YikeBike starts production in June
Posted on April 7th, 2010 by Grant - YikeBike
After months of testing and tens of thousands of kilometers on our test rigs we have a set of specifications and first delivery is on target for end of June.
The main points of note that are different from previous information are: The final price is at the low end of our price range: 3495 Euros or 2995 Pounds The top speed is higher: 25 vs 20 km/h - from using it we found it feels safe at this speed The battery life is longer - over 1000 charge and recharges Includes a free door to door service at the end of the warranty period The lights are brighter and have auto dimming for night time Check out our press release for more details.
Comments
How long does it take from the day i purchase to delivery of the bike to me in Vancouver, B.C. Canada.
Once your payment has cleared the lead time for a Fusion YikeBike is 4 weeks and the lead time for a carbon YikeBke is 1 week.
Are you going to have a more powerful motor upgrade? 1500 watts would be perfect. Or will there be a new version arriving?
The current power of 1000 Watts is not likely to change - more power than Lance Armstrong ;-)
I am somewhat disabled (but can climb stairs). What I want is some aid that will help me walk with people; it needs to make me roughly their height (Yikebike good), as well as be transportable across thresholds and stairs and allow indoor use--legal or otherwise. (Yikebike good on those counts too!)
This leaves a critical issue, which I am afraid the Yikebike can't satisfy, which is speed! It has to be slow enough to move at walking speed. Any hope there?
Anne
Thanks for comment. The first version is not ideally suited as a walking substitute but we are likely to make a 3 wheel version that will be more stable at lower speeds and could be used as a mobility device - watch this space. Cheers
I would like to know where I could see one here in the U S ? I think this is a wonderful idea whose time has come!
We have not taken a YikeBike to the US yet and are not sure when we will launch there yet. If you sign up to our newsletter will we keep you posted.
How well can a Yike Bike handle a rider who is carrying weight in a backpack or shoulder bag? There is rarely a time that I wouldn't need to haul a few items to and from the office so I'd want to have a way to transport those while on the Yike Bike (when it gets to the USA). I have no idea how any form of cargo hold could be designed into the bike - like a bike basket - but if a heavy backpack wouldn't cause an issue with balance, I suspect most of the time that would suffice. Now, how to carry an umbrella in the rain while on the a Yike Bike...hmmm. Maybe this is when an umbrella hat comes in handy?
The YikeBike works very well with a backpack and this is the normal way we carry things about. We use the same wet weather gear you would riding a bike.
super and cool
or price :( very very
How far will it travel on a full charge with someone weighing about 165lbs. How long does it take for a full charge if pluged into a 120V system
You should get around 10 km (6 miles) with a full charge. The charger works the same for 120 -250 V power supplies
Are you looking for venture capitol?
Where do I find out about it?
Are you on the market?How are yopu capitolized?
We are currently well funded by venture capital and not currently seeking additional capital.
Does it need a drivers permit of some kind in the US or other countries?
We have not investigated the legal details in all states in the US as we are focusing on Europe initially but we have designed it to be used just like a bicycle with no need for a permit.
There is a lot of intrest in this bike in the United States and it would be awsome if this company could start selling their products to U.S.
Hi! The bike looks fantastic - congratulations! Please can you let me know if I can ride this on the road in the UK without a licence. Thank you and good luck with everything.
Currently the YikeBike is in a grey zone legally but we have designed it to be safer than a bicycle. On our recent trip to the UK we made a point of asking police we saw what if any ticket they would give us and there was no answer. The UK is currently reviewing the law around novel transport devices so hopefully there will be more clarity soon.
any update on this?
Wheels of regulation move slowly :-(
weight of riderdo you have anything planed for the larger person ?
We will work on versions for larger and smaller people but do not have a time frame for that yet sorry.
Are you looking for making this street legal in Switzerland? It will be difficult because the motor is more than 250W and it doesn't have proper pedals... It will be considered as a motorbike which makes it very costly. Even the segway is considered like a motorbike in Switzerland! Absurd swiss laws...
There are so many rules in different countries that were not designed with this sort of vehicle in mind that there is no way to meet them all. Instead or focus has been on making a safe vehicle and we believe the YikeBike is significantly safer than the most commonly owned form of transport the bike.
Perfect for the congested cities to the south and for the open roads to the north. West to East yike bike would resonate with many Canadians. An awesome investment for any dealer and buyer. I hope distribution in Canada begins soon :) peace, Steve.
Canada will allow gazguzzling Harleys and SUVs on the road but not the Yike Bike. Reason, according to Transport Canada... NO PEDALS ! Ridiculous ! We need a change in the rules.
Or can you add pedals ?
We haven't looked at Canadian law in detail but probably is the case. From the analysis we have read pedals don't add anything to safety and it is just one of those odd laws. We may make a version with pedals but it would just make it heavier and larger.
Brilliant! Genius! What are the specifications on the battery? How much electronics are there to deal with and the replacement products and parts replacement on a world wide basis? Thanks
The YikeBike has latest Lithium Phosphate (liFePO4) batteries that are good for at least 1,000 charges. We will share the exact details when they become available closer to the start of YikeBike production.
Battery technology is moving quite rapidly and we have designed the YikeBike so that you will easily be able to upgrade to new battery technology as it becomes available and is tested.
We are also in the process of developing additional battery packs to extend the range.
The battery can be charged all around the world on voltages between 100 and 240 volts
We do door to door servicing in every country we sell in (that is why we are not selling everywhere). Most electronic parts are designed to be easily swapped out for quick repair and come back to our factor for analysis of faults.
where con i see one ?
Sign up to out newsletter and we will let you know when there is a chance to see a YikeBike in your area.
I live in Canada and would like to get one of these.. if I could find a way to purchase one in a supported country and bring it over, does the charger support 120v charging?
Yes the charger work for all voltages around the world.
Doe it need a drivers permit of some kind in the US or other countries?
The YikeBike does not fit neatly into existing regulations but has been designed to be used the same way a bicycle is (ie no permit or insurance). See this link for reasons the YikeBike is safer than a normal bike
The seating position seems awkward to me. What about a traditional bicycle seating style where your arms are extended in front of you? I do like everything else about this cycle.
Most people are quite surprised how comfortable it feels when you first get on a YikeBike. There is nothing inherently comfortable about leaning forward with arms extended it is just what we are used to. More discussion here.
I really would like to see a Bike to Yike braking comparison, because it looks like the center of gravity is much further forward than on a regular bike which can itself be made to pitch forward if the riders weight is not held back in an emergency stop0. Do i see a face plant in the making here??
Yes is it not obvious from looking at the YikeBike that it is actually remarkably stable on braking and pot holes. Check out this test video
I don't see fenders or mud flaps on either the front or rear wheels, and I am wondering how the YikeBike (and I) might fair in the rain?? Stripe up the back? or???
The frame acts as a mud guard - no strip up your back. Check out the end of this test video.
That is the neatest, smartest, coolest invention I have seen in a long time!!! I want one(but that may take awhile). I live in a small mountain area, but for in town, you could wear a backpack and carry things, I would think. I'm assuming you wouldn't even have to have it licensed would you? (I live in New York State). And I wonder if you need a helmet? May be a good idea anyways. I also work at school and we are talking about the environment and technology, this is an awesome idea, and I am going to tell the kids about this. Applause to such a brilliant man and invention.
Can the YikeBike be used while charging?
This would be an advantage as it would permit those who want increased range to carry (in perhaps a backpack) additional power sources or even wearable solar cells. This could be doubly important as soon to be available battery and solar tech becomes far more powerful and more affordable per unit weight.
Yes this is possible. We have been testing this with a spare battery pack as we use the YikeBikes around London.
Is there a set of connection points for a shoulder strap? Seems like a natural thing to add. Make it even more portable.
Yes every YikeBike comes with a shoulder strap. You don't have to use it much through. We have designed a bag to go with the YikeBike but that is an optional extra because we have found that you very rarely have to use it. You pretty much ride straight to where you are going and carry a very short distance to put it down.
I work about 3 kilometres off a bus route and would love to be able to Yike my way to work after taking the bike on the bus! Our buses only carry 2 standard bikes on the front and they are always used - it can be so frustrating. A Yike would end that and be SO convenient. My only beef is that... I can't get one as I live in Canada!! Please hurry with production for North America... in the meantime we will wait patiently for the Yike wave to arrive!!
Best wishes,
Phil from Canada
PS>An absolutely brilliant piece of engineering!
First up, these are stunning/amazing. Congrats for thinking out side the box.
I have spent the last month living in Shanghai, where I had thought about bringing into N.Z some battery powered bikes. As they would be great for poeple just wanting to zip down to the local dairy. They could put a few things into the small baskets and get back home.
One of your biggest markets (China) would not buy into these ( as the current design stands) as they have no space for carrying god nows what on them. I have photos of some unthinkable loads being carried, but the most important thing about the battery powered bikes in China is they are looked upon as being a cheap affordable alternative to a car. I have witnessed whole families being transported on bikes.
If you could (down the line) come up with a system that would allow a second seat to be snapped (clicked) into place on the rear frame behind the rider, or a basket/platform you would have an unstoppable formula. I know that this would then need to be removed before the bike could be folded up, but people would definately put up with this small inconvenience so they could carry their bikes upstairs to apartments or offices.
And this really would take off over here. But things take time I understand and products develop through trial and testing.........
Anyway good luck
Amazing
Brett
this is surely a good electronic vehicle for towns and suburbs only. It has a problem to commute within big busy cities and highways. Also for electricity charged vehicle requires government approval before to be allowed on the road. So Hong Kong is a dead end for the promotion of this lovely and handy machine.
You are correct the YikeBike is not designed for highways but it works wonderfully in crowded large cities. We have just been using them very effectively getting around London. We are working on approvals in various countries but have not yet looked at Hong Kong.
as the roads and streets in Malta are completely full of them...
Another question...how does it fair uphill??>
Because the YikeBike has a 20 inch front wheel it is remarkably good on pot holes - just had a few days through London and all worked well. See the test video for footage of pot holes and hills
To critics posting here, be reminded that every vehicle has its limitations and compromises. I ride 50-100mi/wk and own every conceivable bike, moto and car - unicycles, cruisers, mtn-biks, road-bikes, but never an electric. I've yet to 'test' this bike but predict it will be revolutionary among city-commuters and urban-hipsters who didn't buy a Segway with improved: portability, footprint, ease of use. Cost will come down with scale - those needing cheaper will ride a scooter. Anyone can critique or crash. No, it won't climb any mtn or distance but the design/specs/testing seem simply... amazing. Congrats and cheers mate!
This is brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I am surprised at the comments, 'why don't you...' or 'have you thought of...'.
It is pretty obvious that this is extremely well thought out, exceptionally well designed, looks fantastic... all with a wonderful purpose/function. If I could afford it, I would have one in an instant. Best of all...Kiwi. Best of luck Grant, Awesome.
Hey Guys...very impressed with the product and design but $4500 US? These should be priced less than a Scooter so it might take several years to get there but I can't wait! We can buy street legal electric 2 person scooters for $800 or less...keep up the good work...
There will be cheaper versions eventually. Check out www.minifarthing.com for some ideas around different versions. Also see this post for more discussion on this.
Hi, i live in Montréal,Québec,Canada. So here we get cold temperature. have you test the yikebike on cold weather to see the longevity of the life of the battery.
The design temperature is -10 to 40 Celsius. The battery does perform better in warm weather than in cold but because the YikeBike is so small is it generally not left outside. When it is being used the battery stays warm so it is not as big an issue as vehicles that are left outside in sub zero temperatures.
Does the bike have a key to allow only the owner in using it in case of theft?
The YikeBike does not have a key for two reasons. The first is that because it is so small you never leave it outside and is much less likely to be stolen. The second reason is that the charger is a specialised custom version that is only available from us and we only sell them to YikeBike customers.
If you do need to lock the YikeBike it is very easy to use a normal bike lock through the front wheel too.
would stability be improved by lengthening the bars and tilting them up so the hands would be held forward like a skier or in the same type of position an astronaut using a rocket power pack . hope that
you can understand what i'm trying to explain.
We have tried the handle bars in many different positions and the current configuration has proven to be remarkably stable.
How about carrying a spare battery and replacing it as the first runs out? (if the batteries are not 'encased in the graphite body). You could then re-charge both at your destination.
Also how does it corner on gravel. I have seen quite a few clips of this bike on you tube but not seen anyone fall off sideways yet. Just the guy falling forward when keeping his body weight forward. You can't claim it's infalible ...
Yes we will offer an additional battery pack that can be clipped into the whole in the front wheel and charged in parallel.
The test video show some riding on gravel and I don't recall it ever having slipped sideways on gravel but I'm sure it would if you tried hard enough. The times when it has slipped sideways is typically when the boys in the office/workshop get carried away racing (they are a competitive lot....and we don't recommend this....but they count it as extreme testing). When it does start to slide you put your foot down and regain your balance rather than hitting the ground.
Looks like a bit of a balancing act. Have you tried placing the footpegs forward of the hole in the front wheel? I bet it feels more natural.
Looks awesome, I'd buy one!
We have tried the foot pegs in lots of places and where they are now feels the most stable from the options we have tried. It really is remarkably easy to get used to riding it.
I am living in Japan, It seems that your bicycle is working fine on the normal non steep roads, how about the slope, most of the ways we are having here are up and down slopes. Is it possible to use that bike and how about the battery itself how long will it take with roads like that?
Thanks
A.Haredy
You can see how well the YikeBike handles hills in this video
Great device, but I don't understand why the range it's so small.. it would be perfect with at least 50 km of range and less weight.. 10 kg are too much on back..!
The reason for the small range is explained here. We will be offering additional battery options for those who want a larger range.
10 kg is the smallest lightest electric bike in the world by a long shot and we find you very rarely carry it because you typically ride it point to point, fold it up and you are done.
hi this bicicle is very fantastic, i am very curious to prove, this bicicle, sorry my enghis, where is possible prove this bicicle?? thank you
Congratulations for giving us a great and revolutionary product!
Have you thought of making this available to the masses like the ordinary bicycle with lower costs ?
That is possible by out sourcing to China. You will enjoy the financial rewards and recognition for your contribution to personal transportation.
On the other hand, your present marketing strategy might not reward you the aforementioned benefits. Down the road, you will find more copycats of your product, manufactured and sold at a fraction of your price. Quality apart, some buy for the trill of owning a novelty item and there is a market for this segment too.
As it is now your product cost twice as much for a reliable 125 cc Japanese motor bike.
Just my two cents. Have a good day and God bless.
Regards,
Fc
In some cities the use of hand signaling as well as light signaling is used for safety reasons. Is this possible with the Yike Bike?
We have put the indicators there specifically so you don't need to take your hands off the handle bars. Just like a bike or motor bike the YikeBike is more stable with both hands on and the indicators are very visible from all angles.
We are a Senior couple in Florida. My husband has a balance problem because he had all his toes amputated on his right foot last year, and I have had several surgeries from a heart attack and my balance is also impaired. We are 61 years old and love life and want to do things out doors as we did before our health failed. We are on a fixed income and live in a condo so something small can fit in our condo. Yike for seniors w/ two wheels in back for balance, we can advertize at senior cities here in Florida,can a senior (Sr.Yike) be made? I hope this gave you food for thought. I admire that you can invent things to transport people economically.
Thanks for your feedback. It is likely that we will make a 3 wheeled version at some stage but it may be a while off yet.
Saw the YikeBike revealed on the gadget show on Monday 5th April 2010.
I'm going to the GSL @ the NEC in BIrmingham on 8th April Saturday.
Can't wait to see it - fasinated by it's incredible looks and intelligent ride design and fold away simplicity.
Looks a little better than the gocycle from last years show.
Shame about the price being double in comparison
See you there
Electrics-rocks
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