| I congratulate anyone that can get funding toward making their dream real. However after spending a year riding an electrically powered bike, I would be curious how this will address/handle the following things that finally caused me to hang up my wheels: 1) As you get older, particularly if you work in tech, you will notice your wrists, elbows, and shoulders getting a little sore. Ergonomics can go some way toward minimizing that, but riding a bike in any kind of traffic will put a lot more strain on you. Any kind of cushioning/shock absorbers/breaks? 2) Mentioned the electric assist. Is that going to be an option for these, or is your audience only folks who can ride a regular bike from day 1? A number of folks I've run into wanted to switch to a bike from their car, particularly during nice weather, but wanted some assurance they wouldn't get exhausted halfway there. The assist made it possible for me. 3) In the same vein, some way to fold this so it can be carried in a small car or some special rack so it can be carried by car? Particularly for a commuter audience I would think you would want the ability to hop a car or bus or train for part of the ride? 4) Lights rechargable? How many recharge cycles? Batteries replaceable for the lights/sensors/bluetooth? 5) Someone has already mentioned a smart helmet. I know there are a couple companies working on those, but are y'all working with any of them to incorporate a handshake so you can possibly trigger things at the best time? 6) Lastly, any thoughts to collision avoidance signals for other traffic? Something where it senses a car or other vehicle is getting too close and either hits the horn or flashes a light(s) to try and get the driver's attention? Thanks in advance for your time. |
For 2), there is no electric assist (as in no electrical motor). Any reference to electronics refers to the main-board in the handlebar that contains a bunch of sensors and things.
4) The lights are totally rechargable. There is a dynamo in the center of the front wheel hub that generates far more power than the system uses. Its expected that the dynamo will be sufficient as the sole power source. There is one high-capacity battery in the handlebar that powers all electronics.
6) At the moment the bike only notifies you if something moves into the blindspot, however it wouldn't be difficult to make it flash the rear lights at the same time to notify the driver.