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FAQ's
How much weight is added to the bicycle?
Is the Electric Assist produced by friction?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!! The U.S. Pro-Drive Propulsion System is a chain driven Direct-Drive Unit. The U.S. Pro-Drive bicycles freewheel without any additional drag so they ride just like "normal" bicycles. No friction, no loss of power, just pure electric assistance!
How do they handle up hill?
The U.S. Pro-Drive has enough torque to take the hills. Simply press the thumb throttle and the fully integrated, patented Direct-Drive system instantly gives you the power to take the hills you encounter along your ride. No more walking your bike up the hills again!
Is the motor always on?
The motor is controlled by a thumb throttle mounted on the right side of the handlebars. With your battery on, the motor is available at anytime during your ride by depressing the throttle with your thumb. The throttle has a variable speed control, meaning the further down you press the throttle the more power you receive from the motor. This feature allows you to be in control of the bike. The U.S. Pro-Drive bicycles allow you to build your endurance and maintain your target heart rate without over working yourself.
Does the bicycle recharge while pedaling or going downhill?
No. Our E-Products are completely friction free, recharging while riding would create friction and unwanted drag. Recharging the batteries while riding can also overcharge and destroy them. Instead, our Direct Drive system allows the rear wheel to spin freely while riding faster than the motor. No additional drag, just complete assistance.
Can you add the E-Conversion Kit to any bicycle?
Our E-Conversion Kit can be adapted to a 32 or 36 spoke pattern that crosses three times at the hub. Please contact us directly if you have any questions regarding adaptation to your bicycle.
How much weight is added to the bicycle?
Approximately 28 lbs. are added to the bicycle. For transporting purposes we have designed our batteries to be able to disconnect from the frame by the turn of a key. The batteries weigh 19 pounds, so you want to remove that added weight when lifting your bicycle onto car racks or upstairs. The weight of a bicycle primarily matters when climbing a hill or when first starting from a stop. Of course, that's when the U.S. Pro-Drive Direct Drive system provides you with the most assistance!
How do you recharge the battery?
The battery can be completely recharged in 6-8 hours using the standard battery charger. We also have two optional quick chargers available for purchase that can recharge the battery in approximately 2 or 3 hours. Our batteries, unlike Nickel Cadmium batteries found in most computers and cellular phones, do not have a memory. Our batteries may be partially recharged at any time. Our "Smart Charger" recharges the two 12-volt, sealed, recyclable, lead-acid batteries without overcharging them. You can leave your bicycle plugged in whenever it is not in use. (This will provide longer battery life.)
How long will the battery last?
The U.S.P.D. batteries reserves the bottom 20% of the battery to prolong its life. Without this system, a completely drained battery would give only 100 recharges. By using 80% of the battery capacity we increase the number of recharges to 300-400 cycles. If you use half of the available charge, you can get up to 700-800 cycles. As you can see, the battery life is dependent on how often you use it and how deeply you discharge it. Riding 10 miles with normal pedaling 4-5 times per week would allow about 2 years battery life.
What maintenance is required on your E-Products?
Normal bicycle maintenance is required. The bicycle, battery, motor, and drive system can be washed off and wiped dry while the system is turned off. The electronic controller is completely sealed inside the motor and cannot be damaged by water . Chain adjustment and lubrication is just like that on a normal bicycle.
Does the product come with a warranty?
The bicycle frame is warranted for life to the original owner. The U.S. Pro- Drive propulsion system is warranted for 12 months. Batteries are pro-rated over a 12-month period. Exclusions (except for manufacturing defects) include chains, tires, and brake pads. See warranty in owner's manual for details.
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Does the product come with a warranty?