Assembling your city bike
Learn how to assemble your new ELOPS (Decathlon) city bike correctly:
REF: 8605830
2022
Ref. 8605830
With its high cargo capacity, this electric Vélocargo Longtail has been designed for you to pack your life onto your bike, whether in the city or on the road.
If you are looking for a bike that can carry lots of weight, then the VELOCARGO LONGTAIL R500Elec has what you need: it can carry 2 children and 1 adult or 170 kg of cargo on top of the weight of the bike itself.
Learn how to assemble your new ELOPS (Decathlon) city bike correctly:
HOW TO GET YOUR VELOCARGO R500 E SET UP
Having the right tyre pressure is particularly important on an electric bike. The wheels have a lot of weight on them because of the combination of the motor and bike.
To minimise the risk of getting a puncture and to increase your battery life, your tyres should be between 3.5 and 5 bars.
When you first get your bike, the battery will be in "standby" mode. To activate it, you can either:
- press on the battery button for 10 seconds until the blue lights come on
- charge the battery with its charger to wake it up
Pressing briefly on the ON/OFF will display all the details on the control screen, including the bike's range.
The range is shown as the number of kilometres remaining, which will depend on the assistance mode selected.
Not necessarily. You can set off using the throttle with your feet on the ground. This will propel you to a speed of 6 km/h.
The pedal assist kicks in after 6 km.
A pedal assist sensor located near the pedals sends information to the bike’s on-board computer, which activates the motor.
The electric bike’s motor will cut out instantly if you brake or stop pedalling.
Turning the pedals again will restart the motor so that you will benefit from the bike's electrical assistance once again.
The battery is designed to be used when it's raining, but it shouldn't be submerged in water or washed with a pressure washer.
The same is true for the display and the other components and electrical cables.
Nevertheless, we recommend sheltering your bike as much as possible when you're not riding it.
There is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section in the "PROBLEMS" tab to help you solve any issues you may encounter with your VELOCARGO R500 E at home.
You can email a specialist technician who will answer your questions and help you solve your problem using the help form.
You can also visit one of our Decathlon workshops, where our cycling experts will take a look at your bike.
The bike turns off automatically after a few minutes if it isn't being used.
The throttle is designed to make it easier for you to set off when you are carrying a load. It provides extra stability, even for hill starts, and it allows you to keep your feet on the ground and set off effortlessly.
You can also use the throttle for walking beside the bike. It can be very handy in certain situations, such as coming out of a garage with a ramp.
The more you press on the throttle, the more power will be provided.
Regular maintenance is important if you want to keep your bike working efficiently for as long as possible, so we've put together some tips to help you look after your bike.
1. Before each ride, make sure that your tyre pressure is between 3.5 and 5 bars
2. Lubricate the chain (gear component) every month
3. Recharge the battery at least every 3 months
4. If you are not going to use your bike for a long time, switch the battery to standby mode
5. Store the battery in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight
6. Get the brake system serviced regularly at a Decathlon workshop
7. Clean your bike using a bike-specific detergent. Do not use a pressure washer or dish-washing products. If you live near the sea, we recommend cleaning it once a month
LEARN THE BEST WAYS TO LOOK AFTER THE BATTERY OF YOUR VELOCARGO R500 E
It takes 5 hours to fully charge the battery after it has been completely drained.
The battery must be stored and charged in a cool, dry place (between +10°C and +25°C) out of direct sunlight.
Don’t store the battery if it is discharged (1 LED flashing) as this can result in a deep discharge and it may not function properly.
Remember to recharge the battery at least every 3 months, even when not in use, to prevent deep discharge which can diminish the battery’s capacity.
If it is stored for a long time (not used for more than 3 months), remember to put the battery in standby mode for easier storage and avoid regular recharging.
No, lithium-ion cell batteries do not have a memory effect, so they can be charged at any time.
We recommend charging your battery regularly to keep it working well.
No, there is no "dynamo" effect.
With some systems, the battery recharges when driving or braking, however it is not very efficient: You'd have to ride several dozen kilometres to generate 1 km of additional power.
The bike provides electric assistance, but you can still ride it without the assistance.
Of course, the extra weight of the motor system will make cycling a little harder.
Yes, the charger and the battery are designed to be plugged in 24 hours a day.
When the battery is fully charged, the charger will cut out but still be on.
Energy saving tip: you’ll use 30% of electricity for nothing if you leave the charger plugged in unnecessarily. So don't forget to unplug it once the battery is charged!
You can take your worn out battery back to your Decathlon store.
It will be sent off to a recycling service.
Your battery is guaranteed for 2 years or 500 cycles (1 cycle = 1 charge + 1 full discharge).
In practical terms, for an average range of 40 km, you can travel up to 20,000 km before the battery’s guarantee runs out (if the battery is used and stored correctly).
After 500 cycles, the battery’s capacity will lessen, but the battery will remain fully functional.
The range of your electric bike depends on a number of factors:
> THE BIKE’S LOAD: The range will be reduced if the bike is overloaded
> THE TYPE OF ROUTE: The range will be reduced on hills
> TYRE PRESSURE: The range will be better with tyres inflated between 3.5 and 5 bars
> OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE: The range will be reduced in cold weather
> THE ASSISTANCE MODE USED: It is best to reduce the assistance mode when the battery level is low
> PEDAL CADENCE: The more you pedal, the further you will go
> CHARGING AND STORING THE BATTERY CORRECTLY:
The average range of the ELOPS 500 is:
- In mode 1: 100 km
- in mode 2: 70 km
-in mode 3: 50 km with a maximum load (170 kg = weight transported by the bike)
Sticking to these guidelines will ensure optimal range.
Standby mode allows the battery to be stored for a long period of time (up to 1 year) without having to recharge it or affecting its capacity.
To switch the battery to standby mode, press the battery button for 10 seconds. The LEDs will go out all at once; keep the button pressed down until they turn on and off one by one.
Charge the battery to its charger to wake it up.
The battery has a standby mode that allows the battery to be stored without regular recharging.
Once switched to standby, the battery can be safely stored for up to 1 year without being recharged and without affecting its capacity.
A battery that is stored without being put on standby will need to be charged at least every 3 months, otherwise it will start to lose capacity.
1. Check that the battery is well charged
An almost empty battery can cause a jerking effect while riding before going completely flat.
> Press the battery button
> Check that at least one LED lights up
> If all LEDs are off or the first LED is red, recharge the battery
2. Check that the battery is clean, fully inserted, and locked
> Check that the battery connectors and the battery compartment are clean and in good condition.
> The battery should be pushed as far as possible into its sleeve
You should hear a click when you insert the battery into the sleeve; this indicates that the battery has been properly inserted.
Remove the key from the lock.
3. Check the cable connections. (photo)
> To do this, open the Velcro cable cover on the front of the handlebars and check that they are properly connected. Don't forget the motor connection near the rear wheel.
1. Check the tyre pressure
The tyre pressure is crucial for the electric assistance to work efficiently.
Before you go out for a ride, make sure the tyres are inflated to between 3.5 bar and 5 bars.
2. Don’t overload the bike
The maximum weight allowed is 170 kg (load on the bike).
The luggage rack is limited to 80 kg and the front platform to 10 kg.
The electric assistance starts after several pedal strokes, and only if the assist mode has been activated.
If the electric assistance still doesn’t start, follow these instructions:
1. Check that the battery is well charged
> Press the battery button
> Check that at least one LED lights up
> If any LEDs are red, recharge the battery by connecting it to its charger and to a mains socket
2. Check that the battery is clean, fully inserted, and locked
> Check that the battery connectors and the battery compartment are clean and in good condition.
> The battery should be pushed as far as possible into its sleeve
You should hear a click when you insert the battery into the sleeve; this indicates that the battery has been properly inserted.
Remove the key from the lock.
3. Check that all the connections on the bike are properly connected.
Most of the connections can be accessed by opening or sliding off the neoprene covers that protect the electrical cables at the front of the handlebars.
Don't forget the motor connection near the rear wheel.
HOW TO CHECK THE CONNECTIONS ON YOUR BIKE:
There are two types of connections on your bike: "screw-on" and "push-on".
"Screw-on"connections
"Screw-on", connections can be identified by the two metal rings. You need to unscrew the two rings in order to open the connection.
Be careful not to lose the small plastic seal between the two rings when you unscrew them!
Once opened, check that each connector is clean, then put the connector back in place.
To do this, position the male and female connectors opposite each other. Make sure you line up the indicator arrows before pushing them in.
Screw the two metal rings as far as they will go to secure the connector.
"Push-in"connections
The male connector is simply inserted into the female connector.
Check that both connectors are fully inserted, and push them back in if necessary.
4. Test the electric assistance
> Turn on the screen by pressing the ON/OFF button
> Get on the bike and pedal (it takes several pedal strokes to engage the electric assistance).
If the problem persists, contact us using the help request or go to a Decathlon workshop.
The electric assistance should cut out automatically when one of the brake levers is applied.
If this is not the case, check that the connections of both brake levers are in good condition and correctly inserted.
> Slide down the two neoprene cable covers on the front of the bike until you can see the brake connectors (yellow connectors)
> To check that the connectors are clean, in good condition and correctly inserted, unscrew the two knobs on either side of the black seal
> Check the condition and cleanliness of each connector
> Replace the connectors.
To do this, position each male and female connector opposite each other and line up the indicator arrows before pushing them in.
Don't forget the seal between the two knobs!
> Screw the knobs as tightly as possible to secure the connection.
If the problem persists, contact us using the help request or go to a Decathlon workshop.
Your lock can be replaced at a Decathlon workshop.
A new lock will be fitted and you will be given a new set of keys.
Contact your Decathlon workshop to find out if the part is in stock and how long it will take to be delivered.
Your VELOCARGO R500 E puts a lot of wear on its brake pads.
The weight of the bike combined with its average speed (it goes much faster than a normal bike and carries a heavier load) means that the brake system needs to be serviced regularly.
If you feel that you’re not braking fully when you apply the brakes and the lever touches your wrist, then the braking is no longer effective and the brakes will need to be bled. Make an appointment at your nearest Decathlon store.
Go to the "Bike Care" section to watch our video tutorial.
1. Check that the battery is well charged
The battery charge level can be checked by pressing the battery power button.
If the first LED blinks or no LEDs light up, the battery is flat. Connect it to its charger and to a mains socket to recharge it.
2. Check that the battery is clean, fully inserted, and locked
> Check that the battery connectors and the battery compartment are clean and in good condition.
> The battery should be pushed as far as possible into its sleeve
You should hear a click when you insert the battery into the sleeve; this indicates that the battery has been properly inserted.
Next, lock the battery (if it is not locked, it can still move around in the compartment and become disconnected if jolted)
3. Check that the control screen is properly connected
> Slide the small neoprene cover over the cable coming out of the control screen so that you can see the connector.
> Unscrew the two knobs and pull on either side to disconnect the screen and the cable.
> Check that no electrical plugs are bent.
> Reconnect the connectors, taking care to put them in the right way so that you don't bend the plugs.
You can use the two arrows engraved on each side of the connectors to help you position them.
The two arrows should be placed opposite each other before pushing the connectors in.
> Once the connectors have been pushed in, secure the connection by screwing the two knobs until the link joint is slightly compressed and deformed.
4. Let the system cool down
The electrical system may overheat in high temperatures or after a long ride.
Allow the bike to cool down and don’t use it for a few minutes before restarting the electric assistance.
5. Turn on the screen by pressing the ON/OFF button
Turn on the control screen by pressing the ON/OFF button.
If the display still does not turn on, please contact us through this website or visit your nearest Decathlon workshop for repair.
Error code 10: The battery is discharged, connect it to its charger.
Error code 11: Overvoltage problem.Turn off the whole system, turn it back on again, and if the problem persists go to a Decathlon workshop.
Error code 41: Overcurrent problem. Reduce the load on the motor by pedalling less, reducing the assistance, or taking a break from riding.
Error code 42: Angle sensor problem. Turn off the whole system, turn it back on again, and if the problem persists go to a Decathlon workshop.
Error code 46: The motor is blocked. Turn off the whole system, turn it back on again, and if the problem persists go to a Decathlon workshop.
Error code 70: Torque sensor error. Turn off the whole system, turn it back on again, and if the problem persists go to a Decathlon workshop.
Error code 76: Braking error. Check that the brake lever has returned to its original position and that the connectors are properly connected. If the problem persists, go to a Decathlon workshop.
Error code 80: Motor error. Turn off the whole system, turn it back on again, and if the problem persists go to a Decathlon workshop.
Error code 86: Throttle error. Check that it has returned to its original position;check the connections. If the problem persists, go to a Decathlon workshop.
Please contact one of our technicians who will be happy to help
You can get spare parts for your VÉLOCARGO R500 E at our workshops and on our website.