Questions about tow bars
How long is the manufacturer’s warranty valid for?
The warranty period is 3 years from date of purchase (without wearing parts).
Please note the detailed warranty conditions, which are included in writing in all of our products.
Which requirements does my tow bar need to fulfil?
To be able to use your tow bar, the tow bar must have a minimum nose weight of 50 kg and a D-value of at least 5.3 kN.
More detailed information about the maximum transport weights can be found in our catalogue (pages 22&23) or ask at one of our regional specialist dealers.
Please also note: the tow bar should be made of steel quality St 52-3 or be of the same quality.
Tow bars made purely from aluminium may not be used.
What does the D-value mean?
The D-value describes the strength of the connection between the tow bar and the towing vehicle. It is measured in Kilonewtons (kN).
The D-value of your tow bar is usually in the papers belonging to it or listed directly on the tow bar itself. In case of any doubt, please ask your car manufacturer or the garage that fitted it for you.
Can I use a bike rack if my tow bar is made out of aluminium?
If the tow bar is made completely from aluminium, then it is not possible to use a Uebler bike rack.
If the towing ball and approximately the first 3 cm of the tow bar neck is made of steel and only the rest if made of aluminium then Uebler bike racks may be used.
Note: some tow bars are coated in or painted silver. If you are in any doubt, please ask your car manufacturer or the garage that fitted the tow bar.
What should I do if a 7-pin electrical socket is fitted to my vehicle?
Essentially modern vehicles are usually fitted with a 13-pin electrical socket.
If a 7-pin electrical socket is fitted to your vehicle you need an additional adapter (connector) from 7-pin to 13-pin.
These are available at any well-stocked car accessory dealer.
How big / small do the bikes have to be?
In the technical specifications for each bike rack you can find the details “Maximum wheel base of the bike”.
These details are based on the maximum wheel base between the front and rear axle (centre of hub) for the bike. You can check these measurements quite easily on your bike using a tape measure or a folding ruler.
We’ve chosen this simple and clear measuring method as for e-bikes the frames are stretched (due to the placement of the battery) and the frame size in inches is no longer enough to be able to give precise measurements.
The minimum wheel base (i.e. child’s bike) is 80 cm. The maximum wheel base is 130 cm for the X & F series (125 cm for the P-series).
Note: Please note the technical specifications on pages 16 / 17 of our catalogue or the respective product description on our home page.
Which tow bar bike rack can I use to be able to open the tailgate?
Tiltable Uebler bike racks offer different tilting angles from 60 to 90 degrees. For “normal” estate cars or SUVs normally an opening angle of 60 degrees is sufficient. For vehicles with an especially low tailgate (i.e. VW T5/T6; MB V-Klasse) you need at least an opening angle of 90 degrees.
As tow bars are not vehicle specific add-on components and especially for vehicles with low-drawn tailgates, the tow bars are often mounted at a different height, we recommend visiting one of our specialist dealers to carry out a test assembly with our racks.
Via our “Dealer search” you can find the nearest regional specialist dealer really easily.
Note: for vehicles with double doors you cannot open the doors with the bike rack mounted.
If the rack frame on my tow bar bike rack has white discolouration what should I do?
The possible discolouration at the bending points on the rack frame can be traced back to microscopic cracks in the anodised aluminium surface (protective layer with aluminium manufacturing process) of the used aluminium tubing. These occur during the bending process of the aluminium profiles and are unavoidable. However the aluminium is not damaged or impaired by this.
You can wipe away this discolouration using a cloth and a few drops of oil.
Why can’t a tow bar bike rack for four bikes be tilted away?
Tow bar bike racks for four bikes cannot be folded away as the construction (depth) of the rack only has a small tiltable / opening angle which is necessary for a non-contact opening of the tailgate. In addition there may be the risk that the transported bikes touch the ground when being tilted and could be damaged by doing so.
Why does a tow bar bike rack for four bikes need a lashing strap?
Due to the long protrusion of the bike rack (construction depth) and the centre of gravity which has then been moved considerably even further towards the rear, considerable loads are exercised on the tow bar. To be able to totally reliably compensate for these with 100% safety the additional lashing straps are required for the Type Approval certified by the TÜV.
Can the Park Distance Control be fitted retrospectively?
No. The reversing warning system requires a change to the lighting wiring harness to connect this up to the system. This cannot be fitted retrospectively.
In addition retrofitting would also require holes and rivets to be fitted afterwards to the bike clamp to fasten the radio transmitter. The holes cannot be drilled and rivets inserted retrospectively.
Also the positioning and fitting of the sensors in the number plate holder cannot be carried out afterwards.
My car is equipped with a 7-pin connector. Can I install a bike rack with PDC (park distance control?)
No, sorry. A 7-pin connection doesn´t provide a port for the reversing lights. The distance sensors though get activated by the signal for the reversing lights. Therefore a DC rack won´t work with your car.
Important safety notes
How fast can I drive with my bike rack?
All Uebler bike racks are approved up to 130 km/h (80 mph).
Do I have to consider the position of my exhaust system when choosing a bike rack?
Yes. Depending on the vehicle type the rack and/or the bikes might be positioned too close to the exhaust system. The hot exhaust pipe and/or the hot exhaust fumes may damage the rack and/or the bikes.
In this case the rack is not suitable for your car.
How can I clean / look after my bike rack?
Quick release mechanisms and bike racks should be cleaned regularly with soapy water if they are dirty or difficult to move (see also mounting / user instructions).
The threads of the distance holders should be kept clean and greased to avoid the rotary handles becoming stuck.
What can I transport with the tow bar bike rack?
The bike rack for the tow bar is only suitable for transporting bikes.
Should bike accessories be removed before transport?
Before mounting we recommend you to remove and store all child seats and any loose parts such as water bottles, saddle bags, batteries from e-bikes away.
Can any covers be used during transport?
The bikes should not be covered by tarpaulin, any protective cover or similar during transport. As the wind exposed areas can have a strong effect on the driving behaviour of the vehicle.
Can I use a tow bar bike rack for four bikes on my vehicle?
Here you need to check the user manual for the vehicle whether the car manufacturer has any restrictions in the approval for mounting a tow bar bike rack for four bikes combined with a harness set to be attached to the tailgate.
Vehicles with a plastic rear spoiler have a statement about this in the user guide.
I drive a car with a vertical back (e.g. VW T5/T6, VW Caddy, Mercedes V class) . Can I use a tow bar bike rack?
Depending on the type of the tow bar and the handlebar of your first bike it might be necessary to turn the bike´s handle (90°), to prevent touching the car´s tailgate and causing damage.
Furthermore, depending on the handle of your second bike, this has also to be turned (90°) in order to open the tailgate of your car. In rare cases the second bike needs to be removed for full access.
General questions
Where can I buy Uebler products or accessories and / or spare parts?
Our products can be bought at the specialist local dealers. Our dealers are professionals for car accessories and / or bikes & e-bikes. On site you can get personal advice and also get an impression of the quality and functionality of our products for yourself. And should you need accessories or an individual spare part the regional specialist dealer can also give you competent help.
To find the specialist dealer nearest to you just use our “Dealer search” function on our website.
Where are Uebler products manufactured?
All our products are consistently developed and also manufactured in Germany. The majority of the components are produced in our own factory. But even for purchased parts we demand high quality. These also come from tested, local suppliers who guarantee us the highest manufacturing quality.
This is why each Uebler product is really “Made in Germany”: GUARANTEED!
Is it allowed to make technical changes to Uebler products?
Technical changes are not allowed and will lead to the European Type Approval becoming invalid.
For this please also read the notes in the product specific user guide.
Is there a factory outlet store?
We don’t have a “factory outlet store” in the normal sense.
But we keep a showroom where we can give you advice during the normal opening times.
To buy a Uebler bike rack we recommend visiting one of our local specialist dealers. Our dealers are professionals in car accessories and / or bikes & e-bikes. On site you will also receive personal advice and can get an impression of the quality and functionality of our products for yourself. And should you need accessories or an individual spare part our regional dealer will be happy to give you competent assistance.
To find the specialist dealer nearest to you just use our “Dealer search” function on our website.
What are the opening hours?
You can reach us:
Monday – Thursday:
08.00 to 12.00
13.00 to 16.30 hours
Friday:
08.00 to 12.00
13.00 to 14.30 hours
All times are Central European Time (CET) or CEST.
Please feel free to drop in to visit us or call us during the normal opening hours.
Outside the regular opening hours, you can send us a fax on +49-(0)9191 – 7362 – 77 or send us an e-mail to info@uebler.com.
Questions about Si.O……
Important safety notes
Do I have to wear a helmet?
No, in Germany wearing a helmet is only mandatory for vehicles faster than 20 km/h (12.5 mph). Yet we strongly recommend wearing a bicycle helmet.
General questions
How long is the warranty valid for?
The warranty period is 2 years from date of purchase.
Please note the detailed warranty conditions, which are included in writing in all of our products.
How can I dispose of the electric scooter correctly?
According to European Directive 2012/19/EU, electrical equipment that can no longer be used, and according to European Directive 2006/66/EC, defective or used rechargeable batteries / batteries must be collected separately and recycled or recovered for environmentally friendly reuse.
Please let the battery be professionally separated from the scooter and hand in the scooter (electronic waste) and no longer usable batteries (waste batteries) at a suitable collection point.
All Si.o e-mobility products are registered at Stiftung ear (for electronic waste) and GRS (for waste batteries). Thus we take responsibility for the environment-friendly and appropriate disposal or recycling of our products.
For which of the Si.o products does the “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-law” apply?
Our Si.o K1.1 and K2.1 are “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge“ (smallest electric vehicles) according to the draft of the “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-law”. Due to its design and construction, the Si.o S1.1 is not subject to this new law, but is covered by the regulation EU 168/2013, by which it is classified as a L1-e vehicle (two wheel moped).
Are the scooters legal in Germany?
Every Si.o e-scooter is allowed to be sold and purchased globally. There´s no regulation restricting the sale, the purchase or the possession of the products. Operating the scooters on private grounds is also legal (see “where am I allowed to drive the Si.o scooters?”)
Is it possible to drive the scooters in wet conditions?
Driving the Si.o scooters in light rain and on slightly wet roads is normally no problem. But please avoid deep puddles and torrential rain! Parking the scooter in the rain is also not recommended, rather search for a covered parking space or fold it and take it along inside!
Can I take the scooters into public transport?
Normally the folded scooters count as luggage and can be taken into busses and trains. However, the transport service´s terms of transportation might differ and state other individual regulations. If you´re not quite sure, please ask directly!
What´s the maximum speed of the E-Scooter?
The E-Scooter´s maximum speed is 20 km/h (12.5 mph), but depends on the road conditions.
Why is the speed for all Si.o scooters limited to max. 20 km/h (12.5 mph)?
For vehicles faster than 20 km/h (12.5 mph) wearing a helmet is mandatory in Germany. According to the law, a cycling helmet would not even do the trick; you´d need a CE-marked motorbike helmet! As we don´t want you to be forced to wear an integral helmet while scooting with your Si.o, we limited the speed to safe 17 – 20 km/h (10.5 –12.5 mph).
How do I get spare parts?
Spare parts are only distributed by our authorised retailers. If you haven´t bought your Si.o at a nearby dealer, check our dealer search function! Not only Si.o dealers, but every Uebler dealer is entitled to order spare parts for your Si.o.
Why does the battery performance decrease in cold conditions?
The ambient temperature has immediate effect on the battery´s internal electrochemical processes. The colder it gets, the more solid or viscous the electrolyte fluid becomes, until the ions can´t easily migrate any more. Thus the battery´s capacity may decrease and the range of the scooter presumably shortens. Lithium-ion batteries perform best at 10–25°C.
How is „Elektrokleinstfahrzeug“ (smallest electric vehicle) defined?
The German term „Elektrokleinstfahrzeug“ characterizes vehicles with electric drive and a maximum design speed between 12 km/h and 20 km/h (7.5 – 12.5 mph) and the following features:
The vehicle has no seat
The vehicle has a holding or steering rod
The continuous rated power does not exceed 500 watt
The vehicle´s measures do not exceed 700mm (width) x 1400 mm (height) x 2000mm (length) (27,5 x 55 x 79 inch)
The vehicle´s weight does not exceed 50 kg (110 lbs)
The vehicle displays the battery charging status.
Which regulations apply for Ekf (smalles electric vehicle) in Germany?
As the draft legislation of the “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-law” is still in progress it would be a wild guess to name the exact regulations for this future vehicle category. At present, driving this type of vehicle is only allowed on private grounds.
……S1.1
Where is driving the S1.1 allowed?
According to EU regulation No. 168/2013 the Si.o S1.1 is a category L1e vehicle (light two-wheel powered vehicle). It therefore has a valid operating licence and is permitted to be used on public roads. With an insurance plate you are allowed to drive on the street and on paths which are signposted with a “Mofa frei” sign (Germany only). In case you don´t have an insurance (and therefore no licence plate), it´s only allowed to drive on private grounds.
Who is allowed to drive the S1.1?
Everyone with at least a moped certificate (or driver´s license category M or higher) is entitled to drive the S1.1 on public roads.
Are my children allowed to drive the S1.1?
Children aged 15 and above are allowed to drive the S1.1 on public roads if they have a moped certificate. It´s not recommended for children younger than 15 years to drive the S1.1 even on private grounds.
Where can I get a licence plate?
The licence plate or insurance plate is issued by insurance companies, by several banks or by the ADAC (in Germany).
How much is the insurance for the S1.1?
The costs for a liability insurance for a L1e vehicle are approximately 80 Euro per year in Germany. If you are older than 23 it might even be cheaper!
Is the battery removable?
The battery is solidly installed in the S1.1 and is not meant to be removed for charging. If the battery needs to be replaced this can be done by a certified dealer.
Do I need a driver´s licence?
Driving the Si.o S1.1 requires at least a moped certificate (minimum age: 15 years).
A driver´s license category M or higher (passenger car also) automatically includes the permission to drive the S1.1.
Which regulations apply abroad?
As the regulation for classifying vehicles (class L vehicles) applies throughout Europe, the insured S1.1 is defined as road vehicle in all European countries and will be treated as such. However, in individual countries different or additional regulations might exist concerning light electric vehicles below 20 km/h maximum speed. Therefore, an insurance plate may not be necessary and driving on cycle paths may be allowed. But please check carefully the regulations in your holiday destination!
How do I switch on the alarm system?
The alarm system is switched on by briefly pressing button 4 (button with the closed lock symbol) on the remote control.
How do I switch off the alarm system?
The alarm system is switched off by pressing button 3 (button with the open lock symbol) for 2 seconds on the remote control.
What´s the range of the E-Scooter?
In ideal conditions, the E-Scooter achieves a range of 20–25 km (12.5 – 15.5 miles). The range depends on a variety of factors, such as road conditions, temperature and load.
What´s the maximum load capacity?
The vehicle´s maximum load capacity is 120 kg (excluding tare weight).
What´s the E-Scooter´s weight?
The E-Scooter weighs 20 kg.
What´s the maximum seat height?
The maximum seat hight is 91 cm (35.8 inch)
……K1.1
Where is driving the K1.1 allowed?
In Germany, driving the K1.1 is allowed on private grounds, e.g. many camping grounds, factory sites, private property or fair grounds, as long as the access to the area is restricted by barriers and/or signs and therefore the area is only accessible for a certain and defined group of persons.
When the “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-law” becomes effective, driving the scooters will be also allowed on cycle paths or on the street (if no cyclepath exists).
In nearly any country outside Germany driving the scooters is allowed. But please check carefully the regulations in the respective country!
Who is allowed to drive the K1.1?
Everybody who is familiar with the e-kickscooter´s handling and the entire operation of the product, and who can assess the risks, and has the physical and mental condition to control the product, is allowed to drive the K1.1.
Are my children allowed to drive the K1.1?
We recommend the use of the K1.1 only for children older than 16 years (15 years if the driver has a moped certificate).
Is the battery removable?
The battery is solidly installed in the S1.1 and is not meant to be removed for charging. If the battery needs to be replaced this can be done by a certified dealer.
How do I switch on and off the light?
The front light is switched on/off by pressing the red button at the steering rod (single click). The rear lighting is vibration controlled and works automatically.
How do I change the speed levels?
To switch between the speed levels double-click the red button at the steering rod.
How can I secure the K1.1 against theft?
Please secure your K1.1 with a thin bicycle lock through either the rear wheel or the hole in the folding lever and fix it to an immovable object.
……K2.1
Where is driving the K2.1 allowed?
In Germany, driving the K2.1 is allowed on private grounds, e.g. many camping grounds, factory sites, private property or fair grounds, as long as the access to the area is restricted by barriers and/or signs and therefore the area is only accessible for a certain and defined group of persons.
When the “Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-law” becomes effective, driving the scooters will be also allowed on cycle paths or on the street (if no cyclepath exists).
In nearly any country outside Germany driving the scooters is allowed. But please check carefully the regulations in the respective country!
Who is allowed to drive the K2.1?
Everybody who is familiar with the e-kickscooter´s handling and the entire operation of the product, and who can assess the risks, and has the physical and mental condition to control the product, is allowed to drive the K2.1.
Are my children allowed to drive the K2.1?
We recommend the use of the K2.1 only for children older than 16 years (15 years if the driver has a moped certificate).
Is the battery removable?
The battery is solidly installed in the S1.1 and is not meant to be removed for charging. If the battery needs to be replaced this can be done by a certified dealer.
How can I secure the K2.1 against theft?
Please secure your S2.1 with a thin bicycle lock through either the rear swing arm, the front fork or the hole in the folding lever and fix it to an immovable object.