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Abstract:
This is a live stream Q&A session featuring a co-founder of NOSFET, a micro-mobility company specializing in electric unicycles (EUCs). The discussion primarily focuses on the newly released NOSFET Arrow EUC, addressing design choices, features, and common questions from the community, with some reference to their previous model, the Apex.
Key topics covered include the Arrow's distinctive aesthetic and functional design elements like the magnesium unibody and 4-in-1 trolley handle, the custom-developed Reflexa suspension, pedal design and reception (acknowledged as a point of debate, with third-party options discussed), IPX6 waterproofing, battery box shape, and the development status of an iOS app. The co-founder emphasizes NOSFET's philosophy of quality control, transparency, community engagement, and strategic product development, even touching on internal testing protocols and the decision-making process behind feature inclusion and addressing past issues like the Apex linkage problems. The session highlights the company's startup status and reliance on community and retailers for growth in a challenging market.
Exploring the NOSFET Arrow: A Live Q&A with the Co-Founder
0:54 Introduction: The co-founder of NOSFET hosts a live stream Q&A session on YouTube and Instagram to answer user questions about the company and its electric unicycle products, the Arrow and Apex.
2:21 Apex Slider Seals: Addresses questions about replacing seals for Apex sliders, clarifying they are for lubrication, not holding oil, and can be obtained from retailers. They are not critical unless damaged and require minimal maintenance.
3:27 Arrow Suspension System: Discusses the Reflexa suspension specifically developed for the Arrow, describing it as a 70 lb coil system suitable for everyday riding and light off-roading.
4:40 Rider Weight Comfort: Notes the suspension feels comfortable for riders between 60kg and 96kg, potentially feeling a bit stiff for lighter individuals.
5:12 Design Philosophy: Highlights the aesthetic focus of the Arrow's design, emphasizing attention to small details championed by co-founder Sen.
5:57 Open Communication: Expresses a desire to be accessible and answer questions directly, acting as a bridge between the community and the company.
6:23 Suspension Maintenance: States the Arrow's suspension requires no pumping and minimal maintenance (checking/replenishing oil after prolonged use, seals potentially later).
7:14 Pedal Feedback: Acknowledges the Arrow's pedals receive mixed reactions (50/50 split), noting they are not designed for heavy off-roading.
8:11 Third-Party Pedal Accessory: Introduces a prototype accessory plate from Beta (and potentially others) that adds spikes for increased grip, slotting onto the existing pedals.
9:07 Pedal Trade-offs: Explains the pedals were designed to be lightweight (260g) and structurally sound to resist bending or warping in crashes, accepting a trade-off on grip for extreme off-roading.
9:56 Battery Box Shape: Confirms the curved design of the Arrow's battery box was driven by aesthetic considerations to attract new riders and make EUCs look "cool."
10:58 Included Accessories: Mentions the Arrow comes with velcro; pads provided by some retailers are typically pre-order gifts, not standard NOSFET inclusions.
11:32 Beeper Wire Routing: Addresses a potential issue with the beeper wire disconnecting, explaining it should be tucked away to the side of the light and is plenty long if routed correctly.
12:23 US Shipments: Announces a shipment to e-wheels in the US is being prepared.
12:58 Waterproofing: States the motor is waterproofed and the entire Arrow wheel is IPX6 rated.
13:08 Tire Availability/Rubbing: Discusses the difficulty sourcing specific tire brands (Michelin, Pirelli) in China due to regulations, limiting options to common brands (CST, Kenda). Notes that installing a 3.5" tire might cause rubbing depending on rider weight and PSI.
17:01 Founder's Motivation: Shares that EUCs are a significant part of his identity and the reason he moved back to China from Canada to start NOSFET.
17:30 Apex Trolley Decision: Explains the decision not to include a trolley handle on the Apex was based on not being able to execute it well at the time and wanting to keep weight down, acknowledging it was a user complaint.
19:41 iOS App Development: Confirms an iOS app is in development, but they are still seeking developers and face hurdles with the App Store, expecting it to take a couple of months.
20:13 App Usage: Clarifies that the wheel is fully functional without the app; the app is primarily for firmware updates, viewing battery cell details (also available on the wheel display), and downloading troubleshooting logs.
21:14 Sharing 3D Files: Considers releasing 3D files for the side panel to allow the community to create custom accessories or mounts, similar to providing STL files for the Apex.
22:13 Kids Riding Arrow: States parents have purchased Arrows for children, noting that the suspension might be stiff for very light riders (~6 years old).
22:54 Spare Parts Info: Unable to provide gasket or bearing sizes immediately off the top of his head but offers to provide dimensions via the forum for those seeking spare parts, without revealing competitive information.
23:41 Arrow Trolley Design: Describes the 4-in-1 function of the trolley handle (front/rear bumper, grab handle, trolley) designed for a fluid motion when stopping.
25:48 UL Certification: Currently has no plans for UL certification for EUCs but is monitoring regulations for future consideration.
26:20 Testing & Cutouts: Explains that intentional cutouts are part of the internal testing process to determine the upper threshold and limits of the wheel's capabilities (e.g., Apex 2m drop test).
27:21 Arrow Safety Tuning: Mentions software adjustments (tilt back, alarms) were made to the Arrow to increase safety warnings for riders pushing the wheel, given the smaller battery size.
28:37 Pedal Redesign: States redesigning the pedals is not possible for the current product iteration; the third-party spike plate accessory is the current solution.
30:04 Weight Limit & Warranty: The maximum recommended rider weight for the Arrow is 120kg; heavier riders (e.g., 130kg) may experience less suspension travel and should check warranty terms with their retailer.
32:06 Safety Features Overview: Briefly lists safety features including speed alarms, tilt back speed, and PWM (power modulation) based tilt back (fixed at 85-86% as a last resort, with a settable threshold).
33:24 Production Unit Controls: Explains controls like the P function (lift sensor), headlight modes (low/medium/high/daylight running, toggle/hold for off), tail light (hold power button for off), and RGB color toggling via the power button. Notes production units have a sticker explaining the menu.
35:18 Internal Range Testing: Describes NOSFET's standardized internal tests for range (same road, temperature, charge level), achieving 55km at 35kph with a 96kg rider.
36:38 Future Products & Chargers: Cannot disclose future wheel plans directly but states they are always planning 1-2 products ahead. Teases a forthcoming charger collaboration that will be safer and not repurposed server power supplies.
37:58 Light Settings Saving: Confirms light settings do not currently save and asks for community feedback with reasoning on which settings should be saved.
44:00 Marketing Strategy: Uses a mix of sponsored and encouraged-honest reviews. Aims to help expand the EUC market by seeking content creators from other micro-mobility areas (like one wheels), acknowledging a small marketing budget.
45:47 Bymmetrical Suspension: Explains the Arrow uses a bi-symmetrical dampening system where both suspension sticks move together for compression and rebound, allowing for compression adjustment at the bottom.
49:41 Magnesium Unibody Construction: Highlights the three-part unibody design (left/right battery, center) which facilitates easy repairs; panels remove cleanly with associated components (e.g., side panel with pedal/suspension). Includes waterproofing gaskets.
51:07 Charging Port Location: Defends the charging port location as a trade-off for structural integrity and durability in tumbles compared to a higher position, noting it's only used briefly daily.
52:28 Apex Air Shock Issues: Addresses reports of air leakage on Apex air shocks (DNM brand), stating it's not the highest-end shock, which is reflected in the price point. Recommends coil shocks for heavy use/jumps and highlights the Apex is "mod friendly" for aftermarket shocks (like Fox/Rock Shocks), despite warranty issues from those suppliers for EUC use.
1:01:08 Apex Linkage Issues: Discusses early Apex samples having linkage issues, but emphasizes no wheels with this known defect were shipped to retail clients, prioritizing brand reputation and rider safety over momentum.
1:05:37 Wrongway/Librekim Incident: Shares his perspective as a mediator, believing the issue was primarily a communication breakdown rather than a major firmware flaw, noting current firmware includes increased phase amps and a torque alarm.
1:07:43 Kill Switch: Mentions the kill switch was added late in development but is appreciated by users, deemed useful despite the nearby power button.
1:08:38 USBC Port Decision: States it was personally desired but R&D was against it due to potential issues versus perceived benefit, illustrating the holistic approach to feature inclusion.
1:10:06 Arrow Target Weight: Reached the target weight of 25kg (production units are 24.5kg). Reaffirms pedal focus was lightness/durability, not extreme grip.
1:13:36 Retailer First Contact: Advises users to contact their retailer first for support due to NOSFET being a small team with limited resources.
1:14:08 Feedback Channels: Encourages feedback via email (repair videos, future product ideas) or DMs, specifically regarding pedal improvements and future wheels, emphasizing the goal of making good products and growing the community.