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Old 01-12-2013, 05:20   #1
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New Boat Bike

I purchased one of these self-balancing electric unicycles a few weeks ago for my new boat bike.
It’s just so fun to ride it’s a Personal Thrill Ride.

I will purchase another one for the first mate when she practices a bit more.

I have been gliding around my town running errands for a few weeks now. It will go 12 miles at 12 MPH on one 45 minute full fast charge. It has a light weight LifePO4 battery. The whole unit only weights 20 lbs. This model cost $600, is small and easy to carry.

It took me 1 hour of practice before I could glide down my street

There is another model called an IPS F400 that will go 24 miles at 16 mph on a full charge, but it weighs 29 lbs

We have been using folding bikes as our island transportation for years, but they are just bulky and hard to carry and store. Also you get pretty sweaty riding a bike on hot days on some of the hilly islands we go to.



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Old 01-12-2013, 05:46   #2
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Re: New Boat Bike

I like that...

I wonder on a boat though, might need to have a leash for it so it can't get all that far away in the event you go one way and it goes another.
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Old 01-12-2013, 06:02   #3
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Re: New Boat Bike

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I like that...

I wonder on a boat though, might need to have a leash for it so it can't get all that far away in the event you go one way and it goes another.
It comes with a orange adjustable strap that goes through the handle that is used for a training leash.

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Old 01-12-2013, 06:02   #4
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Re: New Boat Bike

When we used to carry bikes (US East Coast) they were like donkeys. Our little Dahons could be loaded with about 100 pounds of groceries and other vital necessities.. mainly beer. Two or three cases on the rear carrier and bags of groceries hanging off the handlebars. Used to wobble like crazy until you got up to speed. These solowheels look interesting but I don't think they'll ever replace bikes for cruisers. They look like fun though, ever tried the motorized skateboards?
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Old 01-12-2013, 06:10   #5
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Re: New Boat Bike

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They look like fun though, ever tried the motorized skateboards?
We had a few electric skateboards, but they where heavy and the wheels were small, so the ride was bumpy.

With the Airwheel we can carry groceries or tools as our hands are free to move.
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Old 01-12-2013, 06:25   #6
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Re: New Boat Bike

Very cool idea. Watched a few vids and it looks like a big learning curve. Will probably stick with my Dahon.

How fast can you stop? How about downhill safety and braking? Every boat has a power budget -- Have you figured out how many AH a full recharge would draw from the house bank?
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Old 01-12-2013, 06:31   #7
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Re: New Boat Bike

We don't have the space for bikes onboard, and I don't have the metabolism that would allow me to stop walking all over the place and not get overweight.
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Old 01-12-2013, 06:34   #8
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Re: New Boat Bike

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Very cool idea. Watched a few vids and it looks like a big learning curve. Will probably stick with my Dahon.

How fast can you stop? How about downhill safety and braking? Every boat has a power budget -- Have you figured out how many AH a full recharge would draw from the house bank?
The learning curve for me was one hour. I am just a few weeks into gliding around with it. Now I run errands around my town with it.

Just lean back and it stops in just a few feet.
It has re-gen braking, so it charges the battery when going down hill.

We have 460 watts of solar on our cat, so we make more power than we need.
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Old 01-12-2013, 07:35   #9
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Re: New Boat Bike

Really cool device. Thanks for sharing.
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Old 01-12-2013, 07:49   #10
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Re: New Boat Bike

Oh that got my attention. Do you know how they do on unimproved roads, like the rock and limestone in the out island Bahamas and elsewhere? Is the longer range faster one just the same with a bigger battery?
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Old 01-12-2013, 08:00   #11
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Re: New Boat Bike

So how would you carry groceries?
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Old 01-12-2013, 08:03   #12
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Re: New Boat Bike

trailer?

I just checked the specs on their site, max weight 220 lbs. I'm already ten pounds over that without carrying anything.
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Old 01-12-2013, 08:19   #13
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Re: New Boat Bike

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So how would you carry groceries?
I would think one of the portable grocery cart carriers could be dragged behind.

What a cool device!
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Old 01-12-2013, 08:22   #14
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Re: New Boat Bike

That is awesome! Now I want one!... I'll have to check it out next time I see you!
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Old 01-12-2013, 10:58   #15
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Re: New Boat Bike

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Oh that got my attention. Do you know how they do on unimproved roads, like the rock and limestone in the out island Bahamas and elsewhere? Is the longer range faster one just the same with a bigger battery?
These Airwheel go through gravel like you would have in a marina.
They go through rain and snow also.

The IPS F400 goes 24 miles at 16 mph is 29 lbs and has a 16" wheel with a bigger battery. Works the same way as the Airwheel or Solowheel.
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