Manuals+

The Austin E-Bike By Daymak

Single Battery Electric Bicycle User's Guide

Updated July, 2008

About Daymak

DAYMAK INC. is a developer, importer, and distributor of alternative energy and fuel-efficient vehicles. The company operates a distribution network of 10 retail stores, with two being corporate-owned, and 50 dealers primarily located in Ontario. Daymak possesses the expertise and knowledge to manage products from the "Concept" stage through to "Commercialization," encompassing design, testing, manufacturing, and sales. The company is currently developing and launching its proprietary Daymak Drive™ Technology. For more information, visit www.daymak.com.

Copyright 2008, Daymak Inc. All materials in this guide are the copyright property of Daymak, Inc. Reproduction requires written permission from Daymak.

Introduction

E-Bikes

Riding an electric bicycle is an excellent way to travel around town conveniently and affordably. E-bikes represent a significant advancement in urban transportation. They use minimal electricity, have the potential to greatly reduce urban pollution, and are very quiet, contributing less to noise pollution. E-bikes are also easy and often free to park, making them unobtrusive and practical additions to the urban landscape.

E-bikes are also cost-effective, typically requiring no registration, insurance, or license, and incurring no parking charges. Compared to internal combustion engines, electric vehicle engines have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. The Daymak e-bike is the result of Daymak's years of experience, skilled staff, and careful engineering design. Daymak hopes users enjoy the product and welcomes feedback.

New Laws

Many Canadian provinces, U.S. states, the United Kingdom, and European countries have introduced laws permitting cyclists to use electric motors to assist bicycle operation. It is recommended to check with your provincial or state government for local laws. This manual includes common Canadian provincial regulations governing e-bikes.

This Guide

Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. For the latest details, contact your local Daymak dealer or visit the Daymak website. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, users are encouraged to report any missing, incomplete, or incorrect information.

Liability

Daymak is not liable for damages, loss of profits, or third-party claims arising from improper product use. Daymak is also not liable for damages resulting from service performed by unauthorized third parties.

Bicycle Part Diagrams

Diagram 1: The Austin E-Bike

This diagram illustrates the various parts of the bicycle. Note that many parts are not user-serviceable and should only be repaired by trained professionals, particularly the electrical and mechanical components.

Diagram 2: The Handlebars and Controls

This diagram illustrates the control mechanism and display. The features may parallel, but not exactly match, the Austin e-bike.

Riding Instructions

This guide assumes you are familiar with riding a standard bicycle. Before riding an electric bicycle, ensure you are comfortable with controlling and balancing a regular bicycle.

Caution: If you lack cycling experience, an e-bike is too dangerous. Do not use an e-bike to learn how to ride a bicycle.

Important Notes

Items to Carry with the E-Bike

It is advisable to carry the following items when riding your e-bike:

Inspecting your E-Bike

Always inspect your e-bike before riding to ensure safety features are operational. Routine inspections can prevent accidents. Pay attention to how the e-bike feels; any changes between rides should be examined. Listen for changes in the e-bike's sounds, as these may indicate mechanical or power issues.

Operating Instructions

Holding the Handlebars

Similar to a standard bicycle or scooter, place your fingers over the brake levers. Wrap your palms and thumbs around the handlegrips to easily activate the brakes for quick stops. This is the safe method for controlling your electric bicycle.

Turning your E-Bike On and Off

To turn on your e-bike, insert the key into the "ignition" located below the dashboard and turn it to the right. The power indicator will light up, and the battery charge indicator will show the current power level. To turn off, turn the key to the left and remove it.

Warning: The electrical system becomes live when the e-bike is activated. Do not attempt to modify or repair any electrical components while the e-bike is on. Turn the e-bike off and remove the key first. The battery carries a significant electric charge and can cause injury if not handled properly.

Accelerating and Decelerating

The throttle is located on the right-side handlebar grip. Turn the grip forward (away from you) to accelerate. To decelerate, release the grip (turn it towards you). Avoid over-rotating the accelerator, as this can damage the battery and electrical components.

Warning: Do not activate the accelerator until you are seated on the bicycle and ready to move. The e-bike can easily escape control, potentially causing injury to yourself or others, and may be damaged if dropped.

Stopping

Your e-bike is equipped with front and rear brakes. The levers on the handlebars activate the brakes. Pull the levers towards you to engage them. You can use both brakes for a quicker stop or one brake for a gentler stop.

Note: When the brakes are applied, the engine power is automatically turned off until the brakes are released, ensuring safe stopping.

Safety Tips

Signalling

You can signal and warn others using sound and light signals.

The Horn

The e-bike has a horn. Press the button on the left handlebar to activate it.

Turning Signal Lights

Your e-bike has turn signal lights. Use the activator on the left handlebar: push left or right to indicate your turn direction, and press the middle of the button to turn them off.

Note: Turn signals emit an audible click to alert others. This sound cannot be disabled separately from the visual signal.

Lights

The headlight and taillight are essential for visibility in dark conditions, improving safety in mixed traffic. The switch is located on the left handlebar.

Note: Lights consume electricity and may reduce travel distance by approximately 5%.

Pedaling

This e-bike is designed as a motor-assisted bicycle. While it can be used with the motor alone, pedaling alongside the motor increases travel distance by assisting the motor and reducing battery draw.

Riding in Wet Weather

The e-bike is designed for wet conditions, but the rear motor can cause slipping at high speeds. Be cautious in very wet conditions and avoid high speeds. Water can also reduce brake efficiency.

The Motor and Water

The e-bike is not designed for immersion in water. Ensure the water level does not exceed the middle of the tire to prevent water from entering the motor, which could cause short-circuits and damage electrical systems.

Riding in Cold Weather

The e-bike is designed for year-round operation. However, in very cold conditions or heavy snow/slush, the motor can get wet, and brakes may be less efficient. Battery performance is reduced below 10 degrees Celsius. While Lithium-Ion batteries perform better than Lead-Acid in extreme temperatures, both experience reduced performance. Cold temperatures may also require earlier battery replacement.

Using the Rear Storage Compartment

The rear storage compartment is opened with the provided key. Insert the key, turn right to open, and turn left to lock. It is suitable for storing the charger, cables, or a U-lock for security.

Opening the Seat Trunk

To open the seat trunk, insert the key into the lock below the seat on the left side and turn it fully to the right. The seat will pop open. To close, ensure no items obstruct the mechanism and push the seat down firmly until it clicks. Note: The seat trunk will not open if you are sitting on it.

Parking and Locking your E-Bike

Follow these steps to park and lock your e-bike:

  1. Stop the e-bike and position it as desired.
  2. Dismount, ensuring the e-bike remains balanced.
  3. Stand to the side and slightly behind the e-bike.
  4. Hold the kickstand with one foot and grip the rear basket bracket.
  5. Pull the back of the seat up and towards you. The e-bike will move backward, supported by the kickstand.
  6. Lock the e-bike to a secure object (e.g., post) through the rear wheel frame or a metal frame component.

Warning: Do not let your e-bike drop or fall, as this can damage the exterior and internal components.

Maximum Load

Do not exceed the e-bike's maximum load capacity (see Technical Data). Exceeding the load limit will reduce performance and may cause damage to shocks, the mechanism, the frame, or the motor.

Disconnecting the Circuit Breaker

To disable all power from the battery, disconnect the circuit breaker. This is useful for storage or servicing.

Procedure:

  1. Open the seat compartment.
  2. Locate the circuit breaker switch.
  3. Activate the switch to disable power.

Long-Term Storage of your E-Bike

For long-term storage, disconnect the circuit breaker to prevent accidental activation. The circuit breaker is found by opening the battery case, between the battery and the controller. Refer to "Your Battery" section for maintenance during storage.

The Battery

This section provides essential information about your e-bike's battery. Always treat the electrical systems with respect.

Battery Power

The dashboard features a battery charge indicator. Charge your e-bike if the power level has dropped significantly.

Distance and Power

The battery offers a range of 35 to 50 km per charge. Factors influencing range include rider weight, wind resistance, riding habits, terrain (hills), and tire air pressure.

Saving Power

To maximize range on longer trips, adopt efficient riding habits:

Charging your E-Bike

Charging is a simple process requiring the supplied charger and a 110V household electrical outlet.

Charger Warning: Use only the charger provided with your e-bike. Using an incompatible charger can cause irreparable damage to the battery and electrical systems, and may lead to injury.

Charging Procedure:

  1. Turn off the e-bike and remove the key from the ignition.
  2. Plug the charger cable into the e-bike's charging slot (located on the outside casing, below the seat).
  3. Plug the charger's power cable into a 110V wall socket or a compatible generator.
  4. Allow the e-bike to charge for 3-8 hours. A musical tune indicates charging has begun.
  5. Disconnect the charger when the LED light turns green, indicating a full charge.

If charging the battery separately, follow the same procedure, plugging the battery directly into the power supply.

Note: If the charger's LED status light remains red for over 14 hours, and the battery becomes very hot, the battery or charger may need replacement. Contact your Daymak dealer immediately.

The Battery Fuse

A 30 Amp fuse protects the e-bike's electrical systems from over-use and power surges. It is located on the battery where the power cable attaches. If the fuse blows, all electrical input to the e-bike will cease, and the battery will not recharge.

Procedure to replace the fuse:

  1. Turn off the e-bike.
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Remove the fuse case (near the battery plug) by turning it clockwise.
  4. Replace the old 30A fuse with a new one.
  5. Replace the battery.
  6. Restart the e-bike.

Note: Always carry a spare 30A fuse.

Removing the Battery for Charging or Storage

Your battery can be removed for charging or replacement. This is useful if you need to charge it at your destination or swap it with a charged spare.

Procedure:

  1. Lift the footguard between the seat and steering shaft.
  2. Unlock the battery compartment.
  3. Lift the battery out partially, turn it slightly, and rest it against the frame.
  4. Unplug the battery from the e-bike.
  5. Carefully lift the battery with both hands and place it for charging.
  6. Follow instructions under "Battery Care" and "Handling the Battery."

Reverse these steps to reinstall the battery.

Warning: A charging battery generates heat. Do not cover it during charging to allow heat to escape. Overheating can cause serious damage. Do not touch a very hot battery.

Battery Care

Follow these suggestions for optimal battery performance:

Warning: DO NOT place your Lead-Acid battery on concrete. Concrete drains battery power and neutralizes the lead-acid chemistry, potentially causing loss of storage ability.

Cold Weather and your Battery

Battery performance is reduced below 10 degrees Celsius. Repeated riding in cold temperatures may necessitate earlier battery replacement.

Handling the Battery

The battery contains significant electrical power. Handle it with caution and respect to avoid serious injury.

WARNING! Follow these instructions closely:

Replacement and Disposal

Lead-acid batteries typically need replacement after approximately 300 charges; lithium-ion batteries last about 1500 charges. A battery needing replacement will hold less charge.

Contact your local Daymak dealer to purchase a new battery. Dispose of old batteries at a proper municipal recycling facility; if unavailable, contact your Daymak dealer.

Warning: Ensure you replace the battery with an identical or very similar model. Changing battery format or power levels requires advanced knowledge of electrical systems and can cause irreparable damage if done incorrectly. Using the wrong battery type will void your warranty.

Technical Data

This section provides the technical specifications for your e-bike.

Basic Statistics

Electrical System Statistics

Motor Statistics

Controller Statistics

Charger Statistics

Battery Statistics

Wiring Diagram

The wiring diagram illustrates the connections between the Accelerator, Switch, Battery, Charger, Controller, Hub Motor, and Brakes. The brakes are shown to cut off power to the motor.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

This section outlines common problems and their solutions. Many parts are not user-serviceable and require professional repair; altering components voids the warranty.

Tire Pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for performance and to prevent damage. Tire pressure decreases in cold weather and increases in warmer weather. To add air:

  1. Identify the recommended pressure on the tire sidewall.
  2. Locate the air valve on the inner rim.
  3. Remove the valve cap.
  4. Place the air pump nozzle over the valve.
  5. Pump air, ensuring not to exceed the recommended pressure.
  6. Remove the pump nozzle carefully.
  7. Replace the valve cap.

Proper tire pressure allows for greater travel distance as the motor works less.

Replacing Flat Tires

Replacing flat tire tubes is more complex on e-bikes than on regular bicycles, especially for the rear wheel connected to the hub motor. If you are not familiar with these mechanical components, attempting a rear tire change can cause serious problems. It is recommended to contact your Daymak dealer for assistance with wheel and tire replacement.

The Brakes

The drum brakes provide critical stopping power. Test them regularly and consult your Daymak dealer if they feel loose or lose stopping power. Brake pads require periodic replacement (typically after 1-1.5 years). Brake cable tension may also need adjustment.

Adjusting Brake Cable Tension:

  1. Locate the wing nut on the drum brake.
  2. To tighten, turn the wing nut clockwise.
  3. To loosen, turn the wing nut counter-clockwise.
  4. Adjust until the brakes provide adequate safety but allow the wheel to spin freely when disengaged.

Warning: Do not excessively loosen the drum brakes, as this will cause them to fail and prevent the e-bike from stopping properly.

Servicing the Battery

Refer to "The Battery" section for information on servicing or handling your battery.

The Battery Fuse

If the fuse blows, all electrical input to the e-bike will cease, and the battery will not recharge. To replace the fuse:

  1. Turn off the e-bike.
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Remove the fuse case by turning it clockwise.
  4. Replace the old 30A fuse with a new one.
  5. Replace the battery.
  6. Restart the e-bike.

Note: Always carry a spare 30A fuse.

The Motor

Do not service the motor yourself. Bring the e-bike to your Daymak dealer for service, as motor repair requires significant expertise. Maintenance is suggested every 100 running hours.

The Chain

Ensure the chain is well-oiled and lubricated for proper function.

Shock Absorbers and Comfort

If the ride feels bumpier than usual, check tire air pressure first, as low pressure can cause discomfort. If the issue persists, take your e-bike to your Daymak dealer for servicing.

Bringing in your E-Bike for Service

Do not attempt to service electronic or mechanical parts unless you have a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical equipment. If the e-bike is not performing correctly, disconnect the circuit breaker and bring it to your local Daymak dealer. Do not store the e-bike without disconnecting the circuit breaker.

Liability: Daymak is not responsible for damage or injuries resulting from errors in improperly serviced parts.

E-Bikes and Canadian Law

Canadian Jurisdictions: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon have legalized power-assisted bicycles as conventional bicycles, not motor vehicles. They do not require insurance, registration, or licenses, provided technical specifications are met. Rules vary slightly by province; consult local transportation authorities.

New Ontario Regulations

Ontario is conducting a pilot program to determine e-bike regulations. The program ends in 2009. The rules are similar to other Canadian provinces. Keep a copy of this "TPS Training Bulletin" for reference when traveling.

Definition of an E-Bike

An e-bike is a bicycle with a battery-powered electric motor (not exceeding 500 watts) that assists the rider up to 32 km/h. It can also be pedaled like a regular bicycle. Pedaling enhances distance, hill climbing, and wind resistance management. E-bikes are similar to conventional bicycles in size, weight, speed, and required skills. A power-assisted bicycle is defined as an e-bike meeting the Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements.

Traveling by E-Bike

Power-assisted bicycles can be ridden anywhere bicycles are permitted, including trails and paths where municipal by-laws allow. They are restricted from controlled-access highways (e.g., 400 series highways, Queen Elizabeth Way) and municipal roads where bicycles are banned.

Who Can Ride an E-Bike

Anyone 16 years of age or older, wearing an approved bicycle helmet, can ride an e-bike.

Specific Riding Requirements

Power-assisted bicycles are treated as bicycles, meaning:

Equipment

A power-assisted bicycle (e-bike) must have:

Safety Equipment

E-bikes require the same safety equipment as bicycles under the Highway Traffic Act:

Bicycle Helmets

All e-bike operators must wear an approved bicycle helmet, with no age exemptions.

Fines and Penalties

Standard bicycle traffic violation fines apply. Offences related to pilot programs (e.g., riding under 16, no helmet) may incur higher fines, ranging from $250 to $2,500.

Drinking and Driving

Operating an e-bike while intoxicated can be charged as impaired driving under the Criminal Code, potentially leading to fines, jail time, and driving prohibitions. While not considered a motor vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act for pilot program purposes, the Criminal Code definition may apply.

TPS Training Bulletin

This bulletin addresses inquiries from officers and the public regarding the definition of a Power Assisted Bicycle (e-bike).

According to Ontario Regulation 473/06, an e-bike meeting the definition is not considered a motor vehicle under the Highway Traffic Act and is treated as a bicycle. Riders aged 16 and over wearing a helmet are permitted to ride on highways without a driver's license, permit, or insurance. Key requirements for designation as a "power assisted bicycle" include being propelled by muscular power and bearing a permanent manufacturer's label stating it is a power assisted bicycle. Pedals must be attached and functional during operation.

O. Reg 473 references federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations for definitions.

Contact Information:

Rick Line, TC 4365,
TPS Training & Education Unit,
Traffic & Provincial Statutes Section,
C.O. Bick College,
4620 Finch Ave. E.,
Scarborough, On, M1S-4G2
Ph: 416-808-4877
"Committed to Lifelong Learning"

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