After a bit of badgering, the folks at FootbikeUSA decided maybe they should send out a Footbike for review, so I could see what they’re really all about. For those not familiar, the Footbike is like a giant scooter for adults (and kids of all ages) that can be used for exercise, commuting, rehabilitation, and just plain fun. They’re actually quite popular in Europe for racing, and the subject of this review was designed in Holland.
About a week after we exchanged some information, the UPS man handed me a big brown box with a shiny new Footbike inside. Like most bikes, it arrived partially assembled. Unlike most bikes though, the tubing was too big for my Ultimate repair stand, and there’s obviously no seat tube to clamp it to. While it’s not the end of the world, this made final assembly a little more difficult. Luckily, that wasn’t too much work. First, I mounted the handlebars in the four bolt adjustable stem, and put on some bar ends. Before the front and rear wheels could be mounted, the brakes and fenders had to be set up, two things that would have been easier on a repair stand, but were still manageable. Once it was all together, I stepped back to admire my handiwork. Of course, I can’t really take credit for how good it looks, but the metallic blue paint, glossy black fenders, and all black wheelset with machined sidewalls certainly makes for an attention-getting ride.
A bit about the spec: The steel frame is nicely finished, with smooth paint and clean welds. Bottle cage mounts are included. There’s extra gusseting at the head tube junction, and the rear dropouts are thick plate. This thing is built strong, and built to last, yet still looks more graceful than industrial. Less pretty is the weld in the seam where the main tube curves, just in front of the foot plate. It makes me think of a long scar, but it’s hardly visible to the casual observer. The Alex wheelset includes black sealed bearing hubs, black straight gauge spokes, and the DA16 double wall rims, 700C up front, 18″ in back. Tires are a 700×32 Maxxis and 18″x1.5″ no-name, Kevlar™belted rear, running 100 and 90 psi, respectively. Tektro levers and v-brakes provide plenty of stopping power. Handlebars are generic aluminum, with nice ergonomic grips. The stem is adjustable, and the headset appears to be a generic sealed unit. Both fenders mount with adjustable stainless hardware. Overall, everything is pretty well-chosen for the price. Other than swapping out the stem for a fixed one to save weight, there’s nothing that screams “replace me!”.
For its maiden voyage, I was just going to kick it around the block a few times. An hour later, I finally pried it from the neighborhood kids, who were fighting over taking a turn. The “fun factor” was confirmed by all test pilots. It rides really smooth, and although it’s not as fast as I would have hoped, that has 100% to do with the motor. Over time, I expect that I will get faster. Handling is much different than a bicycle, as you can really shift your weight around more in turns, and there’s no need to worry about pedal strike. Without a seat, you might think that stem length is less critical, but that and handlebar width dictate how quick the steering is, to a certain degree. If you’re used to slow steering, you may be in for a surprise the first time you bomb into a corner. The deck has enough room for both my size 12 shoes when coasting downhill, although I might be tempted to add a bit of skateboard grip tape to it if I rode in bad weather or lived in Seattle or Oregon.
Overall, it’s really fun. I can see how it would be useful for rehab, and I like that fact that regular shorts and shoes are just fine – no cleats or lycra required. When you get your stride right, it’s like kicking a skateboard, except you can go a lot farther and faster. And you have brakes. Although the weather and other obligations have kept me from riding as much as I would have liked, the Footbike will go into circulation with my other rides this year, so I can better acquaint myself with it. (And take some better photos) Expect to read about it more in the coming months. Check out Footbikes in action at footbikeusa.com
– Brian
Brian-
We have been out kicking and missed your review of our Footbike Street Model. Known as our entry ‘all rounder’ you made the points that are relative to our machine. A couple of things to note. When we utilize our repair stands for the limited tune-ups a Footbike needs, we turn the tube clamp vertical and clamp the front fork. You likely need to strap the main tube to the stand so it doesn’t swing around and knock you in the head. And that weld on the belly of the main tube is actually a vertical plate that keeps the tube rigid and unbendable. This critical engineering also allows us to offer a Lifetime Warranty against frame breakage due to regular use. Keep kicking it! You will get stronger as you learn, and then you can join us at the Footbiking World Championships! Just Kick It—Moses
Hi guys I was just wondering why footbikes/kickbikes are so expensive. I can go buy a mongoose/Schwinn bicycle for $150 and it has more parts and labor in it and the cheapest one you guys have is over $300. Don’t get me wrong I want one and I am not trying to put the company down. But if you want footbikes to take off in America you need to get a distributer like Wal-Mart to carry them and to sell for under $200 like a economy version. I myself as stated before want’s one but the price is what’s stopping me as im in a low income home.
p.s.
I see these with a 50cc scooter motor being a future x games sport
Nathan,
In order for them to sell at Wal-Mart, they would have to throw quality out the window in order to meet a price point. Companies like Footbike specify high quality components throughout, and price their products accordingly. Mongoose and Schwinn are no longer as respected as they once were. Their “bikes” that you see at Wal-Mart are priced as low as they are because they are made with the least expensive components available.
I have a footbike track that Ive put through a lot miles commuting and loaded touring and their bullet-proof. I have 2 nice roadbikes and a nice recumbent but my footbike is my fav because its very safe, they carry a load well, comfortable and fast in an aero-tuck if I get into a ball and lean to steer. I d race anyone downhill. Best money ever spent.