31–40 of 61 posts
I can't imagine trying to bail out if you got into trouble with the handlebars around your legs like that.
From the FAQ (I swear I'm not from YikeBike PR): 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.
Yikes, that thing will not sell. The core demographic that would use it are the same people that want to look the coolest. And I can't imagine anyone cool sitting on something as dorky. Another good idea killed by poor design.
Sadly, I'm sure they spent a lot of time on the design. I think they're just solving the wrong problem. The lack of storage space limits this to joy riding. You can't buy groceries, commute with a laptop, etc. etc.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Sadly, I'm sure they spent a lot of time on the design. I think they're just solving the wrong problem. The lack of storage space limits this to joy riding. You can't buy groceries, commute with a laptop, etc. etc.
Why wouldn't a backpack work for carrying things?
Earlier quoted context omitted.
A popular electic bicycle would also be cheap and allow pedalling. Absolutely. If I wanted an electric bike, I'd go with something more sensible, like this: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/10/schwinns_new_line_of...
The perks of the Yike (I feel funny just saying that) are the weight (20lb vs 45lb) and size. I see lots of business people here (London) on those little fold up city bikes. The Yike seems more targetted at those customers than the traditional cyclist.
1. sitting on a wheel means every time you hit a pothole you say yike as your spine is pounded.
2. you MUST keep both hands on the wheel at all times because it is dynamically unstable (very different from an 'upright' bike which will steer hands-free).
3. forward center of gravity will dump you on your face under heavy braking (or for the Yike - the slightest braking).
4. small wheels feel every bump in the pavement (which has a fractal dimension explored in greater detail as the wheel gets smaller).
5. You can ride a recumbent for hundreds of miles in a day and still be very comfortable (I have) but it requires a chair-type seat; preferably with some recline to it. That seat looks painful.
6. A short wheelbase like my bike or the Yike allows you to turn on a dime - but it takes practice as both wheels do not have the same weight and a skid is unrecoverable. Do not attempt this on ice, snow, wet leaves, etc..
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Sadly, I'm sure they spent a lot of time on the design. I think they're just solving the wrong problem. The lack of storage space limits this to joy riding. You can't buy groceries, commute with a laptop, etc. etc.
Why wouldn't a backpack work for carrying things?
I can't imagine trying to bail out if you got into trouble with the handlebars around your legs like that.
From the FAQ (I swear I'm not from YikeBike PR): 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.
I really don't see how jumping off front of the bike is intuitive though. I mean, it's like trying to jump forward from the chair your sitting in. This in itself is an unnatural action, and to top it off the bike is gonna be moving forward when you jump forward off it. I foresee some severely bruised backsides.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
From the FAQ (I swear I'm not from YikeBike PR): 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.
At 20km/h it might not be so easy after all.
Yikebike: How much: €3700~ ($5400) | How far: 9-10 km (5.5 miles) | How fast: 20 kph (12 mph) For comparison... Segway: How much: $2-7000? | How far: 38km (24 miles) | How fast: 20 kph (12 mph)
Another comparison: My shitty commuting bike: 50€ | Range: unlimited | Top speed: a bit more than 30kph depending on how fast you can spin
Earlier quoted context omitted.
From the FAQ (I swear I'm not from YikeBike PR): 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.
At 20km/h it might not be so easy after all.