This video documents an attempt to test the new Meepo Gear Drive on a Meepo Voyager electric skateboard, which unfortunately didn't go as planned. Let's dive into the details!
🏖️ A Beachside Start
The video begins with the creator, Scotty, enjoying the Australia Day long weekend at Kira Beach, right on the border between Queensland and New South Wales. He planned to take advantage of the early morning hours to test out the new Meepo Gear Drive on his Meepo Voyager. He's a big fan of the Voyager, praising its power, comfortable flexy deck, and overall cool design.
Before the gear drive swap, Scotty takes the Voyager for one last ride with its belt drive. He then plans to do a quick installation, examine the gear drive's internals, and share his thoughts on whether the upgrade is worthwhile.
⚙️ The Gear Drive Debacle
Unfortunately, things took a turn when Scotty discovered that the gear drives wouldn't plug into his Voyager. It turns out he had an early pre-production model that was incompatible. 😩
Despite the setback, Scotty did get a chance to inspect the gear drive. He was impressed by its beautiful internal construction, noting:
- High-Quality Build: The gears are well-made, with plenty of grease.
- All-Metal Construction: The gear drive is made entirely of metal.
- Straight-Cut Teeth: Unlike many other gear drives, this one features straight-cut teeth.
- Low Maintenance: Scotty mentions a claim of up to 2 years of maintenance-free riding due to the grease and design. (Though he notes this isn't gospel)
- CNC Milled Precision: The gear drive is CNC milled to millimeter-perfect tolerances.
- Locating Pins: The gear drive halves are secured with CNC milled locating pins, preventing slippage even if bolts loosen.
⚠️ The $3000 Step
Since the gear drive test was a no-go, Scotty shifts focus to a different kind of risk: the legal implications of crossing the state border with an electric skateboard.
He explains that a single step across the border from Queensland into New South Wales can lead to fines of up to $3,000! Here's why:
- Queensland: Electric skateboards are recognized as Personal Electric Vehicles (PEVs) and are legal.
- New South Wales: Electric skateboards are considered illegal, unregistered, and uninsured vehicles.
- Potential Fines: Riding an electric skateboard in New South Wales can result in fines for having an unregistered/uninsured vehicle, riding on the footpath, and not wearing a proper motorcycle-grade helmet.
- Time Zone Difference: Adding to the craziness, there's a one-hour time difference between the two states at the time of filming.
🎬 Wrapping Up
Scotty concludes the video with a final ride on the Voyager, promising a future video dedicated to the gear drive once he receives a compatible ESC. He also mentions that other reviewers, like DJ Drones Drew, are enjoying the gear drive's quiet and smooth performance.
Key Takeaways:
- The Meepo Gear Drive looks promising with its high-quality construction and low-maintenance design.
- State laws regarding electric skateboards can vary drastically, and it's crucial to be aware of the regulations in your area.
- Even a single step across a border can have significant legal consequences.
Don't forget to subscribe, like the video, and leave any comments or questions below! Stay safe, wear a helmet, and see you in the next video! ✌️
