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TWIST
FREEDOM DX
OWNER’S MANUAL
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WELCOME, AND CONGRATULATIONS…
…On your purchase of a new Giant Twist Freedom; the fun of pedaling your new Giant Twist Freedom
is only moments away.
Safety First.
You should completely read through this owner’s manual before you take your new Giant Twist Freedom
for a spin. By doing so, you will have a greater understanding of the general operation of the various
components found on your new Twist bike. Safe riding instructions are equally important and shouldn’t be
overlooked, so even if you are an experienced cyclist please take a moment to thoroughly read through this
manual and also the standard Giant bicycle owner’s manual before you ride. The Twist Freedom is designed
for on-road use only. Off-road use, jumping or racing will put the user at risk of serious injury and death.
Always wear a correct-tting helmet when you ride your Twist Freedom.
Sharing the Joy of the Ride.
Nothing makes us happier than seeing people out riding bikes. For over thirty years Giant has manufactured
and distributed quality bicycles for every type of terrain and rider imaginable. Giant bicycles have allowed
millions of cyclists just like you the opportunity to live happier, healthier lives because of the joy, exercise,
and sheer exhilaration riding a bicycle brings. And it’s this commitment to sharing the joy of the ride that
inspires Giant to continually offer the world’s most innovative bicycles.
Learn More.
We encourage you to get connected and learn more about proper riding and safety through your local
Authorized Giant Dealer. Giant independent bicycle retailers are the best in the nation at providing sales and
service for all of your bicycle-related needs. Inside their bike shops is where you’ll nd knowledgeable staff
that can assist you with everything you’ll require to get the most out of your bike and your ride.
Enjoy.
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Contents 1. WHAT IT’S CALLED
1. What it’s called ............................................................................................. p. 4
A. General
B. Battery and charger
C. Handlebar and stem
2. Battery and charger operation ...................................................................... p. 6
A. Normal charging
B. Battery lock key
C. Range for battery
D. Safety precautions
3. How things work ........................................................................................... p. 12
A. Hybrid Cycling Technology
B. Power Control Switch
C. Left Hand Control
1. Assist mode select button
2. Battery level indicator
3. Malfunction indicator
D. Rear Rack
4. Service & Maintenance................................................................................. p. 15
A. Recommendation for cleaning
B. Avoid leaving your Twist Freedom outside in bad weather
5. Troubleshooting guide .................................................................................. p. 16
6. Warranty ....................................................................................................... p. 17
NOTE:
This manual is not intended as a comprehensive service, repair or maintenance manual. Please see your Authorized
Giant Dealer for all service, repairs or maintenance.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE:
Take a moment to record the information below about your Twist Freedom bicycle. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future reference.
Date of Purchase ______________________________________________________
8
9
10
11
6
7
A. General
1. Handlebar
2. Fork
3. Hub Motor
4. Chainwheel and Integrated
Torque Sensor
5. Driver
1
2
5
3
4
6. Rear Rack
7. Rear Pannier Bag and Battery Cover
8. Battery Lock
9. Rear Light
10. Mudguard
11. Multi-speed Rear Hub/Sprocket
Dealer _______________________________________________________________
Key Number __________________________________________________________
Twist Serial Number ___________________________________________________
43
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2. BATTERY AND CHARGER OPERATION B. BATTERY AND CHARGER
3
1
1. Battery
2. Grip
3. Battery Lock
4. Charging Socket
C. handlebar and stem
2 4 6
5. Twist Freedom Charger
6. Charger Plug
7. Power Source Plug
7
BATTERY MUST BE FULLY CHARGED BEFORE THE FIRST RIDE OR IF
THE BIKE HAS NOT BEEN RIDDEN FOR OVER A MONTH!!
• Chargethebatteryinaroomwithatemperaturebetween32-100degreesF.
• Ifyounoticeastrangesmellorsmoke,stopthechargingprocedureimmediately!Takeyour
battery and charger to your authorized Giant retailer for service or replacement.
• DONOTCHARGETHEBATTERYFORLONGERTHAN24HOURS!!Thiscouldseriously
reduce the life of the battery.
5
caution
A. Normal Charging
The Twist lithium-ion battery pack : 244-LI9AH-02V
step 1
Turn the Power Control Switch (on right
side of the handlebar) to the “off” position
Step A
1. Handlebar
2. Left Hand Control
3. Handlebar Stem
2
1
3
4. Power Control Switch
5. Gear Shifter
6. Gear Indicator
6
step 2
4
5
step 3
Follow steps A and B to open
the Rear Pannier bag
Turn the battery lock key to the “OPEN”
position and at the same time push the top
of the battery pack outward to 45 degrees.
65
Step B
Key Push
Pull up
Pull
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step 4 step 9
step 5
step 6
Lift the battery pack out of its holder. Mount the battery into its holder.
Place the battery in a horizontal position and
then insert the Twist Freedom charger plug
into the battery’s charging socket.
Connect the power source plug into an
electric outlet (AC 110~240 volts) and make
sure that all poles are fully inserted into
the socket.
step 10
caution
KEEP THE AREA WHERE THE BATTERY IS
CHARGEDWELL-VENTILATEDANDFREE
FROM LITTER OR ANYTHING ELSE COMBUSTIBLE
TO AVOID FIRE FROM SPARKS OR OVERHEATING!!
Step A
Slide the battery pack into its holder at a
45-degree angle. Make sure the “GIANT”
logo on the battery is on the outside of
the bicycle.
Step B
Replace the grip. Gently pivot the battery
pack to an upright position until the battery
pack snaps into place. If the battery
pack does not pivot easily, remove it and
reposition it in the holder and try again.
Make sure that the battery is secured in
the “LOCK” position, so that it cannot move
from side to side.
Step A
Giant
logo
Step B
Grip
step 7
Conrm that LED lamp of the charger
lights up red. The light should remain
constant and not ash. When charging is
nished (which could take approximately
6 hours) the light will go out. The battery
is fully charged.
caution
DO NOT CHARGE BATTERIES FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS!!
step 8
Disconnect the battery from the charger after the charge is completed.
Unplug the charger’s power source plug from the electrical outlet.
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B. BATTERY LOCK KEY
Riding condition ECO (miles) Normal (miles) sport (miles)
Flat/No wind 68 - 86 52 - 74 43 - 52
Slope or slight
headwind
58 - 66 43 - 58 31 - 43
Steeper incline
or stiff headwind
46 - 58 31 - 46 21 - 31
Your Giant Twist Freedom comes standard with 2 battery lock keys; we suggest you keep
one in a safe place for emergencies. Giant Twist Freedom bike keys may be duplicated by a
qualied locksmith. Blank keys for the Twist Freedom are available through your Authorized
Giant Dealer.
Please record the key number for future reference and key replacement. If your keys are ever
lost or stolen, contact your Authorized Giant Dealer for replacement.
C. RANGE FOR BATTERY
Running distance on one charge varies depending on rider’s weight, wind resistance, outdoor
temperature, terrain, etc. The chart below is the approximate riding range based on different
road conditions.
Riding range for Twist Freedom DX with 2 lithium-ion batteries
Please note:
• In cold weather, the riding range per charge becomes shorter.
• The riding range per charge decreases as the charge/discharge cycle is repeated.
• The riding range may vary depending on road or riding conditions.
• The riding range decreases after prolonged use even if the number of charges is limited.
1. CONDITIONS THAT EFFECT BATTERY RANGE
• Ambient temperature: Extreme cold and heat can deplete the battery’s charge
more quickly.
• Number of charges: The more charge cycles the battery has undergone, the less capacity
it will have.
• Headwinds: Riding into a strong headwind will cause the motor to use more energy.
• Road conditions: Hilly and rough terrain will cause the motor to use more energy.
• Luggage: Carrying extra luggage on the rear rack or in a backpack will cause the motor to
use more energy.
• Rider weight: A heavier rider will cause the motor to use more energy than with a
lighter rider.
• Acceleration from a standing stop: Since more energy is used during initial acceleration,
riding in conditions that force you to start and stop often (i.e. city trafc) will cause the motor
to use more energy.
• Proper gear usage: Pedaling in the correct gear for the terrain will help save energy for
both you and the battery.
• Poor maintenance: A dry or dirty chain and under-inated tires can cause the motor to use
more energy.
2. TO HELP MAINTAIN MAXIMUM RANGE
• Charge the battery at a room temperature between 32~100 degrees F.
• Use the proper gear while accelerating or riding uphill.
• Don’t ride with under-inated tires and keep the chain clean and well-lubricated.
3. BATTERY TIPS AND APPROXIMATE LIFE
• The Twist Freedom is equipped with lithium-ion batteries. If used and maintained properly
they should last approximately 600 charging cycles.
• Use and drain the battery as much as possible before charging.
• At the end of a useful life, lithium-ion batteries are recyclable.
• In various localities, there are laws regulating proper disposal.
• WhenyourTwistFreedombatterymustbereplaced,pleasereturnittoanAuthorized
Giant Dealer for recycling. Your Authorized Giant Dealer can
also order a replacement battery for you.
4. FOR EXTENDED STORAGE
• If you won’t be riding your Twist Freedom for an extended period of time, remove
the batteries from the bicycle.
• Charge the batteries to full level.
• Recommended storage temperature: 0 - 80 degree F.
• Charge the battery every 3 months.
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D. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
These safety precautions are provided for your benet to protect you and those around you.
Please read and follow them carefully to avoid unnecessary injury, damage to the product, or
damage to other property.
caution
1. BATTERY
• Do not throw the battery into a re.
• Do not apply the battery to other appliances.
• Use only the specied charger to charge the battery.
• Do not disassemble or modify the battery.
• Do not connect positive and negative terminals by using metallic objects.
• Keep the battery away from water. Pouring water on the battery may result in a short-circuit and
overheating of the battery.
• Do not submerge the battery. Soaking the battery in water may cause irreparable damage.
caution
2. CHARGER
• Do not disassemble or modify the charger.
• Do not use the charger to charge batteries other than those supplied.
• Do not subject the charger to shocks – such as dropping it. Keep the charger away from water.
• Do not touch the charger with your skin for long periods during charging. Burning of the skin
may result.
• Do not cover the charger or place objects on it.
• Place the charger rmly on a at surface. Using the charger upside-down or stretching
the cord tight may result in malfunction, re or electric shock.
3. HOW THINGS WORK
It is extremely important to the performance, enjoyment and safety of you and your Twist
Freedom bicycle that you understand how the features of the bicycle operate. Even if you’re
an experienced cyclist, you should not assume that the way things have worked on bicycles
you’ve owned previously will operate similarly on the Twist Freedom bike. Be sure to read
– and to understand – this section of the owner’s manual. If you have even the slightest
doubt about how any of the mechanical features of the Twist Freedom operate, talk to your
Authorized Giant Dealer.
a. HYBRID CYCLING TECHNOLOGY
Hybrid Cycling Technology provides motor assistance based on your pedaling force and
speed. To engage hybrid power, turn the Power Control Switch located on the right side of the
handlebar to either the “R” or “L” position. This engages the battery on either the right (“R”)
side of the bicycle or the left (“L”).
B. POWER CONTROL SWITCH
• The Power Control Switch is located on the right side
of the handlebar.
• R position: The battery on the right side of the bicycle.
• L position: The battery on the left side of the bicycle.
warning
3. CHARGER & BATTERY
• ALWAYS REMOVE THE BATTERY FROM THE TWIST FREEDOM FOR CHARGING! DO NOT
CHARGE THE BATTERY WHILE IT’S ON THE BIKE!
• Do not short-circuit the terminals by allowing them to contact metal objects.
• Do not apply pressure to the cord or the plug. Placing heavy objects on the cord or the plug may
result in electric shock or re.
• Be sure to insert the plug fully into the electrical outlet.
• Do not touch the plug with wet hands.
• Keep the charger and battery out of reach of children or pets.
• Do not attempt to use another brand or model of charger to charge the battery.
• Do not use the charging plug and/or the power source plug when they are dusty. Clean both with a
dry cloth.
• To remove a power cord from a socket, do not pull the power cord. Always pull the plug.
• Do not use damaged components such as a cracked or dented charger or battery, a frayed power
cord, or a damaged plug. If the cord that goes between the charger and the battery is frayed or
damaged in any way, do not use it. See your Authorized Giant Dealer for replacement components.
• Do not use sockets, connectors and other wiring devices with a power source other than standard
(AC 110~240 volts) power supply.
• When charging is nished, please unplug the charger from the electrical outlet and then detach the
batteries from the charger. DO NOT CHARGE THE BATTERIES FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS!
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• When one battery has completely run down, turn the
Power Control Switch to the other battery indicator.
For example, if you’ve been riding with the Power
Control Switch at “R” and the battery as completely run
down, turn the Power Control Switch to the “L” position
to once again engage hybrid power.
• If the Twist is parked or stored with the battery in place, turn the Power Control Switch
to the “OFF” position. LEAVING THE POWER SWITCH IN THE “L” OR “R” POSITION
WHILE STORED OR PARKED WILL RESULT IN RAPID ENERGY LOSS!
• If left unattended for 5 minutes, the Twist Freedom will go into a “sleep” mode. Simply reset
the indicator on the Power Control Switch to “OFF” for 1 - 2 seconds, and then move back
to either “R” or “L” to reactivate the Twist Freedom.
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c. LEFT HAND CONTROL
LEDs illuminated Battery Capacity System status
100% - 90% The battery has adequate power.
85% - 70% About 3/4 the capacity is remaining.
75% - 50% About 1/2 the capacity is remaining.
45% - 30% About 1/3 to 1/4 the capacity is remaining.
25% - 0% Charging the battery is recommended.
0% The battery has completely run down.
Charging the battery is required.
EF
EF
EF
EF
EF
EF
LEDs status What’s Happening Solution
Charging the battery is required.
Reset the power by turning the
Power Control Switch to “OFF”
and waiting several minutes.
Turn the unit back on. If the
symptom persists after this
procedure, bring your Twist
Freedom to an Authorized
Giant Dealer.
The battery has completely run down.
To rque Sensor malfunction
Driver overheating
Motor malfunction
L1 flashing
L2 flashing
L3 flashing
L4 flashing
The Left Hand Control is located on the left side of the handlebar.
Assist mode
select button
1. Assist mode select button
• When you turn the power switch to “L” or “R” position, the Twist Freedom provides hybrid
power in the “NORMAL” mode any time the rider pedals.
• If you want to go faster, press the select button to “SPORT” mode.
• Press the select button to “ECO” mode to extend the range.
• When your speed reaches 15 mph, the Twist‘s motor will automatically disengage and cease
assistance. When your speed drops below 15 mph, the motor can assist you once again.
2. Battery level indicator
Assist mode
indicator
Function
button
Battery level
indicator
3. Malfunction Indicator
L1 L2L3 L4L5
If the LED lights ash while riding, it means that there
is a possible malfunction.
• Hybrid power is not available when any LED indicator is ashing.
• If one or more LED lamps fail to light up during operation, check to see if the battery is
charged and securely mounted.
4. Self-Test Indicator
The Self-Test system can help determine if two components, the Torque Sensor and the front
wheel Hub Motor, are working properly. To begin the self-test, make sure your Twist Freedom
is resting on its kickstand and the Power Control Switch is in the “OFF” position. Place the
right pedal forward at the “3:00 o’clock” position.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the battery capacity shown on this table is approximate.
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A. Press the Self-Test button and turn the Power Control Switch to either “R” or “L.” One or
more of the middle LED’s on the Left Hand Control should light up.
B. While standing on the right side of the Twist Freedom, steady the bicycle by holding
the saddle with your left hand. Then step down on the right pedal while squeezing the
right brake lever with your right hand. Don’t let the rear wheel move. L1, L2, L3 and L4
should light up in order, depending on the strength and torque you’ve generated while
stepping on the right pedal. The harder you push down on the pedal, the more LED’s (up
to L4) will light up.
C. Next, carefully lift the front of the bicycle off the ground and gently spin the front wheel
forward. L2, L3 and L4 should light up and ash in sequence as the wheel spins. Stop
the wheel from spinning and carefully place it back on the ground.
If the Twist Freedom passed these two tests, you must turn the Power Control Switch to “Off”
and then back to “R” or “L” to ride again.
If the Twist Freedom did NOT pass either or both of these tests, bring it to your Authorized
Giant Dealer for service.
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D. REAR RACK
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
Allow batteries to reach room
temperature and then fully charge.
Larger amount of battery power is
consumed as the bicycle is used
under high load conditions.
Select the optimum position of the
gear shift and/or Assist mode
depending on uphill or down hill,
head-wind or tail-wind, and your
physical condition.
1. Cold weather reduces battery life
2. Riding up lots of hills
Riding with frequent starts and stops
3. Riding at high gear ratio
Range less than
expected
Flat road
(Med Gear)
Speed riding
(Top Gear)
Up-hill
(Low Gear)
Flat road
(Med Gear)
If you carry items on the Rear Rack, make sure everything is securely xed and free from the
rear wheel, chain, etc. Total weight of the luggage must not exceed 35 lbs. The Rear Rack is
not equipped with rack straps; ask your Authorized Giant Dealer for straps so luggage can be
carried safely. NEVER CARRY A PASSENGER!
caution
DO NOT ATTACH A CHILD CARRIER TO THE TWIST FREEDOM!!
4. SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
caution
A. RECOMMENDATION FOR CLEANING
Use a soft cloth, lightly moistened with water, to wipe the dirt off all plastic and metal parts. Wipe dry
with clean soft cloth.
DO NOT wash plastic parts or any components with running water. If the internal
DO NOT use chemical cleaners to wash plastic components. Chemical cleaners can
DONOTusehigh-pressurewatersprayorcompressedairtocleantheTwistFreedom.
electricalpartsbecomewet,corrosion,ashort-circuit,apower-leakorotherdamagemay
occur.
causecolor-changes,distortions,scratches,orotherdamagetothenish.
5. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
This table is only a guide to aid you in getting your Twist Freedom bicycle running again should
you encounter a problem. If you are unable to get your Twist Freedom bicycle operating, bring
it to an Authorized Giant Dealer.
B. AVOID LEAVING YOUR TWIST FREEDOM OUTSIDE IN BAD WEATHER
When you’re not riding your Twist Freedom, keep your bike in a location where it will be protected from
rain, snow, and sun. Rain and snow can cause parts on your Twist Freedom to corrode. The ultraviolet
rays from the sun can -- over time -- fade the nish, or crack any rubber or plastic components on the
Twist Freedom.
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GIANT ELECTRIC VEHICLE LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Giant Bicycle, Inc. (“Giant”) warrants to the original purchaser of each new Giant brand electric vehicle
that the following components will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the period
indicated:
A. Frame: As long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle
B. Batteries: Six months (180 days) from purchase
C. All other components (except front suspension forks): One year (12 months) from purchase
Front suspension forks are warranted by the fork manufacturer, and Giant makes no warranty for
this component.
Giant further warrants that any repair or replacement parts supplied by Giant, except batteries and
front suspension forks, will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year
from the date of purchase. Replacement batteries are warranted to be free from defects in material or
workmanship for a period of six (6) months from purchase. Replacement front suspension forks are
warranted by the fork manufacturer and not by Giant.
REQUIRED ASSEMBLY WHEN PURCHASED
An Authorized Giant Electric Vehicle Dealer is required to assemble your Giant brand electric vehicle,
without charge, at the time of purchase.
FREE60-DAYREPAIRLABOR
Unless otherwise provided, the sole remedy under the above warranty, or any implied warranty, is
limited to the replacement of defective components and parts with those of equal or greater value at the
sole discretion of Giant. Unless within the free 60-day repair labor period, you will be responsible for
labor costs associated with warranty replacements. IN NO EVENT SHALL GIANT BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR DIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR ECONOMIC LOSSES, WHETHER
BASED ON CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, PRODUCT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER
THEORY. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you.
EXCLUSIONS
THE ABOVE WARRANTY, OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, DOES NOT COVER NORMAL WEAR
AND TEAR. ALL WARRANTIES ARE VOID IF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE IS USED FOR OTHER
THAN NORMAL ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FAILING TO FOLLOW THE
OWNER’S MANUAL OR USING THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OR
IN COMPETITIVE EVENTS, AND TRAINING FOR SUCH ACTIVITIES OR EVENTS.
GIANT MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THAT OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES STATED
ABOVE. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Bring your electric vehicle, along with a purchase receipt or other proof of purchase, to an Authorized
Giant Electric Vehicle Dealer, or write to the Customer Service Department at: Giant Bicycle, Inc., 3587
Old Conejo Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320.
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WWW.GIANTBICYCLE.COM
© Giant Bicycle, Inc., 2008 Version 1
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