Read bike instructions before the first trip

There is now at the door, the new bike. So nothing like going on, on the first tour. Who wants to be stopped by reading the operating instructions? Also new bicycles usually have a handlebar, two wheels and a pedal crank – what should go wrong?

A lot, because if you use the bike wrong, overhanged or wait badly, you don’t have to be surprised about faster wear and avoidable defects, clarifies the « ADFC Radwelt » (2/2025).

The legal liability and guarantee could also risk just as much as accidents, for example, by breaks of parts. How to avoid this and what you have to pay attention to when using and maintaining can be found in the instructions for use.

It must be supplied when buying a new purchase, but is not necessarily included in printed form, but can theoretically also be provided digitally. The printed form is common – this is also prescribed for electric bicycles, according to the club magazine of the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC).

If you buy a used bike, you should make sure that it is available or made available when buying, such as online. Some manufacturers also offer video instructions here.

The instructions must meet certain requirements

Most importantly: According to the statements, the instructions must provide all security -related information about the use of the bike in German, as the Product Safety Act prescribes.

The papers also find important information, for example on the permissible total weight. Example: This is often 120 kilos by default. This info is particularly important for heavy people. The limit is then quickly reached or exceeded, especially if load is still to be transported.

Similar to a car, service -oriented instructions offer some pages on which you can have inspected inspections. If you want to resell the wheel, you could document regular maintenance, which should have a positive effect on the sales price.

In the case of instructions that are output for several bike types, specific information may still have to be added to the dealer.

E -bikes are more complicated – their instructions are more extensive

The instructions for electric bicycles are even more extensive, because the bikes also fall under the so-called machine guideline and an electric wheel standard. Among other things, a declaration of conformity must be given. It mostly finds itself in the operating instructions, but can also be a single document. In it, the manufacturer confirms that the bike meets all regulations. A CE sticker must also be on the bike.