Stacyc Stability Cycles make learning to ride easier and get kids twisting the throttle sooner than a traditional gas-powered motorcycle.
Retail price for the 12eDrive is $649, and the 16eDrive goes for $699. Our test unit was fitted with a $55 Electrify graphics kit and $99 Bar Riser kit
Balance bikes have opened up the world of two wheels to youngsters at an earlier age than ever before. It’s not unheard of these days to hear of 2-year-olds paddling their feet to motivate pedal-less bikes. In short order they are coasting along with their feet up, fully balanced and in control. The old crutches of training wheels are falling out of favor, as kids don’t learn to balance rather than ride in a three-wheeled configuration with the left or right training wheel as a safety net. But what to do when it’s time to add a throttle and brake into the mix? Stacyc has the answer with its eDrive Stability Cycles.
We recently got a Stacyc 16eDrive test unit into the hands of a 4-year-old rider who has mastered his balance bike but wanted to ride a motorcycle. Stacyc has positioned its two models, the 12eDrive and 16eDrive (12 and 16 refer to wheel size), as the perfect intermediate step between a balance bike and motorcycle. Without any concept of throttle control or brakes, little River put that claim to the test. In the space of 5 feet (yes, less than the height of an average adult) River had ridden away with his feet up on the flat platform steps, modulating the throttle and riding circles around his stunned adult supervisors.
What Is A Stacyc Stability Cycle?
The easiest way to describe a Stacyc Stability Cycle is that it’s a balance bike fitted with an electric motor controlled with a twist throttle. Stacyc was founded to get kids riding sooner with a goal of growing the ranks of motorcyclists from the ground up at an early age. With three programmable speeds-Training, Standard, and Advanced-parents can dial in the maximum speed to 5 mph, 7.5 mph, or 11 mph.
An aluminum frame and steel BMX-style fork roll on either 12- or 16-inch composite wheels with pneumatic tires. The rear wheel is chain-driven by a 20V electric motor that is powered by 5Ah battery. The battery itself is removable and resembles those that power cordless electric hand tools. Stacyc has its own proprietary connector pattern to keep other batteries from being used. Run time is 45 to 60 minutes depending on the mode used and terrain. Charge time is 60 minutes for a depleted battery, and extra 5Ah batteries will set you back $164.
Braking is handled by an enclosed rear drum cable actuated by a lever on the left-side handlebar. The chain drive and rear sprocket are also enclosed to keep anything from entering the drive system. Nice to have when an electric motor is powering the rear wheel and fingers of the intended user are small.
How Does The Stacyc 16eDrive Ride?
River is a kid of few words, but the thumbs-up and smiles say more than enough. In the first day he ran through two full batteries as he quickly progressed through the Training and Standard modes and into Advanced. Learning how the brake functioned didn’t take long as well. A promise that he could use “fast” mode when he showed us that he could properly apply the rear brake was all the incentive he needed to practice stopping with the lever rather than his feet. Since that first test day, he typically runs through half to a full battery every day. To say he is hooked is an understatement.
From an adult user’s perspective, the Stacyc is amazing. Having taught young riders on gas-powered motorcycles prior to this test, we’d say the learning curve is much quicker on the Stacyc. The electric powertrain reduces a young rider’s anxiety and fear. Without the sound and heat of a gas engine and a much lower overall weight-the 16eDrive weighs 19 pounds with battery-kids feel more comfortable twisting the throttle and getting going. And this makes us happy. A true win-win.
What Do Stacyc Stability Cycles Cost?
Retail price for the 12eDrive is $649, and the 16eDrive goes for $699. Our test unit was fitted with a $55 Electrify graphics kit and $99 Bar Riser kit, as River is tall for his age.
Read the full article here: www.cycleworld.com/story/moto...
stacyc.com/products/16edrive
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