Minimal
Pedal 4User guide v2

5. Safety

5.1 Basic Safety Instructions


The following list is a list of possible dangers which could be encountered while using your Minimal Pedal 4. Incorrect use of the vehicle could result in danger to self, public or property including but not limited to:

  • The Minimal Pedal 4 should only be operated by trained and authorised personnel.
  • The Pedal 4 must not be operated by children under any circumstances.
  • Riders must always inspect controls, batteries, wheels and doors before use to ensure no signs of damage are present.
  • It is advised that personal protective equipment be worn at all times when operating the Minimal Pedal 4 (e.g. helmet).
  • Adjust seat and mirrors for comfort and visibility.
  • Use brake levers to slow or stop.
  • Do not operate a faulty vehicle.
  • Practice caution when riding over wet surfaces as tyre grip may be reduced.
  • Be aware that braking distances may be increased when the vehicle is heavily loaded.
  • Adhere to the vehicle's stated weight limits to ensure safe operation.
  • Ensure batteries are charged in accordance with the stated procedure.
  • Do not ride up or down stairs, or traverse kerbs greater than 100mm. Traverse speed bumps or kerbs at a maximum of 5kph.
  • Do not wade through standing water which is deeper than 100mm.
  • Do not operate the vehicle in heavy rain, storms, snow and ice.
  • Do not attempt to modify or repair the vehicle unless qualified to do so.

Note

Please contact your employer or Minimal for further guidance.


5.1.1 Road use warnings

While operating the Minimal Pedal 4 on public roads all relevant traffic laws must be adhered to at all times. Below are specific warnings that should be understood before operating the vehicle:

  • Follow national legal regulations regarding road laws.
  • Do not exceed speed limits - adhere to local road signage and markings.
  • Keep a safe distance from other road users.
  • Misreading traffic flow can cause accidents and injuries.
  • Always signal when manouvering and ensure blind spots are checked.
  • Avoid excessive use of main beam lights as this may dazzle other road users.
  • Never use phones or other electronic devices while riding.

5.1.2 Environmental Warnings

Below are specific hazards that could occur throughout the environment which should be understood before operating the vehicle:

Warning

Riding through flooded areas can cause damage to the vehicle's batteries due to water ingress.

  • Do not ride through standing water deeper than 100mm.
  • Avoid riding in extreme weather such as: heavy rain, storms, high winds, hail, flooding, snow, or ice.
  • Plan journeys ahead of time to avoid predictable weather events.

Caution

Riding on unsuitable accessways can cause accidents or can lead to getting trapped.:

  • Ride on dedicated, maintained road and path ways where the Pedal 4 is legally allowed to operate.
  • Avoid unmaintained paths, trails, off-road areas, beaches, steep inclines/declines, stairs, and kerbs greater than 100mm.
  • Always check the route ahead for obstacles or unsuitable surfaces.
  • Plan journeys ahead of time to avoid unsuitable accessways.
  • Keep in the cycle lane where possible and avoid riding on footpaths.

5.2 Emergency Procedures


Listed below are some emergency conditions which may occur while operating the vehicle, and the correct procedure to follow in order to remain safe.

5.2.1 Emergency Stop Procedure (Loss of Power)

This procedure is applicable to those conditions in which the vehicle loses power and cannot maintain propulsion.

The following will be observed:

  • Blank display screen.
  • Pedals which rotate freely and do not command movement of the vehicle.
  • No audio cues.

If the vehicle has lost drive the following steps should be performed:

  1. Safely observe surroundings in order to make sure there are no other road users in the immediate vicinity around the vehicle.
  2. Gently apply the brakes - depending on the load carrying & road conditions at the time you may need to apply different brake pressure.
  3. When you are about to stop pull to the side of the road way.
  4. When at rest, apply the brake lever locks to ensure the Pedal 4 is secure and will not roll away from parked position.
  5. Exit the vehicle when it is safe to do so - making sure that you exit on the side of the vehicle away from other road users and hazardous traffic.

When it is safe to do so, attempt a restart of the vehicle

  • Tap the vehicle key fob against the main dashboard NFC reader to turn the vehicle off and on again.

If there is still no response from the vehicle, remove the batteries

  • Ensure the batteries are removed for more than 10 seconds before reinserting them.
  • Once reinserted, attempt to restart the vehicle via the key fob NFC reader again.

If the vehicle remains non-functional contact your employer and notify them of the emergency.

Caution

Please be aware that other road users may be moving faster than you while you are stationary so ensure you check your surroundings at all times and perform the actions listed only when it is safe to do so.

Attention

Do not attempt to perform any repairs to the vehicle unless qualified to do so.


5.2.2 Emergency Stop Procedure (Loss of Brake Pressure)

This procedure is applicable to conditions in which the vehicle loses braking pressure and so cannot be brought to a controlled stop.

The following will be observed:

  • Brake levers offer reduced or no resistance when pulled.
  • The vehicle exhibits a reduced rate of braking compared to normal operation when either or both levers are pulled.
  • Screeching or whining noises may be heard when iether or both brake levers are pulled.
  • Brake fluid may leak onto the road surface.

If loss of brake pressure has been identified the following actions should be performed:

  1. Check surroundings and activate hazards to alert other road users of nearby danger.
  2. Stop pedalling and coast to a stop; note that the distance required for the vehicle to coast to a stop will vary with load and road conditions.
  3. Attempt to slow the vehicle by pedalling backwards to activate the vehicle's regenerative braking function.
  4. Exit the vehicle when it is safe to do so - making sure that you exit on the side of the vehicle away from other road users and hazardous traffic.

When you are safe and away from vehicle contact your employer for further instruction.

Attention

Do not attempt to perform any repairs to the vehicle unless qualified to do so.