The regulation/innovator catch 22 - why we choose safety over compliance
Posted on May 18th, 2010 by Grant - YikeBike
Regulations are an interesting dilemma for companies that produce inventions that legislators and regulators didn’t foresee. If companies chose to only do things that regulations allowed there would never be bold innovation. If companies tried to change regulations before launching they would never get off the ground. But which reasonable regulator is going to put time into changing a law if they don’t know how many users it will affect? This is the regulator/innovator catch 22.
We are great believers in regulations to protect consumers. Safety has been a major focus of the YikeBike design for the last 5 years. The only rational approach for market entry for a radical new product is to make sure it is as safe as or safer than products that currently meet regulations and we believe we have done this.
Many of the things we could do to make the YikeBike meet some of regulations would in fact make the YikeBike less safe. Given the choice of meeting regulations the product was not designed for or making it safe we chose safe. Below are a few examples.
Regulations often require mechanical brakes and the testing includes spraying water on brake pads or being able to skid on dry surfaces, etc. We have tested mechanical brakes and found that they are not as a good as the electric anti-skid brake that we have developed. The brake doesn’t skid on wet grass or wet soapy concrete and brakes well within European bicycle guideline limits. It also doesn’t wear out brake pads or risk having cables snapping. The YikeBike brake is non-compliant but safer.
The lights on the YikeBike are not legal for a bike in many countries. Some don’t allow battery powered lights, and some don’t allow indicators and brake lights on bikes at all. No regulations allow for bike lights that auto adjust to the ambient light levels. When we studied bike safety the main safety issue is cars not seeing bikes, so we have bright lights on all the time visible from all angles that adjust to ambient light levels so as not to distract other vehicles. Again, it is a non-compliant but very safe lighting system.
The motor wattage limit for e-bikes is typically 200-300 watts. We have chosen a motor that is closer to 1000 watts output but is speed limited. This speed is limited to no faster than you can run and fits below the e-bike limit in most countries. When we ride a YikeBike with a lower power motor in traffic it is slower to accelerate and we feel less manoeuvrable in traffic. When a bus is coming your way you want to be able to get out of the way fast. There is no need to change down gears but the extra power makes the YikeBike very responsive and manoeuvrable. We also use the same motor for braking so the more power the brakes have the better. Another reason we think e-bikes should be regulated by speed and not power is that enforcement officials are unable to measure power in the field, whereas they can easily measure speed.
Pedals are required to make the bike compliant in many countries but we have found no evidence whatsoever that pedals aid rider safety.
In summary we have actively chosen not to make the YikeBike compliant to rules that were not designed for it but have instead chosen to make it safe.
Our guess is that regulations will catch up, as most modern cities are investing millions to come up with solutions to a growing need for people to rapidly move around congested cities in an environmentally friendly, efficient way. If you happen to be a legislator or regulator who wants to be known for being innovative and responsive and wants to make the YikeBike legal in your city let us know and we will help you.
Comments
I'd love to have one of these particularly with gas prices going up and up. I live close to work but cant get one because of Pennsylvania law.
It would be awesome if America or even just my state would realize that electric bikes are a good thing.
I'm an ex-rugby player (front row) and come in at around 125kg (getting down under that is a struggle!). Is the limit of 100kg dictated to by the composition of the bike (ie safety), or just the reduced range it would have?
The limit is the composition of the bike rather than about the reduced range. We will make a version for larger and smaller folks at some stage (sorry for delay)
Hi Grant,
Do you expect the government to assist in your legalisation issues?
They could prioritise a NZ legislation change, thus making an example to other governments who say they want greener commuters. Surely it is in NZ's interest to prioritise help for exporters.
Good luck
Dave
We made a submission to the recent transport bill so hopefully something will come of this.
Nice job guys in substantially improving
on a most basic two wheeler that has not been
innovated seemingly at all.
Have you considered having the rear wheel assembly split so that it would provide more stability at slow speed allowing older user like me with less balance to use your product?
Yes we will develop a version like this at some stage - not sure when yet.
What are the regulations in Australia that pertain to a Yike Bike? Can you ride it on bike paths and footpaths as per a normal bike? I only know of the 200 watt rule here for electric bikes.
Many thanks
James
Unfortunately the YikeBike is not legal to ride on the road or footpath in Australia because of the 200 watt rule along with some of the other things mentioned in the blog post.
This would be perfect for New Yorkers. The city has been making changes to accommodate bicycle commuting (e.g., adding more bike lines, dedicated bike paths, bike parking at business centers, etc). If you haven't already started working with any legislator/regulators in the US NYC might be a good city to put toward the top of your list.
Here's an interesting fact, from Wikipedia, about NYC:
"New York's high rate of public transit use, 120,000 daily cyclists[202] and many pedestrian commuters makes it the most energy-efficient major city in the United States.[60] Walk and bicycle modes of travel account for 21% of all modes for trips in the city; nationally the rate for metro regions is about 8%.[203]"
Cycling is booming in NYC at the moment. Here a tidbit from the City government's Department of Transportation's website (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bicyclists/bikemain.shtml): "New York City aims to double bicycle commuting over 2007 levels by 2012 and triple it by 2017. In New York City 10% of auto trips are under one-half mile, 22% are under 1 mile and 56% are under 3 miles – distances readily served by bicycle. Subways can be crowded, buses may run late. Free yourself and get there by bike."
If you can get the YikeBike street legal in NYC and New Yorker adapt it - it will take off everywhere else. New Yorker's love to own the "in thing" - I know if I buy one I'm pretty sure a number of my friends will too. Also, NYC is a trend setter - other will follow our lead like they've always done and will continue to do.
Food for thought... ;)
Hi Grant and YB team,
I read your comments regarding regulatory compliance with interest and, dare I say, dismay.
I'm very interested in buying a YikeBike for commuting to work in Melbourne (Aust) but can't face the thought of spending thousands of dollars on a device that may not be legally usable, and may get me fined before its legality is proven one way or the other.
Your attitude to this seems remarkably naive and that's hard to believe when everything else about your business is so sophisticated. Frankly, I had thought that the delay in releasing the product in each market was caused by YB getting this regulatory approval issue resolved for that jurisdiction.
Individual users have no power with the authorities to get something tested or approved post-purchase. That has to come from the manufacturer. By way of example, Segway is not legal in Victoria and owners have been fined for using them on both roads and footpaths. Even Victoria Police bought some but failed to get approval to use them for crowd control.
When you can provide me with proof that YB can be legally ridden in Melbourne, then I'll be eager to become a customer. Until then.......?
Thanks for your comments. We do understand and would much prefer if it was legal. Easier for us easier for you. The point I was trying to make is that the two choices we have is to try to change the regulations or make it fit existing regulations which is either impossible or would require us to make it unsafe. We are actively working with numerous regulators around this but they also have an issue that if no one is using it then it doesn't become important for them. The Segway is a good example of how long this takes - 9 years and still not legal. We will continue to work with regulators and let you know when it is road legal in Australia.
It also points to the value early adopters play in enabling new technologies
What a fantastic idea the Yikebike is - It looks very impressive indeed! I currently live in Canada and would be keen to get my hands on one as soon as they are on sale here. I do have one concern though & that is, does the battery suffer in 'really' cold weather? During the winter months here it often drops to -30c. How would the Yike cope with those extremes?
Des
Sorry but the YikeBike is only rated to -10c. However because it is so small you never leave it outside and when it is being used it generates heat meaning the core weather dependant components (motor/battery/controller) will not get that cold. Having said that we have not tested it in these conditions so are not sure what will happen. Will let you know when we have done these tests but it is not likely to happen soon sorry.
so.. it got MEGA cold in chch this august... did you test the yike bike?
We have been using the bikes all year and have had no troubles. Hasn't got below -10 in Christchurch yet though!
Does the YikeBike have a buit-in charger or is it a separate piece of equipment?
The charger is separate just like a laptop charger.
This is fantastic I love your bike and the actual thinking that took place regarding regulations. Hopefully soon I'll get a job and be able to afford one because I want one so bad.
I'm a big guy 6'8" and about 140 kg, Looking at your FAQ I'm well outside of the standard bike rider you've designed the Yikebike for.
With size being the major design of the Yikebike will there be any chance of making a slightly larger/stronger version for larger riders?
We do plan to make versions of the YikeBike for larger and smaller people but you may have to wait a while sorry. No estimated time lines yet.
I applaud your balanced view of regulation vs. innovation. Imagine the regulatory outcry when I mounted jet engines on a (normally unpowered) glider! Luckily, here in the US, aviation laws are restrictive, not permissive (they only tell you what you can't do, not what you can). Therefore if you do something innovative before the regulators make a law against it, it is probably legal.
So I merrily fly away in a jet powered glider with only a glider license, no type rating (required for jet airplanes) and not even a medical certificate. The regulators may not like it, but their hands are tied by their own regulations.
Unfortunately, at the state and local level, such freedoms have largely vanished, as petty government officials pontificate about their great efforts to protect us from ourselves.
Keep up the good work!
What CAD system have you used to design the yikebike?
We use SolidWorks and it has worked wonderfully
Your product is revolutionary! I applaude you and cannot wait until there is availability here in the US. Keep me posted please. Dennis McKenna
PS I also applaude your strategy decision regarding "regulations". That is, I'm sure, the most difficult aspect to deal with. Bravo!
I think there's a market for the YikeBike in the US, especially in upscale and environmentally friendly cities like Seattle (Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks) and Portland (Nike, Intel)
We certainly plan to sell in the US but are not sure exactly when yet. We want to make sure we have excellent support set up everywhere we sell and we can't do that everywhere at once.
I am very excited to see a product like this being developed. I might buy one in a few years when all the bugs are worked out, more options are available, and the price is lower. I will definitely recommend it to my dad, who loves new inventions and is an inventor himself. I love how small and portable this is, and it would be perfect for a short commute in a city. I live in a smallish town, so for now I'll stick to my regular non-motorized bike.
The first suggestion I have is to make a carry case for the bike to fit into, to strap on your back or wherever. I have no experience with mechanical engineering, but would it be possible to make an adaptable propulsion system with removable pedals? So after you run out of power, you could still put the pedals on and keep going? Also, since the yikebike is so stable, could you have other removable attachments, such as a basket, a trailer for stuff you want to pull along (or a passenger), or a little canopy for bad weather? Just thinking of all the ways I would abuse this thing if it was my only means of transportation.
When your bike willbe available inBrazil?
Sorry we are not sure when we will make the YikeBike available in Brazil yet
when will it be available in Belgium?
BTW are you sure that it could be used on roads?
I think it is a great idea
regards
Yes you can order a YikeBike from Belgium by clicking on the green "Buy" button above. The advice we have that the YikeBike is road legal in Belgium
i liked very much this bike, I liked to buy this bike,very good!!!
Hi There,
Is your bike available in Ireland? It looks like a really interesting product and a perfect fit for the busy streets of Dublin!
Yes the YikeBike is available in Ireland. It can be ordered online and all servicing will be done by a door to door courier so our expert service team can look after you.
All in all, it looks like a good product and I wish you well. I do recommend that you upgrade the batt capacity slightly though.
I first saw your product last fall and I dismissed it due to the range issue. However, I am coming back to it as a practical matter.
Basis:
I live in Nyon,CH, across the street from the trains station. My wife commutes into Geneva via train but has a rather inconvenient last leg via the bus. I commute to Lausanne and have some rather nasty hills to climb. I am 56 and my wife is 43, point; neither of us are very young or fit. We are each about 90kg plus laptops.
Problem:
My wife's last leg is only slightly more than five miles but it is up hill. This is Switzerland and uphill is defined as a fairly steady 8-9% grade, which should reduce the range substantially. Oh, an additional minor detail; she has a heart condition and she lugs a laptop.
My last leg starts in Lausanne station. Lausanne is more typically Swiss as the town is nearly verticle, with many funiculars neccessary for the local population (over 9% grades). Yes, Winter can be a challenge. However, those grades are very challenging to battery life. As an electrical engineer, I know this intuitively and can even present the mathmatical arguments for it.
We have no place to park cars in our building (Art Deco building circa 1937).
Issues:
All in all, it looks like a good product and I wish you well. I do recommend that you upgrade the batt capacity slightly though.
Thanks for the feedback. We are still finalising the options for hills - we may offer a version that is slightly lower geared that is better up hills. We will publish more details on the final hill specifications when they are finalized. We will have an extra battery pack for those who want more range.
6 miles is not a sufficent distance. I traveled 300 miles in one day with human power. The yikebike looks to be well engineered. with good drive and brakes. It has no means of human propeling, after power runs out. one answer could be quick disconnect power supplys carried by rider. two more power supplies would increase the miles from 6 to 18.
Sir;
In honesty I mean no disrespect as I know nothing of your current situation nor the scope of the target of your comment. If you suggest these things as overall company fodder, fine. You referenced a 300 mile "human powered ride";if indeed you are still capable of this kind of riding, Shame on you! A rider of that caliber should have no problem in work,city or any condition. I do not know of a company that does not provide for a bike. If a ride/transpo./ride-there are fine compacting bikes.
I am a relatively young person, and used to ride as you described. Due to a traumatic accident I am losing the use of my legs, then found out (seperately) I have a non-treatable type of brain cancer. Apologies for my bitterness, I only mean to shed light on just exactly how I wish and dream of using "human power" again~I can not describe the devastation. In one day I slid from 'everything' to a kind of quiet discrimination called 'disabled'. So, Ride when you can , dude! Again, my apologies as I don't mean to single you out. A product like this would free my soul and provide 'counseling' of a type that could never be bought. Unfortunately, Mr. Grant (thank you and bless you for responding!) informed me I could not get one as of yet.
This product appears to have infinite applictions and the comments are all bringing good questions/points.
Luck and Best Wishes,
Randall G.
The reason for the small range is discussed here. Both the suggestions you make will also be available. The power supply is a similar size to laptop one and can be carried anywhere. There are extender battery packs that you can swap out and have as many as you like.
I TRULY LOVE THE IDEA! BUT, how comfortable and smooth is the ride (vibration) of the bike? Women tend to be more sensitive, disliking motorcycles and such, than men.
The YikeBike is surprisingly smooth to ride primarily because of the relatively large front wheel. Most people are surprised how well it handles bumps. You can see some of this in our test video. The only way to know for sure is to test ride one and we will be letting people do this once we start production in the next few months.
From what I can see so far this product is great for men but seems a bit awkward for women. I haven't seen a woman on the YikeBike in amy of your material.
Have you had feedback from that part of the market and how was it ?
I am a woman, and the answer to your question is YES.
The price is a little too prohibitive for me as yet, but I've been keen on a Yike Bike for a while. It would be perfect for my commute to work and especially back (about 5km round trip) due to the exhausting slope in Champion Street, Porirua.
Am really looking forward to the NZ release, depending on what the Ministry of Transport classify a Yike Bike as.
In general it is true that so far we have had most interest from men but the YikeBike works well for women too. We will have more photos and videos of women riding on the website soon.
Here is a sneak peek:
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