Rhoades Car - Questions and Answers

Who is Rhoades Car?
We are a division of a 27 year old company by the name of Rhoades National Corporation. Our only goal is to manufacture quality U.S. made 4 wheel bikes diverse enough to suit the needs of our customer. We build our bikes like we would like to have them ourselves. Little things like 3/4" axles, disc brakes, sealed bearings, and powder coat paint, do not come cheap, but it makes us proud of our product and we're sure you will be too. .

What about warranty and repairs?
There is very little to go wrong with the Rhoades Car. We warrany every part for 2 years, (90 days parts and labor)and will immediately replace any part for you should it be defective, outside of normal wear. Any service work that should be done, can easily be done by you or any bike shop. And remember, we are only as far away as your phone.

How Do I order?
Once you have received your literature and pricing information, decide which models and options you want. Fill out the order form or call us and we will make you an order or quote and send you a copy. By calling in your order we can also answer any questions you may have. .

What is positive traction, and will I need it?
The positive traction is when both rear wheels are driven by the rear axle. Each wheel is equipped with a rachet hub that allows each wheel to turn freely in turns. If you are going to stay on regular roads, either paved or gravel, you probably won't need it. However, if you are going off road, like a mountain bike, or use it on the grass at a hilly golf course, or use it in the snow, or any place traction could be a problem, then you probably will need i

Which gearing option should I get?
1 speeds are included in the base price of the bikes. However, 1speeds are only recommended on perfectly flat terrain, indoors on plant floors, or for boardwalk rentals. The 6 speed option is the minimum recommended for pleasure use. It gives you the top end of a single speed bike with a choice of 5 easier to pedal gears than the 1 speed. The 36 speed gives you the faster top end speed of a regular multi-speed bike, plus super low tractor gears that are even easier to pedal than the 6 speed. If you're going to sight see, get a little exercise, and just generally ride around, you will probably be ok with the 6 speed. If you demand the highest performance, are an avid multispeed biker, going to take long trips, or go off road, you might want to think about the 36 speed.(recommended on 4W4P) In any case, we will be glad to help you with that selection.

Why an optional 2nd brake?
The standard brakes that come with Rhoades Car are an exceptional and powerful braking system. They do a good job at stopping all our models. However, it is only on one wheel. For the highest performance and quicker stops, 2 brakes are better than one. .

Can I add options later?
Some options are either extremely difficult or impossible to add later. You cannot upgrade to a 36 speed for instance, because of frame differenes. .

Whats the difference between the heavy duty black mags, and the heavy duty chrome spokes?
The black mags are molded nylon wheel with 5 large spokes and they are virtualy maintenance free. The chrome spokes probably look more flashy, similar to a regular bicycle wheel except with heavier 105G spokes and a different hub. The weight and performance are similar. The chrome spoke is probably an overall stronger wheel.

Standard handlebars vs. butterfly steering wheel?
Most customers find the handlebars to be more comfortable.The Butterfly steering wheel offers a novel look and is fully adjustable with tilt.

What powers the headlights and taillights?
They work from their own internal aklaline or rechargeable batteries.

Will the delux seats hold up in outdoor weather conditions?
Yes. The delux seats are made from marine grade vinyl and thread.

What are the advantages of the Kevlar liners and thornproof tubes?
Both of these options are flat tire insurance. The Kevlar liners go inside, between the tube and the tire to prevent punctures through the tire from reaching the tube. The thornproof tubes are of a heavy-duty thickness to with-stand abuse which thinner tubes cannot take

What are the details on the electric assist?
The PD-750 is a 24 volt 750 watt Powerdrive motor assist. It's a heavyduty (30 lbs.without batteries) system designed to give continous pedal assistance up to 18 mph. Range with locally available 75 ah batteries is 25 miles at 10 mph. if you are not pedaling. If you are pedaling expect twice that range. The motor comes with an onboard charger, electronic hand operated throttle, overload protection, and lockable battery box with master controls. The motor is chain driven via a freewheel to the rear axle. The motor freewheels with no added resistance when not being used. All speeds & ranges given are estimated and ultimately depend on the size of the battery, weight of vehicle/occupants, terrain, and amount of pedal power supplied.

Does the Rhoades Car come fully assembled?
Yes, it does. All factory options and even the canopy top, comes on the bike. The canopy is folded down. Just pull it up, snap it down, and you are ready to go

Will I always be shifting gears with the 36 speed?
No. You only have 2 shifters just like a regular 10 or 18 speed bike. With our bike there are 6 gears on each shifter. Typically you would leave one shifter in a middle gear, and only use it for super low gears, or as an overdrive for faster straight ways.

Are the Rhoades Cars legal to drive on the road?
Yes they all fall into the same category as a regular bike in most states.

Are the Rhoades Cars easy to pedal?
Actually, the Rhoades Car can be easier to pedal than a regular bike, because you are sitting down, not standing up on the pedals. Plus, you don't have to maintain a minimum speed when you're going up a hill. You are never going to turn over becasuse you have four wheels! Ultimately top end speed is going to be the price you pay for easy operation. The law of physics is just not going to let you have more rolling resistance and more weight wihout paying for it. While the Rhoades Car can do 15 mph, the reality is more than likely you will go slower.

Who uses Rhoades Cars?
Our main customer is just like you. You may or may not presently ride a bike, but you sure do like the possibilities of having a stable riding machine like the Rhoades Car underneath you. Most of our customers use their Rhoades Car for pleasure and fun, such as scenic rides, or long trips. Other customers have more serious uses, such as a fun way to get exercise, or as a way to commute to work, or they are used at work. Some of our customers because of physical limitations, or balance just cannot ride a regular bike. They need the ease of use and the stability of a Rhoades Car. And then there was: The undertaker in Texas that needed a novel way to advertise his business. The lady in Ohio, that waged a political campaign from her 2 seat Rhoades Car. The guy in Florida starting his second trip around the state by bike. The lady from Rochester New York, that rode a greyhound bus to our plant in Tennessee to pickup her 4W2PCP, and then rode it home. The state Governor of a Mid East oil country that had 2 4W4PS flown over to him. (We're really not sure what he's using his for.) .