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Unboxing the Optibike electric bike
I'm test-riding an Optibike e-bike for a few weeks. Check out my collection of photos from the unboxing of this beautifully powerful electric bike.
Fri, Jun 25 2010 at 11:44 AM
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Photo: Shea Gunther
Here's the box, freshly delivered by FedEx from Optibike, located in Boulder, Colo. (follow them on Twitter).
The outside straps were easy to remove and reusable. I dig that.
Opening the box was easy — four bolts unscrewed and the top lifted right off.
This thing looks like it comes from the future.
When I walked around to this side after lifting off the top, I started to get pretty excited.
Optibike really packed this well using mostly wood and reusable ties. More on that a couple photos down.
The box at the base of the bike.
The front wheel is light and looks like it costs more than I make in a month. Which, it probably does. The other piece to the right of the wheel is the back fender which is held in place by four bolts.
Here's the contents of the bike — you get an owner's manual on DVD, a couple other manuals and promo material, a pump for the shocks, a wrench for the pedals, the charger, the front wheel's axel, pedals, and disc brake spacers for reshipping.
I was impressed by how little disposable plastic they used in the packaging. This is the full extent (and even then I wonder if they could have used paper).
Most of the bike was held down with these plastic, reusable straps.
My daughters helped me out by holding the bike up for a shot. I think it would benefit from a two-pronged kickstand like the Pedego Comfort Cruiser has.
This is the control panel where you can turn on both the power and lights as well as select between Fast and Eco speed. I apologize for the soft focus on this one. My bad.
The rear disc brakes.
The rear shocks.
The lights are bright! I'm going to do some night rides to see how they affect the range, but I do like the integration between the bike and light power source.
The back derailleur.
I'm pretty excited about putting this thing through the paces over the next couple of weeks to write a more in-depth review.
Time for a ride!
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This bike is awesome! It is professional from the moment you unbox it! Reminds me of the way the Apple products are packaged. It comes packaged like a Christmas Box!
By the way, for that price, you would think they could include a kick stand...
And for $8,000, I could build an electric motorbike with a 1 KILOWATT motor, and enough batteries to travel at least 200 miles, AND enough storage space to hold a family's shopping for one week (at least 40kg of it), AND it would be a feet first design, supremely comfortable, and have a full body as well...
I carry Veloteq ebikes, and they are coming out with several new pedal-assist models that I'm excited about, but Optibike will always be in a class of its own--good job being such a great blogger so you can have this opportunity! I only had about 10 minutes on an Optibike, and it made all my other ebiking experiences seem bland in comparison. My first thought on getting on an Optibike? "This thing will take me places I should not go!" Be careful, and have a great time!
I think he got on the bike and nobody has seen him since. Happy Trails Shea!
I'm very eager to hear about your test drives. Please update soon!
I drove a GM EV1 electric car for 2 years. Now I drive a 100% natural gas car. I would love to start riding an electric bike. I'm tired of waiting for my Aptera.
Oh, I want one of these...but sooo expensive.
damn, who wouldn't want to ride this? 7 months with no car so far and when my Optibike comes, I will never drive again!
I really enjoyed the pics of the unpacking of the Optibike. It is a beautiful machine.... Can't wait to read the performance review.
i'm a little late to the party, but it looks great. i agree about the commuter stuff though, i'd like to see more on the commuter package. i love that "owner's manual" is handwritten- proof you're dealing with actual people!
Wow! My mistake was to click on this link and look at this bike. This is the exact bike I am saving for. Nice marketing Craig - that was dirty - now I'm drooling!
See you in Ipanema!
Wow. That bike looks like it is worth every penny. I agree with some other posters that a kickstand would be helpful.
Most of my commute is done before the sun rises so I am very curious as to how the headlights affect the range.
Man, the more I learn about Optibike, the more I become impressed. I had no idea they shipped the way they do and I think it's AWESOME they use reusable packing.
Wow. That bike looks like it is worth every penny. I agree with some other posters that a kickstand would be helpful.
Most of my commute is done before the sun rises so I am very curious as to how the headlights affect the range.
Man, the more I learn about Optibike, the more I become impressed. I had no idea they shipped the way they do and I think it's AWESOME they use reusable packing.
This bike is beautiful, fun, and have the best eficiency that i ever know. I have tried some ohther brands and systems and the OPTIBIKE is the better,
I would love one of these bikes. However, I can't justify the high price tag when it only gets 70 miles max with an extra battery. I can ride my bicycle 70 miles and still have enough energy to do an extra 30 miles if necessary without the high cost of this electric bike.
Better a two-pronged kickstand than two young girls holding up the bike. Why O why do most bikes not come with kickstands these days?
OptiBike rocks. I am so envious of my friends who have them.
Enjoy your new ride! I have been looking at these bikes for some time now, and if it wasn't for the cost (I think they are worth it) I would have one.
Gosh, I felt as if *I* was unpacking it.... Same story as above comments, waiting to get a refurbished unit that is within my budget. If I ever win the lottery for a reasonable amount (I'm not asking for millions!), that's the first thing I'm buying! Move over Porsche! Here comes Optibike! :)
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