Gotway Tesla Impressions and Diary

[eddiemoy]

26 minutes ago, Mrd777 said:

My Monster and your KS18s weigh the same, my 1600 Monster comes in @ 56.4 lbs.

Sorry, my mistake on the monster weight.  My KS18S 840wh is only 45lbs, only little heavier than my KS16 also 840wh, 42.5lbs, both of which are lighter than the GW Msuper v3s+ 1300wh coming in at 48.5lbs

weird thing is the KS18S seems a lot heavier than the KS16.  I wouldn’t have guessed it was only 2.5lbs difference.  

[mezzanine]

4 hours ago, eddiemoy said:

Seated isn’t as popular for new folks learning.  When people start riding and their feet start going numb before their enjoyment is fulfilled, then they will appreciate the seated position.  I remember when I started on EUC’s and wanted to ride, but my feet would be in so much pain after an hour of riding.  I wanted to ride more but I couldn’t.  That is when I bought the KS18S.  I wanted something with a seat, but didn’t want something like the monster which was 70lbs.  

I get the impression that most people view the seat as a temporary option only to relieve tired feet, but I think I'll use it a lot more often than that.  I'll have to wait and see how my riding habits evolve as I get more time with the 18S. 

I considered the Monster.  I had also thought it was 70lbs. and then came to realize it's closer to the 18" wheels in weight (at least the 1600wh version).  There's someone on Ebay selling them for $1500 US with free shipping and that's what initially sparked my interest.

I've learned I can carry the 18S up stairs with both hands as long as I go bow-legged.  Not the most flattering picture.  

[Mrd777]

2 hours ago, mezzanine said:

There's someone on Ebay selling them for $1500 US with free shipping and that's what initially sparked my interest.

He used to sell them for that price, however moved them up to $1,699.

[LanghamP]

On 11/18/2017 at 11:24 AM, mezzanine said:

I've learned I can carry the 18S up stairs with both hands as long as I go bow-legged.  Not the most flattering picture.  

Using the hook grip allows you to lift unreasonably heavy weights.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_grip

Be advised I ended up hurting my hip joint carrying my MSuper but in a pinch you can carry weights that you really shouldn't.

[litewave]

On 11/18/2017 at 8:27 AM, eddiemoy said:

This is troubling that a company continues to put out product that doesn’t seem to be tested.  You would think by designing a light, you don’t just slap a bright light on the EUC and call it a day.  No consideration on the flood pattern or how it will affect on coming traffic is just bizarre.  I can’t support a company who continues to display such bad design choices.  If that is how little thought they put into the light design, how much do you think they put into the unit design.  What else did they neglect?  The safety they only started improving, but only after so much backlash.  

I don’t know if I can overlook this and buy the wheel.  Still considering.  This speaks to what the company is about and how their design team works or doesn’t.  LOL

Wow, that's harsh!  I think it's great that so many Gotway owners are brutally honest about their wheels!  Not sure if Gotway is that bad, though.

I'm still driving the Beetle of EUCs and cruising the slow lane at least until spring. Until @Hunka Hunka Burning Love sells his Tesla, I'll keep it on my short list pending the second coming of the (Ninebot) One.

Edited November 20, 2017 by litewave

[mezzanine]

6 hours ago, LanghamP said:

Using the hook grip allows you to lift unreasonably heavy weights.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_grip

Be advised I ended up hurting my hip joint carrying my MSuper but in a pinch you can carry weights that you really shouldn't.

Thanks, I'm going to try that grip out.  I think the long-term solution is probably going to be to condition myself to carry it two-handed. 

[US69]

Tesla diary:

Yesterday after 10 days i have a revisit to my KS18S....

And i have to say, yes, in direct comparison the Tesla is a torque and agility monster :-) While it is not really fair to compare a 16 and 18 inch wheel :-) The KS18S has other advantages: Better quality, seatable, musicplayer and a more safe feeling when riding it.

somethings about power consumption: i get around 60km and was end up with 20% to 35% battery, depending on the speed i had.

Not bad i guess, and enough for me in all situations.

What sucks a bit is: the Tesla is a real mud/dirt collector....when you dont clean it after a while, you end up with scrubing sounds of the tire.

other than that i guess i own the best 16 and 18 inch wheels in the moment...very happy!!!!

[Marty Backe]

8 minutes ago, KingSong69 said:

Tesla diary:

Yesterday after 10 days i have a revisit to my KS18S....

And i have to say, yes, in direct comparison the Tesla is a torque and agility monster :-) While it is not really fair to compare a 16 and 18 inch wheel :-) The KS18S has other advantages: Better quality, seatable, musicplayer and a more safe feeling when riding it.

somethings about power consumption: i get around 60km and was end up with 20% to 35% battery, depending on the speed i had.

Not bad i guess, and enough for me in all situations.

What sucks a bit is: the Tesla is a real mud/dirt collector....when you dont clean it after a while, you end up with scrubing sounds of the tire.

other than that i guess i own the best 16 and 18 inch wheels in the moment...very happy!!!!

Well, at least you own the best 16-inch wheel 

[US69]

Just now, Marty Backe said:

Well, at least you own the best 16-inch wheel 

At least i own one wheel , where i am totally sure it will not let me down and fail....but wait: its the 18inch one ;-)

[US69]

charge doctering my wheels:

 

[Marty Backe]

29 minutes ago, KingSong69 said:

charge doctering my wheels:

 

Is that a KS18S? 

[meepmeepmayer]

1 hour ago, KingSong69 said:

somethings about power consumption: i get around 60km and was end up with 20% to 35% battery, depending on the speed i had.

How fast? What's your weight?

Seems the Tesla is notably more efficient. At 5°C and 25-30km/h (and 80kg) I get no more than 60km from my 1300Wh ACM (until it's at 20% or so)! May be also due to wind and dirt path vs. paved road, but still...

[Marty Backe]

9 minutes ago, meepmeepmayer said:

How fast? What's your weight?

Seems the Tesla is notably more efficient. At 5°C and 25-30km/h (and 80kg) I get no more than 60km from my 1300Wh ACM (until it's at 20% or so)! May be also due to wind and dirt path vs. paved road, but still...

From my range tests I don't think it's any different than my ACM or MSuper. Even when I rode it at 15-mph max I only achieved low-40's. When riding it 'normal' (mix of slow and hi-speed) I get about 35-miles. My riding weight is 170-pounds.

My KS14S is more efficient. I get ~40-miles from a 840wh battery.

[Scatcat]

On 2017-11-09 at 7:06 AM, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said:

Any tips on how to repair wire insulation without cutting the wire to insert heatshrink tubing?

I use silicone tape. It actually has no glue, but adheres to itself if you stretch it about 50% or more. So you take a piece that is about a one inch square, then you hold a corner and stretch it around the wire. As soon as it goes around one time, it grips and you can wrap the rest. If you do it right, you get what is almost like a solid piece of silicone tubing.

I prefer it to electrical tape, because there is no glue that will get all sticky and oily. Also silicone has a rather high temperature resistance and keeps well with age.

The tape is originally thought out as a tube sealant, what you use if you have a leak in a hose or tube, and need to be able to wrap it while there is still flowing liquid in the tube. You can even use it underwater... An added advantage is of course that it hermeneutically seals the cable from moisture, which is another reason why I use it to wrap the connectors in my GT16.

Also whenever I want to disconnect the connectors, I can just cut it away with no residue.

[US69]

1 hour ago, Marty Backe said:

Is that a KS18S? 

yeah, the one on the left is a KS18S....a quality wheel, i know you dont know such things ;-)

49 minutes ago, meepmeepmayer said:

How fast? What's your weight?

Seems the Tesla is notably more efficient. At 5°C and 25-30km/h (and 80kg) I get no more than 60km from my 1300Wh ACM (until it's at 20% or so)! May be also due to wind and dirt path vs. paved road, but still...

dont know if its more efficient...i am 80kg , but this drivings have not been that fast, cruising at 25kmh perhaps?

But i have this findings now over 3-4 chargings....so not that bad at consumption

[steve454]

On 11/9/2017 at 12:06 AM, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said:

Any tips on how to repair wire insulation without cutting the wire to insert heatshrink tubing?

Looks like the self fusing silicone tape @Scatcat  mentioned is pretty inexpensive and easy to find.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-1-in-x-3-33-yd-Stretch-and-Seal-Self-Fusing-Silicone-Tape-in-Black-1208952/100206050

[Hunka Hunka Burning Love]

HOLE EEE COW. 

I just took my GW Tesla out for a spin as it's 12°C with the snow melting away in most spots, and coming from a Ninebot - it's like what I would imagine driving a Posche or Ferrari would feel like as compared to a Honda Accord!

I tried to reach the DDDDD warning beeps,  but I could hear no such thing.  36 kph is plenty fast, and the thing has more speed to give?  It's hard to imagine leaning forwards any further.    I guess I have to work on my faith in Gotway before I try to get up to 50 kph as the wind blast, watching the road conditions, and keeping the sphincter clenched kept me pretty occupied just sneaking up to 35.

My battery was only at 7 lights as I didn't want to wait further so maybe it was wise to not push my luck on my maiden, virginal Gotway journey.  I hope @KingSong69 doesn't mind me piggybacking on his thread as I thought it would be redundant for me to make a new one. 

I had Gyrometrics running just in case my body was found in a ditch with the wheel nearby for the forensics people to study.    Air pressure at 57 psi felt fine for me, and going over bumps it did feel more cushioned.  Maybe it's the additional weight or the tire, but the ride feel is good.  Riding super slow, there's a wobbly toddler approaching, was fine.  I'd just hate to lose control and drop the wheel having it thrash out of control near someone or a car so I was careful.

The wheel is pretty quiet... just a slight hum that is noticable when riding and idle.  I heard the fans turn on at the end of my ride briefly when I had it propped against the wall to drip water off the pedals.

Pedal feel seems just like my Ninebot, and I tried to pretend I was still riding it.  Reality slapped me in the face as the normal tiltback at 22 kph was gone, and I never heard any beeps while riding.  It was like a breath of fresh air!  The shin pads though on the Tesla kept digging in making it hard to find a comfortable stance.  The Ninebot pads just fit right so you have good control.  In terms of agility, I'm more comfortable on the Ninebot, but it's still too early to tell.  The Tesla feels wider, bigger, and taller which it is so it could take some more time to get used to.  Main thing is the top of the Tesla pads digging in isn't very comfortable, but people say that goes away after riding a new wheel for a while.  I wish it wasn't there from the get go!

Trolley works well.  I almost forgot it was there!  It helped to roll over some dicey ice patches.  Pedal grip tape is great even when wet.  Braking from medium speed is good.  I had it on medium pedal hardness setting, first two alarms off, third set to 48 kph I think.  The higher speed capability is nice as a reserve, but I found myself riding around 25 kph mostly and kicking it up over 30 kph just to test the speed.  I found that you have to lean quite a bit to increase the speed up, and over 30 kph it just seems a little frightening to lean even further.

Overall, man,  if you ride a Ninebot, get yourself a Gotway Tesla (or KS16S), and say goodbye to the tiltback and range anxiety.  I can't see myself riding at 45/50kph unless in short bursts as it's just too scary.  I had some newb wobbles on the Tesla over 25 kph which I haven't had in ages on my other wheel.  The fear of falling (thanks @LanghamP) really kicks in the self-preservation instincts.

It was cool though being able to match the speed of cars passing by.  They must be thinking whaaaaaat?  Definitely the Tesla is a grin machine, but I think I need some more protective gear like a chin bar helmet and some padded riding pants.  Main complaint was the top of the side panels bothering my calves.  If they could have made a parabolic indent at the top to slope in, it would make a huge difference.  Legs just aren't straight up and down flat.  The muscle bulges and curves out.  Oh well the speed on tap makes up plenty for that shortcoming. And does it ever do that.  Very solidly.  

 

Edited November 27, 2017 by Hunka Hunka Burning Love

[Marty Backe]

18 minutes ago, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said:

HOLE EEE COW. 

I just took my GW Tesla out for a spin as it's 12°C with the snow melting away in most spots, and coming from a Ninebot - it's like what I would imagine driving a Posche or Ferrari would feel like as compared to a Honda Accord!

I tried to reach the DDDDD warning beeps,  but I could hear no such thing.  36 kph is plenty fast, and the thing has more speed to give?  It's hard to imagine leaning forwards any further.    I guess I have to work on my faith in Gotway before I try to get up to 50 kph as the wind blast, watching the road conditions, and keeping the sphincter clenched kept me pretty occupied just sneaking up to 35.

My battery was only at 7 lights as I didn't want to wait further so maybe it was wise to not push my luck on my maiden, virginal Gotway journey.  I hope @KingSong69 doesn't mind me piggybacking on his thread as I thought it would be redundant for me to make a new one. 

I had Gyrometrics running just in case my body was found in a ditch with the wheel nearby for the forensics people to study.  

The wheel is pretty quiet... just a slight hum that is noticable when riding and idle.  I heard the fans turn on at the end of my ride briefly.

Pedal feel seems just like my Ninebot, and I tried to pretend I was still riding it.  Reality slapped me in the face as the normal tiltback at 22 kph was gone, and I never heard any beeps while riding.  It was like a breath of fresh air!  The shin pads though on the Tesla kept digging in making it hard to find a comfortable stance.  The Ninebot pads just fit right so you have good control.  In terms of agility, I'm more comfortable on the Ninebot, but it's still too early to tell.  The Tesla feels wider, bigger, and taller which it is so it could some more time.  Main thing is the top of the Tesla pad digging in isn't very comfortable.

Trollry works well.  I almost forgot it was there!  It helped to roll over some dicey ice patches.  Pedal grip tape is great even when wet.

Overall, man,  if you ride a Ninebot, get yourself a Gotway Tesla (or KS16S), and say goodbye to the tiltback and range anxiety.  I can't see myself riding at 45/50kph unless in short bursts as it's just too scary.  I had some new wobbles on the Tesla over 25 kph which I have had in ages on my other wheel.  The fear of falling (thanks @LanghamP) really kicks in the self-preservation instincts.

It was cool though being able to match the speed of cars passing by.  They must be thinking whaaaaaat?  Definitely the Tesla is a grin machine, but I think I need some more protective gear like a chin bar helmet and some padded riding pants.

 

It puts a smile on my face to read this @Hunka Hunka Burning Love. I'm so glad that you finally had a chance  to experience it in all of its awesomeness.

The fastest I've ridden mine is 40-kph. I doubt that I will ever ride it faster. Don't be in a rush to join the face-plant club 

But isn't it great never to have to listen to beeps or deal with tilt-back ever again? And zero range anxiety - who knows, you may start to ride further now.

The shin pads are uncomfortable, but I can say that after you put in 50+ miles you'll be comfortable again. Typical new-wheel syndrome.

Edited November 26, 2017 by Marty Backe

[US69]

@Hunka Hunka Burning Love

welcome to next generation wheels, finally!

Now you know why we are all that happy and freaking out :-)

i have said it before: i doubt you will ever get back to your Ninebot again....Have fun, and highjack this diary whenever you want!!!

[Scatcat]

7 hours ago, steve454 said:

Looks like the self fusing silicone tape @Scatcat  mentioned is pretty inexpensive and easy to find.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-1-in-x-3-33-yd-Stretch-and-Seal-Self-Fusing-Silicone-Tape-in-Black-1208952/100206050

Yes, that it the type I was talking about. I use a different brand, but that is probably just Home Depot and my provider doing their own rebranding.  

I mostly use a clear variant, so that I can see through it, but that's secondary.

[Scatcat]

6 hours ago, KingSong69 said:

@Hunka Hunka Burning Love

welcome to next generation wheels, finally!

Now you know why we are all that happy and freaking out :-)

i have said it before: i doubt you will ever get back to your Ninebot again....Have fun, and highjack this diary whenever you want!!!

36 kph feels fast until it doesn't  

Before you know it you will do 40 kph and beyond...

[Hunka Hunka Burning Love]

Going from a 500W motor to a 1900W race car motor is crazy.    When I went from my generic 12 kph max at tiltback wheel to the 22 kph Ninebot tiltback it was a breath of fresh air to have that extra 10 kph.  This step up from 22 kph to what seems to be unlimited (for now) speed is scarier than I was expecting maybe due to the extra lean required to accelerate further.

The Ninebot One E+ feels just right in that 20-22 kph doesn't seem, at least for me,  frighteningly fast.  Above 30 kph it starts to feel like what the heck am I doing?    Maybe it's just remembering all those faceplant posts and accidents (@nomad where are ya man?) in the back of my mind is telling my not to go faster.  Driving in a  car at 50 kph seems slow.  Then again I wouldn't be standing on the hood of my car leaning forwards at 50 kph grip-taped hood or no grip-tape.  

Strangly enough it seemed easier to speed things up while trying to match the speed of cars passing by me.  Maybe they were distracting me enough to keep the sense of speed out of my head.  Hopefully the snow will melt further so I can take some longer trips.  What's the fastest speed you've reached on the Tesla, @KingSong69?  @Toshio Uemura?  @n2eus?

What maxium speed have you hit on the GT16, @Scatcat?  What's your usual cruising speed?

Edited November 27, 2017 by Hunka Hunka Burning Love

[Marty Backe]

3 minutes ago, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said:

Going from a 500W motor to a 1900W race car motor is crazy.    When I went from my generic 12 kph max at tiltback wheel to the 22 kph Ninebot tiltback it was a breath of fresh air to have that extra 10 kph.  This step up from 22 kph to what seems to be unlimited (for now) speed is scarier than I was expecting maybe due to the extra lean required to accelerate further.

The Ninebot One E+ feels just right in that 20-22 kph doesn't seem, at least for me,  frighteningly fast.  Above 30 kph it starts to feel like what the heck am I doing?    Maybe it's just remembering all those faceplant posts and accidents (@nomad where are ya man?) in the back of my mind is telling my not to go faster.  Driving in a  car at 50 kph seems slow.  Then again I wouldn't be standing on the hood of my car leaning forwards at 50 kph grip-taped hood or no grip-tape.  

Strangly enough it seemed easier to speed things up while trying to match the speed of cars passing by me.  Maybe they were distracting me enough to keep the sense of speed out of my head.  Hopefully the snow will melt further so I can take some longer trips.  What's the fastest speed you've reached on the Tesla, @KingSong69?  @Toshio Uemura?  @n2eus?

Hopefully the Telsa feels stable for you even when riding fast.

Your comment about leaning more has me thinking because I don't have the sense of leaning forward that much. Not to try and teach an old dog (sorry for the metaphor) new tricks, but maybe you should try leaning with your ankles and keep the body more upright, if you understand my description.

[Scatcat]

5 minutes ago, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said:

Going from a 500W motor to a 1900W race car motor is crazy.    When I went from my generic 12 kph max at tiltback wheel to the 22 kph Ninebot tiltback it was a breath of fresh air to have that extra 10 kph.  This step up from 22 kph to what seems to be unlimited (for now) speed is scarier than I was expecting maybe due to the extra lean required to accelerate further.

The Ninebot One E+ feels just right in that 20-22 kph doesn't seem, at least for me,  frighteningly fast.  Above 30 kph it starts to feel like what the heck am I doing?    Maybe it's just remembering all those faceplant posts and accidents (@nomad where are ya man?) in the back of my mind is telling my not to go faster.  Driving in a  car at 50 kph seems slow.  Then again I wouldn't be standing on the hood of my car leaning forwards at 50 kph grip-taped hood or no grip-tape.  

Strangly enough it seemed easier to speed things up while trying to match the speed of cars passing by me.  Maybe they were distracting me enough to keep the sense of speed out of my head.  Hopefully the snow will melt further so I can take some longer trips.  What's the fastest speed you've reached on the Tesla, @KingSong69?  @Toshio Uemura?  @n2eus?

What maxium speed have you hit on the GT16, @Scatcat?  What's your usual cruising speed?

So far 43 kph. I've set my tilt-back to slow me down at 42 kph so that speed was pretty momentary... 

Typically wheellog reports my average at 25-28 kph with max in the range of 36-38 kph, those are the speeds I find comfortable. Right now with autumn/winter roads under me, the average speed falls to maybe 22-26 kph and the max to 32-36, depending on temperature and moisture. Cold and wet and the speed goes down - especially the average speed as there are stretches where I go slow because I feel there's some ice beneath me. When you learn how that feels, it's rather easy to compensate.

Next step is getting myself best-grip studs to up my road holding on ice and snow.

[Scatcat]

5 minutes ago, Marty Backe said:

Hopefully the Telsa feels stable for you even when riding fast.

Your comment about leaning more has me thinking because I don't have the sense of leaning forward that much. Not to try and teach an old dog (sorry for the metaphor) new tricks, but maybe you should try leaning with your ankles and keep the body more upright, if you understand my description.

What I do is crouch a bit. Both to be more prepared for bumps and stuff, but also I get better speed control without leaning too much.