SHOPRIDER GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Shoprider GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter. The GK4/GK7-3/GK9 is the ultimate combination of style, comfort, and portability.

The GK4/GK7-3/GK9 goes with you wherever you go and can be assembled or disassembled in just seconds with wireless quick-connect components. The GK4/GK7-3/GK9 is super light and compact and can be stored in small areas such as the trunk or back seat of your car. The compact features support easy transportation of your GK4/GK7-3/GK9 for today's active lifestyle.

The GK4/GK7-3/GK9 can be used in confined spaces both indoors and out. Direct drive transaxle and electromagnetic brake give a safe and efficient ride. We know that the GK4/GK7-3/GK9 portable scooter will provide many years of mobility for you.

Please ensure that you read this manual carefully; it is important for your safety that you understand the guidelines and instructions given.

Smart Feature Guide (Fig 1)

The Shoprider GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter features a user-friendly design with several key components:

• 1. Tiller control head: Houses the main controls for operation.
• 2. Detachable seat: Features a fold-down back with removable pads for comfort and accessibility.
• 3. Removable flip-up arm rests (optional): Provide support and facilitate easier transfers.
• 4. Detachable basket: For convenient storage of personal items.
• 5. Detachable battery-pack: Powers the scooter.
• 6. Tiller adjustment knob: Allows for adjusting the tiller angle.
• 7. Swivel seat lever and seat release lever: For seat adjustment and removal.
• 8. Puncture proof tires: Ensure reliable mobility without the need for air pressure.
• 9. Anti-tip wheels: Provide stability and prevent tipping.
• 10. Tiller lock for transport: A safety feature designed to break away if the scooter is driven while locked, preventing damage.

Safety Advice ⚠️

• DO NOT carry passengers.
• DO NOT exceed inclines over 6 degrees (10% grade).
• DO NOT turn on steep inclines.
• DO NOT turn suddenly at high speed.
• DO NOT get on or off the scooter unless the brake is on and the scooter is switched off.
• DO NOT switch off the scooter while the scooter is moving.
• DO NOT drive the scooter where you cannot safely or legally walk.
• DO NOT drive the scooter on the road, street, or highway.
• DO NOT attempt to drive over curbs greater than 2 inches in height. Doing so could cause your scooter to turn over, causing injury or damage to the scooter.
• DO NOT drink or use a mobile phone when driving your scooter.
• DO NOT exceed the suggested user weight limit. Doing so could cause personal injury and invalidate the warranty.
• ALWAYS keep your feet on the scooter when moving.
• Consult your doctor if there is any doubt about your ability to use a scooter safely.
• ALWAYS slow down and proceed carefully when traveling over rough or uneven ground.
• For individuals with balance problems, practice getting on the scooter with assistance from a qualified healthcare professional.
• DO NOT operate the scooter without anti-tip wheels installed.
• DO NOT use an escalator to move a scooter between floors. Serious injury could occur.
• DO NOT drive the scooter on an incline that has oil, water, or ice film on it.
• DO NOT try to lift the scooter by its seat, tiller, or any removable parts. Any of these could cause injury to the user or damage to the scooter.
• DO NOT use parts or accessories that are not authorized by Shoprider®.
• Before sitting in or exiting the scooter, REMOVE the key from the ignition. This will ensure the POWER is off and the scooter cannot move under its own power.
• As a general precaution, always remove the key from the ignition while the scooter is not in use. This will prevent use by untrained and unauthorized persons.
• DO NOT connect any medical device to the scooter battery. This could cause failure of the device, the scooter, and personal injury.
• Make sure the tiller is properly adjusted to the user, or damage and injury could result.
• DO NOT transport in a vehicle WHILE seated on the scooter. Shoprider® will not be responsible for any injury or damage that might result.
• DO NOT use the scooter in the rain or near any other water source where the scooter may get wet. Direct exposure to rain or dampness could cause damage to the scooter's electrical components.
• For maximum battery life, make sure to fully charge batteries for up to 12 hours prior to first use.

EMI Warning ⚡

Shoprider® scooters may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is a kind of interfering electromagnetic energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radio, and cellular phones. The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause the scooter to release its brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions. It can also permanently damage the scooter's control system.

The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classified into three types:

1. Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitters-receivers) with the antenna mounted directly on the transmitting unit. Examples include citizens band (CB) radios, “walkie talkie", security, fire and police transceivers, cellular telephones, and other personal communication devices.

   NOTE! Some cellular telephones and similar devices transmit signals while they are ON, even when not being used.

2. Medium-range mobile transceivers, such as those used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and taxis. These usually have the antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
3. Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast transmitters (radio and TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.

NOTE! Other types of hand-held devices, such as cordless phones, laptop computers, AM/FM radios, TV sets, CD players, and cassette players, and small appliances, such as electric shavers and hair dryers, so far as we know, are not likely to cause problems to the scooter.

Scooter Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Because EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as one moves closer to the transmitting antenna (source), the EM fields from hand-held radio sources (transceivers) are of special concern. It is possible to unintentionally bring high levels of EM energy very close to the scooter's control system while using these devices. This can affect scooter movement and braking. Therefore, the warnings listed below are recommended to prevent possible interference with the control system of the scooters.

Warnings

1. Do not operate hand-held transceivers (transmitter-receivers), such as citizens band (CB) radios, or turn ON personal communication devices, such as cellular phones, while the scooter is turned ON.
2. Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to avoid coming close to them.
3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the scooter OFF as soon as it is safe.
4. Be aware that adding accessories or components or modifying the scooter may make it more susceptible to EMI.

NOTE! There is no easy way to evaluate the overall immunity of the scooter.

5. Report all incidents of unintended movement or braking to your Shoprider® provider and note whether there are sources of EMI nearby.

WARNING! Shoprider® is not responsible for damage or injury incurred due to improper and unsafe use of your scooter.

Adjustments

Adjustments for Transport (Fig 2)

To prepare the scooter for transport:

• First, remove the basket by lifting it up and off its bracket.
• Next, release the seat (refer to Fig. 3).
• Disconnect the battery pack by pushing the release button located under the side of the round metal connection plug in the socket. Release the round plug connector by pulling the round plug out of the box while depressing the button.
• Remove the battery pack from the unit. The pack is held down by 2 Velcro strips on the bottom.
• *NOTE: The serial number is also located on the frame beneath the seat.
• Fold down the tiller by loosening the tiller tighten knob located at the base of the tiller.

[Description of Fig 2: An image showing the disassembled components of the scooter for transport: a basket, the tiller assembly, the battery pack, and the seat.]

Seat Removal and Upgrades (Fig 3)

To remove the seat, loosen the tightening knob located at the bottom of the seat to slide the seat off. An available seat upgrade includes adjustable armrests. The armrests flip up for easy sideways transfer.

[Description of Fig 3: An image showing the scooter seat with labels pointing to the 'Flip-up Armrest' and 'Adjustment Knob Armrest'.]

Scooter Tiller Controls (Fig 4)

Speed Controls

The speed control allows you to set the speed between slow (turtle ?) and fast (rabbit ?).

Battery Level Indicator Gauge ?

The needle on the gauge shows the amount of charge in your batteries. The charge level is most accurate when the scooter is in drive. Always charge the batteries completely before beginning any journey.

Caution: Do not allow the gauge needle to go down completely, as complete discharge of the batteries could cause irreversible battery damage.

Horn ?

A yellow button next to the power switch on the tiller operates the horn.

Hand Lever Controls

The left hand lever controls reverse motion, and the right hand lever controls forward motion. The amount of pressure applied to each lever determines the speed, up to the selected speed level. Release the hand lever, and the scooter will automatically come to a stop as the electromagnetic brake is applied to the motor.

On/Off Switch ?

The On/Off switch is located on the tiller. When the unit is in the ON position, the switch will display a red light, and the battery gauge needle will move. There may be a slight delay before the hand lever control can be operated, while the main controller checks the circuits.

Electromagnetic Brake ?

The brake is automatically operated when the hand control levers are pressed or released. There is a slight delay when the scooter accelerates and decelerates, allowing the scooter to start smoothly and come to a smooth stop.

[Description of Fig 4: An image of the scooter's tiller control panel. It shows the Ignition, Horn Button (yellow), Battery Level Indicator Gauge, Speed Control Dial, and Hand Lever Controls for Reverse (left) and Forward (right). A note indicates that the scooter may enter sleep mode and how to exit it.]

Drive/Freewheel Operation (Fig 5)

The drive/freewheel lever (yellow lever) is located at the right rear of the unit. This lever allows you to disengage the drive mechanism to push the scooter while in freewheel mode.

• To disengage the drive mechanism (neutral), push the lever up. The scooter can now be pushed.
• To engage the drive mechanism, push the lever down. The unit may now be driven.

NOTE: The scooter will not operate while the drive/freewheel lever is in the neutral position. The scooter must be turned off, the lever pushed downward (drive position), and then turned on to reset the circuits.

WARNING! Always re-engage the free-wheeling device after use. Failure to do so may result in injury.

Anti-Tip Wheels ?️

The Anti-Tip Wheels are located at the rear of the scooter (Fig 5). The scooter should not be used unless the anti-tip wheels are in place.

Shoprider® is not responsible for damage or injury incurred due to improper or misuse of the scooter.

[Description of Fig 5: An image showing the rear underside of the scooter. Labels indicate 'Scooter in Manual Mode' (lever up) and 'Scooter in Drive Mode' (lever down). The Anti-Tip Wheels are also visible at the rear.]

Battery Pack (Fig 6)

The battery pack is specially designed for easy access and transportability. The reset button is located on the battery pack. This button is designed to protect the electronics on your scooter. If this button pops, the scooter will not turn on or operate; simply push the button to reset.

The 3-pin plug-in port on the battery pack serves two purposes: connecting batteries to the scooter and charging the battery pack. The plug-in port also has a release button that prevents the connections from coming apart. The 3-pin round plug is removed by gently pressing the release button while pulling the plug out. The battery pack is held onto the unit by Velcro straps lining the bottom of the battery pack and unit.

[Description of Fig 6: An image showing the top of the battery pack. Labels point to the 'Reset Button', 'Battery Charging Port', 'Velcro Strips', and 'Connection Release Button'.]

Scooter Serial Number (Fig 7)

The scooter serial number is located under the seat. It is an alphanumeric combination of 13 numbers and letters. Shoprider recommends that you write the serial number down on the back of this manual for further reference.

[Description of Fig 7: An image showing a label with a serial number, e.g., 'IGK02C69A0351', indicating its location.]

Starting to Drive Your Scooter

First Time Use

Prior to using your GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter for the first time, you must charge the batteries fully (refer to Battery Charging Procedures). Charging may take up to 12 hours. Charging the batteries completely prior to first-time use will benefit battery efficiency. Failure to do so may cause permanent damage.

Getting Started

• Select a level area with plenty of space.
• Mount the scooter by pushing the arm upward out of the way and sliding onto the seat, or swivel the seat around to mount. Use the armrest for support if necessary.
• Adjust the tiller and seat as previously described.

Starting Scooter Movement

• Ensure that you are seated in a comfortable position.
• Turn the key to the ON position. The switch will light up red when ON.
• Your speed setting should be on or near the turtle (slow).
• Squeeze your right hand lever (yellow dot) and the scooter will move forward slowly. The harder you squeeze, the faster the scooter goes, but it will only reach the speed level that has been selected.
• Release the lever, and the scooter will slowly come to a stop as the magnetic brake automatically engages.

Steering

Steering the scooter is light and easy. When starting off, ensure you give wide clearance when turning so that the rear wheels clear any obstacle. When steering through limited spaces, such as a doorway or when turning around, turn the tiller handles where you want to go and apply power gently. The scooter will turn very tightly but will still move with complete stability as long as the speed is not too high.

Reversing

Before reversing, ensure that the area behind is free from any hazards or obstructions. Adjust your speed setting to a low setting before you move in reverse. Squeeze your left hand lever (red dot) and steer wide of all corners and obstacles.

Dismounting

Before dismounting, ensure that the key is turned to the OFF position (red light off). Dismount the scooter by pushing the arm upward out of the way (if installed) and slide off the seat, or swivel the seat around to dismount. Use the armrest for support if necessary. Do not use the seat back or tiller for support.

CAUTION: Please ensure that care is exercised when mounting or dismounting the scooter and that the tiller and footrest is not used for support.

Extra Guidelines in the Control of Your Scooter (Fig 8)

Ramps

The stability of your scooter is governed by several factors such as the seating position, the angle of the slope, and your height and weight. When approaching an incline, do so directly and not at an angle, and wherever possible, avoid making turns. When going down a ramp or slope, keep the speed settings to slow. This will ensure a safe, controlled descent. When the thumb levers are released, the scooter will slowly stop.

Safe Climbing Angle

Always follow the guidelines of the safe climbing angle as shown in figure 8.

Caution: Do not turn off the control key while the unit is in motion.

Grass and Gravel

Please follow the guidelines given previously, and your scooter will perform admirably over many surfaces. Avoid long grass, loose gravel, and sand.

NOTE: You should not operate your scooter in wet weather or on wet surfaces. This may cause the motor to short out or cause other irreversible damage.

NOTE: To preserve battery charge, your scooter may go into sleep mode after being idle for a few minutes. To remove from sleep mode, turn the key off and back on again.

[Description of Fig 8: A diagram illustrating safe climbing angles for the scooter. It shows angles in degrees (°), percentages (%), and corresponding maximum user weights in kilograms (kg) and pounds (lbs). For example, 12° (21%) allows up to 75 kg (165 lbs), 9° (16%) up to 85 kg (187 lbs), 6° (10%) up to 113 kg (250 lbs), and 0° (flat) up to 136 kg (300 lbs). The diagram implies these are for a single user.]

Batteries and Battery Charging

The Shoprider® GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter is supplied with maintenance-free, sealed lead acid batteries. For easy handling, the batteries are contained within a battery pack. Battery life and performance may be affected by temperature, terrain, condition of battery, the weight of the user, and care of batteries. The battery needle gauge is only a guide and is most effective when the scooter is moving, only then is the true discharge level displayed. When the scooter stops, the battery needle gauge may indicate full. An active user can use up to 30% of battery capacity or more per day. Inactive users may only use 50% of battery capacity in a week. In both these instances, the battery should be put on charge overnight.

Keeping the batteries charged will extend the life of the batteries.

Battery Charger

The battery charger is a 2-amp off-board unit. The GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter has a built-in charger port on the rear side of the battery pack. This special feature allows the batteries within the battery pack to be charged without the scooter. A compartment built into the battery pack is designed to store the battery charger when not in use.

First Time Use

Prior to using your GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter for the first time, you must charge the batteries fully (refer to Battery Charging Procedures). Charging may take up to 12 hours. Charging the batteries completely prior to first-time use will benefit battery efficiency. Failure to do so may cause damage.

Charging

To charge the batteries, plug the A/C cord into the wall socket and connect the 3-pin male plug lead into the 3-pin female battery-charging socket located on the battery pack. The battery charger has two indicator lights: The red light, when solid, indicates power. The green light will flash when charging and go solid green when the charging cycle is complete. If the red light flashes when the charger is plugged into the charging port of the battery pack, then there is a problem. Please contact your provider or Shoprider for assistance. Once the batteries are completely charged, unplug the A/C cord from the wall, then unplug the 3-pin lead from the battery pack.

WARNING: Only use the original Shoprider approved charger!

This charger is for indoor use only. DO NOT expose it to rain or water spray.

Do not leave the charger plugged into the charger port if the charger is not charging.

Maintenance

Tyres

Since your tires are flat-free, there is no need to ever worry about tire air pressure.

General Maintenance and Lubrication

Inspection for loose wheel bolts, seat and arm tightening bolts, and other nuts and bolts is recommended on a regular basis. Most lubricated components on the GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Portable Scooter are designed to be maintenance-free and are sealed. Therefore, lubrication is not required for these components. However, the driving axles and seat post should always have a very light coat of multipurpose grease.

DO NOT USE TOO MUCH GREASE!

Drips may stain or damage carpets, furnishings, etc.

It is recommended that the driving axles (inside the drive wheel assembly) be checked and cleaned occasionally for hair and debris build-up, which will hinder the performance of the unit.

Check the batteries on a regular basis. For extended battery life, it is highly recommended that the batteries be fully charged after each use. If the batteries are weak, severely discharged, or old, a variety of problems may occur with the unit, including charging problems, reduced speed, loss of range, and others. Please contact your local Shoprider® provider for battery replacement.

Troubleshooting Guide

Circuit Breaker (Reset Button)

Your scooter is fitted with the latest in electronic controls that are programmed to protect the electrical system from abnormal overloads. Provided for extra protection is a circuit breaker, located on the side of the battery pack. Should there be a situation where your scooter stops for no apparent reason, please check that the circuit breaker has not popped.

NOTE: To preserve battery charge, your scooter may go into sleep mode after being idle for a few minutes. To remove from sleep mode, turn the key off and back on again.

Check List

If your scooter fails to operate, please check the following:

• Unit is switched on.
• Drive/Freewheel mechanism is in the drive position.
• All plugs and connectors are clean and firmly connected.
• Battery level shows full charge.

If the free wheel device has been operated with the scooter switched on, then the scooter will not operate until the ignition key has been switched off and then on again.

Please consult your dealer if your scooter does not run after checking these points.

Technical Specifications

***ALL SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE***

1. Include the Anti-Tip wheel.

2. Driver weight may exceed weight of the unit; speed must be reduced when turning.

3. The actual driving range varies with the factors shown below:

• a. the weight of occupant
• b. ground surface
• c. battery conditions
• d. type of charger
• e. ambient temperature
• f. the way of driving
• g. terrain

Quarterly Inspection

For your own safety, quarterly inspection and service on the product has to be performed and signed by an authorized provider. Maintenance records (below) should be kept at all times. The manufacturer / distributor / vendor will be indemnified from any product liability claim if the above maintenance / service requirement is not met.

NOTE! Regular (Yearly) inspection is strongly recommended by the manufacturer to ensure ultimate performance of the scooter.

Service Record:

Purchaser: ___________________________________________________

Model #: GK4/GK7-3/GK9 Serial #: ________________________________

Provider Unit Was Purchased From: ______________________________

Date of Purchase: / /

[Description of Inspection Table: A grid for recording inspection dates (M/D/Y) over time, likely for quarterly and yearly checks.]

Contact Information

SHOPRIDER

P.O. Box 8261, Centurion 0046

Tel: +27 (0) 12 653 1168/1817 | +27 (0) 12 653 8299

Cell: 082 754 0745 (Daniël) | Cell: 082 451 2001

e-mail: shoprider@icon.co.za | Website: www.shoprider.co.za

GPS: S25°51.868' E28°09.948'

Location: HENNOPSPARK - CENTURION

[Description of Map: A map showing the location of Shoprider in Hennopspark, Centurion. Key roads include OU JHB - PTA PAD - R101, JAKARANDA STRAAT 70, LENCHEN LAAN, EDISON SINGEL, EDISON SINGEL, EDWARD SINGEL, and H.F. VERWOERD RYLAAN. The Shoprider address is indicated as DIAMOND PARK No 13.]