This guide combines the most important real-world ownership knowledge and technicals for the 72V ONYX RCR into a single reference.

It starts with simple daily setup and usage, then moves into apps, storage, maintenance, riding technique, legal considerations, and practical upgrades like fork gaiters for long-term reliability.

Quick Overview

If you just need the essentials:

  • Use BMS apps to monitor battery health
  • Use AC Aduser to program the controller
  • Learn the alarm fob (standby vs true power-off)
  • Store indoors when possible
  • Keep tire pressure at 32 PSI
  • Follow the maintenance schedule
  • Know your local e-bike laws
  • Protect your fork seals with gaiters

ONYX App Connectivity

ONYX bikes use different apps for different systems:

  • Battery -> BMS app
  • Controller -> AC Aduser
  • Hardware -> Bluetooth or USB adapters

ONYX App Compatibility

RCR 2018-2025iPhoneAndroidWindows
Battery BMSBluetooth BLEBluetooth BLE
AC AduserBluetooth BLEBluetooth EDRUSB to RS232

All adapters plug into the same JST SM 4-pin connector.

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Battery BMS Apps

iPhoneAndroid
Super Power BMSSuper Power BMS
Overkill Solar BMSOverkill Solar BMS
Xiaoxiang BMSXiaoxiang BMS
ANT BMSANT BMS

These display:

  • Pack voltage
  • Cell balance (delta)
  • Temperature
  • State of health
  • Error history

AC Aduser (Controller App)

Used to:

  • Adjust throttle curves
  • Set current limits
  • Enable field weakening
  • Read error codes
  • Restore defaults

Runs on:

  • Android (Bluetooth)
  • Windows (USB or Bluetooth)

Alarm Key Fob Basics

Each ONYX includes two key fobs.

Functions:

  • Power on
  • Power off (standby)
  • Arm alarm
  • Disarm alarm

Important:

  • The fob puts the bike in standby - it does not fully disconnect the battery.

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Storage & Security

Best option:

  • Indoors (garage or home)

If outdoors:

  • Waterproof cover
  • Chain lock + disc lock
  • Remove battery
  • Avoid extreme temperatures

Helpful gear:

Riding Conditions

Rain

  • Safe to ride
  • Wash and dry within 48 hours after dirty rain

Winter

  • Rideable to about -5°F
  • Do not store batteries below 32°F

Summer

  • Let batteries cool before charging
  • Charge in shade
  • Avoid frequent fast charging

Battery Safety (Do Nots)

  • No direct sunlight while charging
  • No charging immediately after aggressive riding
  • Safe overnight charging between 32°F-105°F

Throttle & Stability Basics

  • Feather the throttle
  • Do not rely on ride modes for safety
  • Lean forward during launches
  • Light grip on handlebars

Braking Technique

Best practice:

  • 80% regen (left lever)
  • 20% front brake
  • Rare rear brake

Warning:

  • Avoid heavy regen above 83V (may cause cutouts)

Maintenance Schedule

ServiceEvery Ride750 Miles2,500 Miles
Check Headlight, Tail Light*
Check Tire Pressure (32 psi)*
Check Front Brake & Adjust***
Check Rear Brake & Adjust***
Check Battery Charge Level*
Check Torque Fork Nuts***
Check Torque Axle, Handlebar Nuts***
Check Torque Suspension Nuts***
Wipe Down & Dry Frame*
Check Tire Wobble*
Check Front Brake Fluid Level (DOT3)***
Check Battery Strap**
Lube and Tension Chain**
Check Rear Wheel & Motor Alignment*
Lube Rear Brake Cable*
Inspect and Clean Frame*
Check Hub Motor Cable & Clearance*
Lube All Moving Parts and Bearings*
Check Battery Connections
Change Key Fob Battery
Check Tire Thread Depth
Change Front Brake Fluid (DOT3)
Change Front and Rear Brake Pads
Check Wheel Trueness
Service5,000 Miles10,000 Miles
Check Headlight, Tail Light
Check Tire Pressure (32 psi)
Check Front Brake & Adjust**
Check Rear Brake & Adjust**
Check Battery Charge Level
Check Torque Fork Nuts**
Check Torque Axle, Handlebar Nuts**
Check Torque Suspension Nuts**
Wipe Down & Dry Frame
Check Tire Wobble
Check Front Brake Fluid Level (DOT3)**
Check Battery Strap
Lube and Tension Chain**
Check Rear Wheel & Motor Alignment
Lube Rear Brake Cable**
Inspect and Clean Frame**
Check Hub Motor Cable & Clearance**
Lube All Moving Parts and Bearings**
Check Battery Connections**
Change Key Fob Battery**
Check Tire Thread Depth**
Change Front Brake Fluid (DOT3)*
Change Front and Rear Brake Pads*
Check Wheel Trueness*

Fork Gaiters

Fork gaiters are rubber accordion-style covers that protect the front fork tubes from dirt, water, and debris.

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Benefits:

  • Prevent fork seal leaks
  • Reduce corrosion and pitting
  • Extend suspension life
  • Improve reliability in rain and dirt
  • Add a rugged retro look

Highly recommended if you ride in wet, dusty, or urban conditions.

Registration & Insurance

  • ONYX bikes can be registered as mopeds or operated as electric bikes, depending on configuration.
  • Insurance is not required for electric bike use, but is recommended for registered mopeds (GEICO and State Farm are commonly used).
ClassTop SpeedRegistrationLicense RequiredKey Rules
Class AOver 30 mph up to 40 mphRequiredMotorcycle license (M or MJ)May use full traffic lanes
Class BOver 20 mph up to 30 mphRequiredDriver’s licenseRight-hand lane or shoulder only
Class C20 mph or lessRequiredDriver’s licenseRight-hand lane or shoulder only

Electric Bike Requirements

To qualify and operate as an electric bike:

  • Pedals, chain, and freewheel must remain installed.
  • Roads with speed limits 30 mph or lower only.
  • Bike lanes allowed at 15 mph or less.
  • Avoid Midtown bike lanes.
  • Bridge bike lanes limited to 15 mph.

Electric Bike Laws

Electric bike classification depends on:

  • Federal law
  • State law
  • City law

A bike that is legal in one city or state may be classified differently elsewhere.

Final Advice

  • Learn the apps
  • Understand the alarm system
  • Follow the maintenance schedule
  • Protect the suspension
  • Ride predictably
  • Know your local laws

A well-maintained ONYX is fast, reliable, and built to last.