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It is extremely important to the performance,
enjoyment and safety of Lafree and yourself
to understand how many of the features of
Lafree operate. You should not assume that
the way things have worked on previously
owned bicycles operate similarly on Lafree,
even if you’re an experienced bicyclist. Be
sure to read - and to understand - this section
of the owner’s manual. If you have even the
slightest doubt about how any of the
mechanical features of Lafree operate, talk to
your authorised Lafree dealer.
7.1 Variable Power Control
(VPC Throttle)
Lafree’s Variable Power Control (VPC) Throttle
gives you instant access to the motor’s power
for going up hill or into a headwind, or if you
simply don’t want to use any of your own
power! You control the amount of power output
simply by twisting the right VPC Throttle.
Twisting the VPC Throttle in a
counterclockwise direction against the grip’s
spring tension (rearward) applies power from
the electric motor, while releasing the grip in a
clockwise direction (forward) decreases power
from the electric motor (fig. 7A).
The ignition-lockset and safety switch must be
ON. Lafree requires pedal input for motor
output. This means that under any pedal
exertion, Lafree will respond with electrical
assistance. You can control the amount of
power output simply by twisting the VPC
Throttle, which is located on the right side of
the handlebars.
When your speed reaches or exceeds 25 km/h,
Lafree’s motor will automatically disengage and
stop assisting until the speed drops below 25
km/h. You must pedal to enable the motor to
engage VPC Throttle. If you stop pedalling
while VPC Throttle is in the ON (twisted
counterclockwise) position, motor assist will
cease until pedals begin turning again. The
throttle must also be twisted completely
clockwise (no power) then twisted counter
clockwise again for VPC Throttle to engage.
For safety, do not pedal Lafree while the bike
is leaned over in a turn and VPC Throttle
engaged, as the pedal may come in contact
with the ground or other elevated obstacle. It
is best to put the pedals parallel to the ground
at nine and three o’clock, or with the inside
pedal (side the bike is leaning toward) at 12
o’clock and the outside pedal at six o’clock.
WARNING: For safety, do not pedal
Lafree while the bike is leaned over in
a turn and VPC Throttle engaged, as
the pedal may come in contact with the
ground or other obstacles and cause
you to lose control and fall.
CAUTION: Using VPC Throttle exclusively
drains energy more quickly. Use VPC Throttle
sparingly for optimum energy range and
consumption.
7.2 Power Assisted Pedal
Lafree’s power assisted pedal system utilises
a fuzzy logic CPU (central process unit) to
provide constantly monitored power
assistance based on speed and pedal force.
7
HOW THINGS WORK
FIGURE 7A
0288 Opm Binnenwerk 11-02-2000 10:46 Pagina 18
