10
CAUTION:
The braking of your bicycle is one of the highest concerns in safety. Proper brake lever
mounting and cable adjustment is crucial for your brakes to work properly.
WARNING:
All Quick release levers must be closed and the clamps or axles tight. One loose quick
release lever can cause the rider to lose control and cause serious injury or death.
WARNING:
Loose or damaged handlebar grips or extensions can cause you to lose control and fall.
Unplugged handlebars can cut your body, and can cause serious injury in an otherwise minor accident.
g)
Before your first motorized ride
Before your first ride study this manual in its entirety. Make sure you are comfortable and confident when sitting on the
bicycle. If an adjustment does not feel right or something feels loose, check to ensure you are properly fitted to the bike and
do a mechanical safety check as explained in the previous section. Make sure you fully charge your battery with the
appropriate charger included with your bicycle. Be sure to firmly attach the battery to the bicycle. Try to slide the battery off
the bike by the battery handle to confirm proper installation. Read Chapter 3, section h. (the following section) again.
h)
First motorized ride
When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization motorized ride on your new bicycle, be sure to pick a
controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles or other hazards. Ride to become familiar with the
brake levers against throttling, variable throttle performance while pedaling your new bike and not pedaling. The first
motorized ride should be initially pedaling and then slowly pressing down on the throttle to feel the engagement of the
HUB motor. Familiarize yourself with the sensation of power.
Familiarize yourself with the braking action of the bike. To test the brakes at slow speed, shift your weight
toward the rear and gently apply 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 (see section j.).
Your bike has a front suspension system, familiarize yourself with how the suspension responds to braking
application and rider weight shifts.
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, take the bike back to
your dealer for advice or contact Customer Service at Prodeco Technologies.
i)
Riding an electric bicycle
Riding an electric bike is similar to riding a non-electric bike but there are some differences to note. An electric bike is
slightly heavier and requires more time to stop due to higher traveling speeds. Your bike is also equipped with a powerful
motor that provides a boost noticeable when starting from a stop. The boost is exhilarating, but you must be comfortable
with the sensation before riding in crowded or congested areas. To maximize battery life, assist with pedaling, engage
throttle to 90% or less and add considerable coasting with no throttle to your riding. Your battery is a finite resource and
proper riding techniques will prolong its distance per charge.
j)
Using your twist throttle
The variable throttle on your Mariner 500 was designed
to allow you the ability to choose the speed to ride at and
determine the amount of torque off the line. The throttle
operates similar to an automobile; the twisting of the
throttle mimics the depressing of the accelerator. The
throttle is located on the right side grip and considered a
half twist throttle. It is a half twist, as only the inside
portion will twist to power the bicycle. The grip itself will
not twist. Using you forefinger and thumb, you can safely
twist the throttle to propel the bike forward. A half twist
throttle is used to avoid accidentally twisting the full grip
when mounting and dismounting the bicycle. Your
throttle also includes a Power ON and Power OFF
button. It is the red button located underneath the LED
lights. Depressing the button in activates the throttle and
pressing the button out will deactivate the throttle. The
ON / OFF button is for further safety. There is also an
LED set of lights which assist in determining the amount of battery storage capacity remaining. This is discussed in further detail
later in the manual. Throttling is an important factor with any electric bicycle and the distance of traveling available per charge. The
higher the speed, the less distance per charge, the faster you accelerate off the line, the less distance per charge. If there are
multiple stops and take offs, this also affects the range of distance per charge. It is recommended you become accustomed to
your style of riding and adjust the style depending on distance needed per charge. For example: if you are planning a short local
trip, full throttle at takeoff and top speed will not be an issue due to your ability to be able to recharge the battery prior to the next
trip. If you are planning a longer trip, 10-15 miles or more, it is suggested you add pedaling, hold throttle back 10% and whenever
possible allow the bicycle to coast under no power. Coasting under no power is similar to riding a traditional pedal powered
bicycle. When riding, a rider will pedal for a few seconds and then stop pedaling, allowing the bike to coast with no power being
used. This will greatly increase your distance between charging. (SEE PHOTO)