Questions? Get answers in the FAQ below.
How often do you have to change your feet when you kick?
Everyone is different but changing feet on average between 5-10 kicks is normal. It depends also on the terrain that you are kicking on. You may find that you will change more often when going up hill, and less often when kicking on the flats.
What kind of a workout do you get with the Footbike?
Many people use the Footbike as a crosstrainer when training for other events. Because the Footbike utilizes the muscles of running and biking, you can get a great workout, that burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time. It is also a great away to elevate your heart rate easily.
What tire pressure are you running on your Footbikes?
These are the recommended pressure limits on the tires and tubes provided with your Footbike. The parts and pieces of your Footbike can be purchased at any local bikeshop with reasonable inventory. All standard sizes. You can see on this site some photos of highly modified machines.
- Street—65psi max rating
- Track—100psi max rating.
- Trail—65psi max rating.
Could I take the Track model and change to a carbon fork, or maybe go with a fixed fork and disk brake?
Because all of the components are swappable, you can add a suspension fork and a 26″ mountain bike tire to the front end and you’ll have more of a ‘hybrid’ Footbike. I have taken the Trail model and put a fixed fork and disk brake on just for kicks. I was looking for something like a ‘bomb proof city’ Footbike. I have swapped every handlebar made, and have a plan for ‘signature decks’ from our racers. I actually use a pair of aero bars on my Track model to help me kick in a more aerodynamic position.
Does your Footbike have a kickstand?
Is it possible to have a Yes and No answer?
As you can see, all of our frames are drilled for the only kickstand on the market that is currently available to us. On the lovely paths of Holland and Finland these kickstands work nicely in the event the Footbike is caught standing still.
I am not sure they even have a word for speedbump, dip, or squirrel in Holland, but hitting anything on one of these things on US soil with any kind of bike will result in losing some skin.
In the case of the low clearance design of the Footbike, this is further conflicted by trying to add a kickstand to hang off of the bottom of the Footbike. Well, it just didn’t work so well for us. With that much shuttle craft hanging off of the bottom of our Footbike we often would have what we would call a ‘plow’ and not a fine kicking machine.
Other companies are trying ways to solve the kickstand riddle, and it just isn’t looking as snazzy as just laying it on the ground—or my favorite, standing it upside down on the bars and rear wheel, just make sure you take your water bottle out. In fact, the Track model is really light; you could add a chain and wear it as bling!
What is the overall size of the Footdeck?
The total size of the Footbike deck on the Street, Track, and Trail is 15″ long by 5.5″ wide. The total usable space in length is really about 14″.
What is the warranty on a Footbike?
All of our Footbikes carry a 2-year warrantly against frame failure. All components have a 30-day warranty against failure. Component failure does not include normal wear and tear of the tires and brake pads.
What is the tire size of the rear wheel on a Footbike?
We use an 18″ rear wheel as an optimal fit for our 700c front wheel in this performance design. We realize you may not find an 18″ tire or tube at every local bike shop. But this tire size is most common on folding bikes, recumbent bikes, and kid’s bikes—so they are available.
Do I need to apply the sticky deck that comes with the Footbike?
Not necessarily. We have included the stickiest sticky deck tape available. You will find that with practice and familiarity you will seek a deck with minimal friction. When you are starting out you will expect to be stuck to the deck. We often take the supplied sticky deck and cut out circles to apply to our deck – instead of the whole piece.
Why do you have two places to attach the rear wheel?
We offer this option so you have a height option to work with. Some kickers live on lousy roads and need extra clearance from the ground, so they set the rear wheel in the position to give themselves added height. Kickers over 6′ often like the deck in the higher position to maximize their movements. Likewise shorter kickers and racers like to have the deck in the lowest position possible.
Do you have a place to attach a water bottle?
Yes we do, right where it needs to be on the down tube.
How fast can a person go on a Footbike?
Professional racers in Europe (and our own Gary Schmitt) can average 18-20mph over a 26 mile marathon. A good average cruising speed is about 12 mph. Don’t forget that you can get a great workout going even 10 mph. See our section on Burn More Calories and check out our calorie consumption chart.
Why do you call is a Footbike, when it is neither a foot nor a bike?
Um, great question. The Footbike in fact is designed to be a Low-Impact Running Machine. If you are a runner that can’t run, use a Footbike. Athletes all over the country are using the Footbike to enhance their fitness and lower the strain on their body from both running, cycling, and other endurance exercises. Check out the “Who Should Kick?” page for more info.
Why do Footbikes cost so much? It’s just a scooter, right?
Ouch. You can see that we have Footbikes to fit all sizes and budgets. But here’s another way to look at your purchase: Footbikes are designed and created by one of the worlds leading suppliers of performance recumbent bicycles—Optima Cycles of Holland. The fit, sizing, and finish on these machines are on par with some of the best bicycles made.
You are not going to spend money upgrading or replacing your saddle, or pedals, or the cranks, bottom bracket, derailers, rear cogs, seat post, or chain! You don’t need special shoes, shorts, or personality to enjoy a performance scooter of this caliber. Also consider that our Footbikes fit nearly everyone. So if you must share your toy with the family, the chances are very high that it will fit anyone who steps on.
Is your Trail model really built for offroad kicking?
Of course it is! But let’s be sensible about this. We like to tell the Trail customers to ride this like they did their hardtail mountain bike back in ’92. This is a scooter, and you need to deal with the clearance factor. Pick your routes, and pick your line. Many of our users prefer to use their Trail model to run their dogs ‘mushing style’. We also have some hardcore users that are upgrading their Trail models and using them for ‘bikeneering’ and adventure racing. It will really take you where your imagination and guts will allow.
What is the return policy of Footbikes?
Our Happy Customer Guaranty means you have 14 days from the receipt of your Footbike to tell us that you are not a happy customer. After validation and the issue of a return authorization number, please pack your Footbike in the original packaging and ship it to your Footbike Representative from your local UPS store. Your money will be returned gracefully, less a 25% restocking charge.