An experience and some questions:
~Background~
Been riding for a few weeks, always in classic mode, new board so new firmware. Have ridden on smooth pavement, rough pavement, hard dirt, soft slightly muddy dirt, grass. Until this weekend never had the OW do something that I didn’t understand. When first learning I didn’t understand how to work the sensors so I was run over or thrown off in reverse a few times. I believe I now have a good handle on these and can stop and dismount easily in 1 spot without really thinking about it. I don’t ride too fast and don’t think I’ve felt pushback.
~The Experience~
This Sunday I thought I would get in a ride before the rain started again here in SF. Streets were dry. I live in some moderate hills and cruised around and up and down not over 6-7mph. Then, with 60%+ battery remaining, I was going straight on a relatively flat street, probably a bit slower than my average speed. While it happened pretty fast, my recollection is that without any warning and without losing my balance. the nose of my board ate the pavement. Wearing helmet and wrist guards, I launched forward – as a snow sports guy I put my right (forward) arm out by reflex. The board continued to travel forward at a 45% angle to the right, thunking loudly against a garage door where it stopped. I dislocated my right arm and spent the rest of the day in the UCSF Emergency Room high on Dilaudid and Fentanyl.
~Questions~
Obviously I would like to understand why this happened. From reading this thread I see some theories but the root cause is unclear. Given the occurrence from time to time of similar experiences, I believe it would be prudent for FM to provide collection of and selected access to real-time actuator/sensor data. If the OW lacks sufficient memory I don’t think it would be hard to log across Bluetooth to the phone. I also think it would be in the company’s best interest in order to improve and refine the behavior of the OW. I would understand a potential reluctance based on litigation risk but it needs to be done and the lawyers would just have to do their best to protect the company, as they do in all motor vehicle industries.
My second question is somewhat higher level. When I am cruising on pavement at a consistent speed in classic, the board sometimes feels like it is leaning a bit forward for a few seconds then leaning a bit back for a few. I am trying to stay balanced over the wheel and not rock forward and back, but I am still getting this feeling. Anyone else find this?
Closing note to FM: I strongly encourage you to follow up on this issue. Right now you have a loyal set of users who are willing to take some bruises for the company and the product; we are certainly not looking to damage the company. Help us to help you improve the behavior of the product and make it more attractive to the mass market. If you need some help or ideas, just let me know. Thanks!