11
k)
Using your brakes
Your Mariner 500 is equipped with a high performance Avid hydraulic disc brake system. The hydraulic front and rear
disc brakes allow your new Mariner to stop quickly and accurately. Larger than industry average Avid stainless steel
disc rotors were utilized for their increased heat dissipation. One of the great features associated with hydraulic
brakes is no pad adjustments. Once the calipers are properly installed, there are no further adjustments required as
the pads wear. When properly mounted, the Mariner high performance disc brake system offers tremendous stopping
power. Prior to leaving the factory, the Mariner brakes were properly mounted and tested. Disc brakes however do
require a bed-in process which occurs naturally after 20-40 stops. It can be sped up by following the bed-in guidelines
detailed in Chapter 7 “Maintenance and Replacement”, section c “Brake pad bed in”. When braking, both brake levers
should be applied simultaneously. Your left brake lever manages your front brake and your right brake lever manages
your rear brake. You should become accustomed to the stopping power of each brake (front & rear). Test each brake
separately in a controlled environment for their ability to stop the bicycle. Front brakes when locked can cause the rear
wheel to come off the ground and the rider can be thrown off the bicycle. In emergency situations, apply pressure to
each brake lever, shift your weight to the back of the bicycle and only attempt to use full force on the front brakes
when the bicycle is not stopping quickly enough. Always keep a safe distance between other vehicles, pedestrians
and other riders.
WARNING:
Locking the front wheel during braking can cause the rear wheel to lift off the ground and
throw the rider off the bicycle. Both brake levers should be applied simultaneously. In an emergency situation
shift your weight to the back of the bicycle. Locking the front wheel can cause the rider to lose control, be
thrown off the bicycle and cause serious injury or death.
l)
Pedaling
Pedaling your Mariner 500 is the same as pedaling a traditional bicycle. It is recommended you add pedaling to the
power of the bicycle to enhance the distance per charge. The Mariner 500 is a 9 speed bicycle and has the ratio of a 48T
front chain ring (sprocket) against a 11-32T rear freewheel which is designed to offer an easy pedaling pace at any
speed from 1 MPH to 18 MPH. It is recommended on steep inclines, the rider utilizes the throttle to assist in powering the
bicycle up the incline and simultaneously drop the bicycle to a lower gear. If a rider
’s style of riding is throttle only with no
pedaling, distance per charge will be decreased on a steep incline, the rider is required to assist the motor by pedaling to
power up the incline.
m)
Shifting gears
(SEE PHOTO)
The shifting of gears is required to change the ratio of the rotation of pedaling to
allow more or less torque and lower or higher speeds according to one
complete rotation of the crank set. If requiring more torque, you will shift to a
larger rear sprocket for a higher rotation of pedaling to a lower speed of the rear
wheel. To switch to a larger rear sprocket, you will need to shift to a lower gear.
Gear 1 is the largest sprocket which is 32 Teeth and your lowest gear. One full
crank rotation creates a 1.5 turn of the rear wheel. For higher speeds from less
rotation of the crankset on flat pathways, you will shift to a smaller rear sprocket
for a higher wheel rotation to a lower crankset speed. To shift to a smaller
sprocket, you will need to shift to a higher gear. Gear 8 is the smallest sprocket
with 11 Teeth and your highest gear. One full crank rotation creates a 4.36 turn
of the rear wheel.
n)
Watching for obstacles around you
Your new Mariner 500 travels at higher speeds than most riders are accustomed to, when compared to pedaling a traditional
bicycle. It is very important you are aware of your surroundings and obstacles which may appear near you. You must watch the
road surface you are traveling on which could cause the tires to slip or cause a flat. Examples are soft shoulders, rocks, pot holes,
uneven paths, grates, construction sites. Due to the higher rate of speed when riding under motor power versus pedaling, objects
will advance into your path at a faster rate. Pay attention to other riders in your area, automobiles, motorcycles, pedestrians, poles,
intersections and road signs to name a few. The Mariner 500 resembles a traditional bicycle and people walking, driving or
standing may not realize you are on a motor powered vehicle and misjudge your traveling speed.
WARNING:
Hitting a pot hole, soft shoulder or other road deviation may cause you to lose control, be
thrown and cause serious injury or death.
o)
Safe riding in various conditions
Riders may find themselves riding in a condition they did not plan on encountering. It is important your new Mariner 500 is
maintained properly for optimum performance. Please read Chapter 7 on the details required to keep your electric bicycle at its
best. An unexpected rain storm, snow flurry or night ride could arise during a day’s trip and you should always be prepared.
Please read Chapter 4 on Safety, so upon encountering an unexpected riding condition, you will be confident and ready.
p)
Charging your battery
The Mariner 500
’s battery system is the safest and latest technology in Lithium Ion battery cells and was designed to be
easily charged. Chapter 8 offers a detailed explanation on battery management but the following information is a basic
guide in charging your battery. The battery is a removable device and can be charged on or off the bicycle. If removing
the battery to charge it, please follow these instructions.
Locate the key ignition on the battery and turn the key in a counter clockwise rotation to the
“UNLOCK”
position.
You must push the key in to turn from the “OFF” position to the “UNLOCK” position.
Grab the handle at the back of battery and carefully pull towards the back of the bicycle to slide off.
The battery is now transportable and can be charged away from the bicycle
when in “UNLOCK” position.
