Trade disputes on Pedelecs!!!!

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,320
2,283
70
Sevenoaks Kent
Not for Introduce yourself here!

Just read the thread. Interesting discussion. "Introduce yourself", normally a friendly spot, was probably the wrong place for a "discussion" about "plagarism" but I've no problem with it.
Absolutely agree Barnowl, it was inspired of Stumpi to start a new thread.

Best regards

David :)
 

flecc

Member
Oct 25, 2006
53,559
30,848
Take two e-bikes with similar diamond shape frames from two manufacturers.

Now suppose both of them use the same motor, the same controller, the same handlebar control and the same meter. They also use exactly the same battery and even the same chainwheel.

You'd call them copies I suppose?

Ah, but what if I now say they both use the Panasonic unit which incorporates all of those items? That's different I suppose. :rolleyes:

Copying through the use of common components is inevitable in any small scale industry. For their small scale production, Lotus have used parts that appear in many other car makes. Even expensive Jaguars and Aston Martins have often used parts from lowly cars, the switches used in cheap Fords for example.

It's even tougher for startup e-bike companies, they just have to use what is available to get their first models off the ground, since the return from marketing the bikes cannot justify a major investment from normal financing resources.

Just once in a while a brave soul appears with the capital to risk making a major investsment in a new brand as David Miall did with Wisper. Given that, it's understandable that he gets upset at the number of Wisper clones, whether they were intended as such or accidental. Personally I don't think he needs worry, since the resources and experience of that company are starting to produce more unique designs which will not be so easily cloned. The 806fe is an example which is unique among e-folders, likewise the composite carbon frame variant of the 906 model. Also, how many makers can supply either front or rear hub motors, it's usually Hobson's choice, take what you're given. I know he has more unique things up his sleeve for the future too, so the intentional copiers are in for a tougher time in future.
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Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,320
2,283
70
Sevenoaks Kent
I'm happy with the forum in every way. If there's a thread I don't like, I don't have to read it.

Personally I found the thread about Wisper and copying an interesting insight. Given that you can't copyright an idea, it's likely fruitless for Wisper to pursue it legally but I'm better informed for knowing what's going on and knowing the passion a dealer has for his products.

If there had been a bit more passion in the British motorcycle industry, perhaps we'd still have one now.
Thanks for your support Lemmy!

I don't think it's too early to let the forum know that due to various control problems in China including the readiness for Chinese companies to rip off successful brands we are in the process of looking for a factory in the UK.

All the best

David
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,320
2,283
70
Sevenoaks Kent
Thanks!

I would like to say thanks for all the support I get on the forum, I understand I can get a bit OTT, but I do love this business!

I am a lucky man, I do this for a living! :D

Best regards

David
 

Alex728

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 16, 2008
1,109
-1
Ipswich
Thanks for your support Lemmy!

I don't think it's too early to let the forum know that due to various control problems in China including the readiness for Chinese companies to rip off successful brands we are in the process of looking for a factory in the UK.

All the best

David
if you are able to do this and keep the same price levels whilst improving quality it would be excellent.. I guess initially the bulk of the bits would still come from China but final assembly would be in the UK?
 

Django

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 11, 2007
453
1
I would like to say thanks for all the support I get on the forum, I understand I can get a bit OTT, but I do love this business!

I am a lucky man, I do this for a living! :D

Best regards

David
David,

I have never seen you OTT. Passionate, honest and dedicated yes. OTT, no. It would be brilliant for you to have a factory in the UK. Look at what Triumph have achieved for inspiration on that score.
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,320
2,283
70
Sevenoaks Kent
Swim against the tide like this David and we'll be seeing you on TV at the palace in a tail coat.

Mmmm, Sir David Miall, sounds good. :)
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Tony, if you'd ever seen me in a dinner suit you wouldn't be so cruel!!! :D

Andrew, I am looking forward to seeing your new bike, I hope you do very well with it, honestly!! Can't wait 'till you get rid of the copies and join the mainstream, the e bike industry needs innovators!

All the best

David :)
 

Old Timer

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 5, 2009
1,279
12
Yes Stumpi,

I just get disappointed when I introduce myself and for my welcome I get knocked off


Andrew
Join the club Andrew:D

I don`t see any problems with open talk either as long as people are not downright rude to each other.

Look! it stands to reason like I said in an earlier thread that in these fairly early days of e bikes( by comparison) that the not so well designed frame sets are going to be dropped and the range available are going to look pretty similar in one way or another. Only a fool would start from square one to learn all the pit falls along the way, wouldn`t they? If you take the normal push bike market then there are frames that cost thousands and sell just a handfall each year and then there are the decent designs that sell in thousands because they are functional and offered at a price to capture the market. What springs to mind? Wisper! I own what you might call a wisper clone, now I`ve no doubt that the genuine article is better in some ways but would those ways bother me I have to ask myself and at under £700 when new I(after now riding many miles on it)have to say what an absolute joy to ride. I`m no push over as far as engineering goes and can detect the way metal works when assembled and the design works, it has feel, flexibilty, it turns in nice and just feels secure and you are in charge. Now I`d have to be a fool to move far away from that tried and tested design.

I feel for David that came up with the design( I can be corrected if wrong on this) but there is no doubt about it! it works and so will clones if produced to good enough standards ( I`d love some of you to ride my bike) and as I have said before " if wisper bikes ride any better then I`d better start saving"

If you work it out and all the actual crap is taken off of the market then the better designs and brands will have a bigger share of the market and should with the right management prosper in the future. Yes we will have a lot less choice maybe and have to pay a bit more for our bikes but they will (or should) be a lot better designed and have better back up. We need some sort of standard in this industry so that we can buy and share spare parts as and when rather than fall under the high prices that we are being asked to pay for consumables like batterie etc. I want to see the day when I can pick up a ready made new hub wheel or controller or battery for the bike I ride without the fear that 18 months down the line it might be redundant.
Mark my words, when the masses get hold of the e bike idea there will be a huge market out their for the taking.

Dave
 

Dynamic Position

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 28, 2009
307
2
Tony, if you'd ever seen me in a dinner suit you wouldn't be so cruel!!! :D

Andrew, I am looking forward to seeing your new bike, I hope you do very well with it, honestly!! Can't wait 'till you get rid of the copies and join the mainstream, the e bike industry needs innovators!

All the best

David :)
David,

You would be more at home if you take a few wisper bikes to the Balmoral dinner party and demonstrate the wispers capabilities to HRH and guests in the estate grounds. Think of the publicity:D
 

eTim

Esteemed Pedelecer
Nov 19, 2009
607
2
Andover, Hants.
The best way to get recognition for ebikes would be to stick celebrities on them.
 

rustic

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 31, 2008
288
42
North Essex
This forum should be open to manufacturers, purchasers anyone with an interest in e-biking. Despite recent publicity we remain a relatively narrow field of interest & shouldn't be in the business of limiting involvement on the site. I found that particular thread of discussion extremely informative and a great read!

I love many of the threads posted here, those that spark little interest in me I simply choose not to read. Let's not stifle the communication.
 

Old Timer

Esteemed Pedelecer
Dec 5, 2009
1,279
12
I reckon up where I live in Norfolk I could get to and from Sandringham with two batteries and ride my Powertrek down her drive:D She might pass a ruling to make them bring back the famed Powertrek Dynamo model :D :D :D
 

rustic

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 31, 2008
288
42
North Essex
I reckon up where I live in Norfolk I could get to and from Sandringham with two batteries and ride my Powertrek down her drive:D She might pass a ruling to make them bring back the famed Powertrek Dynamo model :D :D :D
There's some great cycling to be had around Sandringham way, relatively flat, beautiful scenery & a nice campsite on the Sandringham estate. Even a chance of bumping into the odd royal or two.

P.S when I say odd royal................
 

Wisper Bikes

Trade Member
Apr 11, 2007
6,320
2,283
70
Sevenoaks Kent
David,

You would be more at home if you take a few wisper bikes to the Balmoral dinner party and demonstrate the wispers capabilities to HRH and guests in the estate grounds. Think of the publicity:D
Now there's a thought :rolleyes: :D

All the best

David