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The motor offers a nominal 500W of power at 48 Volts and a peak of 720W. The power is sufficient to move the
bicycle and rider on flat surfaces at speeds up to twice what a typical rider pedals. Steep inclines will require
pedaling by the rider to power over the incline. It is highly suggested the rider pedals along with the motor to
enhance traveling distance even on flat surfaces. The
motor is powered through a “Hall Effect Sensor” approach. A
“Hall Effect Sensor” motor is powered in 3 stator phases. As power is phased, the motor advances forward. The
axle of the motor is the spindle of the stator. The stator remains fixed while an internal Neodymium magnet hub
floats over the stator and gears the exterior hub forward.
A weatherproof connector at the motor connects the wiring harness to the motor. This connector is an 8 pin brass
connector and designed to withstand the elements. If the motor needs to be replaced, the connector simply has to
be unplugged for the motor to be removed as explained in Chapter 6, section b. When installing the motor, it is very
important the connector is plugged properly or the motor will not power. There are 2 arrows, one on each end of the
connector which must align. There is an additional line on the inside connector which must meet the edge of the
outside connector when inserting for the motor to have a solid connection. The motor is covered under warranty as
a complete wheel including spokes and rim to the consumer. If the motor fails, contact Prodeco Technologies or the
closest Authorized service center for a replacement. Simply remove the motor as explained in Chapter 6. The
motor can also be purchased separately. Refer to Chapter 12 for the part number and price.
b)
Brushless hall sensor controller
The motor on the Mariner 500
requires a specific controller to properly produce the right “Hall Sensor Effect” as
described in the previous section regarding the motor. The controller that comes with your bicycle has been
designed to be easily changed if an issue was to occur. The controller is considered the brains of the bicycle and is
located in the battery base which is attached to the bicycle. The battery base is the box where the key inserts for
the ignition. The bolts holding the cover to the base can easily be removed within a few minutes. Once the cover is
off of the battery base, the controller can be disconnected. If removing the controller, you must first remove the
battery completely from the bicycle. There is only one way to connect and disconnect the controller from the
bicycle. No two connections are the same.
c)
Wiring harness
Your bicycle uses a separate wiring harness for the motor to plug to the controller. This allows for easy
replacement.
d)
Throttle
(SEE PHOTO)
The variable throttle included with all Prodeco bicycles has
an On/Off button. The red button below the battery
indicator on the throttle engages the power to the motor.
The twist throttle was designed to allow you the ability to
choose the riding speed and determine the amount of
torque off the line. Similar to an automobile, the throttle
mimics the depressing of the accelerator. The higher the
speed, the less distance per charge (less distance per gas
tank), the faster you accelerate off the line, the less
distance per charge. If there are multiple stop and starts,
this will also affect the range of distance per charge. It is
recommended you become accustomed to your riding
style 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, 30-
40 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 enhance your distance between
charging.
The throttle incorporates an LED battery indicator to assist the rider with determining the amount of charge left in
the battery. You should also understand the LED indicators react according to load. There is 1 Green LED, 1
Yellow and 1 Red LED. If the Green LED no longer lights while the bike is not being powered, it is time to recharge
the battery. The Green LED does not always represent a fully charged battery though. For example, the Green LED
may be lit until a steep incline. As you ride up the incline, you may notice the Green LED will dim as the motor
increases the pulling of Amps from the battery. Depending on the load being placed on the motor and/or grades of
incline, the green LED dimming represents the accurate battery capacity. Upon the Green LED no longer being lit
during riding, particularly under no load, the battery should be charged prior to the next ride. If the Green LED is
dimming under light loads, the battery could be under 50% capacity and should be charged. After multiple rides and
charges, you will become familiar with the distance per charge available based on your riding style and terrain. For
rides close to home with nominal pedaling needed, you should attempt to fully discharge your battery to enhance
your understanding on distances per charge.
