Frequently asked questions

Virtually all Van Raam bike models are available as an optional e-bike. The electric Van Raam bikes come with the Silent system. The motors, batteries, controller, Silent smart display, and software have been developed by and for Van Raam, specifically for adapted bikes. The system is characterized by, among other things, simple operation, the ability to ride backwards with pedal assistance, and very powerful electric motors. In addition, all Van Raam bikes equipped with pedal assistance since May 2016 are delivered as smart e-bikes. With the Van Raam app, you can set a different support mode on your Van Raam bike. Read more about Van Raam electric bikes on the 'pedal assistance page'.

All electric Van Raam bikes with the original Van Raam electrical system and delivered from May 2016 are smart e-bikes. With the Van Raam app, you can set a different support mode on your Van Raam bike. Read more about this in our article 'Frequently asked questions Van Raam app'.

If you choose a Van Raam bike with pedal assistance, you will receive electric assistance while cycling. You still have to pedal to move forward, but you will get help from an electric motor. The electric Van Raam bikes are equipped with the Silent system. The motors, batteries, controller, Silent smart display, and software have been developed by and for Van Raam, specifically for adapted bikes. The system is characterized by its easy operation, the ability to pedal backwards with pedal assistance on 3-wheeled bikes without a coaster brake, and very powerful electric motors. In addition, all electric Van Raam bikes with the original Van Raam electrical system and delivered from May 2016 are smart e-bikes. With the Van Raam app, you can set a different support mode on your Van Raam bike. Read more about electric Van Raam bikes on the 'pedal assistance page'.

Since 2011 Van Raam has an own electrical pedal support called Silent System. The motor, battery, controller, the Silent Smart Display and software are developed by Van Raam. The Silent System is developed for the rehabilitation sector.

The Silent system is characterized by: simple use; powerful motors; modern and efficient electronics; high quality and safe batteries; personal adjustable support, adjusted to the handicap; cycling forwards and backwards with active pedal support.

The Silent electrical system is a 36 Volts system and delivers a maximum 18 ampere. The bottom bracket is equipped with a motion sensor and a force sensor. In combination with the unique software system, it ensures optimal support and efficient power consumption. The assistance can be smoothly ramped up and down, preventing sudden motor actions.

Read more about electric pedal support.

Van Raam now uses Lithium ion cobalt batteries on the Silent system. Until mid-2012 nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries were also used.

The tricycles and the Fun2Go double rider from Van Raam have lithium ion batteries of 36 volts and 11 amps / hour. The Balance, wheelchair bikes, rickshaw Chat and the tandems have a 36 volt and 13 amp / hour lithium ion cobalt battery.

When you’re not using the electric engine of the Silent system, the battery goes into sleeping mode after a few days. This to protect the battery. You can activate the battery by connecting it to the charger for a few seconds. Or you can take the bicycle for a ride and press the on / off button while cycling to turn on the system.

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. A number of factors determine the range, including speed, sort of pavement, wind, the weight of the driver, the status of the battery, tire inflation and the acclivity. Therefore, the battery range varies between 30 (if everything is negative) and 60 km/h (if all is positive). Read more about his in the article: 'How many kilometers a Van Raam E bike battery last?'

The weight of your bike will increase when you have power assistance. The total added weight of the motor, batteries and other materials, depends on the type of motor and battery. This varies between 9 and 15 kg of extra weight.

The Van Raam electric system can be recognized by the Silent smart display with battery indication, start assistance, 3 support modes, and the power on/off button. It can also be identified by the motors, the batteries (Cube, Cube Heavy, or Slim battery), and the possibility to cycle backwards on tricycles. The motors, batteries, controller, Silent Smart Display and software of the Silent System have been developed by and for Van Raam, especially for our special needs bikes. From time to time, Van Raam bicycles are fitted with a different electrical system. This can have very negative consequences, which we would like to warn everyone about. In the article 'How to recognise the Van Raam electrical system' you can read about 7 features and functions to easily identify a Van Raam bicycle with pedal support (delivered after June 2016).

This is no problem at all. At any given Van Raam bicycle, an electrical engine can be added. You can contact your dealer if this is something you want.

With an electric Van Raam bike, most single-person bikes provide assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour. If you cycle faster than 25 kilometers per hour, the electric assistance will be turned off. The Fun2Go provides assistance up to 20 kilometers per hour. The pedal assistance can be set individually, allowing the maximum speed to be adjusted. This can be useful, for example, for a child or for someone with reduced traffic skills.

For optimal condition and capacity of the Van Raam battery, we advise to charge the battery inside at room temperature. In addition, the use of the charger is only recommended when the ambient temperature is between 0 and 35 degrees Celsius. Read more about charging your Van Raam electric bike in the article 'How does a Van Raam battery work and how to charge it?'.

Van Raam has two types of batteries: the Cube and the Slim battery. The Cube battery is used on all trikes with two wheels at the back. The Cube battery is available in standard capacity and, optionally, with a higher capacity, the Cube Heavy. The Slim battery is used on all bikes with one wheel at the back and is only available in standard capacity. On all bikes with the Slim battery, it is possible to install a second battery.

It is always possible to order a second battery. When the first battery is empty, you can switch to the other one. In many cases, it is also possible to mount a second battery on the bike. With this option, you can switch batteries without having to remove it from the bike.

Van Raam stands for quality. That's why you get an extensive factory warranty when you buy a new Van Raam bike.

• We offer a 5-year warranty on the frame and fork.

• You receive a 5-year warranty on the paintwork.

• We offer a 2-year warranty on parts and accessories, including the motor and battery.

Contact your Van Raam dealer for more information on warranty.

The costs of charging a battery are relatively low. Below you will find an overview of how much energy is needed to charge a battery:

Cube Normal: 0,51 kWh

Cube Heavy: 1,05 kWh

Slim: 0,60 kWh

Multiply the amount of energy needed with your current electricity price per kWh to find out how much it costs to fully charge your battery.

Van Raam has extremely high-quality and safe batteries. A Van Raam battery is subjected to all mandatory and some additional standards. Testing includes fire safety, waterproofness, and whether the battery is resistant to shocks and falls. The battery complies with the following safety standards, among others; CE, UN 38.3 transport standard, and the European battery standard. Read more about Van Raam batteries in the article 'Frequently Asked Questions about Van Raam batteries'.

Extreme cold is a big enemy of batteries. Try to avoid leaving the batteries in a cold environment for a long time. Preferably, bring the batteries inside or make sure they are in a reasonably warm place. They work best at room temperature.

Preferably charge the batteries at room temperature.

You can also charge a lithium-ion battery partially.

Nickel-metal hydride and lead-acid batteries are best discharged completely and fully charged.

A lead-acid battery can discharge in cold and long-term inactivity. Make sure to charge it regularly in those conditions to prevent deep discharge and damage to the battery.

If you do not use the bike for an extended period, remove the batteries. Ensure they are fully charged and store them in a warm place. Charge them fully at least once a month.

Read more in the article 'Tips for optimal performance of the electric Van Raam bike battery'.

Keep the batteries preferably dry and cool, but at least in a room between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius. Try to avoid higher and lower temperatures. Read more about storing your Van Raam bike and keeping your battery in optimal condition in the article: 'Tips for optimal battery performance on Van Raam electric bikes'.

You can order a new or extra battery through your Van Raam dealer. You can always contact your Van Raam dealer to order a Van Raam bike, options, and accessories.

In many cases, it is possible to reorder the keys. If you have lost your battery keys, please contact your Van Raam dealer for assistance.

If the buttons 1, 2 and 3 are all flashing then there is a fault in the sensor, if all the lights of the battery indicator are flashing (red, orange and green lights below) then the system is overheated. If the system is cooled down, this error will disappear. If this error occurs regularly, please contact your dealer. When errors occur with your motor you can also contact your dealer.

It is not possible to ride on an electric Van Raam bike with the lights turned on, if the electric system is not powered on. The lights of your electric bike can be turned on and off by shortly pressing the power button on the controller. On the Silent smart display, you press the lighting button for this purpose. When the electric system is being powered off, the lights will also turn off. Even when your battery is empty, you can still turn on your bike lights.

With the Van Raam app, you can set a different support mode on your Van Raam bike. The desired pedal assistance can be set via the assistance levels 1, 2 and 3.

1: Low support, maximum range.

2: Average support, average range.

3: Maximum support, low range.

During cycling, the assistance level can be changed. Via the Van Raam e-bike app, you can also switch between the different support modes. You can adjust these presets depending on your needs and whether you need more or less support. The default presets in the Van Raam E-Bike App are; Eco, Eco+, Comfort, Power and Extra Power. Read and watch more about this in the article 'How does the Van Raam e-bike app work?'.