Foreword On Safety - Bakcou STORM JAGER Owner's Manual

F O R E W O R D O N SA F E T Y
An electric bicycle can be a great way to access terrain that may be impossible by any other means. It can
also be dangerous, especially if you ride terrain above your ability or beyond the capability of the eBike
itself. If you are headed into the backcountry, be prepared. Bakcou recommends riding with a first-aid
kit and a Trailside Repair Kit that includes a bicycle pump, flat repair kit, chain links, chain tool, and bike
multi-tool. Bring water, food and clothing appropriate for the season and the environment. A dry trail with
good traction may turn impassable with a little rain. If this occurs, you may need to walk the eBike. Always
practice proper backcountry safety protocols.
The eBike will not protect you in an accident. There are no seat belts or air bags, and therefore a crash,
even at low speeds, can result in injury or death. If you are in an accident, inspect the eBike thoroughly
before continuing with your ride. If you aren't sure, do not ride the eBike. Take it to a professional bicycle
mechanic or repair shop for a professional inspection.
If you experience any mechanical problems while on a ride, immediately turn off the electric power at
the battery prior to attempting any repairs. Repairs include anything such as putting the chain back on,
adjusting brakes, or adjusting accessories. Attempting to replace or re-engage the chain while the power
is on could result in serious injury.
Secure all cargo and ensure loose straps are secured to avoid interference with the moving parts on
the eBike. Be aware of loose clothing, especially on the drive side (right side) of the bicycle, to avoid
interference between your clothes and the drivetrain. Be sure the wheels spin freely and there is nothing
that could get caught in the spokes or prevent the wheels from turning freely. If you get a piece of clothing
or equipment caught in the front chainring, immediately turn the power off. You may need to be prepared
to cut or remove clothing that gets caught in the drivetrain in order to remove it from the system.
The Bakcou eBike is a fun and exciting ride! Always be aware of your surroundings and your environment.
Be cautious of other riders and pedestrians. Always stay in control and within your ability. Bakcou
recommends the use of a DOT (Department of Transportation) rated helmet at all times.
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I N T RO D U C T I O N
Your Bakcou eBike comes with a tremendous amount of torque and power. It is equipped with gearing
for steep climbing, as well as higher speed straightaways. The larger cogs, on the rear cassette, are for
climbing and the smaller cogs, are for flatter ground and higher speeds. This makes riding your eBike
correctly, even more important. Sometimes riders get caught up in "throttle only" riding, to such a degree,
that they forget to shift gears. Similar to driving a car, it is important to shift into the appropriate gear for
the terrain you are riding. As with driving a car, you certainly wouldn't start from a standstill in 6th gear.
This would cause a tremendous amount of stress on your drivetrain. An eBike is no different. Make sure
your eBike is in 1st or 2nd gear when you start off, and then shift into higher gears, as you pick up speed.
Then, as you prepare to stop, down shift into 1st or 2nd gear, so that you are once again in a lower gear
for when you take off.
Just to be clear, the largest cog on the rear cassette is 1st gear and is thus for climbing, and the smallest
cog is 9th gear and is for flatter ground and higher speeds. The significantly increased torque, created by
your electric motor at take-off, can be easily distributed across a large cog. Whereas, a small cog does not
have enough teeth to appropriately distribute the increased torque. Starting in a higher gear will cause
premature wear and tear on your chain and gears, among other drivetrain components.
In addition to the proper shifting described above, we strongly encourage using pedal assist to start rather
than throttling from a standstill. Using the throttle at a standstill is similar to pushing the gas pedal to the
floor in your car when taking off. While this may create some excitement, it's also very stressful on the drive
train components of your eBike.
You will notice while riding that your eBike has shift and brake sensors. For obvious reasons, the power to the
motor is cut off when the brakes are applied. However, power to the motor is also cut while shifting gears.
This sensor allows for tension on the chain to be relieved so that proper and smooth shifting can occur.
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