SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
WARNING: Riding a bicycle does present potential risks and caution is required. Like any riding product, a bicycle has inherent hazards associated with its use (for example, falling off or riding it into a hazardous situation). Like any riding product, bicycles can and are intended to move and it is therefore, of course, possible to lose control or otherwise get into dangerous situations. Both children and adults responsible for supervising them must recognize that if such things occur, a rider can be seriously injured or die, even when using safety equipment and other precautions. RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK AND USE COMMON SENSE.
WARNING: PARENTAL AND ADULT RESPONSIBILITY AND SUPERVISION IS NECESSARY:
Because products, like bicycles, can and do present potential hazards plainly associated with their use, it is well recognized that THE NEED FOR EXERCISE OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN SELECTING RIDING PRODUCTS APPROPRIATE TO THE AGE OF A CHILD, OR PARENTAL SUPERVISION IN SITUATIONS IN WHICH CHILDREN OF VARIOUS AGES MAY HAVE ACCESS TO THE SAME RIDING PRODUCTS, IS IMPORTANT. Not every product is appropriate for every age or size of child, and different age recommendations are found within this category of product which are intended to reflect the nature of the hazards and the expected mental or physical ability, or both, of a child to cope with the hazards.
The recommended rider age is 12 and older. Any rider unable to fit comfortably on the bicycle should not attempt to ride it. A parent’ s decision to allow his or her child to ride this product should be based on the child’ s maturity, skill and ability to follow rules.
Keep this product away from small children and remember that it is intended for use only by persons who are, at a minimum, completely comfortable and competent while operating the bicycle.
Persons with any mental or physical conditions that may make them susceptible to injury, impair their physical dexterity or mental capabilities to recognize, understand, and follow safety instructions and to be able to understand the hazards inherent in bicycle use, should not use or be permitted to use products inappropriate for their abilities. Persons with heart conditions, head, back or neck ailments (or prior surgeries to these areas of the body), or pregnant women, should be cautioned not to operate such products.
DO NOT EXCEED THE WEIGHT LIMIT OF 250LBS.
Rider weight does not necessarily mean a person’s size is appropriate to fit or maintain control of the bicycle.
READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL
All Vivelo bicycles are shipped with an Owner’s Manual. It is important to your safety and to maximize the performance of your Vivelo that you read the Owner’s Manual and any other documents that were shipped with your bicycle. If you suspect that you do not have all of the instructional materials that should accompany your bike, please contact service@vivelo.com
Catalog and website product descriptions and marketing materials are not instructions. You must read and follow the Owner’s Manual and any written instructions that accompany any products.
BICYCLE ASSEMBLING
Our bicycles and accessories are designed for easy assembly. However, improper installation of the bike by a non-professional may cause injury as well as damage to the bicycle or its equipment. We recommend either having your assembly completed by a professional or having your assembly reviewed by a professional for safety.
INSPECTION AND SERVICE
It is important for your safety that your Vivelo bicycle is regularly inspected and serviced. Keeping your bike and all its components in good working order is critical, and it’s up to you to maintain and inspect it. The maintenance schedule for a bike can vary, depending on how often it’s ridden and what condition it is in. Below we provide key issues to check before each ride. However, we strongly recommend that a professional mechanic is involved in maintenance advisory, inspection and service.
- Before every ride check tire pressure. If it’s low (if the tire feels squishy), fill to the correct PSI – which is listed on the side of your tire.
- Squeeze brakes to make sure they’re grabbing and that the brake pads touch the rims, not the tires.
- Glance over the tire tread on both tires for embedded debris, to avoid getting a flat.
- If you have quick release parts (such as wheels or seatposts), make sure that they are tight and that the wheels are secure.
- Make sure you are prepared with tools (spare tube and/or patch kit, tire levers and the pump), in case you get a flat while riding. (Or, know where your closest bike shop is)
- Look over the bike chain. Add chain lube if it looks dry.
ALWAYS WEAR A BIKE HELMET (AND PROPER RIDING ATTIRE)
Members of many racing teams and other professional riders, bike messengers and athletes may appear, ride or race without helmets. While respecting their right to choose, we strongly advocate for wearing a bike helmet when riding your bicycle.
Always wear proper protective equipment, such as an approved safety helmet (with chin strap securely buckled), elbow pads and kneepads are also recommended. A helmet may be legally required by local law or regulation in your area. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and gloves are recommended as well. Always wear athletic shoes (lace-up shoes with rubber soles), never ride barefoot or in sandals, and keep shoelaces tied and out of the way of the wheels, motor and drive system.
LIGHTS AND FLASHING LIGHTS USAGE
Reflectors are not a substitute for proper lights. It is your responsibility to equip your bicycle with all state and locally mandated lights. Riding at dawn, at dusk, at night or at other times of poor visibility without a bicycle lighting system which meets local and state laws and without reflectors is dangerous and may result in serious injury or death. If you ride your bike before dawn or 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. Traffic laws treat bicycles like any other vehicle. That means you must have a white front and a red rear light operating if you are riding after dusk. Professional mechanics can recommend a battery or generator powered lighting system appropriate to your needs.
BICYCLE MAINTENANCE ADVICE
- The bicycle should be maintained and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, using only the manufacturer’s authorized replacement parts, and should not be modified from the manufacturer’s original design and configuration.
- Avoid storing your bicycle outdoors. Rain, moisture, and dirt may cause parts of your bicycle to wear quicker and cost you more in repairs and service.
- Bicycles ridden in rain or off-road typically require more frequent and extensive service. If you are a frequent commuter or distance rider, your bicycle might need service more often.
- Keeping your bicycle parts properly cleaned and lubricated is essential for good performance. Lubrication protects moving parts from excessive wear caused by friction, rust and corrosion. However over-lubricating can lead to poor performance and component damage (excess lubricant will attract dirt and other abrasive particles). As a general rule, excess lube should always be carefully wiped away before the bicycle is ridden.
- If your bike has been damaged, we strongly recommend bringing it to a professional mechanic for a check-up to ensure that it is functioning properly and safely.
ACCEPTABLE RIDING PRACTICES AND CONDITIONS
Always check and obey any local laws or regulations, which may affect the locations where the bicycles may be used. Keep safely away from cars and motor vehicle traffic at all times, and only use where allowed and with caution.
Avoid excessive speeds that can be associated with downhill rides. Maintain a hold on the handlebars at all times. Do not touch the brakes when in use or immediately after riding as these parts can become very hot. Ride defensively. Watch out for potential obstacles that could catch your wheel or force you to swerve suddenly or lose control. Be careful to avoid pedestrians, skaters, skateboards, scooters, bikes, children or animals who may enter your path, and respect the rights and property of others. The bicycle is intended for use on flat, dry surfaces such, as pavement or level ground, without loose debris, such as sand, leaves, rocks or gravel. Wet, slick, bumpy, uneven or rough surfaces may impair traction and contribute to possible accidents. Do not ride your bike in mud, ice, puddles or water. Watch out for potential obstacles that could catch your wheel or force you to swerve suddenly or lose control. Avoid sharp bumps, drainage grates, and sudden surface changes. Do not attempt or do stunts or tricks on your bicycle. The bicycle is not made to withstand abuse from misuse, such as jumping, curb grinding or any other type of stunts. Racing, stunt riding, or other maneuvers also enhance risk of loss of control, or may cause uncontrolled rider actions or reactions. Never allow more than one person at a time to ride the bicycle. Do not ride at night or when visibility is limited. Never use near steps or swimming pools. Do not allow hands, feet, hair, body parts, clothing, or similar articles to come in contact with moving parts, wheels, or drive chain. Never use headphones or a cell phone when riding. Never hitch a ride with a vehicle. Do not ride your bicycle in wet or icy weather and never immerse the bicycle in water, as the drive components could be damaged by water or create other possibly unsafe conditions. Never risk damaging surfaces, such as carpet or flooring, by use of the bicycle indoors.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
IN NO EVENT OR CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL GLOBSET LLC BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, TO LIFE OR PROPERTY, ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH OR FOLLOWING THE USE OR MISUSE OF OUR PRODUCTS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO CYCLING, ASSEMBLING AND CONSERVATION, AND YOU AGREE TO HOLD GLOBSET LLC HARMLESS FROM THE SAME. GLOBSET LLC IS NOT LIABLE FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. YOUR USAGE OF OUR PRODUCTS IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SECTION APPLIES WHETHER THE ALLEGED LIABILITY IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER BASIS, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
THE FOREGOING LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL APPLY TO THE COMPLETEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW IN THE APPLICABLE JURISDICTION. HOWEVER, SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THE DISCLAIMERS, EXCLUSIONS, AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
