FAQ Stacyc
Balance Bike, Stacyc Canada
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSANSWERS TO POPULAR QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A STACYC?
The STACYC™ Stability Bike is an electric balance bike. STACYC was designed to be a non-intimidating way for young children to enjoy two-wheeled riding.
The STACYC™ is the first "motorized" balance bike that inspires confidence for a child who has only been walking for a short time. If your child can walk, they can start riding a STACYC™ in non-motorized mode.
Once your child is proficient in coasting and braking, they can begin the next "motorized" phase of the process.
This will get them through the tough years of physical development where the leg-to-torso ratio doesn't allow for a low, stable seat height with a traditional bike.
The STACYC ™ has been designed to provide children with all the skills necessary to ride a bike and while allowing an extremely low seat height and low weight, thus providing thousands of hours of fun time.
WHICH MODEL SHOULD I BUY?
Excellent question. We offer 4 different models for toddlers aged 3 to 7 years old as well as the slightly older ones from 8 to 12 years old. Although size and mental maturity are more important indicators.
- 12 EDRIVE - This model is a great first bike for 3-5 year olds weighing up to 75 lbs. Its super simple design includes the basic elements that make STACYC™ the number one and unique balance bike brand in the world.
- 16 EDRIVE - This model is a great first bike for 5-7 year olds weighing up to 75 lbs. Its super simple design includes the basic elements that make STACYC™ the number one and unique balance bike brand in the world.
- 18 EDRIVE - This model is a great transition bike for 8-10 year olds weighing up to 115 lbs. Its super simple design includes the basic elements that make STACYC™ the number one and unique balance bike brand in the world.
- 20 EDRIVE - This model is a great progression bike for 10-12 year olds weighing up to 115 lbs. Its super simple design includes the basic elements that make STACYC™ the number one and unique balance bike brand in the world.
STACYC™ bikes are available in 12EDRIVE, 16EDRIVE, 18EDRIVE and 20EDRIVE models (number refers to wheel diameter in inches).
For children with an inseam of 50cm or less, we suggest the 12" model. For children with an inseam of more than 45cm and less than 55cm, we suggest the 16" model. Both bikes are designed to work with riders weighing less than 75 pounds. Riders over 75 lbs will see a significant drop in battery life and range. The experience will not be optimal.
For children with an inseam of 55-58cm, we suggest the 18" model. For children with an inseam over 60cm, we suggest the 20" model. Both bikes are designed to work with riders weighing less than 115 pounds. Riders over 115 lbs will see a significant drop in battery life and range. The experience will not be optimal.
MY CHILD IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD, CAN HE/SHE CLIMB?
If your child is walking well, they can ride a STACYC™, but we do not encourage children under 3 to ride a bike.
Parental supervision is of the utmost importance for young children to keep them safe. Our patent-pending design offers the perfect combination of low seat height, low center of gravity and light weight allowing even the smallest children to succeed.
Don't worry about buying a traditional bike with high seats until your child can easily reach the pedals on a standard 18-20 inch bike.
THERE ARE NO PEDALS. HOW DO THEY MAKE IT WORK?
Initially, in non-motorized mode, children put their feet on the ground and push. It functions as a balance bike (also called a racing bike or Strider). Young children have more stability by using their legs for walking and balancing.
Shutting down is as easy as starting; they just have to put their legs on the ground. As your child progresses, they should start using the powerful handbrake.
When the child has mastered the handbrake fully, they can start with the slow or 1st level power mode. Just follow the process.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
Unpowered mode:
Slow, 1st level - walking speed (RED light)
All Stacyc bikes have 3 power options. The bikes can function as a balance bike, so they can potentially go as fast as the child wants, as long as they can push or roll down a hill.
On flat asphalt, the STACYC 12" has a top speed of around 14 km/h and the STACYC 16" has a top speed of around 20 km/h.
The 18" STACYC has a top speed of approximately 29 km/h and the 20" STACYC has a top speed of approximately 32 km/h.
HOW HEIGHT SHOULD THE SEAT BE?
Please do not lift the seat. Seat height is essential for the correct knee angle to allow efficient pedaling of a traditional bike.
The STACYC™ has no pedals, so the safest, most stable and most inspiring seat height is the lowest.
For non-motorized mode, the correct seat height should allow the child to have their feet flat on the ground and a slight bend in the knees, but as our system quickly switches to motorized driving, we have seen that the seat height does not need to be adjusted higher.
A low seat height provides the most stability and safety. Your child will learn that standing up is the most efficient way to maneuver the Stacyc bike.
MY CHILD IS BIG ENOUGH TO RIDE ON A BIKE BUT DON'T WANT TO STOP USING THE STACYC BIKE?
Let your children have fun. The whole basis of the STACYC™ balance bike is to go from a bike without pedals to bikes with pedals, and it will happen.
The best thing that can happen is that your child continues to have extra time on a two-wheeled bike.
The more they ride, the more they will develop their bike skills before they have to learn to pedal.
WHAT TYPE OF BATTERY DOES THE STACYC USE?
STACYC™ uses an industrial grade lithium-ion battery, specially designed for STACYC™ high-end stability bikes.
We follow the testing and safety standards used in the power tool industry to provide a safe, lightweight and powerful power system.
HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY LAST
The autonomy of a battery strongly depends on the capacities of the pilot, the ground and the size of the child.
In general, the 16", 18" and 20" STACYC will usually run between 30-60 minutes, depending on how aggressive the rider is. On our 12" STACYC, with smaller kids, we've seen batteries last up to 2 hours.
If you exceed the maximum weight of the Stacyc or ride in grass, loose dirt or sand, the duration time will drop significantly.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE A BATTERY?
The charger will recharge a fully discharged battery in 110 minutes.
We rarely see a fully discharged battery and typically see a 45-60 minute charge time for the 12" and 16" Stacyc bikes.
Usually that's about the same as riding the bike for a 50 lb child on flat, hard ground.
This is one of the reasons that we strongly advise you to purchase a 2nd battery.
For the Stacyc 18" bike we are talking about a charging time of about 90 minutes and the Stacyc 20" bike we are talking about about 120 minutes because the battery is bigger and more efficient.
CAN MY CHILD RIDE THE STACYC IN THE GRASS?
You can ride a bike in the grass without any problem, but do you think your child would be able to ride a pedal bike in the grass?
The autonomy of the bike will be greatly reduced. We suggest riding the bike on flat, hard ground such as asphalt or concrete, free of stones and debris.
Unpowered mode:
- Stand over the bike and walk.
- Sitting on the bike and walking.
- Sitting on the bike and running.
- Ride seated on the bike with your feet on the footrests.
- Ride upright on the bike with your feet on the footrests.
- Using the handbrake while seated.
- Using the handbrake while standing.
Slow, 1st level - walking speed (RED light)
- Learn to use the throttle.
- Running speed for the child so they can balance themselves on the bike.
- Learn to balance and put your feet on the footrests.
- Demonstrate understanding and skill in cutting the throttle to slow down and stop.
- Can still use feet and handbrake to stop. (12 and 16EDRIVE)
- The majority of users will find this speed adequate for a lot of use.
- For advanced and older users only.
All Stacyc bikes have 3 power options. The bikes can function as a balance bike, so they can potentially go as fast as the child wants, as long as they can push or roll down a hill.
On flat asphalt, the STACYC 12" has a top speed of around 14 km/h and the STACYC 16" has a top speed of around 20 km/h.
The 18" STACYC has a top speed of approximately 29 km/h and the 20" STACYC has a top speed of approximately 32 km/h.
HOW HEIGHT SHOULD THE SEAT BE?
Please do not lift the seat. Seat height is essential for the correct knee angle to allow efficient pedaling of a traditional bike.
The STACYC™ has no pedals, so the safest, most stable and most inspiring seat height is the lowest.
For non-motorized mode, the correct seat height should allow the child to have their feet flat on the ground and a slight bend in the knees, but as our system quickly switches to motorized driving, we have seen that the seat height does not need to be adjusted higher.
A low seat height provides the most stability and safety. Your child will learn that standing up is the most efficient way to maneuver the Stacyc bike.
MY CHILD IS BIG ENOUGH TO RIDE ON A BIKE BUT DON'T WANT TO STOP USING THE STACYC BIKE?
Let your children have fun. The whole basis of the STACYC™ balance bike is to go from a bike without pedals to bikes with pedals, and it will happen.
The best thing that can happen is that your child continues to have extra time on a two-wheeled bike.
The more they ride, the more they will develop their bike skills before they have to learn to pedal.
WHAT TYPE OF BATTERY DOES THE STACYC USE?
STACYC™ uses an industrial grade lithium-ion battery, specially designed for STACYC™ high-end stability bikes.
We follow the testing and safety standards used in the power tool industry to provide a safe, lightweight and powerful power system.
HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY LAST
The autonomy of a battery strongly depends on the capacities of the pilot, the ground and the size of the child.
In general, the 16", 18" and 20" STACYC will usually run between 30-60 minutes, depending on how aggressive the rider is. On our 12" STACYC, with smaller kids, we've seen batteries last up to 2 hours.
If you exceed the maximum weight of the Stacyc or ride in grass, loose dirt or sand, the duration time will drop significantly.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE A BATTERY?
The charger will recharge a fully discharged battery in 110 minutes.
We rarely see a fully discharged battery and typically see a 45-60 minute charge time for the 12" and 16" Stacyc bikes.
Usually that's about the same as riding the bike for a 50 lb child on flat, hard ground.
This is one of the reasons that we strongly advise you to purchase a 2nd battery.
For the Stacyc 18" bike we are talking about a charging time of about 90 minutes and the Stacyc 20" bike we are talking about about 120 minutes because the battery is bigger and more efficient.
CAN MY CHILD RIDE THE STACYC IN THE GRASS?
You can ride a bike in the grass without any problem, but do you think your child would be able to ride a pedal bike in the grass?
The autonomy of the bike will be greatly reduced. We suggest riding the bike on flat, hard ground such as asphalt or concrete, free of stones and debris.
CAN MY CHILD CYCLE IN THE HILLS?
The Stacyc bike can go up some hills. The autonomy of the bike will be considerably reduced.
We always come back to the basic question; Do you think your kid could ride a pedal bike continuously for 10 minutes going up a hill? If so, our bike is working fine.
Our goal for the Stacyc bike is to have a power system similar to what a child is capable of with a pedal bike.
CAN THE STACYC BE RIDED IN WET CONDITIONS?
Our bikes have been designed to be used in DRY conditions and safe in all respects.
DO NOT allow your child to ride a STACYC™ model bike in rain, snow, sleet or hail... AS any kind of wet riding activity will void all warranties.
The Stacyc bike can go up some hills. The autonomy of the bike will be considerably reduced.
We always come back to the basic question; Do you think your kid could ride a pedal bike continuously for 10 minutes going up a hill? If so, our bike is working fine.
Our goal for the Stacyc bike is to have a power system similar to what a child is capable of with a pedal bike.
CAN THE STACYC BE RIDED IN WET CONDITIONS?
Our bikes have been designed to be used in DRY conditions and safe in all respects.
DO NOT allow your child to ride a STACYC™ model bike in rain, snow, sleet or hail... AS any kind of wet riding activity will void all warranties.