VAN RAAM MAXI (02) PDF Document

Your VAN RAAM MAXI delivery should include the following items:

• Tricycle with packaging

• User manual(s)

• Possible Smart-battery including card with 5-digit code (depending on options)

• Possible chargers (depending on options)

• Spare keys

You should check the delivery immediately upon receiving it. In case of damage or incomplete delivery, contact your dealer immediately. Upon delivery, you should fill out the “Form service, maintenance, modifications an warranty claims” in the back of the manual.

The VAN RAAM MAXI is designed for normal use on level and solid ground. It is meant for one person. The driver should be independently mobile and not have any serious visual or other impairments that would prevent responsible participation in traffic. The maximum user weight and luggage load, as found in the ‘Technical Specifications’ chapter, must not be exceeded. Always observe general tricycle caution and follow the safety instructions in the manual, as well as local traffic laws and regulations.

Please follow these safety measures when using your VAN RAAM MAXI:

• Ensure the tricycle is in good condition before each use. Check the brakes, lighting, and tyre pressure.

• Regularly check that the wheels, handlebars, saddle, and all screw joints are tight.

• Only use the tricycle on a solid and level surface.

• It is not recommended to cycle on a slope steeper than 10% due to increased risk.

• Drive slowly on slopes, especially when riding backwards. Use a dosed braking force when braking while riding backwards to avoid losing contact with the road.

• When starting on a slope or ramp, drive off slowly and lean forwards to prevent the front wheel from lifting.

• Avoid riding on steep slopes if your bike has accessories on the rear like a walking holder bracket, wheelchair holder, child seats, or loaded baskets, as the front wheel may lose contact with the road.

• Make sure wide trousers or loose clothing do not get caught in the chain, spokes, or pedals.

• Do not use a pressure washer or steam cleaner for cleaning.

• Use the parking brake and hold the tricycle when getting on or off.

• Always lock the tricycle when leaving it unattended.

• Control your speed when driving downhill or in tunnels. Brake in time and maintain a moderate speed.

• In case of pregnancy, extra care is required.

• Do not leave the tricycle in direct sunlight, as some parts could exceed 41°C, causing possible burns.

• If equipped with the Silent electric motor system, get used to riding with the electric support engaged. Be careful when you turn on the electric support system to avoid being startled by unexpected behavior.

• Practice using the reverse function and be careful not to switch it on inadvertently.

Extra attention is essential if a child is using the tricycle. Please follow these precautions:

• Never leave a child alone with the tricycle without supervision!

• Always have the child wear a correctly fitted tricycle helmet.

• Have the child wear visible reflective clothing to be more visible to other road users.

• Warn the child to avoid dangerous speeds when driving downhill and entering tunnels. Ensure they brake on time.

• It is advisable to fit a flag onto the tricycle that is visible above the child.

The maximum load, which includes the user and any luggage, should not be exceeded. You can find the specific maximum user weight in the ‘Technical Specifications’ section of the user manual. The permitted load on the luggage rack or in the basket must not exceed 20 kg. People are not allowed to be transported on the luggage rack or in the basket. Be aware that a basket full of luggage can significantly influence steering. Do not transport any luggage on the handlebars that limits the use of the tricycle.

The replacement and repair of parts such as the frame, forks, light, brakes, drive mechanism, and handlebars should always be performed by an authorized dealer. If this is not done, the guarantee will be void, and you will be personally responsible for any possible damage. Specific safety parts should always be replaced with new parts.

The saddle height is correct when the cyclist is sitting on the tricycle and can put a foot on the pedal in its lowest position with their leg stretched but relaxed. To adjust the saddle:

1. Slightly loosen the screw [A] using an Allen key.

2. Slide the saddle to the correct height.

3. Tighten the screw.

Important: Do not pull the saddle pin out further than the “MIN INSERT” marking. The tube will not be deep enough in the shank and could come off, leading to serious injuries.

The height of the handlebars affects ride comfort, pressure on the hands, and the position of the back. You can find the most comfortable position with some practice.

To adjust the handlebars:

1. Slightly loosen the screw by using an Allen key.

2. Slide the handlebars to the correct height and tighten the screw very firmly again.

Important: Do not pull the handlebars out further than the “MIN INSERT” mark. Otherwise, the tube will not be deep enough in the shaft and will risk coming off, which can lead to serious injuries.

You can tilt the handlebars to influence the distance from the handlebars to your upper body. Determine your own most comfortable position by using the tricycle.

To tilt the handlebars:

1. Slightly loosen the screws [A] with an Allen key.

2. Put the handlebars in the desired position and then tighten the screws considerably.

3. Slightly loosen screw [B] with an Allen key, put the handlebars in the correct (horizontal) position, and then tighten the screw again.

Always use the parking brake when you park the tricycle and leave it behind. To operate the parking brake, squeeze the left brake lever [A] and secure it with the locking lever [B].

Important: Always try to park the tricycle on a level surface. The tricycle should never be parked on a slope greater than 6 degrees.

The headlight has a button with three different modes: ON – ON [50%] – OFF. You can cycle through these modes by pressing the button.

• 1x press = ON

• 2x press = ON (50%)

• 3x press = OFF

Adjust the angle of the headlight so that the center of the light beam is about 10 meters in front of the bicycle.

When the batteries are nearly empty, the LED light in the button will turn red. To change the batteries:

1. Open the headlight by pushing down the tab on the housing and simultaneously pulling the front of the light outward.

2. Change the two alkaline batteries (2x AA).

3. Reassemble the light by first pushing the top of the light back into the housing and then pushing the bottom of the light back over the tab of the housing.

Warning: Only operate the light while your bike is stationary to avoid dangerous situations.

The rear light has three settings you can choose by pressing the button repeatedly: On – Auto – Off.

• Press 1x: Light is on.

• Press 2x: Lighting is automatic.

• Press 3x: Light is off.

In “Automatic” mode, the light turns on and off using light and movement sensors. It will turn off automatically when the tricycle is still for a while.

When the batteries are almost empty, a red LED light on top will start flashing. To replace the batteries:

1. Dismantle the cover of the holder by pressing in the lip at the bottom of the light.

2. Replace the alkaline batteries (1.5 V – 1500 mA) and reassemble the cover.

If your VAN RAAM MAXI is equipped with the centrally operated lighting system, the lighting is connected to the electric system. The lighting will turn on automatically when the electric system is activated. You can also manually turn the lighting on and off by briefly pressing the on/off button on the display. When the electric system is turned off, the lighting will also turn off automatically. The USB port in the headlight has no function.

The VAN RAAM MAXI may have no gears or eight gears. If your tricycle has gears, they are operated by turning the grip on the handlebar. Do not use the pedals when turning the grip to change gears.

Before every ride, check the following on your VAN RAAM MAXI:

• The brakes (including the parking brakes)

• The tyre pressure (recommended: 3 bar)

• The lights

• That all parts are fitted properly

• That the battery is adequately charged (if applicable)

If you observe any irregularities during the check, contact your dealer and stop using the tricycle.

A tricycle provides a very different ride experience than a bicycle. Be aware of the following points:

• Practice with bends and braking. The back wheel on the inside of a bend may lift off the ground. To avoid this, lean your body towards the inside of the bend.

• The right brake lever usually operates the front wheel brake. Be cautious, as forceful braking can block the front wheel and result in a fall. Familiarize yourself with controlled braking.

• If your bike has an electric motor, you must train with the acceleration and reverse functions. Be careful not to start them unintentionally, for example, activating reverse at a traffic light.

• High speeds in bends, driving on rough ground, and sharp bends can lead to the tricycle falling over.

• Hold both hands firmly on the handlebars and keep your feet on the pedals when riding.

• Test the tricycle’s riding style on rough ground at a moderate speed to learn how it reacts to unexpected movements.

• Small obstacles should be cycled over at an appropriate speed. Obstacles higher than five centimeters should be avoided.

The Silent electric system on your VAN RAAM MAXI has the following functions:

• **On/off button:** Switches the electrical system on or off.

• **Degree of support (1, 2, 3):** Allows you to set the desired level of pedal support.

• **Start assist:** Provides extra support when starting or cycling uphill.

• **Indication lights:** Show the battery’s level of charge.

• Pedal support while cycling.

• Backwards pedalling with support (reverse mode).

• Integrated lighting control.

You can set the desired support by using one of the support levels 1, 2, or 3. You can change the level while cycling.

1. **Light support:** for maximum range.

2. **Average support:** for average range.

3. **Maximum support:** for low range.

After turning the system on, the electric motor is active in level 1.

The Silent electric motor has a start support function that allows you to pull away without pedalling, up to a speed of 6 km/h over 6 seconds. To use it, press the start assist button and keep it pressed down. The function will only activate again when the support button has been pressed down again. If you pedal normally, the function works for up to 6 seconds each time the button is pressed, up to the maximum speed of the bicycle (20-25 km/h). The start assist is useful for extra support when starting or when cycling uphill. For a steep climb, you can use support level 3 and push the start assist repeatedly for 6 seconds to achieve maximum support.

The battery charge level is indicated by five LED lights:

• **All lights green:** The battery is fully charged. The number of green lights will decrease as you use the battery.

• **Two green LED lights on:** The battery is 50% charged.

• **Only the last red LED light is on:** The battery is almost empty and needs to be recharged or replaced with a fully charged one.

• **Last red LED light flashes:** The battery is empty, and the motor will no longer provide support. The integrated lighting will continue to work.

You can also check the charge by briefly pressing the button [A] on the battery itself. The status is shown with five green indicator LEDs. If the leftmost LED blinks, the battery is nearly empty.

The reverse mode is activated by pedalling backwards from a standing position. After a few seconds, the motor activates, and the tricycle cycles backwards at a speed of about 2 km/h. Be careful not to be startled by this unexpected reaction. For example, if you are waiting at a traffic light and move the pedals backwards, the reverse mode may activate.

For the best performance and to prolong battery life, it is recommended to charge the battery at home at room temperature (between 0 and 35 degrees centigrade).

1. Unlock the battery by turning the key a quarter turn.

2. Push down and hold the lock, then pull the battery out of the holder with your other hand.

3. Take the battery pack inside. First, plug the charger into the socket. The green LED will light up, indicating the charger is on standby.

4. Then, insert the charging connector of the charger into the charging point of the battery. The red LED will light up, indicating the charger is now charging.

5. The charging time depends on the battery’s charge level. A 11.4 Ah/36 V battery takes approximately 2 hours, and a 24.8 Ah/36 V battery takes about 4.5 hours.

6. Once the battery is fully charged, the green LED will be solid. First, remove the charging connector from the battery.

7. Then, unplug the charger from the socket.

8. Put the battery back into the holder on the cycle and close the lock.

The battery can also be charged directly on the cycle if necessary.

When the battery is nearly empty and has not been used for a week, it will enter deep sleep mode. In this mode, the battery uses as little power as possible to increase its lifespan. When the battery is in deep sleep mode, it cannot be used. To wake it up, press the button on the battery. It is recommended to first charge the battery before using it after waking it from deep sleep mode.

• Never leave the bike with an empty battery. Charge it as soon as possible before it’s totally empty.

• The best storage charge for the battery is when three to five LED lights are lit.

• Check the battery every month in the winter. If fewer than three LED lights are lit, recharge the battery.

• Preferably store and use the battery in environments of 5 to 20 °C. Avoid higher or lower temperatures.

• Do not charge the battery in sunlight and ensure it’s not charged at a temperature below 5 °C.

• Only use the charger indoors in non-humid environments; the charger must not get wet.

• Only use the supplied Van Raam battery and charger.

• Never open the battery or charger housing. Contact your dealer if there is a problem.

• Do not drop the battery, as this can cause damage.

• If your bicycle has a fault, disconnect the battery.

• Keep in mind that support is less and the battery discharges faster in cold weather (0°C and less).

• Every battery self-discharges over time. A battery that is empty and not charged will deep discharge, which can cause permanent damage and void the warranty.

• **The system does not turn on:**

1. Make sure that the battery is properly attached.

2. Check the status of the battery. If it is empty, recharge it.

3. If the above actions do not help, contact your dealer.

• **The battery indicator LED lights on the display are flashing:** The motor may be overheated from a continuous high load. The system will reduce support for protection. You can continue cycling with reduced support. After the motor cools down, normal support will be restored automatically.

• **The support LED lights on the display are flashing:** This indicates a motor failure. You will need to contact your dealer.

• **A red LED light on the charger starts flashing:** Remove the plug from the mains outlet and do not use the charger. Contact your dealer.

• Only charge Van Raam Li-Ion batteries with the included charger.

• Connect the charger to a suitable power point (220-240 Volt AC 50-60 Hz).

• Unplug the charger from the socket and the battery when not in use.

• The charger should only be used by people who have read the user manual and are familiar with its proper use.

• Keep the charger out of reach of children.

• Use the charger in a dust-free, dry, and ventilated environment. Do not expose it to water, heat sources, or direct sunlight.

• Do not charge batteries that feel hot. Stop charging if the battery becomes abnormally hot (>40°C).

• The charger may become hot during charging (> 50 °C). Be careful when touching it.

• Do not use a charger that is visibly damaged or modified. Do not repair it yourself. Never open the charger.

• Monitor the charger and battery during charging. Once the battery is full, remove the plug from the socket and the battery.

The free Van Raam E-Bike smartphone app can be used while cycling on your electric VAN RAAM MAXI. Its features include:

• Use as a luxury bicycle computer.

• View battery data.

• Receive battery advice.

• Change bike settings.

• Send an SOS message with your GPS location to a chosen number.

• View cycled routes.

• View information about the bike.

• Location/Find my bike.

• Receive push notifications.

The app connects to the smart display via Bluetooth and shows current speed, total distance, trip meter, battery capacity, and power consumption on its dashboard. A details screen shows more data like average speed, maximum speed, total distance, power, battery voltage, pedalling power, and pedalling frequency.

To divide the tricycle into two parts:

1. Use the parking brake.

2. Remove the grip from the handlebars. Push the pellets of the small spring [A] so that the grip can be removed from the handlebars.

3. (Electrical only) Disconnect the Velcro band to reach the connectors.

4. (Electrical only) Disconnect the connectors. Pull the black connectors straight apart and disassemble the metal connector.

5. Loosen the knob.

6. Remove the front part out of the coupling.

To reassemble the tricycle, follow these steps in reverse order. When connecting cables, ensure the arrows or cams are directly opposite each other.

The frame of the tricycle can be cleaned with a damp cloth. For dirtier areas, you can use a mild detergent. The wheels can be cleaned with a moist brush with plastic hairs (not a wire brush). The saddle, grips, and backrest can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Important: Do not use a pressure washer or a steam cleaner.

The chain should be cleaned and maintained at regular intervals (approximately every three months). Use only special chain grease or Tevlon spray to ensure the chain runs smoothly, stays water-resistant, and does not rust.

1. Wipe the chain with a cloth.

2. Treat it with grease or spray.

3. Remove any excess lubricant with a rag.

Other parts of the tricycle should not be treated with a lubricant.

The condition of the rim is important due to the combined action of the brake and the rims. The rim should be checked at regular intervals, such as when you inflate the tyres. Look for fine cracks in the spoke punches or deformation of the rim when there is higher air pressure, which indicate serious wear and tear. If these are present, the rim should be replaced to prevent loss of brake function or a crack in the rim, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

The chain should not be too tight; it should hang loose, allowing you to move it up and down about half a centimetre without effort. The VAN RAAM MAXI uses an integrated chain tensioner with a special tensioning wheel.

To adjust:

1. Slightly loosen the screw. Hold the nut at the back tight with a socket wrench to stop the screw from slipping.

2. Shift the tensioning wheel so that the chain hangs loose as described above.

3. Tighten the screw again.

The frame number is printed on a sticker located on the frame. For the VAN RAAM MAXI and VAN RAAM MAXI Comfort models, this sticker is located on the back of the saddle tube.

A VAN RAAM MAXI is often subject to extensive use and must perform in all weather conditions. Correct maintenance can greatly extend the bike’s lifecycle. Here is the recommended maintenance overview:

* This is advised to extend your bike’s lifecycle. You can also have this done by your dealer.

The monthly inspection takes about 15 minutes and includes the following checks:

• Check and inflate the tyres

• Check the chain tension and grease if needed

• Tighten bolts/nuts where needed

• Check all lights

• Check the brakes

• Check all rotating parts and grease if needed

• Clean the bike

The annual inspection takes about 60 minutes and includes the following checks:

• Check and touch up the paintwork

• Check the wheels for any buckling

• Check the spoke tension

• Check the steering ball joints

• Check all lights

• Check the saddle clamp

• Check the placement of all electric components (E-Bikes only)

1st Service moment (15-30 minutes)

• Check tyres and inflate

• Check the spoke tension

• Check the chain tension and grease

• Tighten any bolts and nuts if needed

• Check all brake cables and brake calipers

• Check the gears

• Check and grease all rotating parts

• Check all lights

• Clean the bike

2nd Service moment (30-90 minutes)

• All points from service moment 1, and:

• Inspection of the pedals and bottom bracket

• Grease and tighten the lock

• Grease and tighten the steering stem

• Check the steering ball joints

• Run all tests in the dealer tool (E-Bike)

3rd Service moment (60-120 minutes)

• All points from service moment 1, 2, and:

• Inspection of the paintwork

• Inspection of the frame/front fork

• Inspection of the seat cushions

• Inspect the functioning and sound of the motor/gear hub

• Check reflectors for any damage

• Check all electric components on their placement (E-Bike)

• Run all tests in the dealer tool (E-Bike)