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Phoenix II Power System Owner’s Manual |
Welcome to the growing family of people who have discovered electric transportation! We care about you. When enjoying your vehicle powered by one of our Phoenix II power systems, be sure to ride safely, defensively, and within the limits of the law and your abilities. Always wear a helmet and eye protection, clothing and other safety gear as appropriate for the ride. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or other medication. Know your bike, and know your personal limits.
Phoenix II owners: High-speed biking is similar to motorcycling. For your safety and enjoyment, we suggest you take a motorcycle safety course, either online or in a classroom. A web search will reveal a number of good choices of free material if you want a self-paced course. These classes teach awareness and defensive skills that could possibly save your life.
Your electric power system is designed and manufactured to be the best value in its class. We believe quality improvement is an ongoing process, so we continue to make investments in new and better technologies to broaden the appeal of electric alternatives. This also means that the specifications in this manual may be changed without notice.
This manual is designed to acquaint you with the operation, care, and maintenance of your power system, and to provide you with important safety information. Follow these instructions carefully for maximum performance and for your personal cycling safety and pleasure.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Please read FAQ's and all owners and assembly manuals that come with your motor kit.
If you still have questions or service needs email ElectroRide at
electroride@gmail.com or call us
at 415-579-1966.
Table of Contents
How it Works
Kit Components
Hub Motor
Controller
APM-Display (Active Power Management Display)
Forward/Reverse Switch
Throttle
Cruise Control with Brake Inhibit
Connections
Tips
Troubleshooting
Warnings
Safety Checklist
Periodic Electrical Checks
FAQ
Disclaimers
How it Works
The major components of the system consist of a battery pack, a controller with
APM-Display, a throttle, and a hub motor. The battery pack can be any type of
battery that can supply the correct voltage and current required by Phoenix II
systems. All major components are connected to the controller, the “brain” of
the system. The controller’s basic operation is similar to an electric light
dimmer. It adjusts the amount of power going to the motor based on the throttle
setting. Brushless hub motors are very efficient. Inside, there are three
separate windings. Each winding is responsible for turning the wheel one-third
of the way around. While there used to be sensors inside the motor to tell the
controller which winding to apply power to, now the controller does all the
work! Since there are no longer sensors inside the motor, there is nothing
inside the motor that can be damaged, other than bearings! This allows the
energy to be more focused, and changing windings is all electronic – done
completely by the controller. There is no physical connection between the
stationary part of the motor and the moving part of the motor, so there is no
theoretical limit to their life. Brushed motors work differently - Power is
transferred to the motor by brushes making contact with the moving part of the
motor. This means that brushes must be replaced periodically, which can be
expensive and can cause down-time. All Phoenix II motors are brushless, so the
only fixed cost of owning one is battery replacement, and the occasional tire,
tube, and brake replacement. Yes, you will go through more brake pads with a
power system installed on a bike with rim brakes, but all Phoenix II motors are
disc brake compatible. Disc brakes require less adjustment, and fewer brake pad
replacements, but they do put more strain on the spokes than rim brakes.
Kit
Components
The higher the voltage and the higher the current, the more torque and speed
your motor will deliver, but over-volting a controller will blow it every time,
so don’t do it. If you want more power, email us about a controller upgrade.
Your controller has a power switch (or optional keyswitch) to turn power to the
system off and on. Note that turning the system off still allows a tiny amount
of current to be drawn from the batteries. If your vehicle is not going to be
used for several days, the battery should be disconnected from the controller at
the large gray Anderson connector.
NOTE: The “F” revision and newer controllers are programmed with a “ramp”, meaning if you
apply full throttle while moving less than about 4mph, there will be a gradual
increase of power sent to the motor. This feature is meant to protect you and
your frame from sudden whip-lash. Without this throttle ramp, an accidental
over-rotation of the throttle could cause the motor axle to spin in your
dropouts, or cause the rider to lose control. You have to remember these Phoenix
II motors are really powerful!
APM-Display (Active Power
Management Display)
The APM display is covered in your separate APM-Display Owner Manual.
Forward/Reverse Switch
Phoenix II controllers can operate in reverse for trikes and four-wheelers. The
optional reverse switch mounts on the handlebar and connects to the controller.
Throttle
We offer a number of throttles. They are all compatible with our entire product
line. If your throttle has a gauge, it must be the same voltage as your system
to give a correct reading, but the throttle will still work with any of our
systems. When using the APM-Display unit, a non-lighted throttle is best. If you
have twist shifters on your bike, you will need to choose a thumb throttle.
Otherwise, a half-twist or full twist may be used.
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Thumb Throttle – Most commonly used, fits most vehicles. If using twist grip shifters, you must use the thumb throttle due to lack of space on your handlebars. Requires 1 inch of handlebar space. |
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Half-Twist Throttle – Twists like a motorcycle throttle, but only uses half the space of your handlebar, which leaves a stationary part of the handlebar to rest your hand on. You cannot use the half-twist if you have twist shifters. Requires 2.8 inches of handlebar space. |
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Full-Twist Throttle – Most like a motorcycle throttle, where it covers the entire right-handlebar. You cannot use the half-twist if you have twist shifters. Requires 4.5 inches of handlebar space. |
Cruise Control
with Brake Inhibit
Cruise control is a now a feature of the APM. Older Phoenix systems used a
separate cruise control shown below. With either, you have the ability to set a
speed and release the throttle. Our cruise control works just like the one in
your car. Turning the unit off by pressing the CRUISE button, twisting the
throttle or engaging either brake will shut off the unit. The brake inhibit also
prevents the throttle from operating.
Connections
General
We have designed our systems so that it is easy to tell which connectors go
together. Small connectors on the throttle, cruise control, and brake inhibits
are indexed so that they will only go in to the correct mate, and only in the
correct direction. The motor connection is the same. All components connect to
the controller.
Connector to Battery
The battery pack uses an Anderson 50 Amp connector that mates with the same on
the controller. If you purchased your battery elsewhere, we strongly recommend
you change the connector on the battery to an Anderson SB-50, which will mate
with the controller. This connector is readily available and has proven itself
over many years.
Motor
There are 3 wires leading to one connector on the motor. These “phase” wires are
used by the controller to select the motor winding that will receive the power.
The silver connector goes to the hall-effect sensors. Connecting this cable is
not necessary, but will result in a smoother start from a dead stop. NOTE: When
you first receive your system you will need to throttle your motor up past about
half speed in order for the sensors to register, so don’t be surprised if the
first time you take-off it acts like a sensorless system (slightly jerky start).
This will only need to be done in the future if the motor is disconnected and
reconnected again.
Everything else
The controller has matching connectors for all components. There will likely be
extra connections not used for your installation. All connectors are indexed so
that you cannot (without forcing) make an incorrect connection.
Tips
Tires
The higher the pressure, the less rolling resistance. Tires capable of higher
pressure will give you better range and speed. The smoother the tire, the less
rolling resistance. Slicks give you better range and speed than knobbies. Kevlar
lining is a great feature to have on tires for your new Phoenix II system,
anything that will lower the risk of a flat tire is recommended.
Controller Placement / Battery Portability
If you must take your batteries off your bike on a regular basis, it may make
sense to mount your controller on the bike frame itself. The throttle, cruise,
brake inhibits, and motor can remain wired to the controller. The only
connection you will have to mess with is the one from the batteries to the
controller. We use a heavy-duty, durable, large, easy-to-use connector from
battery pack to controller that you will find much easier to deal with than the
small ones.
**IMPORTANT – Never bundle or bunch up your motor’s phase wiring! If you have
excess length on the phase wire, it is best to run the excess wiring along the
frame or under the rack where it doesn’t show. Bundling the phase wires will
dramatically reduce their ability to dissipate heat and can cause the outer
sheath and wire insulation to deform or melt. The controllers themselves and
their phase wires need airflow, as they can get warm or even hot (controller).
Using other types of batteries
There are a number of battery chemistries available to choose from. Be sure your
battery pack can deliver 40 amps continuous current at the voltage of your
controller. When you buy a kit and battery from ElectroRide, they will be
compatible.
| Wheel Maintenance | |
| Your Phoenix II kit includes a spoke wrench for 12g spokes. The 12g spokes we use are much thicker than regular bike spokes, and require a 12g spoke wrench for adjustment. While your new Phoenix II motor will be completely laced and trued when you receive it, new spokes do have a break-in period in which they loosen a bit. You’ll need to check your spoke tension periodically throughout the first 200 miles, more frequently in the beginning and less frequently as you go. Eventually the spokes will stop stretching. NOTE: Keeping your spokes tight is very important. As spokes get loose, they begin to move. Once they begin to move, they take quite a beating. You WILL break spokes if you do not keep them tight. Most bike shops charge $30-$40 to true a wheel, which is the ounce of prevention. If you are not comfortable truing your own wheel, we recommend you take it to your local bike shop to make sure it’s done right. |
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| No power light on controller | A fuse or breaker is installed in your battery pack
during final assembly. Never bypass the fuse or breaker! The fuse/breaker is
there to protect the batteries and the wiring. It will NOT protect the
controller. A blown fuse is almost always an indicator of a bad controller or
something wrong with the wiring. If you blow a fuse, check the wiring for
missing insulation. If the wiring is correct, replace the fuse with one the same
size and rating. If the replacement fuse blows immediately upon turning on
power, the controller is probably bad and must be repaired or replaced. Bad connection between the battery pack and controller |
| Axle turns in dropout | Axle nuts are not tight enough, or dropouts were not steal, and/or not able to support the torque of the axle. If this happens, it will happen on your first ride, and most likely upon your first start from a dead stop. Note: Damage from this problem is NOT a manufacturing defect covered by your warranty. NOTE: If your axle has spun once, it is much more likely to happen again since the damage to your forks has been done. In this case you “might” be able to use a torque arm on each side to make up for the frame’s weakness, but typically it takes both good dropouts and a torque arm to keep the motor on a front forks, and at least good dropouts to keep the motor on the rear wheel. Rear fork is is usually sturdier than front. |
| Short range or low power | Battery not fully charged or battery weak. APM-Display is limiting power. Check your APM settings to make sure you don’t have current or speed limited |
| Controller overheats | If it's a hot, sunny day, you might have found the heat limit of your system, but a short in your motor windings can create extra heat as well. To test for a shorted winding, use a continuity tester. You should show a short from each of the three phase wires to the others, but you should see an open from each motor winding to the axle. |
• Do not use on aluminum front fork! Phoenix motors are stronger than the
dropouts. Eventually, the motor will take off, leaving you and the bike behind.
• Never Bundle excess phase or battery wires! Bundling wires creates excess
heat, and the high power wires need air flow.
• If you zip tie your wires to the frame, do NOT cinch the zip ties down too
hard as it can cause heat build-up beneath the zip tie.
• USE CAUTION on your first ride and watch the motor axle periodically to make
sure it doesn’t move. If the nuts or torque arm are not tight enough, you might
save yourself a lot of frustration by catching it before it’s too late.
• Install a “Drip” channel on your wires to prevent water from finding its way
inside the motor and other components. (See Assembly Guide)
• Always remember to turn your system OFF when you’re finished riding. Leaving
the system ON is unsafe, and can also cause slow battery drain which can damage
your battery over long periods of time.
• Use good judgment when riding. It only takes a few reckless riders to create a
call for local ordinances that would otherwise be unnecessary.
• While the limits of our Phoenix II systems are far beyond the limits of most
other electric bikes, they do still have limits. If you’re climbing a steep hill
and full throttle is only moving you at a 5mph pace, it’s probably too steep to
climb with throttle alone.
• If your system’s performance suddenly changes, discontinue use and determine
the root cause. There is no self-healing, and problems don’t go away. Almost all
problems are easy to fix, and cost little or nothing. Allowing a problem to go
unresolved can be costly, both in terms of your personal safety and
Safety Checklist
For the safest and best performance of your Crystalyte conversion kit, these
steps should be taken before each ride when new, and periodically thereafter:
• Check battery mounting system to make sure it is tightly secured to the
vehicle.
• Check bag for tears or rips. Potholes, or other rough terrain can lead to bag
damage due to the weight of the batteries and friction.
• Check ALL nuts and bolts on the bike. This includes both wheels, the battery
rack, brake system, etc. If the nuts are not tight on the electric wheel, the
axle can spin in the dropouts leaving broken wires and damaged forks. These nuts
must be very tight to assure the proper performance. However, please use
judgement and do not over-tighten, as that could cause damage to the threads
which could render your motor useless. Damage to axle threads is not covered
under your manufacturer’s defect warranty.
• Check spokes on both wheels. The electric wheel requires more attention due to
the torque and weight of the motor. Spoke and wheel maintenance is part of
normal bicycle maintenance procedure. If you think the spokes are not tight
enough, you are probably right. Please do not take chances. The spokes should
all have the same tension. To check the tension, you can “pluck” the spoke like
a guitar string, and you should hear very close to the same tone on each spoke.
• Check the adjustments of your brakes. Traveling at electric-powered speeds,
properly adjusted brakes are a MUST! Consult your bike owner’s manual or a
professional for proper adjustment procedure.
• Check the pressure in your tires. The required pressure can be found on the
sidewall of the tire. Tires lose an average of 2-3 PSI per week. Low pressure
will cause sidewalls to collapse, and that is how most blowouts occur. When
filling a tire with little pressure in it, make sure it is seated properly on
the rim. There is a bead, or line, that goes around the edge of the tire’s
sidewall just above where it meets the rim. That line must be even with the rim
for its entire circumference on both sides. If the tire is not seated properly,
the tube will blow itself out between the rim and the sidewall of the tire and
burst. Tires aired to their full recommended pressure create less rolling
resistance, increasing speed and range.
• When riding at night, we strongly recommend the use of a headlight and rear
light. A bike is much harder to see at night than a car, so extra precautions
are necessary. One way to reduce your chances of being cut off, or side clipped
by a vehicle is to use either an air horn, or a loud enough device that will
make drivers aware of your presence. We recommend a motorcycle safety course.
They teach very useful skills and tips that can be applied when riding a high
speed bike.
• Examine welds and frame members for cracks or evidence of tearing.
Periodic Electrical
Checks
• Check all electrical connections making sure that they are all tight. Bad
contact means energy is wasted as heat, which can cause a breakdown of wire
insulation. Any wire with melted insulation indicates a poor connection nearby.
Disconnect the batteries and do not operate if insulation is melted or wire is
exposed. Replace with 10 gauge or call us for replacement wiring.
• Make sure the battery terminals are not exposed. Things like charger ports can
end up across both terminals creating a short circuit, which may ruin 1 or more
batteries.
FAQ
Q. Is my Phoenix II system “steet legal”?
A. In most states, anything over 750W is considered an off-road vehicle. It is
very unfortunate, as 750W is NOT going to be a real replacement for your gas
vehicle! We believe these laws will become more electric-friendly as time goes
on, and as electric transportation becomes more and more popular. Just like with
dirt bikes or ATV’s, it is the rider’s responsibility to practice safe riding
skills and to be aware of their local laws. The APM-Display allows the rider to
control the power parameters of the system based on the laws where they are
riding.
Q. How long will my Phoenix II system last?
A. Theoretically….Forever! When used as intended, Phoenix II systems should last
forever, with the obvious exception of battery replacement. We have Phoenix I
systems with over 50,000 miles on them and counting! One customer called to
order his Phoenix II after selling his Phoenix I with 18,000 miles on it…..He
sold it for more than he paid new! We wouldn’t expect that to happen every time,
but Phoenix systems tend to hold their value very well.
Q. What are the benefits of a Phoenix II system over a gas vehicle?
A. There are many benefits to riding an electric bike over driving your gas
vehicle. Some of these benefits include paying about a penny per mile to
recharge, free parking at your downtown office building, riding through traffic
jams (safely), and just enjoying the wind in your face without the noise or
smell of fumes to go with it! There’s almost nothing more satisfying than
powering past an avid cyclist on your Phoenix II without pedaling, and without
breaking a sweat! Curious watchers will want to know what you are riding, so
don’t be surprised when you attract a crowd!
Q. If I start with one battery chemistry, can I switch to a different battery
chemistry later without having to purchase a new power system?
A. Yes! Any battery that is the correct voltage, and can supply 40A continuous
will work with your Phoenix II system. You can be sure if we supply a battery
for Phoenix II, it will be capable. If sourcing your battery elsewhere, we
recommend doing research on forums to find reputable sources.
Disclaimers
This publication is not a substitute for a bicycle mechanic. If you have any
doubt about the safety of your bike, or if you doubt your ability to assemble it
safely, take it to a bicycle shop now. Charges are usually minimal to assemble
and adjust a new bike, and your safety is well worth the money.
Truing wheels (keeping wobble out of wheels) is usually the most difficult
maintenance challenge for cyclists. There are a number of good online “How To”
resources for every type of bicycle maintenance, but many prefer to have their
bike tuned up periodically by a professional. The electrical system and motor
require no maintenance.
We have tried to be 100% accurate in the development of this guide, but we are
human, subject to making mistakes, and cannot guarantee the absolute correctness
or completeness of this guide. If you have any questions or concerns not covered
by this guide, you should contact your Dealer.
Warranty
We have engineered our systems for maintenance and trouble-free operation. We
test every system we ship, so we know it works before it gets into your hands.
We also realize manufacturing defects do occur. Electronic component defects
usually show up within the first two weeks of use. We stand behind our systems
and will cover all manufacturing defects by replacing failed parts. We will not
cover abuse. That is, we expect our customers to realize their light electric
vehicles have limits. Most of the same kinds of rules apply to electric vehicles
as gas-powered vehicles. You can't hold the throttle and brake at the same time
for long or something is going to break. In the case of a car, it will probably
be the transmission. In the case of an electric vehicle, it will probably be the
controller. Several of our customers have over 30,000 miles on their Phoenix I
systems. Driven responsibly, you can expect the same from your Phoenix II
system!
For 90 days from date of purchase, we will replace any defective part of your
Crystalyte power system. The warranty extends to 180 days for the motor,
batteries and APM-Display. It extends to 1 year for the throttle, cruise
control, and most chargers. Here's how it works: Contact ElectroRide at electroride@gmail.com
or call us at 415-579-1966. Our technicians will listen to the symptoms you describe
and ask you to ship the defect to us. We will repair or replace your unit and
ship it back to you. Be sure to save your tracking number or postal confirmation
number in case it doesn’t arrive at our Crystalyte distribution center.
Abuse of the system is not a manufacturing defect and is not covered under
warranty. That includes increasing the voltage over the specification of the
controller or motor, bundling wires, and other warnings we go over in the
Phoenix II manuals.
Running the motor without it being securely tightened to the frame will cause
the axle to turn in the dropouts, requiring replacement of the wires coming out
of the motor. This type of failure is not the result of a manufacturing defect
and is not covered by warranty. Make sure your nuts and torque arm are tight!
Upgrades, Parts, and Accessories
Many of our Authorized Dealers stock a number of parts and accessories for
electric and pedal bikes. Many offer upgrades and accessories to make your ride
more comfortable. From faster chargers to speedometers to lights, they will try
to satisfy your electric transportation needs.