Battery Charging:
Initial Charging:
Initially, I used my 20W iPhone charger, but only 2 out of 4 battery lights blinked for over 8 hours, and the charging process was slow. Switching to a 2.4A wall outlet seemed to improve things, with the lights turning solid green, though I didn’t leave it plugged in too long. Eventually, the lights went out, so I assume it stopped charging.
Solution That Worked:
After trying a 65W laptop charger, I left it plugged in overnight, and the battery was fully charged by morning. This worked well, so I hope it was just an initial charging hiccup.
Installation:
Installation was straightforward for the most part. However, the mud flap was a bit tricky to install. It would be great if it were pre-installed in the box to save some time.
Fit and Adjustment:
After tightening everything, there was still some up/down play, which might be by design. After calibrating, things felt tight, but the wheel did bounce off to the side a few times. Tightening the seat post clamp helped with that issue.
Design & Build:
Overall Design:
The round body design is functional but hard to grab, especially for the installation or removal of the fender and unit. I would have preferred some angled edges or ergonomic hand grooves for better handling.
Battery Design:
The battery is square and fits snugly into a plastic locking door. While the plastic pull tab is a nice touch, a built-in handle or finger grooves would make it easier to pop the battery out without fumbling. It’s also nice that the battery fits neatly into the door, but it could benefit from a compression fit or clip system for a one-step installation.
Battery Door:
The clips on the battery door could be improved. The springs don’t push the latch easily, and it requires a little extra effort to get the clips to snap into place. Once locked, the door stays secure, and I’m not concerned it will pop off.
Remote & Magnet:
Remote:
The remote’s rubber band installed fine, and the tiny wire snaked around things nicely. However, if you need to remove the wire frequently, it would be better to have a quick-release clip since the magnet is 3M taped to the brakes.
Magnet:
The magnet in the latest version is small, but it needs to be almost in contact with the other side to work. The 3M glue didn’t stick well to my brake handle (curved vs. straight edge), but I managed to get it to hold on a protruding screw.
Riding Experience:
Initial Thoughts:
At first, I didn’t notice the unit much while riding, but once I switched to "standby" and pedaled uphill without assistance, I realized how much of a boost it provides.
Mode Breakdown:
Cruise Mode: Good for long, gradual hills, though it won’t propel you uphill if the incline is too steep.
Assist Mode: Great for general riding.
Workout Mode: I haven't used this much, as I tend to reach the mode only after I’m already down the hill.
Standby Mode: Handy when walking the bike since the motor stays off.
Mode Switching:
Switching modes can be tricky. The beeps aren’t very loud, making it hard to know which mode you’re in, so some guesswork is involved.
App:
Functionality:
I don’t have a phone holder, so I haven’t used the app while riding, but it works well when I do use it. However, I would like to see more detailed info, such as the option for auto-shutdown times (e.g., 1, 5, or 10 minutes) and more clarity on brake calibration.
Brake Calibration:
The app just says "calibration ok," but there’s no test screen to confirm if the brakes are functioning properly. I assume the brake light and remote light illuminate when the magnets are far enough apart, but it would be good to have a clearer check.
Remote Button Issues:
Voice Button:
I haven’t managed to get the voice button to work, and honestly, I don’t see a real need for it.
Camera Button:
The camera button launches the camera, but only when the Livall app is running on iPhone.
Button Functions:
The buttons I use most are the ones for switching between assist mode and cruise mode, as well as adjusting the speed control up and down.
Visibility Issues:
The red button for switching to standby and activating the brakes is illuminated by a white LED, but it’s hard to see in daylight. It’s also difficult to tell if the brake light has actually turned on.
Overall Opinion:
I would recommend the Pikaboost to anyone who loves their bike and just wants a bit of extra help with hills. It does what it’s meant to do, and the performance is solid for everyday use.
