Discover our range of products
Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
About Van Raam
Van Raam is a Dutch producer of unique custom bikes. Want to know more about our company or special needs bikes?
News
6 tips for cycling on the Chat rickshaw bike
The Van Raam Chat is a rickshaw bike on which two people can be transported. The Chat has three wheels and a seat on the front of the bicycle, which makes the Chat cycle differently than a regular bike. Read in this article 6 tips for cycling on the rickshaw bike.
How do you cycle on a rickshaw bike?
Have you just purchased a rickshaw bike or are you considering buying one? Then read in this article some tips for cycling on the Chat rickshaw bike. These tips also apply to other rickshaw bikes with one wheel behind and two wheels in front.
1. Check the rickshaw bike before you start cycling
Before you start cycling with the Chat rickshaw bike, check the following points:
The functioning of the brakes
The lighting
The tires (is there enough air in them?)
The battery status (is the battery fully charged?)
In addition, it is also important to adjust the bike properly to the rider. Make sure the handlebars and saddle are adjusted to the right height. You set the saddle height correctly by sitting on the bike and putting one foot on the pedal in the lowest position. In this situation, the leg should be stretched out, but still relaxed. The correct handlebar height is determined by the rider; this is the height that feels most comfortable.
2. Practice before you go out
The Chat rickshaw bike is a tricycle with a seat on the front of the bike. Logically, a rickshaw bike rides differently than a regular two-wheeler. Therefore, it is important to practice with the bike before you set off. Note that a rickshaw bicycle without persons in the seat cycles different than a rickshaw bicycle with persons in the seat. This is because the weight distribution is different. We therefore recommend to practice cycling with and without passengers.
3. Try the bike first without pedal assistance
The Chat rickshaw bike is standard equipped with the pedal assistance system of Van Raam. We recommend that you first ride the bike with the pedal assistance turned off. Once you are familiar with the bike, you can switch on the electric motor and practice using the pedal assistance. Try out the start assist and the reverse function at the same time.
4. Make use of the parking brake
All Van Raam three-wheeled bicycles are equipped with a parking brake. Put the parking brake on before you get on or off the bike to prevent the bike from rolling away. In addition, you can use the parking brake when standing still for a longer period of time, so you can safely remain on your bike without it rolling away.
5. Make use of the seat belts
There are 2 hip belts attached in the seat for the passengers. Use these belts on every bike ride for added safety.
6. Plan the route in advance
We recommend using the rickshaw bike on a solid and flat surface, such as a bike path. Therefore, try to plan your route in advance. Be aware that the Chat has a larger turning radius than regular bikes, due to the two front wheels. Take this into account when taking turns. If you come across a threshold while cycling, ride as straight as possible. In this way you firmly cross the threshold with both front wheels at the same time.
Van Raam Chat rickshaw bike
The Chat rickshaw bike from Van Raam is designed to cycle together with adults and/or children who no longer able to participate in traffic on their own. An accompanying person cycles with one or two persons. The two people who join the group as a co-driver are seated next to each other in a specially designed cockpit. The driver sits behind this cockpit and thus has an overview of the road, but also of the occupants.Read more about the Chat on the product page.
Try the Chat rickshaw bike during a test ride
Are you considering buying a Van Raam Chat rickshaw? Then first make a test ride on the test track at Van Raam in Varsseveld. Are you not able to come to Varsseveld? Then it is also possible to make a test drive at some of our dealers. Please contact your local dealer and ask about the possibilities.
Customer reviews about the Chat rickshaw bike
Read below how others experienced the Van Raam Chat rickshaw bike.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any questions about the Chat rickshaw bike, or would like to know something else? Then contact us, we are happy to help you.
Do you have any questions?
We are happy to assist you! Please check our contact page or contact us directly using the options below.