Another update including info about a new wireless PAS (Shipping now predicted for June 1st):
Hello ShareRoller Indiegogo backer:
A quick update on our progress over the past two months (including an exciting new enhancement!) and our latest expectations for delivery timing. First off, some key highlights:
1) Battery Packs: Our injection moulds for the battery casing are FINALLY done - here's a pic below of the first injection-molded samples being assembled and tested by our battery supplier - note the extruded aluminum handles and top-mounted battery gauge:
During testing, our supplier discovered a few small changes the mold requires, so it will be another week or two before we receive the final samples for approval, and when we can begin the UN38.3 testing. We will scramble to get that turned around as quickly as possible, and now expect pack production to begin in the first week of May and take two to three weeks to complete.
2) Wireless Throttle and Pedal Assist Sensor (PAS): We noticed some confusion surrounding our recently posted photoshoot teaser, so we first want to clarify that the throttle is indeed wireless as promised. BUT, we have some even better news: while you may have noticed the wired PAS sensors installed on the bikes in the photos, we are thrilled to announce that we will now be launching with a WIRELESS Pedal Assist Sensor!
When we launched ShareRoller, we were mainly focused on throttle operation, as that was most common in the US market at the time (and the only option for scooter usage). We offered a PAS option mainly for our EU customers who required it to comply with EU regulations. But once we started riding ShareRoller with PAS sensors, we realized it was a actually a fantastic riding experience - it's a true revelation to ride without worrying about controlling a throttle continuously, especially on longer rides. And having the throttle there to add extra power (or braking) whenever you need it (or if you just don't want to pedal) is the perfect combination.
Not only is PAS a great riding option, but more and more US states are now making PAS sensors a requirement for E-Bike usage. Here in NYC, E-Bikes were finally 'legalized' last week (hallelujah!), BUT with the requirement that they have PAS sensors. PAS is also now required in some Canadian provinces. And California's recent E-Bike legislation requires PAS for 'Class 3' E-Bikes that are permitted to reach 28mph. So PAS is starting to become a 'must-have' in our current E-Bike climate.
But we really didn't like having to install a PAS sensor on every bike (and some bikes were nearly impossible to fit). Plus dealing with cables and a connector in order to use it with the SR4 was less than ideal (even with the custom magnetic connector we spent LOTS of time designing and sourcing...). But try as we might, we could not find a single supplier of a wireless PAS sensor anywhere in the world! So we went ahead and developed our own...
It's a small, thin disc that mounts on the inside face of the crank arm, directly opposite the pedal. Inside is a sophisticated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) paired with a microprocessor and Bluetooth BLE radio, a long-life rechargeable battery, a charge port, a switch, and a high-strength neodymium magnet. It's ultra-smart and ultra-simple to use, and the high-strength magnet enables you to simply snap it in place and go. You can install or remove it in about a second, so you can use it on every bike you own (plus bike share!). And when you're removing the SR4 from a bike, the PAS sensor attaches to the 'assembled-to-carry' SR4 magnetically (just like the throttle), so the 'lock/dock-remove-and-go' model is still effortless.
For those that purchased the 'Split-ring PAS sensor' option during the campaign, you're in for a great free upgrade. For everyone else, we will offer a significantly discounted purchase option for the new Wireless PAS prior to shipment of your SR4. Details and pics to come soon.
3) Photo/Video Shoots, Website Update, & Pre-Orders: We were almost ready to re-launch
shareroller.com and open Pre-Orders last month, but the last-minute breakthrough on the Wireless PAS necessitated some re-shoots. Look for all that to happen in a couple more weeks.
4) Updated Delivery Estimate: Last, and certainly not least, when do we now expect to ship? The Battery Packs continue to be the 'last-in-line' component, and since pack production looks to be finished by the third or fourth week in May, we're going to estimate shipment by June 1st, and we think our margin of error on that estimate is a lot tighter than it's been in the past. We sincerely hope we are correct on that front, and that the long wait for your ShareRollers will soon be over.
Thank you again for your patience and support.
Jeff Guida & The ShareRoller Team