To my prospective backers - thank you for taking the time to learn about my project! I am very excited to be at this stage in the development of my product and new company Glide Cruisers, USA and happy to share that process with you. 

About the product: I have developed a very unique alternate transportation solution for personal use and police / patrol solutions. It is an all electric-drive stand-up cycle with many features that make it a highly finished and uniquely streamlined product! For starters, the frame is engineered with all aluminum welding and internal pathways for our wiring harness, controller, voltage converter (for lighting accessories) and adjacent battery box. On components, I decided to utilize industry-proven bicycle components like disc brakes, wheels, handlebars, etc in order to make it user-friendly for maintenance and parts availability in addition to conserving the cost of overall development. Here is a feature image of our top-of-the line model Solaris at a photoshoot last Summer:

The features I have included with our models add convenience and safety. For instance, I have added a powerful LED running light system to the front and rear of the unit for vision and visibility. In addition, I have included an optional LED novelty light kit to make it glow at night (adds to the fun factor) and also improves on safety. All lighting accessories are run by illuminated toggle switches on the key control panel. Here is a night time image showing LEDs:

After nearly 3 years of self-funded research, development, prototyping and initial demo samples -- I have been able to produce a production model of my electric-drive stand-up cycle. Not only does it work really well, it is super fun and stable to ride! So that's a quick snapshot of what my result has been after many hours, days, months and years in design, engineering and prototyping! Here is a timeline of how this has all occurred:

Timeline

2009 - Conceived the concept / idea for a stand-up electric-drive cycle and began creating design illustrations.

2010 - Developed engineering drawings for my first frame design, then proceeded to manufacture the first (2) prototypes. After a couple small design changes, I produced my first (10) units for the sole purpose of doing a product evaluation initial test. This successful test was completed by selling the first units to my friends and family. After confirming that the geometry and design elements of my frame were sound, I filed for a patent in Fall 2010 in addition to a Trademark for protection of the brand and key product. Technical drawings:

2011 - In early 2011, preparations for positioning the business to manufacture initial production units were made by investing in production tooling, dies and molds required to produce the frame as well as several accessories. However, the funds that I was able to invest was only sufficient enough to get the production tooling to a level yielding small production runs up to 25 units. Next, we did our first small production run of 25 units in order to conduct an initial market test. This first production run was successfully sold out by Fall 2011. And our results were encouraging! Here is an image of our first delivery being prepared for shipping:

Next, I received notice that my patent and trademark were both approved - hurray! Lastly, in 2011 I created a new model for the Police / Patrol market in order to position in the emerging channels currently dominated by Seqway and T3. So we are now looking for agencies and corporate security environments to test them. Here is an action image of our new Police model:

Here is a video link of our new patrol unit in action:

http://www.glidecruisers.com/patrol2/video_featured.shtml

2012 - Following our successful 2011 market test, it became evident that we needed to position the company for larger scale production, marketing and the true market roll-out of our new product line. The other side of this is that larger scale production tooling would also improve our "cost per unit" enough to allow access new markets. The glaring problem is the "lack of funds" to make the next quantum leap - and actually build production tooling, stage up inventory and get out into the market with our new products!

Having successfully completed our product development, testing and initial market evaluation (the past 3 years), I invested my heart and soul and of course all the money I had as well! So, although I know I have an amazing new product ready to scale up for market success -- I lack the funds to continue to do it on my own. I am truly hoping that if I am successful at appealing to enough KickStarter backers -- I will get the "boost" that I need to move the project and company to the next level and ultimate success!

My goal with this Kickstarter project is to fund:

• Higher volume production tooling
• Initial limited inventories to sell and demonstrate
• Trade show and "green event" appearances

At the moment, the company consists of just me and a few consultants. But I believe that Glide has the potential to become a $50 million+ per year sustainable company! And, ultimately contribute to our economy by hiring lots of great people and contribute to society by producing clean technology problem-solving products. That is my passion! Those who choose to become part of this can take pride in knowing that your winning spirit will be reflected in the soul of this project and its successful outcome!

Want even more information - here you go:

http://www.glidecruisers.com/pdf/PowerPoint_Glide.ppsx

Thanks for your interest ~ Christopher Wiggins / Founder Glide Cruisers, USA

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