About Grant Ryan
YikeBike founder, Grant is an addicted inventor and entrepreneur. He has founded a number of companies including GlobalBrain.net (sold to NBCi), RealContacts, SLI Systems (profitable fast growing SaaS search company) and Eurekster (North America Red Herring 100 in 2006). He is on the board of Canterbury Development Corporation and has also served on the board of the New Zealand Government's $140 million Venture Investment Fund and $430 million Foundation for Research Science and Technology. Grant has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Ecological Economics from the University of Canterbury. The YikeBike perfectly combines his love of mechanics, environment and innovation.
Spanking the YikeBike
Thought we would share a video of some of the endurance testing the YikeBike is going through. We have put over 15,000 kms on the YikeBike and 16,000 stop/starts simulating years of use. The custom built test machines are designed to run 24 hours a day and replicate real life conditions as much as possible.
Battery testing has simulated 1300 full usage cycles with the battery still retaining 80% of original capacity. That would equate to a full year of 4 charges per day. The actual battery life will depend on how you use the YikeBike and environmental conditions.
We have tried to be thorough in testing and improving the YikeBike to make sure yours is totally reliable, but as with any new product there may be issues that arise over time. Because of this even if your YikeBike doesn't need a warranty service near the end of the one-year warranty we'll include a free door to door service (you don't even have to take it to a local shop, we will pick it up from your home or office). You can be assured our first customers will be particularly well looked after.
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Comments
wow.... that's truly amazing...
I live in the Gulf at the moment, and I can definitely see it catching on here.
People here especially love the new and unusual (and don't care as much for the price!)
Great job though... I definitely can't wait to get my hands on one!
If you ever consider selling them in the Gulf, let me know!
4000+ in america is hard to give up for it, does it do long distances, how many years till it drops in price you think?
If you market it right you can make it more appealing than a segway. You might get disney to like it, they have segway rentels that can go all day, if you give it the same battery life then people that hate to stand on those segways in line will love to use your yike bikes.
I live in florida and I learned that the best place to test this kind of thing is at coco beach, they get good pay and love to try new things.
What a splendid invention you have perfected. Anyone and everyone will want in on a distribution agreement to sell your Yikebike in their city or state. I live in central Fl and know what a big hit they would be here. Wonderful for elderly to get around on! Beats the heck out of a walker or a wheelchair. lol I would like more info on delivery time, production time, final shipping charges, warranty, and price break quanity.
Although I love this idea .... These questions occur to me as needing attention.
1. Since I perceive it as a device which would be limited in usability to an age group of about 15 years to 40 years ... what age group(s) will be marketed to?
2. For safety in limited lighting conditions such as early morning late afternoon/evening even night-time.... is there a headlight in development?
3. For versatility & adaptability in carrying "stuff" like paperwork/messages, books, groceries, work uniform or sports equipment is there a satchel or collapsible basket in development?
1) We have had lots of interest from all age groups - initial markets we are focusing on are large European cities
2) The YikeBike has built in lights at front back and side for safety. The current videos don't show the latest bright lights - will put something up soon
3) We may develop a carry case but we have been finding a small back pack works very well. First version is not designed to carry much more.
i was thinking that something was missing when i watched your video....protective gears!!!.....you may also think of designing a helmet that goes with it, like one with a mirror to check what's behind you, and with good eye shields to protect eyes from the sun and dusts...your invention is really good....keep it up!!! Goodluck....
How does it work in rain? How much does it cost to recharge? Is it available in one size, or adjustable for smaller or larger people?
-All the electronics are designed for showers and the brakes work particularly well in the wet as they are anti-skid
-It only costs a few cents to recharge
-Just one size for now that fits people from 5'3" to 6'5" (163 cm - 193 cm)
I think the YIKE bike is incredible, love what y ou're doing.
I have a suggestion.
when the bike is folded at the office or home, it would be really cool if a person could add some accessories which would enable the YIKEbike to double as a stationary bike! ie; if a person sat in a normal chair and was able to add pedals (think recumbent bike)- this would serve two purposes: 1) add to the battery charge 2) be consistent w/ your philosophy of providing a work-out to the urban dweller whose space is limited.
just an idea that your excellent "discovery channel" piece stimulated in my mind.
keep up the great work you're doing!
PacoSF
I am an avid electric-bicyclist ( have an EG BALI 18-speed mountain bike with LI battery-pack ). I am also the only person in Miami Beach with one.
I get comments and looks all the time ( about my bike, not me... ) and I am sure your 'YIKE' would be an absolute hit here. The only real thing that concerns me is the price-point.
The obvious advantage of your product is its' 'fold-ability' and its' need for small storage spaces, however, there are electric bikes available in the new store on South Beach that can go up to 40 MPH and cost less than $1,500 U.S.
If you could compete on THAT level your potential increased sales would, at least partially if not completely, make up for the initial lower price.
Cool design, unique, enviro-friendly and practical... who would want more?
Way to go!
Ray
Miami Beach
What is the range, and what is top speed?
Range for the first version is 10km (6.2 miles) although there will be battery upgrade options. The top speed is 25km/h (15.5 mph)
I want to sell this in the USA, for you!!
The price and short range are the only factors that would keep me from buying this bike and if I had the money, I'm not sure the range would be much of an issue. Well thought out designs like this one should be supported even if they are initially a bit expensive, this is the kind of innovation and forward thinking that we need a lot more of in the world.
The design is good, the form and function are well put together and, looked at in detail it is even aesthetically appealing. Being able to fold it up into a small package and take it with you is a big advantage. I'll be watching the evolution and saving my pennies.
Outstanding work! Keep it up!
Will the Yike bike climb hills and in western PA we have good roads but they go up and down or down and up so tat is a need. When i commute to any where it would have to hill.
The Yike-Bike is light weight and store very compact, making them perfect for a motor home or private airplane.
Owning a motor home myself and converse with others on RV blogs, this seems a great alternative to towing a car, or at least a compliment.
A friend of mine owns a private airplane. He hauls fold-up bicycles which are heavy and take up a lot of space.
In an airplane and motor home, both space and weight are very precious.
Great Invention! I hope you sell millions of them.
I would like to know about US sales. I would be very interested in your terms for distribution rights in the state of North Carolina. I believe Yike Bikes would be a major hit on most America college campuses. $4,000+ retail might be a reach for most consumers.
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