TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

Power / Controls (1 kg)

  • Proprietary “energy-miser” controller inside of the weather-proof monocoque frame (MF)
  • Bezel switch mounted on the underside of the MF powers the system on/off
  • 36V, 5Ah battery pack (10 INR21700 cells with BMS) mounted in the MF
  • Handlebar-mounted, 3-position proprietary speed switch: CRUISE-COAST-CLIMB
  • Socket plug on underside of the MF for recharging main battery and connecting the auxiliary battery in parallel
  • 4-LED’s on top of the MF indicating state-of-battery charge (100%-75%-50%-25%)
  • USB port mounted in the top of the MF for recharging/powering personal devices (5V, 1A)

Motor (2 kg)

  • 36 volt Brushless DC hub motor with Hall sensor
  • Rotor ALNICO number = 16
  • 80% efficiency rating
  • 2640 motor rpm (13.2:1 reduction)
  • 336 max output watts @ full charge (42V) in CLIMB mode
  • 18 mph max speed @ full charge on level ground with 160 lb. rider

Mechanicals (6.3 kg)

  • 6061 T6 monocoque frame + surface decals
  • Threadless alloy fork with caged-bearing headset and rotation-dampened limiter
  • Sealed bearing alloy front hub, 32-spoke radially-laced 20” wheel with NEXO (no-flat) tire or Kenda inflatable tire.
  • Folding alloy footrests attached to the fork blades. 60 lb. load limit–no standing
  • Threadless 2-piece stem w/QR for rotation and/or removal of its extension
  • 520mm wide riser handlebars with 110 mm grips
  • Right-hand brake lever actuating V-brakes on the rear wheel
  • Double-wall, 36-spoke rear wheel with 26” x 1.95” thorn-resistant tire
  • 27.2 x 300mm alloy seat post; black
  • Lycra-covered saddle; black

Functionality 

  • Toggling the master bezel switch under the MF powers the system.
  • Plugging the 3-position speed switch into its handlebar cradle enables operations.
  • In this state when the speed switch is rocked up to the “CRUISE” position the controller allows 5 amps to flow from the battery to the motor, which delivers 144 to 116 watts of power to the rear wheel. When the switch is rocked down to the “CLIMB” position the controller allows 10 amps of current to flow from the battery to the motor, which delivers 336 to 232 watts of power to the rear wheel.  When the switch is released it defaults to the middle “COAST” position and no power flows through the system. This feature increases JackRabbit’s range.
  • When the speed switch is removed from its cradle power flow from the battery to the motor is disabled.

BATTERY PACK RANGE ASSUMPTIONS:

The battery pack consists of 10 Samsung lithium-ion 21700 cells wired to a Battery Management System which balances each cell’s charging and discharging to ensure safe operation and a long service life. The pack stores 5 amp-hours of energy. With an average discharge voltage of 36V, the pack can deliver 180 watts of continuous power for one hour (5 amps x 36 volts).

How does this relate to range? First, it is important to understand that all motors are not 100% efficient. When JackRabbit’s motor takes in 180 watts only 144 watts are delivered to the rear wheel. Theoretically, 144 watts (Cruise Mode) will propel a 160 lb rider on a flat road about 12 miles in one hour (one charge cycle). If the road was a constant 3% uphill, the 160 lb. rider would travel only 8.7 miles (in Climb Mode) on a single charge.

Not all routes are flat or constantly uphill. On our one mile undulating paved circuit which includes 12% and 10% inclines our 160 lb. test rider traveled 13 miles in 65 minutes by CRUISing the flats, COASTing the downhills and CLIMBing the incline sections. You can estimate your speed and range at:  http://www.bikecalculator.com/

Until we roll out our Dark Matter Propulsion system JackRabbit is helplessly constrained by these laws of Newtonian physics.

HUMAN POWER OPTION:

JackRabbit is the only 21st century vehicle that offers a 19th century mode of operation.  So, if you want to add some elbow grease to your commute or help up a steep hill simply stride with your legs while most of your body weight is supported by the saddle. Better yet, put one foot on the foot rest and push it like a 20th century skateboard with the other. Alternate legs as needed. You can easily sustain 6 mph on the flats. Why not? You can’t get any greener! Check out this demo video:

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES:

Although most states don’t require a helmet for riders 18 years and older, we strongly recommend donning protective headgear for riders of all ages.

Because JackRabbit lacks “fully operable pedals” it is technically not a bicycle as defined in Federal Regulations. Because it also lacks a “deck to stand on while riding,” it is technically not a “scooter.” JackRabbit best fits under “Class 2 e-bike” regulations in most states. As such, it does not require a license, registration, insurance or minimum age to be ridden on bike paths or on roadways where the maximum speed limit is 25 mph.

Learning to ride JackRabbit is easy. The saddle height can be adjusted from 26.5″ to 33.5″ above the ground.  Start out on a flat road with both feet on the ground. Push the top of the speed control switch with your left thumb and JackRabbit will slowly start to move. Release your thumb anytime to let yourself coast. Experience steering turns without your feet on the folding footrests. Once you get a feel for JackRabbit’s handling characteristics put your feet on the rests while going in a straight line at a slow speed. Gradually introduce steering to sense how your feet and legs react. Most experienced cyclists will need to “unlearn” using their feet. It might take a minute or so to let your legs just ride along and follow your steering hands. Remember, you can quickly and easily put both feet on the ground at any time. This is something you can’t do on a bike, so it’s not an instinctive reaction and may take practice.

DO NOT take your hands off the handlebars while your feet are on the footrests. This could cause you to loose control!

Given JackRabbit’s compact size and short wheelbase we don’t recommend coasting faster than 18 mph (29 kph). Besides, going fast around pedestrians can be dangerous on any vehicle. Unlike traditional bikes and skateboards, JackRabbit can stop safely by applying the rear brake and–if need be–putting both feet on the ground. Please be courteous of others as you exercise your mobility rights!

jackrabbit being welded

Erik welding a prototype frame in his versatile fixture.

Darren fabricating2-piece stem

Darren fabricating the 2-piece rotating stem on his classic milling machine.

Nikolai 3D printing speed switch

Nikolai preparing the speed switch cradle for 3D printing.

Shawn testing motor controller

Shawn testing our proprietary brushless motor controller and supporting electronics.

NEXO nitrogen front tire

The NEXO front tire–a nitrogen-infused compound–is lighter than a standard tire and tube,
but is just as cushy AND will never go flat!

LED lights indicate level of battery charge when central button is depressed.

The battery charging port is protected by a weather-proof silicone cap.

Folding footrests reduce stowage space. 60 lb. total load limit. Not for tricks!

jackrabbit speed switch

Speed switch fob included with every JackRabbit