THE POWER BEHIND THE BIKE
Lafree Europe began life in June 1999 as an independent division of Giant Europe. In terms of
experience, we couldn't have a bigger name behind us. Giant is presently the world's largest
manufacturer of quality bicycles. The company enjoys an international reputation for constant
innovation and has pioneered many of the most advanced developments in bicycle design and
manufacturing technology. For further Lafree information, see page 2.
Now, with the introduction of the Lafree electric bike, Giant has given traditional pedal power an added
boost, bringing an entirely new cycling experience. The Lafree power-assisted bicycle is a convenient,
healthy and environmentally friendly form of personal transportation that combines both functionality
and fun. The Lafree is the perfect solution to today's ever increasing traffic and parking problems.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Read This Manual! ..........................3
1.1 Trademarks....................................3
2. What It’s Called...............................4
2.1 Energy Set & Diagnostic Readout.5
2.2 Control Centre (handlebar)............5
2.3 Position of the Serial Numbers......6
3. What is LaFree? ..............................7
3.1 Frequently Asked Questions..........7
4. Bike sizing and Safety.....................8
4.1 Size ................................................8
4.1.1 Frame Size..................................8
4.1.2 Saddle Position...........................8
4.1.2.1 Height Adjustment.......................8
4.1.3 Handlebar Height and Angle.......9
4.1.3.1 Handlebar position......................9
4.1.3.2 Handlebar stem height................9
4.1.3.3 Handlebar angle..........................9
4.1.3.4 Handlebar stem angle.................9
4.2 Safety Equipment .........................10
4.2.1 Reflectors..................................10
4.2.2 Lights.........................................10
4.3 Mechanical Safety Checks...........10
4.3.1 Diagnostic Readout...................10
4.3.2 Nuts & Bolts..............................10
4.3.3 Tyres & Wheels.........................10
4.3.4 Brakes.......................................11
4.3.5 Quick-Releases.........................12
4.3.6 Handlebar and saddle
alignment...................................12
4.3.7 Handlebar ends.........................12
5. Riding Safely and Responsibly ......13
5.1 The Basic.....................................13
5.2 Rules of the Road........................13
5.3 Wet Weather Riding.....................13
5.4 Night Riding..................................14
6. Electric Energy Set Operation .......14
6.1 Charging the Energy Set .............14
6.2 Storage & Transportation .............15
6.2.1 Removing, Charging, and
Storing Energy Set....................15
6.2.2 Transporting Lafree...................16
6.3 Care & Maintenance.................17
6.4 Radius of action........................17
7.3 Energy set Ignition .......................19
7.3.1 The ignition switch ....................19
7.3.2 The safety switch......................19
7.4 Self-Diagnostic Check.................. 19
7.5 Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Energy Level Indicator.................20
7.6 Automatic Motor Shut-Off ............ 21
7.7 Front Wheel Quick-Release
Lever Cam....................................21
7.7.1 Adjusting the quick-release
mechanism................................21
7.7.2 Front Wheel Secondary
Retention Devices .....................22
7.7.3 Removing Quick-Release
Front Wheel ..............................22
7.7.4 Installing Quick-Release
Front Wheel ..............................23
7.7.5 Removing a Quick-Release
Rear Wheel...............................24
7.7.6 Installing Quick-Release
Rear Wheel...............................24
7.8 Seat post Quick-Release.............24
7.8.1 Adjusting the quick-release
mechanism................................24
7.9 Brakes..........................................25
7.9.1 How brakes work......................25
7.9.2 Brake Actuated Motor Shut-Off.....
7.10 Changing Gears...........................25
7.10.1 What the gears are for ..............25
7.10.2 Shifting Gears with derailleur....25
7.10.3 Shifting gears with internal
gear hub....................................26
7.11 Tyres and Innertubes...................26
7.11.1 Tyres.........................................26
7.11.2 Tyre Air Valves..........................26
7.12 Suspension...................................27
7.13 Rear fork lock...............................27
7.14 Support Stand..............................27
8. Service & Maintenance .................28
8.1 Service and maintenance
schedule.......................................28
8.2 Torque Force specifications.........30
9. Precautions and Procedures .........31
10. Comfort & Performance
Accessories................................32
7. How Things Work ..........................18
7.1 Variable Power control
(VPC Throttle)..............................18
7.2 Power Assisted Pedal..................18
11. Dealer Service............................33
11.1 About your dealer.........................33
11.2 Guarantee regulations of
Lafree Europe ..............................33
1
READ THIS MANUAL!
Please read all information in this manual
carefully in order to gain maximum
performance, safety and enjoyment from your
Lafree electric bicycle.
Congratulations! You have just pedalled into
the exciting world of electric power assistance
for bicycles. In addition to being a full-featured
bicycle, Lafree has an integrated on-board
electric power assist unit. The power assisted
pedal and Variable Power Control (VPC
Throttle) systems are both easy to use and
understand. However, due to their
sophisticated technology, it is extremely
important that you follow the directions for
their operation carefully and completely.
Failure to do so could cause damage to the
motor, energy set (battery pack/charger unit),
VPC Throttle components, or the entire
bicycle.
Even though Lafree functions as a standard
bicycle, you should still review the chapters on
bicycle operation, especially if you haven’t
ridden/owned a bicycle within the last 10
years. Component performance and
configuration has changed dramatically, and
while they are easy to use and understand,
they may not look quite the same as what you
are familiar with! Taking a few moments now
to understand Lafree’s operating procedures
will help you get the most out of every ride.
Please read chapter 6, “Charging the Energy
Set” before operating Lafree’s electric
powered functions. Lafree’s Energy Set
(Battery Pack/Charger Unit) must be charged
completely before motor (power assisted
pedal, Variable Power Control) can be
operated.
1.1 Trademarks
The following trademarks are registered
trademarks of Lafree in Europe and other
countries.
• Lafree
• VPC
®
®
ENGLISHNEDERLANDSFRANÇAISDEUTSCH
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2
WHAT IT’S CALLED
1. VPC-Variable Power Control throttle-right
side
2. derailleur/hub gear shifter - left side
3. primary frame tube
4. seat tube
5. chain stay
6. seat stay
7. head tube
8. rigid/suspension fork
9. front wheel
10. tyre
11. tread
12. sidewall
13. valve stem (part of innertube)
14. innertube (inside tyre)
15. rim
16. spoke
17. hub
18. quick release cam lever
19. bottom bracket (inside motor housing)
20. crank arm
21. chainring (inside motor housing)
22. drive chain
23. pedal
24. rear derailleur
25. freehub/gearhub
26. seatpost
27. saddle
28. saddle hinge release lever
29. seat post binder quick-release cam lever
30. linear pull front brake
31. brake shoe
32. linear pull rear brake
33. reflector
34. motor housing
35. support stand
36. splash guard/fender (front and rear)
FIGURE 2A
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b
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4
2.1 Energy set & Diagnostic
Readout
1. charger plug/extension cord
2. carrying handle
3. key set receptacle/power switch
f d
4. energy indicator
5. Self-Test button
6. charge level indicator lights
cbe g
FIGURE 2C
FIGURE 2B
i
d
g j f j h
e 1@ 1! 1) c 1@ 1# d
2.2 Control centre (handlebar)
1. Variable Power Control (twist throttle)
2. Variable Power Control cable
3. grip
4. rear derailleur gear shifter (Grip Shift)
5. shifter cable
6. shifter adjusting barrel
7. rear brake lever
b
FIGURE 2D
8. front brake lever
9. brake adjusting barrel
10. stem height adjuster bolt
11. handlebar clamp bolts
12. brake sensor wire
13. safety switch
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2.3 Position of the Serial
Numbers
Please record Lafree’s bike serial number and
battery serial number for future reference. The
serial number of the bike is stamped into the
left rear “dropout” of the frame. The dropout is
the piece of frame that holds the left-side axle
of the rear wheel (Fig 2E).
WHAT IS LAFREE ?
FIGURE 2E
3
The Lafree power assisted electric bicycle is a
new approach to cycling, bringing together
human power and the power of electronic
technology to create a totally new cycling
experience!
Lafree’s exclusive power assisted pedal
system and Variable Power Control (VPC
Throttle) enhance the enjoyment of riding an
ordinary adult bicycle by giving you an extra
boost for climbing hills or riding into a
headwind-all automatically, efficiently, and
instantly.
Lafree’s advanced on-board torque/speed
sensor automatically adjusts to rider input and
determines how much assistance is needed.
The VPC Throttle feature allows you to
manually override power assisted pedal for
extra and/or prolonged assistance.
PAP: Power-Assisted Pedal
Simply turning the power on activates PowerAssisted Pedalling. Atorque sensor, housed
within the gearbox, “senses” the rider’s input.
The electric motor then responds with
measured power. Pedal input is required for
motor output.
VPC: Variable Power Control
(VPC Throttle)
Variable Power Control allows you to fine-tune
the features already available in the Power-
Assisted mode. You control the amount of power
output simply by twisting the VPC Throttle.
3.1 Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: Do I need any special skills or licenses to
ride Lafree?
A: Special permits or licensing may be
required to operate Lafree. Check with your
national regulations. In all instances, it is
essential that you know how to ride a
standard bicycle before attempting to ride
Lafree.
Q: What is the “range” of Lafree’s Energy Set?
A: Your range will vary depending on the road
surface and how much you use the
Variable Power Control (VPC Throttle). The
range of the Energy Set at full VPC Throttle
output on flat terrain with no headwind is
approx. 30-40 km.
Q: How long does it take the Energy Set to
fully charge?
A: Approximately four hours (when battery
has less than 1% remaining energy).
Q: Will the motor assist continue when I put
on the brakes?
A: No. This important safety feature shuts the
motor off any time the brakes are applied.
To resume power assist, simply start
pedalling.
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Q: How many charges will the Energy Set
accept before needing replacement?
A: Lafree’s lead acid battery can be charged
from 300-400 times before replacement.
Q: What are the advantages of the sealed
lead acid battery set that Lafree has
chosen?
A: The lead acid battery uses “deep cycle”
technology, allowing the chemical reaction
to occur within the battery without the need
for an alternator, such as with a car or
motorcycle. This means that the energy is
recycled through the battery each time it is
charged, making it more efficient and safer
to handle.
Q: Can I ride Lafree without the battery?
A: Although Lafree can be ridden as a
standard bicycle, it is strongly
recommended that you do not ride without
the Energy Set in place. If you DO choose
to ride without the Energy Set, do not place
any items in the energy set compartment
other than the energy set as damage may
occur to the battery leads.
Q: Can I ride my Lafree in the rain or through
puddles?
A: Yes. However, you should not spray water
directly at any of the electrical components,
which include the Energy Set, motor, VPC
Throttle, and energy indicator.
Q: Does an electric bicycle require any special
maintenance?
A: The standard bicycle parts can be serviced
by the owner if the correct tools are used.
However, there is no user serviceable
components in the Energy Set, drive motor,
or VPC Throttle components. We
recommend that you follow the service
schedule and take your Lafree to an
authorised Lafree dealer periodically.
Q: Where can I charge my Lafree?
A: Lafree’s Energy Set can be charged at any
110/240 volt grounded electrical socket.
Q: What happens when the Energy Set
becomes depleted?
A: When the energy level in Lafree’s battery
reaches one percent of maximum capacity,
the battery needs to be re-charged. Simply
plug Lafree’s power cord into any approved
power outlet (see Section 6.1,Charging the
Energy Set).
Q: Will temperature effect the range of
Lafree’s Energy Set?
A: Extremes in heat and cold may effect
maximum energy range (see Section 6).
Q: What is the maximum speed of Lafree?
A: The maximum speed under full VPC
Throttle assist is 25km/h. Once Lafree has
reached or exceeded 25km/h, the motor
will automatically disengage until the speed
falls below 25 km/h.
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4
BIKE SIZING AND SAFETY
4.1 Size
WARNING: A bike that is too big or too
small for the rider can be difficult to
control and can be uncomfortable. If
your bicycle does not fit properly, you
may lose control and fall.
4.1.1 Frame size
Lafree’s sloping “primary frame tube” allows
for greater standover clearance for a wide
variety of riders (clearance between primary
frame tube and top of inseam while straddling
the bike just in front of the saddle). Your
dealer will have made sure you had the
correct standover clearance, based on
physical examination. If someone else
selected a Lafree for you, as a gift, for
example, it is important to have the correct
standover clearance before attempting to ride
it (Fig. 4A). If you cannot stand flat-footed with
feet at shoulder width without coming into
contact with the primary frame tube, we
strongly suggest that you do not attempt to
ride Lafree.
which you’ll be riding, and with feet shoulder
(pedal) width apart. If the top of your inseam
(crotch) touches the frame, the bike is too big
for you.
4.1.2 Saddle Position
Saddle height and position are extremely
important factors in determining your comfort
and performance. Due to Lafree’s unique
hinged saddle, fore/aft saddle position is fixed.
However, the most important aspect of saddle
position - saddle height - can and should be
adjusted for maximum comfort and pedalling
efficiency.
4.1.2.1 Height Adjustment
Put your heel on the pedal at its lowest
position. Your leg should be stretched with a
slight bend in the knee. Use this as a rule of
thumb. If you do not feel comfortable, slight
adjustments may be necessary.
FIGURE 4B
FIGURE 4A
To check for safe standover height, straddle
the bike while wearing the kind of shoes in
To adjust the saddle height: Loosen the seat
binder quick-release cam lever (Fig. 4B; see
also Section 7.8 on Seat Post Quick-Releases) and move the seat post up or down as
required. Re-tighten the seat binder, securing
it so that the post does not twist. Check the
adjustment as described above. Under no
circumstances should the seat post protrude
from the frame beyond its “Minimum Insertion”
or “Maximum Extension” mark (Fig. 4C).
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FIGURE 4C
WARNING: If the seat post protrudes
from the frame beyond the Minimum
Insertion or Maximum Extension mark
(see Fig. 4C) the seat post may break,
which could cause you to lose control
and fall. Riding Lafree with the seat
post protruding from the frame beyond
the Minimum Insertion or Maximum
Extension mark can also damage the
frame.
Handlebar position can be adjusted as follows
4.1.3.2 Handlebar stem height
There is no general rule for the height of the
handle bar. For a more sportive riding
position, choose a lower position. For a more
recreational riding position choose a higher
position. To adjust the handlebar height:
loosen the stem binder bolt (Fig 4D) three or
four turns. Tap the bolt carefully down, using a
plastic or wooden hammer. Set the handlebar
stem at the correct height and perpendicular
to the front wheel. Fasten the bolt to the
correct torque.
FIGURE 4D
WARNING: After any saddle
adjustment, be sure to tighten the
saddle adjusting mechanism properly
before riding. A loose seat post binder
can cause damage to the seat post, or
can cause you to lose control and fall.
Periodically check to make sure that
the saddle adjusting mechanism is
properly tightened.
4.1.3 Handlebar Height and Angle
4.1.3.1 Handlebar position
The position of the handlebar is important for
comfortable cycling. When adjusting handle
bar position, refer to torque setting table at
section 8.2.
WARNING: The stem’s Minimum
Insertion Mark must not be visible
above the top of the headset (see Fig.
4D). If the stem is extended beyond the
Minimum Insertion Mark the stem may
damage the fork’s steerer tube or
break, which could cause you to lose
control and fall.
4.1.3.3 Handle bar angle
By tilting the handle bar you can direct the
grips more upward or downward. This is a
matter of personal taste. Loosen the bolt at
the front side of the handle bar stem. Tilt the
handle bar to the required position. Fasten the
bolt to the correct torque. Check and if
required adjust the position of the brake
levers.
4.1.3.4 Handle bar stem angle
Some models are equipped with an adjustable
handle bar stem. This allows you to adjust the
angle of the handle bar stem extension.
Loosen the inclination bolt and set the
extension to the required inclination. Fasten
the bolt to the correct torque. Check and if
needed adjust the position of the brake levers.
9
4.2 Safety Equipment
WARNING: Many countries require
specific safety devices. It is your
responsibility to familiarise yourself
with the laws where you ride and to
comply with all applicable regulations,
including properly equipping yourself
and your bike as the law requires.
4.2.1 Reflectors
Reflectors are important safety devices which
are designed as an integral part of Lafree.
The reflectors are designed to pick up and
reflect street lights and car lights in a way that
helps you to be seen and recognised as a
moving bicyclist.
CAUTION: Check reflectors regularly to make
sure that they are clean, straight, unbroken
and securely mounted. Have your dealer
replace damaged reflectors and straighten or
tighten any that are bent or loose.
4.2.2 Lights
If you ride your bike after dusk, your bicycle
must be equipped with lights so that you can
see the road and avoid road hazards; and so
that others can see you. Vehicle laws treat
bicycles like any other vehicle, which means
an illuminated white front, and a red rear light,
not just reflectors, if you are riding after dusk.
A properly fitting lighting system is being
offered as a Lafree optional accessory.
Please ask your dealer.
4.3 Mechanical Safety Checks
Lafree is equipped with several unique safety
features, described in more detail in section 7.
• Speed Actuated Motor Shut-OffAutomatically disengages motor when
Lafree reaches 25 km/h.
• Brake Actuated Motor Shut-OffAutomatically disengages motor when one
or both brakes are applied.
• Automatic Key Lock-Locks Energy Set into
place when ignition is at ON position.
• Self Diagnostic Sequence-Automatically
checks that VPC Throttle, Brake Actuated
Motor Shut-off, and the torque sensor are
functioning.
• Safety switch disables the motor-electric
assist simply by flipping the handlebar
mounted switch to the off position.
Please be sure to familiarise yourself with
these features before operating Lafree. Here
is a simple, sixty-second mechanical safety
check which you should get in the habit of
making every time you’re about to get on
Lafree.
4.3.1 Diagnostic Readout
Lafree is equipped with a five-point diagnostic
check of the electronic features:
• front and rear brake motor cut-off function
• VPC Throttle function
• torque sensor function
• speed sensor function
To initiate diagnostic sequence, turn ignition to
ON position and push Self-Diagnostic button.
4.3.2 Nuts & bolts
Inspect the bike closely from front to rear for
any obvious signs of worn or broken
components. Grasp the handlebar with both
hands and lift the front wheel off the ground
about 5-10 centimetres, then let it drop firmly
on the ground while still holding the
handlebar. If anything sounds, feels or looks
loose, do a quick visual and tactile inspection
of the whole bike. Try to find the source of
noise or any obvious loose components, and
secure them. If you’re not sure, ask someone
with experience to check, or take your Lafree
to your authorised service centre.
4.3.3 Tyres & Wheels
Check proper tyre inflation by placing your
hand directly on top of each individual tyre.
With a straight arm and direct downward
pressure, push on the tyre with downward
body weight and watch the spot where the
tyre is contacting the ground. There should be
very little tyre compression. If your tyres need
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