Monthly Archives: December 2009

Boost Mode information for your Optibike

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Overview

There are two different Boost Modes on Optibikes, FAST and SLOW. These are changed by toggling the MODE switch on the headlight. The FAST and SLOW Boost Modes affect the sensitivity of the Boost Mode.  Some riders find the normal, Fast Boost, is too active with their riding style, so they use the less sensitive, Slow Boost Mode. 

What is Boost Mode?

Boost Mode is the amount of acceleration the Optibike has when shifting gears or accelerating from a stop. Some riders find their bikes entering Boost Mode too often. The Slow Boost Mode is less sensitive, making it harder to enter, and will not offer as much acceleration during shifting.

 Applicable Bikes

The dual Boost Mode is available on Firmware Versions 505 and higher. Version 505 was installed on bikes shipped in November 2008 and after.

 How to Adjust Boost Mode

Boost Mode is toggled by rapidly switching between FAST and ECO modes two times.

Example: Switch is in FAST Mode. Rapidly switch to ECO, then FAST, then ECO  then  FAST. LED will flash to indicate which Boost Mode has been entered. (See below)

 When Fast Boost Mode is entered, the Green and Yellow LED will flash quickly for one second and then the normal gas gauge LED will display.

 When Slow Boost Mode is entered, all three LED will flash quickly for one second, and then the normal gas gauge LED will display.

 If your bike does not exhibit the flashing LED, after toggling, it does not have the dual Boost Mode feature. 

Lithium battery performance in cold temperatures

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Many Optibike riders like to ride in cold weather, and some experience reduced battery performance as a result.  Here is an explanation why, and what can be done about it.  

Overview

The capacity of Lithium Ion batteries will decrease with colder temperatures. As the capacity decreases, the bike will run for shorter times and enter Safe Mode earlier. Run times can be extended on colder batteries by running in ECO Mode. If the battery is stored in a warm room and then ridden in colder temperatures, the battery capacity will be higher as the battery will warm itself during the ride.

Capacity Decreases at Colder Temperatures

The capacity of Lithium Ion batteries will decrease as the temperature of the battery decreases. The maximum run time is achieved at temperatures of 25C (normal room temperature). At 0C (32F) the capacity of the battery will be only 80% of the battery at 25C.  At a temperature of -20C, battery capacity will be decreased to 60% of a room temperature battery. See chart below.

lithium-battery-temperature-vs-capacity

Keep the Bike Indoors Prior to Riding for Peak Performance

For best riding results, store the bike in a warm area and then take it outside to ride. If the battery is stored at 25 C and then ridden in air that is 0C, the battery will heat up as it is used and this will prevent it from cooling off, preserving the capacity. The exact amount of cooling of the battery will depend on the outside air and speed the bike is ridden.  If the battery is left outside in 0C temperature and then ridden, the capacity will decrease to about 80%.

 A Colder Battery Will Enter Safe Mode Sooner

When riding with a cold battery, riders will encounter shorter runs times, and the bike will enter Safe Mode earlier. Safe Mode is entered when the battery reaches a certain lower voltage and over rides the capacity gauge.

If you find the bike going into Safe Mode on colder days, try riding in ECO Mode, which has a lower drain on battery and this will keep the voltage higher and keep the bike form entering Safe Mode.  Limiting acceleration and keeping the bike out of Boost Mode will also keep the bike out of Safe Mode.

Safe Mode Indication

Safe Mode has been entered when the Red LED on the headlight begins to flash. The power of the bike is reduced to less than 200 watts. Run Time in Safe Mode will vary from 2-10 minutes. Exact run time will depend on battery temperature and how old the battery is.

Reset From Safe Mode

If the bike does enter Safe Mode, early in cold riding, it can be reset by turning the bike Power Switch to off, waiting 10 seconds, and then turning  bike back on. Then ride the bike in ECO Mode and allow the battery to warm up.

 

Ask Optibike: Do the Optibike fenders really work or are they just for decoration?

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This question came in from Aryeh:

It does rain where I live. Do the fenders provide real protection from wheel splash, or are they more for style?

Batteries are expensive. Are they contained in the frame in a way that they can’t be stolen?

Thanks,
Aryeh

Thanks for your questions.  The Optibike fenders were designed with both function and style in mind.  So in short, yes, they work great in wet conditions.  

The Optibike battery is removed by turning the bike upside down, removing the rear shock, and removing the battery cover.  This job is virtually impossible while the bike is securly locked to a bike rack.  Further, the whole operation takes about 30 minutes- more than most thiefs want to spend on a project in public.  

Cheers, 

Craig Taber

Optibike