General Notes About Riding; Riding Tips - Specialized VADO User Manual

5. GENERAL NOTES ABOUT RIDING

The VADO motor provides pedal assistance only while you are pedaling and the bicycle is in motion. The amount
of pedal assistance will be higher or lower depending on the amount of force applied to the pedals. If you stop
pedaling, the motor will stop providing any assistance.
The VADO bicycle can also be ridden as a normal bicycle without motor assistance by switching the display to the
OFF mode. The same applies if the battery charge drops below 1%.
The VADO bicycle has a walk-assist mode (the motor engages without pedal force being applied) which is designed
to provide assistance when walking the bicycle up a hill, up to a speed of 6 km/h (3.7 mph), so long as the + button
is pressed down.
Because of the electric motor assist, the VADO offers a unique ride compared to a bicycle without motor assist.
Below are some riding tips which may also reduce component wear and increase battery range:
Pay attention to your speed going into a corner and be sure to stop pedaling well before entering the corner.
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Otherwise you may carry too much speed as you enter the corner.
Ride efficiently and look ahead. Any time braking force is applied, more energy is needed to get the bicycle back
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up to speed.
Shift gears regularly to stay in an optimal cadence range and downshift before coming to a stop.
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Reduce pedal force before initiating a gear shift to reduce drivetrain wear.
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Check the tire pressure regularly. Low pressure can cause the tires to roll inefficiently.
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If your bicycle is exposed to cooler weather, keep the battery stored indoors until just before riding.
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Do not expose your bicycle to prolonged excessive heat (e.g. direct sunlight).
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Only carry the cargo you need. More cargo weight requires more energy to move.
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WARNING! The acceleration of an electric bicycle can be faster than anticipated and may feel
unusual at first. Before your first ride, you should use the lowest power ECO mode and become
familiar with the operation of the electric bicycle by practicing starting and stopping, cornering
and navigating obstacles in a safe environment away from other bicycles, pedestrians and/or
vehicles. Please note the default motor support mode upon startup is always SPORT mode.
WARNING! The motor support is activated as soon as you step onto the pedals and the bicycle
is in motion. You should be seated on the bicycle and engage at least one brake before starting
to pedal. Do not put one foot on a pedal and throw a leg over the bicycle, as it could accelerate
unexpectedly. Failure to follow this warning may result in serious personal injury or even death.
WARNING! Since the motor support allows for greater speeds and acceleration, you should pay
particular attention to terrain conditions, other riders, pedestrians, and/or cars when riding. You
may approach obstacles much faster than expected.
CAUTION: The weight of your VADO is significantly higher than a bicycle without motor support.
Use caution when handling the bicycle (including, but not limited to parking, lifting, pushing,
loading it into a car or onto a bicycle carrier and unloading it).
CAUTION: During extended rides up steep grades, the motor may become very hot. Let it cool
down before touching it.
CAUTION: Do not ride your VADO without the battery installed. Riding without a battery may
damage exposed electrical components.

5.1. RIDING TIPS

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