Kudos to everyone defending this little piece of ingenuity. The negative comments seem to be very unfounded. I just don't see in any of the marketing material where they have "put down" the conventional bicycle. Yes, a lot of the comparisons made in the videos show a Yike Bike performing the similar functions of a bicycle, but I think this is only to show how their strange new product actually performs a lot like a product we've been familiar with our whole lives. I think they're only trying to make it relatable so that we can understand it and perhaps buy one. In fact, the intro video clearly depicts this new bike as a substitute to the automobile in congested urban situations (it'll get you from A to B faster than a Ferrari, and you don't have to find a place to park). Not to mention the environmental pros of using this mode of transportation vs. a car. It should also be pointed out that the concept of a motorized bicycle is Hardly a new one. Many options exist for customers who would prefer their bike do the work for them--this is the first I've seen that you can fold up and carry under your arm.
As far as obesity is concerned, it's not the duty of this company to combat obesity (do we hold car manufacturers to the same standard?), that's a responsibility of every individual. Exercise is a conscious choice, and if people decide they want exercise via riding a bike to commute around town, they'll stick with a bicycle. If they decide they prefer the benefits of the Yike Bike over a traditional bicycle, they can still get their exercise elsewhere (gym, P90X--great at-home program!). To suggest that this $5,000.00 product is going to contribute to obesity in America and the Western world is ridiculous. At that price point, the market penetration of this product is going to be very shallow (although hopefully deep enough for these guys to turn a profit!). I don't have any data to help answer this question, but if I were to guess whether or not the Segway has made America fat, I'd say with confidence the answer is no. The Segway was an exciting new product that generated a lot of buzz, but unfortunately (or fortunately?) never really took off because I don't think people could relate to it. I think the people behind the Yike Bike have done a great job portraying the uses, abilities and advantages (portability being the key strength, IMO) of their product that I really do hope they succeed. I know the economy is down and people (including myself) are having a hard time, but I think we should still cheer each other on rather than tear each other down when we see an effort like this.
Good effort and good luck, I say!
Posted on March 2nd, 2010 by Yikes! (not verified)
Kudos to everyone defending this little piece of ingenuity. The negative comments seem to be very unfounded. I just don't see in any of the marketing material where they have "put down" the conventional bicycle. Yes, a lot of the comparisons made in the videos show a Yike Bike performing the similar functions of a bicycle, but I think this is only to show how their strange new product actually performs a lot like a product we've been familiar with our whole lives. I think they're only trying to make it relatable so that we can understand it and perhaps buy one. In fact, the intro video clearly depicts this new bike as a substitute to the automobile in congested urban situations (it'll get you from A to B faster than a Ferrari, and you don't have to find a place to park). Not to mention the environmental pros of using this mode of transportation vs. a car. It should also be pointed out that the concept of a motorized bicycle is Hardly a new one. Many options exist for customers who would prefer their bike do the work for them--this is the first I've seen that you can fold up and carry under your arm.
As far as obesity is concerned, it's not the duty of this company to combat obesity (do we hold car manufacturers to the same standard?), that's a responsibility of every individual. Exercise is a conscious choice, and if people decide they want exercise via riding a bike to commute around town, they'll stick with a bicycle. If they decide they prefer the benefits of the Yike Bike over a traditional bicycle, they can still get their exercise elsewhere (gym, P90X--great at-home program!). To suggest that this $5,000.00 product is going to contribute to obesity in America and the Western world is ridiculous. At that price point, the market penetration of this product is going to be very shallow (although hopefully deep enough for these guys to turn a profit!). I don't have any data to help answer this question, but if I were to guess whether or not the Segway has made America fat, I'd say with confidence the answer is no. The Segway was an exciting new product that generated a lot of buzz, but unfortunately (or fortunately?) never really took off because I don't think people could relate to it. I think the people behind the Yike Bike have done a great job portraying the uses, abilities and advantages (portability being the key strength, IMO) of their product that I really do hope they succeed. I know the economy is down and people (including myself) are having a hard time, but I think we should still cheer each other on rather than tear each other down when we see an effort like this.
Good effort and good luck, I say!