David Lemaire is part of this community we call geeks... He's passionate about new things, he's on the lookout for everything that comes out on the market Ever since I was a kid, I've liked to get things first, I'm what they call an early adopter His mentors? Jacques-Antoine Granjon ( Private Sale ), Xavier Niel ( Free ), Marc Simoncini ( Meetic )? " I like what's going on with the start-ups. I have those values and that way of working." Located in a business incubator for digital communication and high-tech companies, it has just received the first electric rollerblades What I'm interested in is the product that doesn't exist..." This discoverer of novelties, founder of the start-up Skuitch Mobility, which imports electric personal transporters, markets the YikeBike " I set up my start-up to try to promote these new modes of transport and in particular the YikeBike, of which I have exclusive rights ."
Today, Skuitch Mobility was created thanks to private shareholders and David is constantly looking for partners Today, my capital is open to private shareholders so I can move forward even further." His objective? To become the leader in individual electric transporters.
The YikeBike, the foldable, compact and transportable electric bike
The YikeBike is a transportable individual electric vehicle, developed in New Zealand in 2009. In France, it is marketed by David Lemaire. This 100% electric "bike", totally designed, works without pedals and is capable of travelling at a speed of 23 km/h with a range of 14 km/h. " On the sidewalks, with pedestrians, we usually go more like four miles an hour." This very design bike has a big front wheel (containing the battery) and a high quality finish all in aluminium and carbon. " It's a very high quality product assembled in the workshops where it was made and not designed in China."
It recharges from a standard outlet in just 1.5 hours. Thanks to the YikeBike backpack, which contains a portable battery, you can double the autonomy of the bike. " It's the same battery as the YikeBike, which is connected to the bike by a cable. It is in an airtight case at the bottom of the rucksack and weighs less than 2 kg. So you can use the rest of the bag to store your stuff." This battery can therefore be used as a reserve for a long journey or to prevent breakdowns.
The originality of this bike, rests on its ride which is really unusual. It is ridden sitting down, chest upright, handlebars behind you, grips falling straight down to the shoulders and feet on platforms. To control speed, simply squeeze the progressive accelerator and brake triggers. It can be used both day and night thanks to its lights, side LED indicators and horn. " Many people are intrigued by the way of riding the YikeBike and think it is not easy but it doesn't change much from a normal bike. You can be apprehensive, but after 5 minutes you can find your balance. Usually after an hour of practice, it's a natural feeling."
The YikeBike is very compact and light - from 11 to 14 kg - making it ideal for the world of water sports. It folds up in less than 20 seconds and can be transported anywhere. It can be stored in a boot, in the bus, in the tram, in a hold, on a boat " With the YikeBike, you can navigate intelligently in urban areas, from point A to point B."
The YikeBike, a product just waiting to be known
In France, for the moment, there are 25 to 30 users and the YikeBike interests even the most famous... Loïck Peyron owns one and he explains ".. It's the ideal machine to move around on a boat stopover."
However, the commercialization has not been easy." I started marketing the YikeBike in 2013 but it was a bit complicated in terms of the law. Very often, innovations don't have adequate legislation and we had to wait for the text that assimilated this electric "draisienne" to a toy. Like roller skates, skateboards and scooters, the YikeBike is therefore allowed to ride on the pavements ."
The YikeBike was present at the Nautic boat show in Paris and made the buzz, but for the moment YikeBike sales are quite low in France " Customers need to see the product, the French grope for it, unlike the Spanish, Portuguese or Germans, who buy much more of it. The economic situation is also a big factor, because the French don't necessarily want to spend money on what looks like a toy."
The YikeBike is available in two versions, the Fusion, in aluminium at 3,200 euros and the Carbon at 4,580 euros.
Technical data of the YikeBike
| Merger | Carbon | |
| Structure | Aluminum and plastic composites | Carbon |
| Total weight | 14 kg | 11,2 kg |
| Autonomy | 14 km | 28 km |
| Charging time | 1h30 with the included quick charger | |
| Maximum speed | 23 km/h (23 mph) | |
| Wheel size | 20 inches in front and 8 inches in back | |
| Lighting | Built-in high-visibility LED | |
| Propulsion | Electric motor maximum power 200 watts | |
| Brakes | Electric ABS with energy recovery system | |
| Bending time | 15 - 20 seconds | |
| Recommended load limit | 100 kg | |
| Recommended size | Minimum 1.55 m - Maximum 1.93 m | |
