InStep Two Seat Bicycle Trailer User Manual

Two Seat Bicycle Trailer

User’s Manual

This manual contains safety, assembly, use and maintenance instructions. Read these instructions carefully
before use and keep them for future reference. Your child’s safety may be affected if you do not follow these
instructions. The InStep Bicycle Trailer must be assembled by an adult who has read and understands the
instructions in this manual. Keep the packaging away from children and dispose all packaging before use.

Do not return to store. Call toll free 1-800-242-6110 for assistance and replacement parts.

Important! Keep instructions for future reference.

Contents

Warranty ...................................2

Safety......................................2

Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Assembly...................................6

Unfold the Canopy Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Attach the Canopy ...........................7

Extend and Secure the Tow Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Attach the Rear Wheels .......................8

Insert the Safety Flag.........................8

Trailer Attachment ...........................9

Attaching to a Bicycle with Rear Hub Nuts.........9

Attaching to a Bicycle with Quick Release Axles ....11

Using the 5-Point Safety Harness...............12

Using the 5-Point Safety Harness with Two Children 12

Adjusting the Shoulder Straps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Converting the Safety Harness for One Child .......13

Using the 5-Point Safety Harness with One Child ...14

Disassembly and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Removing the Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Storing the Trailer............................16

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Thank You

For purchasing the InStep Bicycle Trailer. You will
be sure to enjoy hours of pleasurable exercise and
family time. If you have any questions or
comments our customer service hours are:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday CST.
You may also reach us through the following:

Contact us:

Phone: [phone]
The Web: www.instep.net
Email: [e-mail]
Address: 4730 East Radio Tower Lane

Olney, IL 62450

Important!

Do not return the product to the store. Please
contact customer service at 1-800-242-6110 for
assistance and replacement parts.

1

Warranty

Pacic Cycle warrants this product to be free of
defective materials and workmanship for 1 year
from the date of original purchase.

Safety

WARNING!

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY
WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO THIS PRODUCT,
AND IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER
WARRANTY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND WARRANTY OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS
LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF
THE EXPRESS WARRANTY. This limited

warranty give you specic legal rights and you may

also have other rights which may vary from state to
state.

This warranty is extended only to the original
consumer purchaser for non-commercial use and
does not cover tires or tubes, grips, brake pads, or
other wear parts, ordinary wear and tear, abuse,
misuse, neglect, theft, or damage due to accident.

PACIFIC CYCLE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
ANY PERSONAL INJURIES, DAMAGE TO, OR,
FAILURE OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER
LOSSES DUE TO ACCIDENT, ABUSE, MISUSE,
ALTERATION, NEGLECT, NORMAL WEAR AND
TEAR, IMPROPER ASSEMBLY, IMPROPER FIT,
IMPROPER MAINTENANCE OR USE OF
UNAUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT
DESIGNED FOR THE PRODUCT.

To make a claim under warranty, notication of
such defect must be given to Pacic Cycle, Inc. at

the address stated on the previous page. You will
be instructed on how the product or part needing

replacement should be shipped postpaid to Pacic

Cycle, Inc.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE SAFETY INSTRUC­TIONS LISTED BELOW MAY RESULT IN SERI­OUS INJURY OR DEATH. Always read and under­stand the information and warnings in this manual
before using the Bicycle Trailer.

If you are unsure of any information in this manual
or have a question regarding assembly or use
please call customer service. Always keep this
manual for reference and include it with resale of
the Bicycle Trailer.

Assembly

• An adult who has read and understands

the information and warnings in the manual
shall assemble this product according to
manufacturer’s instructions.

• Do not use the product if there are any

missing or damaged parts. Do not return
the product to the store. Please contact
customer service at 1-800-242-6110 for
assistance and replacement parts.

• Dispose of all plastic bags and wrapping

material immediately.

• Check the assembly (i.e.: crossbar locked,

screws tight) before using the product.

• Never allow children to assemble, fold, or
disassemble the trailer.

Children

• The maximum weight capacity per child is
50 lbs. The total weight (children and cargo)

in the trailer cannot exceed 115 lbs. Never
have more than two children in the trailer at
one time.

2

• This vehicle is intended for use with children

at least 12 months old and weighing up to
50 lbs. Never use with children that cannot
support their own head.

• The maximum weight that can be carried

in the cabin pockets is 1 lbs. each. The
maximum weight that can be carried in the
rear storage area is 10 lbs.

WARNING Avoid serious injury from falling

or sliding out. Always use the 5-Point Safety
Harness.

WARNING Never leave children unattended

in or around the trailer.

Use

The manufacturer recommends the bicycle to be
used with the trailer undergo a safety check with
a qualied bicycle mechanic before attaching
the trailer.

Before each use check:

• The trailer for damage. Do not use if

damaged.

• The tire pressure. If necessary inate the

tires to within the range shown on the tire
sidewall. Always use a foot or hand pump to

inate the tires.

• The fasteners are tight. Tighten if necessary.

• The safety ag and reectors are in place.
Do not use the trailer without the safety ag
and reector in place.

• Attach a rearview mirror on the bicycle to
check on the (child/children) in the trailer.

• Ensure the brakes work properly! Braking

distance is increased when pulling a trailer.

• When using the double trailer with one child,

seat them in the center.

WARNING Any load attached to the handle

affects the stability of the trailer (pram/push

chair). Unstable hazardous conditions may
exist if package carrying accessories are
added to the product.

During use be sure to:

• Take proper steps (clothing, ventilation,

hydration) to protect the child from exposure
hazards such as wind chill and heat
exhaustion. These hazards will have a
greater impact on the less active passenger.

WARNING Parcels or accessories placed

on the trailer may cause the trailer to
become unstable. Do not place items on the
trailer. Hazardous conditions may exist if
package carrying accessories are added to
the product.

• Always have the canopy in place.

• Always maintain a safe speed. Avoid quick,

sharp changes in direction, as tip-over may
occur. The trailer is not intended for use at
high speeds. Do not exceed 10 MPH.

• Allow extra clearance for the trailer

when near curbs, parked cars, and other
obstacles. The trailer requires a wide turning
radius. Do not turn sharply.

• Use caution when turning on loose or

uneven surfaces and when going downhill.
Avoid braking suddenly.

• Do not ride over curbs, bumps or holes.

• Do not use the trailer in hazardous weather

or at night.

• Do not pull or push the trailer with a vehicle.

WARNING Do not add a seat pad (mattress)

thicker than 2.5” (63.5mm).

• Accessories not approved by the

manufacturer shall not be used.

• If the trailer has a parking brake then always

engage when stopping, releasing the handle

or loading / unloading children.

3

Storage

• Use caution to avoid pinch points when folding

or unfolding the Jogging Trailer.

WARNING Do not use cleaning solvents;
clean only with mild soap and water.

Additional Warnings for
Customers in the European Union

WARNING Use the harness as soon as
your child can sit unaided.

WARNING The seat unit is not suitable for
children under 12 months old.

WARNING This product is not suitable for
running or skating.

WARNING Check the trailer (pram) body
or seat unit attachment devices are
correctly engaged before use.

WARNING Always use the crotch strap in
combination with the waist belt.

4

Parts and Features

Safety Flag

with pole

Frame, includes:

• Canopy

• Seat with 5-Point safety harness

• Tow bar

• Bicycle coupler

• Rear wheel brackets

Rain Cover

Rear Wheels (2)

Canopy

5

Assembly

Unfold the Canopy Frame

WARNING!

There are pinch points between the sidewalls
and the frame of the trailer that may cause injury.
Fold or unfold the trailer slowly using caution. Keep
children clear when folding or unfolding the trailer.

Ensure that all locking devices are engaged before
use.

Standing behind the trailer, lift the right side

1.

wall upward until the upper half is in the
vertical position.

Right wall

Rotate the crossbar into the joiner housing.

3.

Crossbar

Depress outside buttons on crossbar to insert

4.

in joiner and lock in place.

Lift the left side wall upward. Unfold the

2.

upper half into the vertical position.

Left wall

Lock

Pull up and down on the crossbar to make

5.

sure it is locked in place.

Crossbar
buttons

6

Attach the Canopy

Extend and Secure the Tow Bar

Slide the canopy over the canopy frame.

1.

Snap the canopy in place, there are 2 snaps

2.

on each side, then secure with the hook and
loop fasteners.

Snap

Snap

Place the trailer on its side with the tow bar

1.

on top.

Remove the

2.

locking pin from
the bracket.

Locking

pin

Hook and loop fastener

(rear edge not shown)

Unfold the tow

3.

bar until it rests
on the front part
of the bracket.

Locking
pin

Safety

loop

Tow bar

Insert the locking

4.

pin through both the
bracket and tow bar.

Slide the metal

5.

safety loop onto the
locking pin. Check
that it is securely
in place.

7

Attach the Rear Wheels

Insert the Safety Flag

WARNING!

Rear wheels that are not securely locked in place
may fall off the trailer and cause serious injury
or death. Always check the wheels are securely
locked in place before use.

Insert the rear wheel axle into the rear wheel

1.

bracket hole.

Wheel axle

Rear wheel

bracket

Important! The safety flag is an important safety

feature that warns others a trailer is present and
on the bicycle. Always have the safety flag on the
trailer when in use.

Assemble the flag pole sections by

1.

sliding the top half of the pole into the
opening of the bottom half of the pole.

Push the wheel into the bracket until you hear

2.

the axle click into place.

Click

Pull firmly on the wheel to ensure the locking

3.

mechanism is engaged. Repeat these steps
on the opposite side.

Slide the pole into the sleeve

2.

located near the rear corner.

8

Trailer Attachment

The following section provides instructions for
attaching the trailer to a bicycle with rear hub nuts
or quick release.

WARNING!

Use of the trailer without the safety strap attached
to the bicycle may result in serious injury or death.
Always attach the safety strap to the bicycle when
using the trailer.

Using a wrench, remove the hub nut and

1.

washer from the bicycle’s back wheel.

Place the coupler plate on the axle, in a

3.

vertical position and the large hole down.
Align the pegs on the back of the plate with
the holes in the tab washer.

Coupler

pegs

Coupler

plate large

hole

Place the hub nut and washer back on the

4.

axle and tighten.

Washer

Hub nut

Place the tab washer on the axle. Fit the tab

2.

into the slot on the bicycle frame dropout.

Slot

Tab

Tab

washer

Washer

Hub nut

Coupler

plate

9

Insert the tow bar into the large hole on the

5.

coupler plate.

Slide the metal safety loop onto the locking

7.

pin. Check that it is securely in place.

Tow bar

Note: view is looking down on the tow bar

Insert the locking pin through the coupler

6.

plate and tow bar.

Safety loop

Locking pin

Coupler

plate

Note: view is looking
down on the tow bar

Safety loop

secured to pin

Wrap the tow bar safety strap around the

8.

bicycle frame and clip it to the ring on the end
of the tow bar.

Bicycle frame

Safety

strap clip

Safety strap

Note: view is looking down on the tow bar

10

Tow bar ring

Note: view is looking down on the tow bar

Attaching to a Bicycle with Quick Release Axles

Flip the quick release lever and remove the

1.

nut and spring from the opposite side.

Remove the axle skewer and spring. Leave

2.

the wheel in place.

Insert the axle skewer, tab washer, coupler

4.

plate and spring through the wheel, with the
parts oriented as described in step 3.

Fit the tab on the tab washer into the slot

on the bicycle frame dropout.

Slide the axle skewer through the coupler

3.

plate and tab washer.

The hook on the tab

washer must face

towards the wheel hub.

The bell on the coupler

plate should face out.

The wide end of the

spring must face out,

touching the lever.

Place the spring and nut (removed in step 1)

5.

on the axle skewer and tighten.

Rotate the quick release lever up and close

6.

fully and tightly.

Follow steps 5 - 8 on Page 10.

7.

11

Using the 5- Point Safety Harness

Using the 5-Point Safety Harness with Two Children

WARNING!

Avoid serious injury from falling or sliding out.
Always properly secure the passenger with the
5-Point Safety Harness.

It may be dangerous to leave your child unattend­ed. Never leave your child unattended in or near
the bicycle trailer.

Unbuckle the shoulder

1.

straps from the center
lap buckle.

Seat the child in

2.

the center of the
passenger
compartment.

Place the lap belt

3.

buckle between the
child’s legs.

Place the shoulder

4.

straps over the child’s
shoulders with the waist
belt under the child’s
arms.

See Adjusting the
Shoulder Strap Height
below for more detail.

Clip the shoulder straps

5.

into the lap belt buckle,
and adjust the shoulder
straps.

Important! Adjust
the shoulder straps and
lap buckle so they meet
at the child’s stomach.

Adjusting the Shoulder Strap Height

There are three slots on the back of the seat.
These slots are used to adjust the proper height of
the shoulder straps to your child’s height. To adjust
the shoulder strap height:

Starting from the back

1.

of the seat, pull the
shoulder strap anchor
away form the seat.

Insert the anchor

2.

through the slit in the
seat, pushing it towards

12

the front.

Insert the anchor

3.

through the slit in the
front of the seat at the
desired height.

Pull the strap and

4.

anchor all the way
through to the back.
Make sure the strap is
properly anchored on
the seat back. Repeat
these steps for the
opposite strap.

Converting the Safety Harness for One Child

Start with the straps in the two-child position.

1.

Unfasten the shoulder straps from the center
lap buckle on both sets of safety harnesses.

Left Safet y

Harness

.

Snap the left shoulder strap from the right set

2.

of safety harnesses into the center lap buckle.
Then, snap the right shoulder strap from
the left set of safety harness into the center
buckle.

Note: By doing this you will be ipping the

buckle prong on each strap, which will twist
the shoulder straps.

Right Safet y

Harness

To untwist the straps,

3.

locate the shoulder strap
anchors on the seat
back. Pull the anchor
away from the seat.

Insert the anchor through

4.

the slit in the seat back,
pushing it towards the
front.

Untwist the strap and

5.

re-insert the safety strap
anchor through the slit
to the back of the seat.
Repeat steps 3-5 for the
opposite side.

The safety straps are now in the one child

6.

position as shown below.

Left Safet y

Harness

Fold side buckles

down

Right Safet y

Harness

Center Safety

Harness

Important! When not in use, fold the lip of the lap
buckle pad over the buckle opening and secure
with the Velcro™ tabs

13

Using the 5-Point Safety Harness with One Child

WARNING!

Avoid serious injury from falling or sliding out.
Always properly secure the passenger with the
5-Point Safety Harness.

It may be dangerous to leave your child unattend­ed. Never leave your child unattended in or near
the Bicycle trailer.

Unbuckle the shoul-

1.

der straps from the
center lap buckle.

Seat the child in

2.

the center of the
passenger
compartment.

Place the lap belt

3.

buckle between
the child’s legs.

Place the shoulder

4.

straps over the child’s
shoulders with the waist
belt under the child’s
arms.

See Adjusting the
Shoulder Strap Height
on Page 12 for more
detail.

Clip the shoulder straps

5.

into the lap belt buckle,
and adjust the shoulder
straps.

Important! Adjust
the shoulder straps and
lap buckle so they meet
at the child’s stomach.

14

Disassembly and Storage

Removing the Trailer

Remove the child from the passenger com-

1.

partment.

Un-clip the tow bar safety strap, un-loop it

2.

from the bicycle and clip it back on the ring on
the end of the tow bar.

Bicycle frame

Safety

strap clip

Tow bar ring

Note: view is looking down on the tow bar

Remove the tow bar from the tow bar

4.

coupler plate.

Tow bar

Note: view is looking
down on the tow bar

Re-insert the locking pin into the holes on the

5.

end of the tow bar. Snap the safety loop onto
the locking pin.

Coupler plate

Unsnap the safety loop and remove the

3.

locking pin from the tow bar coupler plate
and tow bar.

Locking pin

Note: view is looking
down on the tow bar

Unsnap safety loop

Locking pin

Note: view is looking
down on the tow bar

Snap safety loop

If desired, leave the coupler plate on the

6.

bicycle for future use. Not necessary to remove.

15

Storing the Trailer

WARNING!

Accessories

The following accessories can be ordered from
www.instep.net.

There are pinch points between the sidewalls and
the frame of the trailer that may cause injury. Al­ways fold or unfold the trailer slowly and with cau­tion. Keep children clear when folding or unfolding
the trailer.

Remove the ag and pole. Separate the ag

1.

pole sections.

Remove the rear wheels:

2.

1. Find the release lever on the wheel
bracket.

2. Pull the release lever straight out and hold.

3. Remove the wheel.

4. Release the lever.

Remove the locking pin from the tow bar

3.

bracket (located at the front corner of the

trailer).

Fold the tow bar underneath the trailer.

4.

Place the locking pin back through the tow bar

5.

and bracket.

Additional Coupler Kits (includes; coupler plate, •

tab washer and locking pin.

Trailer Conversion Kit (includes front wheel •

with locking pin, padded handlebar, safety wrist
strap, parking brake)

16

Place all loose items inside the passenger

6.

compartment.

Carefully fold the frame down.

7.

Store in a dry place.

8.

Important! If the storage area is hot then release

some air from the tires. This will help prevent
excessive expansion or popping.

Manufactured for Pacic Cycle, Inc (A Division of Dorel Industries)
Pacic Cycle, Inc., 4902 Hammersly Rd., Madison, WI 53711

@2009 Pacic Cycle, Inc. · Made in China · Printed 2009
InStep™ is a registered trademark of Pacic Cycle, Inc.

www.instep.net