Very cool concept, but in practice it seems like it would have some issues. Speed is definitely one, but the steering mechanism is what kind of makes me feel it would be iffy... A normal bike has you hunching forward which allows you to keep your bodyweight balanced easily. With this thing, it seems like you would have to keep your posture in a rather uncomfortable position for a vehicle.
Of course the other question is how far does it go on one charge?
Stormsinger says "Only 20 kph, and 7-9 km", which isn't far, but I think the idea here it to compete with the Segway-type of vehicle. It is intended to be something between walking and riding I think. The other thing that I see as being problematic about the riding position is the incredibly wet crotch you're going to get.
>> ^ponceleon: Very cool concept, but in practice it seems like it would have some issues. Speed is definitely one, but the steering mechanism is what kind of makes me feel it would be iffy... A normal bike has you hunching forward which allows you to keep your bodyweight balanced easily. With this thing, it seems like you would have to keep your posture in a rather uncomfortable position for a vehicle.
Of course the other question is how far does it go on one charge?
I bet it's a lot cheaper if you don't get the green lightcycle option.
If you go to http://www.yikebike.com/site/gallery and watch "Testing Video #1" you'll see how it handles common urban and suburban obstacles (potholes, gravel, puddles, curbs). What I found hilarious is that they use the iphone as a unit of measurement. One of the potholes is about half an iphone deep and the curb is a little more than half an iphone.
I really wanted to see it take on a Tall Starbucks Mocha Valencia pothole or maybe a half Venti Toffee Nut Latte curb.
I really wanted to see it take on a Tall Starbucks Mocha Valencia pothole or maybe a half Venti Toffee Nut Latte curb.
ROFL :-D
but judging from the shaking movements of his hands i don't think that thing is a very stable ride. And because the price is in the range of a segway, it has to compete with that. If i had to decide between the two i would definitively go for the segway.
I think he's driving around in Christchurch, New Zealand. Not exactly a high crime area to begin with. Seems like some head protection would be a welcome addition.
"It is likely that you will jump off the front of a YikeBike in an emergency braking situation – this is very easy as there are no handle bars in the way." - http://www.yikebike.com/site/node/18
So the bike is safe and I still hit my impending obstacle. Yay!
I guess a solar panelled helmet wouldn't go amiss.
And yes... under NZ law, he should be wearing a bike helmet. That's a $55 fine right there. And another $55 for being on the pavement. And another $55 for that turn without indicating. Tut, tut.
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Oh ouch. Only 20 kph, and 7-9 km. That's not too usable in my case.
Of course the other question is how far does it go on one charge?
Still, it is a very cool piece of *engineering
Stormsinger says "Only 20 kph, and 7-9 km", which isn't far, but I think the idea here it to compete with the Segway-type of vehicle. It is intended to be something between walking and riding I think. The other thing that I see as being problematic about the riding position is the incredibly wet crotch you're going to get.
>> ^ponceleon:
Very cool concept, but in practice it seems like it would have some issues. Speed is definitely one, but the steering mechanism is what kind of makes me feel it would be iffy... A normal bike has you hunching forward which allows you to keep your bodyweight balanced easily. With this thing, it seems like you would have to keep your posture in a rather uncomfortable position for a vehicle.
Of course the other question is how far does it go on one charge?
Still, it is a very cool piece of engineering
If you go to http://www.yikebike.com/site/gallery and watch "Testing Video #1" you'll see how it handles common urban and suburban obstacles (potholes, gravel, puddles, curbs). What I found hilarious is that they use the iphone as a unit of measurement. One of the potholes is about half an iphone deep and the curb is a little more than half an iphone.
I really wanted to see it take on a Tall Starbucks Mocha Valencia pothole or maybe a half Venti Toffee Nut Latte curb.
I happen to think that would look most excellent with a tophat tails and cane. It must be the penny farthing look it has.
Yike Bike Srs Cat avatar forthcoming?
ROFL :-D
but judging from the shaking movements of his hands i don't think that thing is a very stable ride. And because the price is in the range of a segway, it has to compete with that. If i had to decide between the two i would definitively go for the segway.
I can't imagine a cool "yike" chase scene in a movie.
I'm sure they'll fit it into the next Bond movie.
The other thing that I see as being problematic about the riding position is the incredibly wet crotch you're going to get.
It didn't look that exciting to ride, however good it feels.
So the bike is safe and I still hit my impending obstacle. Yay!
I guess a solar panelled helmet wouldn't go amiss.
And yes... under NZ law, he should be wearing a bike helmet. That's a $55 fine right there. And another $55 for being on the pavement. And another $55 for that turn without indicating. Tut, tut.
You mean as you go over the bumps and it deliciously judders around?