Development of a new EasyBlock - PCX 2021 Edition
If you're familiar with EasyBlock, you probably know that each lock is designed to fit a specific motorcycle or scooter.
Many of the riders in our community have asked us how we design our scooter locks, so we thought we'd take the opportunity and show you how we did it for the all-new 2021 Honda PCX model. (June 2021 release)
First of all, we are proud to say that all EasyBlock wheel chocks are made in Italy.
We have some of the best engineers and use many different manufacturing techniques to create products of the highest quality and safety standards for our community.
When we design a new prototype, like the new Honda PCX 2021 EasyBlock, we go through a certain number of phases.
PHASE 1: RESEARCH
Every year manufacturers release a new version of scooters with slight changes and updates. Sometimes, this means that the previous year's model will still fit, but sometimes we have to modify it.
The most significant change occurs every 3-5 years when a scooter model undergoes a major update, which means we usually have to design a completely new EasyBlock system for it.
When this happens, we use our official dealers to help us get our hands on the new scooter as quickly as possible, and that's when the prototyping and testing begins.
PHASE 2: PROTOTYPING
First of all, let's consider which part of the new bike would offer us the best support for attaching the EasyBlock to the bike.
In doing this, we take into consideration both aesthetic and technical aspects. We always try to create a product that offers maximum protection while integrating perfectly into the design of the bike.
Next, we compare the difference between the new and old bike models and check if other of our 50+ EasyBlock models have similar fitment.
If we're lucky, there will be a model very similar in design to the one we need, and we can base our initial prototype on this; if not, let's start from scratch.
We have had some luck with the 2021 Honda Pcx and could use a similar mount to the one used for our Honda Sh 125cc model.
However, we often prototype a couple of versions of the product that attach to different mounting points. This gives us the ability to test multiple options before committing to a final release.
Once satisfied with the prototypes, we move on to the testing and evaluation phase.
PHASE 3: TESTING AND EVALUATION
At this stage, we work directly with our community of riders and dealers to further refine the prototype and ultimately decide which version we will produce.
This allows us to have feedback even before production begins.
For the 2021 Honda PCX, we sent prototypes to London and worked directly with the London Motorcycle Center (LMC) who have some of the most experienced mechanics and support staff in London.
LMC is also located quite close to our headquarters, making us a great gathering place to interact with our community.
At LMC, we met Mohsin, one of the riders from our London community, who previously used our EasyBlock for the 2018 Pcx model.
He kindly offered to provide us with his brand new 2021 PCX to test our prototypes.
With the help of Wilson Negretti, our mechanic for the day at LMC, we mounted the two prototypes on Mohsin's scooter.
Once in the saddle, we gathered the other staff members, including LMC workshop chief Paulo, to go over the pros and cons of both prototypes. We need to consider the safety and ease of use provided by the different prototypes and the ease of installation for the mechanics that will fit into our finished product.
DECISION TIME
For the 2021 PCX, we had two prototypes that used two different attachment points on the bike.
Ultimately, with feedback from testing and evaluating the security implications of both locks, we chose the lock that was located just below the drain.
This position makes quick locking and unlocking easier for the rider and makes it quite difficult for potential thieves to attack the system with an angle grinder, one of the most common tools used by scooter thieves in Europe.
Furthermore, we also decided to add extra protection for this model by using a special type of security bolt, which would make removal with standard tools almost impossible.
REAL WORLD USER TESTING
We then left the prototype block on Mohsin's bike to give him time to test it next week and report any issues we may have missed. In this situation, it was perfect. So we are extremely happy that the test was a complete success.
PHASE 4: PRODUCTION
The next stage is to start making our first batch of wheel locks for PCX 2021. Since this model was quite similar to the previous versions we had made, there will be no delays in the production of the locks, which means we are planning to go from prototype to testing and production in less than a month.
The 2021 PCX model will begin shipping in early June. You can find the pre-order page using the following button.
We take our work at EasyBlock very seriously. We are always looking to improve our wheel locks and increase the number of bicycles we fit with our security systems.
We believe that security is vital to our riding community and that every day without an EasyBlock could mean another scooter stolen.
We are grateful to our community for all the help they provide and for the great fun we have at each meetup.
Greetings,
Team EasyBlock
PS: Special thanks to:
Mohsin for providing his beautiful bike and valuable feedback
Wilson Cavera for his deft hands and upbeat mood
LMC staff who always support us in every situation, it's great to work with you guys!
