User guide

11
j) Using your twist throttle
The variable throttle on your Storm 500 was designed to
allow you the ability to choose the speed to ride at and
determine the amount of torque off the line. The throttle
operates similar to an automobile; the twisting of the
throttle mimics the depressing of the accelerator. The
throttle is located on the right side grip and considered a
half twist throttle. It is a half twist, as only the inside
portion will twist to power the bicycle. The grip itself will
not twist. Using you forefinger and thumb, you can safely
twist the throttle to propel the bike forward. A half twist
throttle is used to avoid accidentally twisting the full grip
when mounting and dismounting the bicycle. Your
throttle also includes a Power ON and Power OFF
button. It is the red button located underneath the LED
lights. Depressing the button in activates the throttle and
pressing the button out will deactivate the throttle. The
ON / OFF button is for further safety. There is also an
LED set of lights which assist in determining the amount of battery storage capacity remaining. This is discussed in further detail
later in the manual. Throttling is an important factor with any electric bicycle and the distance of traveling available per charge. The
higher the speed, the less distance per charge, the faster you accelerate off the line, the less distance per charge. If there are
multiple stops and take offs, this also affects the range of distance per charge. It is recommended you become accustomed to
your style of riding 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, 10-15 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 increase your distance between charging. (SEE PHOTO)
k) Using your brakes
Your Storm 500 is equipped with a high performance ―Tool Free‖ adjusting Avid BB5 Disc Brake system. The BB5 front and
rear disc brakes allow your new Storm 500 to stop quickly and accurately. Oversized Avid HS ―Heat Shedding‖ stainless
steel disc rotors are utilized for the axles for increased heat dissipation. When properly adjusted, the Storm 500 high
performance disc brake system offers tremendous stopping power. Prior to leaving the factory, the Storm 500 brakes were
adjusted tight and properly tested. Due to cable stretching from new condition, your brakes may need to be readjusted
within a few weeks of riding. Please refer to Chapter 7 ―Maintenance and Replacement‖, section c ―Brake adjustments‖ to
adjust your brakes for optimum performance. When braking, both brake levers should be applied simultaneously. Your left
brake lever manages your front brake and your right brake lever manages your rear brake. You should first become
accustomed with the stopping power of each brake (front & rear). Test each brake separately in a controlled environment
for their ability to stop the bicycle. Front brakes when locked can cause the rear wheel to come off the ground and the rider
can be thrown off the bicycle. In emergency situations, apply pressure to each brake lever, shift your weight to the back of
the bicycle and only attempt to use full force on the front brakes when the bicycle is not stopping quickly enough. Always
keep a safe distance between vehicles, pedestrians and other bicycle riders from yourself.
WARNING: Locking the front wheel during braking can cause the rear wheel to lift off the ground and
throw the rider off the bicycle. Both brake levers should be applied simultaneously. In an emergency situation
shift your weight to the back of the bicycle. Locking the front wheel can cause the rider to lose control, be
thrown off the bicycle and cause serious injury or death.
l) Pedaling
Pedaling your Storm 500 is the same as pedaling a traditional bicycle. It is recommended you add pedaling to the power
of the bicycle to enhance the distance per charge. The Storm 500 is a 8 speed bicycle and has the ratio of a 44T front
chain ring (sprocket) against a 11-28T rear freewheel which is designed to offer an easy pedaling pace at any speed
from 1 MPH to 18 MPH. It is recommended on steep inclines, the rider utilizes the throttle to assist in powering the
bicycle up the incline and simultaneously drop the bicycle to a lower gear. If a rider’s style of riding is throttle only with no
pedaling, distance per charge will be decreased on a steep incline, the rider is required to assist the motor by pedaling to
power up the incline.
m) Shifting gears (SEE PHOTO)
The shifting of gears is required to change the ratio of the rotation of pedaling to
allow more or less torque and lower or higher speeds according to one
complete rotation of the crank set. If requiring more torque, you will shift to a
larger rear sprocket for a higher rotation of pedaling to a lower speed of the rear
wheel. To switch to a larger rear sprocket, you will need to shift to a lower gear.
Gear 1 is the largest sprocket which is 28 Teeth and your lowest gear. One full
crank rotation creates a 1.57 turn of the rear wheel. For higher speeds from less
rotation of the crankset on flat pathways, you will shift to a smaller rear sprocket
for a higher wheel rotation to a lower crankset speed. To shift to a smaller
sprocket, you will need to shift to a higher gear. Gear 8 is the smallest sprocket
with 11 Teeth and your highest gear. One full crank rotation creates a 4 turn of
the rear wheel.