FreeForce Products Frequently Asked Questions
Electric Bikes FAQs:
Q: How’s the ride?
FreeForce e-bikes simply amplify your pedaling effort. They pedal like a regular bike, but the wind is always at your back and hills melt away.
Q: Where can I ride?
Many trails and bike paths allow e-bikes. Speed e-bike regulations vary by country, state, and city. Check with your local authorities for clarification.
Q: How fast can I go?
The maximum speed that a FreeForce bike can go is 20 mph.
Q: Can I lock the battery?
Yes, the battery is locked to the bike and a key must be used to remove it.
Q: Does my bike need to be adjusted when it arrives?
We take many steps to have a bike delivered as close to ready-to-ride as possible. As with any bike, shipping and normal use can make it possible for hardware to vibrate loose over time. With a periodic checks and adjustments, including after assembly, you can keep your bike in great shape so it's ready for any ride! Please check out your bike's Owner's Manual to see hardware torque specifications to keep your bike safe and fun to ride. We also recommend getting an initial tune-up from a local, certified, and reputable bike mechanic within the first 50-100 miles. A tune-up that covers the most common adjustments (like brakes, spokes, derailleur, and tires) is a great way to keep your bike in great shape.
Q: Do FreeForce e-bikes have gears?
All of our bikes use a Shimano 1 x 8-speed gearing system.
Q: What’s a watt hour?
A watt hour is a measurement of battery capacity. Think of it as the “size of the gas tank.”
Q: How many assist modes are there?
FreeForce bikes are equipped with 3 levels of pedal assist.
Q: Why are there different assist levels?
Riders don’t always need the same amount of assist. Using less assist increases battery life, while the option to use more is always there for acceleration or climbing hills.
Q: Do electric bikes require a license or registration?
FreeForce electric bikes have a max speed of 20mph, which doesn’t require a license or registration. The rules are changing quickly, so it’s best to check with local authorities for clarification.
Q: What is the best part about an e-bike?
Electric bikes break down barriers to riding. Most importantly, they are incredibly fun. Ride farther, see more, and explore the possibilities that come with a little extra power.
Q: Can I carry things or passengers on my bike?
Yes! All models except the mountain bike, are designed with carrying cargo in mind.
Q: Do electric bikes work in cold weather, rain, or on hills?
Yes! E-bikes are not meant for use in large puddles, streams, or very heavy rain. Never immerse or submerge the bike in water or liquid as the electrical system may be damaged. Riding in wet conditions will require a more regular maintenance schedule to ensure your bike does not become rusty, corroded, and to ensure all systems are always working safely. Always dry off your bike and store it properly between uses to prevent corrosion.
Q: Can I load my electric bike onto my car?
Yes! We recommend adding a bike hitch rack to your car.
Q: How do I charge my battery?
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Always charge in a safe area that is dry, indoors, between 50 °F – 77 °F (10 °C – 25 °C), and away from direct sunlight, dirt, or debris. Arrange the bike, battery, and charger to eliminate the potential to trip on the charging cord, or for damage to occur to the bike, battery, or charging equipment while parked and charging.
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Plug one end of the charger into any AC100-240V outlet and then the other side of the charger into the battery.
Q: When the battery is charging the LED light will be RED. When the battery is fully charged the LED light will be GREEN.
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Charge for the appropriate amount of time. Charging a battery from empty to fully charged typically takes 5 hours.
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Once charged, unplug the charger from the power outlet. Unplug the charger from the outlet first, by pulling on the plug. Do not remove the plug from the outlet by pulling only on the cord.
Q: Do electric bikes require maintenance?
All bikes (including e-bikes) require maintenance over time to keep the bike safe and fun to ride. Check out our article below to learn about bike maintenance, cleaning, and adjustments to keep you riding.
Recommended Maintenance
Below is a list of regular maintenance activities you can expect to perform while owning a bike:
- Inspect the bike.
- When: Before each ride
- How: Periodically and before each ride, check the bike components for signs of improper alignment, security and function.
- Clean the bike.
- When: As needed
- How: The bike should only be cleaned with a moist rag and non-corrosive biodegradable cleaners. Do not use a pressure washers or hose to clean the bike. This can cause water damage to electrical components and will likely void the warranty.
- Perform maintenance checks.
- When: Once a year
- How: Consult a local, certified, and reputable bike mechanic for maintenance help.
- Replace brake pads.
- When: As needed
- How: Take note of any changes in braking while using the bike. Ebikes travel at higher speeds and have more momentum because of the weight of the powered components, so brake pads normally wear down faster than a traditional non-powered bike. Check brake pads regularly and replace whenever worn.
- Inspect the paint.
- When: As needed
- How: Visually inspect the paint on the frame. If the paint has become scratched or chipped in the metal, use touch-up paint to prevent rust. Clear nail polish can also be used as a preventative measure.
Q: Does FreeForce have a network of dealers to support service on the bikes?
We have an in house customer service team of experts who are trained on the product. If a question arises that is past their expertise, we do have an outside resource we can contact with questions. We do not have a service network for on hand fixes or support, we recommend they contact a local bike shop if they need in person assistance.
Q: Do these electric bikes require additional maintenance due as compared to regular bikes?
It should be on par to regular bikes as the electronic components do not require maintenance.
Q: Have there been many issues with damage with longer shipping transits?
No
Q: Because the bike is heavier than a normal bike does this have to ship LTL?
No, these can all ship with parcel freight.
Q: What is the top speed with the motor:
20mph
Q: Can the battery be charged while connected to the bike?
The plug is accessible while the power is on
Q: When you plug the battery into the bike, does the bike turn on automatically?
You will need to turn on the battery using the on/off switch
Q: Does Pedal Assist automatically move the pedals on the bike?
No, you will need to pedal the bike to initiate pedal assist
Q: Is they battery charged upon delivery of my bike?
No, you will need to charge your battery when receiving your delivery
Compare Models:
| Mountain E-Bike | Commuter E-Bike (20") |
|
Beach E-Bike | ||
| Bell | Yes | ||||
| Bike Size | 27.5" | 28" | 28" | 26" | |
| Brakes | Hydraulic | Mechanical disc | Mechanical disc | Mechanical disc | |
| Charger | Model KYLC084V42J Made by Wuxi Keyo Technology Company Ltd. | ||||
| Charger | Input AC100-240V 1.8A 50-60Hz | ||||
| Charger | Output 42.0V DC 2.0A | ||||
| Charging Time |
5 hours from empty to full 2-3 hours from half to full |
||||
| Bike Weight | 47.4 lbs | 59.3 lbs | 59.3 lbs. | 53.3 lbs | |
| Frame | 6061 aluminum | ||||
| Frame Size | 20" | 20" | 18" | 16" | |
| Fenders | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Front Light | No | Yes | No | ||
| Handlebars | 760mm | 760mm | 760mm | 640mm | |
| Humidity (storage) | Up to 80% | ||||
| Kickstand | Yes | ||||
| Maximum Speed | 20 miles/hour | ||||
Portable Power Stations FAQ's:
Q: Can I use a FreeForce Power Station to charge my CPAP machine?
Yes, you can use the FreeForce 440, 465, 600, 1500, and 1800 to power your CPAP machine. Run time will vary by which model you use and the wattage of your CPAP machine.
Q: Can I power my home refrigerator or coffee maker?
Always check your appliances for the wattage (amps x volts= wattage). Most full-size home refrigerators require at least 2,000W so you will not be able to run one using a FreeForce Portable Power Station.
Q: Can I use a different solar panel to charge my power stations?
For FreeForce models 440, 465, and 600 we can only recommend using the FreeForce solar panel as this was designed to specifically charge these models.
Q: Are the power stations and solar panels waterproof?
No, these units are not made for use in water.
Q: Can I bring my power station on an airplane?
No, under FAA regulation you may not bring any battery exceeding 100WH on a plane.
Q: What is Pure-Sine Wave inverter and why is it better?
Pure Sine Wave inverters produce power that is equal to or better than the power in since you are using PURE power. If you do not use pure power, you run the risk of damaging your products permanently.