Service advice

Getting in and out of the bike - children over 3 years old

The back of the bike can be lifted up so the front of the cabin touches the ground. Children can then easily climb in and out of the bike and you don’t have to do any lifting.

Driving through tight door openings

If your Nihola bike is too big to fit through a tight door opening you can turn the front wheels and put the bike through diagonally. This way you can get the bike through a smaller door opening than if the bike is put through straight.

Tire pressure

Remember to pump/check all 3 tires around every second week. This way you don't have to waste energy riding around on half flat tires.
The tires can be pumped for free at any garage, as the innertubes are fitted with car valves.

Recommended tire pressure

Non puncture proof tires: front 3 bar, back 4 bar.
Puncture proof tires: front 4 bar, back 5 bar.

Winter maintenance

Buy a chain spray from a bike shop and lubricate the chain regularly.
It is also a good idea to lubricate the front brake arms, this stops water, salt and condensation getting into the brake components (the brake arms are the black parts down by the wheels that move when you pull the front brake).

The best thing you can do to maintain your nihola bike in the winter is to wash the salt (from the bike paths) off your bike. Most car owners remember to wash their cars several times during the winter, but many cyclists forget that bike paths are salted as well.

Theft

Remember to use your heavy chain lock. Put the chain through the frame of your bike and then around something like a lamppost.
Also keep the receipt and other papers for your bike safe, in case you need them for an insurance claim.

Other things to watch out for

If the bike is moved while it is locked with the frame lock, the spokes on the rear wheel can be damaged.

The zips on the rain hood can be damaged if you fold the front part over the top when riding. Instead the front part of the rain hood should be pushed in behind the bench, so that the zips don’t get damaged. Don’t fold the rain hood the same way every time, this way you can avoid the front window being damaged and cracked.

Safety

Children, carry cots, car seats etc. should always be safely strapped down whilst riding. There are built in fittings on the bikes frame for fitting safety belts/straps.
If the rainhood is removed the poles need to be removed as well because the rain hood is the only thing that holds the poles in position.

Rim Brakes

If your Nihola bike is fitted with V brakes, you need to check the pads and rims regularly. When the grooves in the brake pads are worn away you need to change the brake pads.

General Service and Maintenance

We recommend lubricating moving parts with 'LUBRAL', which can be bought in spray cans at most bike shops. Locks should be sprayed with WD40. Remember the steering is maintenance free and doesn’t need lubrication.
The seat post should be pulled up and lubricated with grease every year (this will stop it rusting solid in the frame).