E-Wheelie: ElektorWheelie FAQ (frequently asked questions)

[Elektor Editor]

Q1. How does the ElektorWheelie compare to, and in what way is it related to, other commercial products on the market?
A. The ElektorWheelie is new, independent design of an electrically powered self balancing vehicle with two wheels.

Q2. Is the ElektorWheelie identical to the Zzaag project?
A. The ElektorWheelie was developed on the basis of an earlier model of the Zzaag. Elektor Labs have worked together with Chris Krohne over a period of several months to arrive at the current version of ElektorWheelie (v. 2.4). Over the last year enhancements have been made to the hardware, the mechanical parts, the electronics and the firmware. Elektor has the exclusive rights to sell this newly developed product.

Q3. Isn’t the ElektorWheelie overpriced?
The price reflects all the work Elektor put into developing version 2.4. With the Elektor brand and aftersales support, buyers can expect a properly working product.

Q4. Where do I go for spare parts?
A. Directly to Elektor.

Q5. Where can I get more information on the use of the ElektorWheelie?
A. There is blog at ewheelie.blogspot.com and a dedicated forum topic at www.elektor.com for general support on building and using the ElektorWheelie. Our freelance contributor Thomas Scherer is moderating these sites. All ordering information is at www.elektor.com/ewheelie.

Q6. How do I get technical support?
A. The forum topic above is perfectly suitable to obtain advice from fellow readers. Other technical queries should be sent via the Feedback Form accessible from any page of our website or directly through http://www.elektor.com/service/feedback.46714.lynkx ). These queries are normally answered by lab staff.

Q7. Can I buy the ElektorWheelie through other retailers or web shops?
A. Elektor International Media has been appointed the sole distributor and retailer of the ElektorWheelie vehicle.

Q8. How secure is the ElektorWheelie?
A. As with all vehicles, users have to take proper precautions driving the ElektorWheelie. If you are uncertain the first time, wear body protection items (like a helmet and skeeler caps for knees and elbows) and let other people assist you. An emergency shutdown is activated to prevent the Wheelie from moving on in case the driver looses touch with the platform.

Q9. How does the ElektorWheelie handle slopes?
A. When mounting or descending a hill or another slope, the software will correct and balance you by accelerating (or breaking if you go down hill). If the slope is too steep for correction the software will enter Error mode.

Q10. How do I charge the ElektorWheelie?
A. The vehicle comes with a basic charger. An alternative charger of the ‘balanced’ type was designed by Elektor to shorten the charge time.

Q11. Is it difficult is it to build the ElektorWheelie?
A. Hardly. Basically you secure the control lever and the wheels and you are ready to go.

Q12. How about driving the vehicle on a public road or in a non-private area?
A. As stated in the Disclaimer it may not be allowed to use the ElektorWheelie on public roads. All local and national legislation for vehicles and traffic applies unreservedly.