VAN RAAM MINI (02) PDF Document

The VAN RAAM MINI tricycle is designed for normal use on level and solid ground. General tricycle caution should always be observed. The safety instructions in the user manual should be explicitly followed, and local traffic laws and regulations must also be observed.

The tricycle 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, found in the ‘Technical Specifications’ chapter, must not be exceeded.

Ensure the tricycle is in good condition each time before using it. Check the brakes, lighting, and tyre pressure before each ride.

Regularly check if the wheels, handlebars, and saddle are properly fixed 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%, as this carries an increased risk.

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

If you stop on a slope or ramp, proceed to drive off slowly, leaning forward to prevent the front wheel from lifting.

Avoid riding on steep slopes when accessories like a walking holder bracket, wheelchair holder, child seats, or loaded baskets are fitted on the rear, as the front wheel may lose contact with the road more easily.

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

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

Block the tricycle with the parking brake and hold it when getting on or off.

Always lock the tricycle when leaving it unattended.

Do not reach a dangerous speed when driving downhill or entering tunnels. Brake in time and maintain a moderate speed.

In case of pregnancy, extra care is required due to a higher risk of injury.

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

If equipped with the Silent electric motor system, get used to riding with the support engaged and be careful when turning it on to avoid being startled.

Practice using the reverse function and be careful not to activate it inadvertently.

Extra attention is essential when a child is using the tricycle.

Never leave a child alone with the tricycle without supervision!

Always have the child wear a correctly fitting tricycle helmet.

Have the child wear visible reflective clothing so they are visible to other road users.

Warn the child to ensure that no dangerous speed develops while driving downhill and entering tunnels. Instruct them to brake on time.

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

The maximum load for the luggage rack or basket should not be exceeded. The maximum permitted load is 20 kg. People may not be transported on the luggage rack or in the basket. Be aware that a full basket can considerably influence steering. No luggage that limits the use of the tricycle should be transported on the handlebars.

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.

Warning: Do not pull the saddle pin out further than the ‘MIN INSERT’ marking. The tube will not be deep enough in the shank and will risk coming off, which can lead to serious injuries.

The height of the handlebars affects the comfort of the ride, determining the pressure on the hands and the position of the back. You should find the most comfortable position through 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.

Warning: 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.

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 lever [B].

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:

1x press = ON

2x press = ON (50%)

3x press = OFF

Adjust the angle of the headlight so that the centre of the light beam is about 10 metres in front of the bicycle. You can only operate the light while your bike is stationary to avoid dangerous situations.

When the batteries are nearly empty, the LED light in the button of the headlight will turn red. Follow these steps 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. Put the light back together 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.

The rear light has three options that you can choose by pressing the button repeatedly: On-Auto-Off.

The setting is as follows:

Press 1x: light is on

Press 2x: lighting is automatic

Press 3x: light is off

In “On” or “Off” mode, the rear light can be manually switched on and off. In “Automatic” mode, the rear light automatically turns on and off with the help of light and movement sensors. When the tricycle is stationary for a while, the light will automatically turn off.

When the batteries are almost empty, a red LED light on the top of the rear light 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.

Batteries cause environmental pollution. Follow the local regulations during disposal.

Before every ride, check the following:

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 (depends on options)

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

The tricycle provides a very different ride experience than a bicycle. Practice, especially with bends and braking, as a tricycle can react contrary to what you might expect. The inside back wheel may lift off the ground when cornering; lean your body towards the inside of the bend to avoid this.

One brake lever (usually the right) operates the front wheel brake. Use this with caution, as forceful braking could block the front wheel and result in a fall. Familiarize yourself with controlled braking of the front wheel.

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

If your VAN RAAM MINI has an electric motor, you must train with the acceleration and reverse functions. Be careful not to unintentionally start these modes, for example, at traffic lights.

Be very careful during the first ride.

When riding, hold both hands firmly on the handlebars and keep your feet on the pedals.

Test the riding style on rough ground at a moderate speed to learn how to react to unexpected movements of the tricycle and handlebars.

Explore how tilting movements of the tricycle react to body posture. Tilt to the inside of the bend.

Cycle over small obstacles with appropriate speed.

Avoid obstacles higher than five centimeters.

Ensure no dangerous speed develops while driving downhill and entering tunnels. Brake on time.

The Silent Electric system has several functions:

On/off button:

Switching on: Push the button briefly.

Switching off: Push the button for two seconds.

After turning the system on, the motor is active in level 1. The system will automatically turn off after a certain time if not used.

Degree of support 1, 2, and 3:

You can set the desired support using one of the support levels 1, 2, or 3.

1. Light support, maximum range.

2. Average support, average range.

3. Maximum support, low range.

You can change the level while cycling.

Start assist:

This allows you to pull away without pedaling up to a speed of 6 km/h over 6 seconds. Press and hold the start assist button to accelerate. This is useful for starting or cycling uphill.

Reverse mode:

This is activated by pedaling backwards from a standing position. The tricycle will cycle backwards at about 2 km/h. Be careful not to activate this unexpectedly, for example, while waiting at a traffic light.

The charge level is indicated by five LED lights:

Solid Green Lights: The battery is fully charged. The number of green lights will decrease as you use it.

Two Green Lights: The battery is 50% charged.

Last Light is Red: The battery is almost empty and needs to be recharged.

Last Red Light Flashing: 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.

For best performance and to prolong the life of the battery, charge it at home at room temperature. Only use the charger if the environment temperature is between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius.

To charge the battery:

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

2. Push down and hold the lock, then pull the battery out of the holder.

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

4. Insert the charging connector into the charging point of the battery. The red LED will light up, indicating it is now charging.

5. Charging time is approximately 2 hours for an 11.4 Ah/36 V battery and 4.5 hours for a 24.8 Ah/36 V battery.

6. Once 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 in the holder on the cycle and close the lock. Ensure the battery is always pushed straight into the holder.

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

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

The best storage charge is when three to five LED lights are lit.

Check the battery every month in the winter. If fewer than three LED lights are on, 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 make sure it is not charged at a temperature of less than 5 °C.

Only use the charger indoors and in non-humid environments.

Only use the supplied Van Raam battery and charger.

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

Don’t drop the battery, as this can cause external and internal damage.

If your bicycle has a fault, disconnect the battery.

Keep in mind that your bike provides less support when it’s cold (0°C and less) and the battery will discharge faster. Charging also takes more time at lower temperatures.

If the system does not turn on, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the battery is properly attached.

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

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

If the battery indicator LED lights are flashing, the motor may be overheated due to a continuous high load. For protection, the system will reduce support.

1. The system is in temperature-protection. You can continue cycling with reduced support.

2. After cooling down, the normal support and indication will restore automatically.

If the support LED lights on the display are flashing, this indicates a motor failure. You will need to contact your dealer.

Only charge Van Raam Li-Ion batteries with the included charger. Connect it to a suitable power point (220-240 Volt AC 50-60 Hz).

The charger should only be used by people who have read the user manual and are familiar with its proper use. Keep it out of reach of children.

The charger is designed for a dust-free, dry, and ventilated environment. Do not expose it to water, heat sources, or direct sunlight. Keep it clean and dry.

Do not charge batteries that feel hot. The battery should not be hotter than room temperature for charging. Stop 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 the charger if it is visibly damaged or modified. Do not repair it yourself; contact Van Raam. Never open the charger.

While charging, monitor the charger and battery. Once full, remove the plug from the socket and the charger from the battery.

To fit the push bar:

1. Loosen the screw by using an Allen key.

2. Slide the push bar into the tube up to the stop. Then tighten the screw again very firmly by using the Allen key.

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.

Do not use a pressure washer or a steam cleaner.

The chain should be cleaned and maintained at regular intervals (approximately every three months). Only use special chain grease or Teflon 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 should not be treated with a lubricant.

The chain should not be too tight; it should hang loose. You should be able to move the chain up and down by about half a centimetre without effort. To adjust the tension, a special tensioning wheel is fitted as an integrated chain tensioner.

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.

Disposing the Tricycle:

If you want to dispose of your tricycle, contact your dealer. You can also contact the local waste disposal company. They will dispose of the tricycle according to the regulations of your town.

Recycling the Battery:

If your battery is defective or you are no longer using it, you must have it recycled. Please contact your dealer, as they are responsible for complying with the recycling obligation. Ask them about the conditions or view the rules regarding recycling in your place of residence/country.

The frame number on the VAN RAAM MINI is printed on a sticker located on the back of the saddle tube.

The following maintenance schedule is recommended:

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

A monthly inspection takes about 15 minutes and should include:

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