Choose wisely. Review on Yo Bykes

I bought a Yo Spin in March 2007. So I have been using it for almost a

year now. I must say this concept is real value for money. But I

suggest prospective buyers to be shrewd in choosing a new Yo Byke.

During

the initial months, I found the byke excellent in all respects. I

commute about 25kms everyday through the dense Mumbai traffic. I

require only 5-10 minutes more to reach my destination, compared to a

fuel bike. This is because most of my journey is spent meandering

through mad traffic and the yo Byke is very good at this. It is very light(my version is almost like a slightly heavy cycle) and is extremely easy to handle. The headlight, tail light and blinkers are quite bright for a battery powered vehicle. The design is sleek and trendy. Charging the battery is also very simple. Either the battery can be detached and taken home where it can be charged using a charger which comes with the byke itself. Else, if you have a plug point near the byke, you can charge it directly without removing the battery. The battery is quite heavy though(almost 5-6 kgs.).

This

mode of travel is very cost effective. I tend to save almost Rs. 70 a week. Had I

bought a fuel bike, I would have had to spend about Rs. 100 a week on

petrol(for a Bajaj Discover say) and I would have had to spend Rs. 80

a week for BEST bus travel. My electricity bill has not seen any

drastic change since I started using the Yo Byke. You may spend about

10-15 units per charge, which would last 50-60 kms on an average. The

ride also is absolutely noise free and pollution free.

Coming to

my grievances, I am having a few problems lately. Firstly, my battery

does not give the same mileage now, as it used to give a year ago.

Earlier it used to give 45-50 kms. Now it gives only 30-35 kms. So my

charging frequency has increased.

Secondly, my tyre becam flat

three times in the last month. The tubes are of Chinese make, so I

presume they are not reliable. Getting a tube replacement is also

cumbersome, as pointed out by another reviewer earlier. The tube is not

easily available. The dealer from whom I had bought the bike has

closed. So I have to goto Thane and Panvel to fetch tubes and spare

parts.

Also, rear tyre contains the motor, hence replacing the rear tube is not easy and needs the expertise of the yo byke mechanic.

Thirdly,

if there is excess load(2 persons riding), the battery drains very

fast(obviously Yo Spin is desined only for a single rider). My bike

being among the older models, its suspension is not smooth. But when I

tested the new versions, the ride was very smooth. So this problem is

perhaps, a problem with only my own bike.

Final Thoughts:

I

strongly recommend the Yo Byke. But keep in mind your basic

requirements while buying one(no. of riders, distance of commute, speed). The Yo Speed model is a very good choice with good mileage and speed(top speed of 45) and twin rider capability. I

am not aware of its price though. The new bikes also have good

suspensions and a better battery quality.

Also, in case you

buy a Yo Byke, please buy spare tubes(rear and front)

from the dealer and keep them beneath the seat. I also suggest buyers to learn how to remove the rear tyre and replace the tube from the dealer while buying itself. Its very

handy in case of an eventuality and the tyre shop mechanic does not have any idea how to replace the tyre.