed to clamp the seat post securely. Holding the nut with one hand or
using a 5mm hex wrench and turning the lever like a wing nut with the other hand until everything is as tight as you can get it
will not clamp the seat post safely.
WARNING : If you can fully close the cam lever without wrapping your fingers around the seat post or a frame tube for
leverage, and the lever does not leave a clear imprint in the palm of your hand, the tension is insucient. Open the lever; turn
the tension adjusting nut clockwise a quarter turn; then try again.
17

C. BRAKES
Our disc brakes, operate by squeezing a hub-mounted disc between two brake pads by way of a handlebar mounted lever.
WARNING :
1. Riding with improperly adjusted brakes, worn brake pads, or wheels on which the
rim wear mark is visible is dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
2. Applying brakes too hard or too suddenly can lock up a wheel, which could cause
you to lose control and fall. Sudden or excessive application of the front brake may
pitch the rider over the handlebars, which may result in serious injury or death.
3. Disc brakes (fig. 2) are extremely powerful. Take extra care in becoming familiar
with these brakes and exercise particular care when using them.
4. Disc brakes can get extremely hot with extended use. Be careful not to touch a disc
brake until it has had plenty of time to cool.
6. See the brake manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care of your brakes,
and for when brake pads must be replaced. If you do not have the manufacturer’s
instructions, see your dealer or contact the brake manufacturer.
7. If replacing worn or damaged parts, use only manufacturer approved genuine replacement parts.
1. BRAKE CONTROLS AND FEATURES
It’s very important to your safety that you learn and remember which brake lever controls which brake on your bike.
Traditionally, the right brake lever controls the rear brake and the left brake lever controls the front brake; but, to make
sure your bike’s brakes are set up this way, squeeze one brake lever and look to see which brake, front or rear, engages.
Now do the same with the other brake lever. Make sure that your hands can reach and squeeze the brake levers comfor-
tably. If your hands are too small to operate the levers comfortably, consult your dealer before riding the bike.
2. HOW BRAKES WORK
The braking action of an electric bicycle is a function of the friction between the braking surfaces. To make sure that you
have maximum friction available, keep your brake pads, disk rotor, and caliper clean and free of dirt, lubricants, waxes or
polishes.
fig. 2
18

Brakes are designed to control your speed, not just to stop the bike. Maximum braking force for each wheel occurs at the
point just before the wheel “locks up” (stops rotating) and starts to skid. Once the tire skids, you actually lose most of your
stopping force and all directional control. You need to practice slowing and stopping smoothly without locking up a wheel.
The technique is called progressive brake modulation. Instead of jerking the brake lever to the position where you think you’ll
generate appropriate braking force, squeeze the lever, progressively increasing the braking force. If you feel the wheel begin
to lock up, release pressure just a little to keep the wheel rotating just short of lockup. It’s important to develop a feel for the
amount of brake lever pressure required for each wheel at dierent speeds and on dierent surfaces. To better understand
this, experiment a little by walking your bike and applying dierent amounts of pressure to each brake lever, until the wheel
locks.
When you apply one or both brakes, the bike begins to slow, but your body wants to continue at the speed at which it was
going. This causes a transfer of weight to the front wheel (or, under heavy braking, around the front wheel hub, which could
send you flying over the handlebars) on dierent surfaces. To better understand this, experiment a little by walking your bike
and applying dierent amounts of pressure to each brake lever, until the wheel locks.
D. SHIFTING GEARS
1. SHIFTING GEARS
The vocabulary of shifting can be pretty confusing. A downshift is a shift to a
“lower” or “slower” gear, one which is easier to pedal. An upshift is a shift to a
“higher” or “faster”, harder to pedal gear. For example, you can select a gear
which will make pedaling easier on a hill (make a downshift), the gear “steps”
to a larger gear at the rear. Moving the chain out or away from the centerline
of the bike is for speed and is called an upshift. Whether upshifting or
downshifting, the bicycle derailleur system design requires that the drive chain
be moving forward and be under at least some tension. A derailleur will shift
only if you are pedaling forward.
CAUTION : Never move the shifter while pedaling backward, nor pedal
backwards immediately after having moved the shifter. This could jam the
chain and cause serious damage to the bicycle.
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2. SHIFTING THE 7 SPEED REAR DERAILLEUR
The rear derailleur is controlled by the right shifter. The function of the rear derailleur is to move the drive chain from one gear
sprocket to another. The smaller sprockets on the gear cluster produce higher gear ratios. Pedaling in the higher gears
requires greater pedaling eort, but takes you a greater distance with each revolution of the pedal cranks. The larger
sprockets produce lower gear ratios. Using them requires less pedaling eort, but takes you a shorter distance with each
pedal crank revolution. Moving the chain from a smaller sprocket of the gear cluster to a larger sprocket results in a downshift.
Moving the chain from a larger sprocket to a smaller sprocket results in an upshift. In order for the derailleur to move the chain
from one sprocket to another, the rider must be pedaling forward.
3. WHAT IF IT WON’T SHIFT GEARS?
If moving the shift control one click repeatedly fails to result in a smooth shift to the next gear chances are that the mecha-
nism is out of adjustment. Take the bike to your dealer to have it adjusted.
E. PEDALS
1. Toe Overlap is when your toe can touch the front wheel when you turn the handlebars to steer while a pedal is in the
forward most position. This is common on small-framed bicycles, and is avoided by keeping the inside pedal up and the
outside pedal down when making sharp turns. On any bicycle, this technique will also prevent the inside pedal from striking
the ground in a turn.
WARNING : Toe Overlap could cause you to lose control and fall. Ask your dealer to help you determine if the combina-
tion of frame size, crank arm length, pedal design and shoes you will use results in pedal overlap. Whether you have overlap or
not, you must keep the inside pedal up and the outside pedal down when making sharp turns.
2. Our Electric bicycles come equipped with pedals that have sharp and potentially dangerous surfaces. These surfaces are
designed to add safety by increasing grip between the rider’s shoe and the pedal. You must take extra care to avoid serious
injury from the pedals’ sharp surfaces. Based on your riding style or skill level, you may prefer a less aggressive pedal design.
F. TIRES AND TUBES
1. Tires
Bicycle tires are available in many designs and specifications, ranging from general-purpose designs to tires designed to 20