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 motorcyclists in our community have asked us how we design our scooter locks, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to show you how we did it for the brand-new Honda PCX 2021 model. (June 2021 version)
First of all, we are proud to say that all EasyBlock wheel locks 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.
STEP 1: RESEARCH
Every year manufacturers release a new scooter version with slight changes and updates. Sometimes this means 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 usually means we 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 prototyping and testing begin.
STEP 2: PROTOTYPING
First of all, we consider which part of the new bike would offer us the best support to attach the EasyBlock to the bike.
In doing this, we consider both aesthetic and technical aspects. We always strive to create a product that offers maximum protection while perfectly integrating into the bike's design.
Next, we compare the difference between the new and old bike models and check if any of our over 50 EasyBlock models have a similar mounting.
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 that; otherwise, we start from scratch.
We were a bit lucky with the Honda PCX 2021 and might use an attachment similar to the one used for our Honda SH 125cc model.
However, we often prototype a couple of product versions that attach to different mounting points. This gives us the chance to test more options before committing to a final version.
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 get feedback even before production starts.
For the Honda PCX 2021, we sent the prototypes to London and collaborated directly with the London Motorcycle Centre (LMC), which has some of the most experienced mechanics and support staff in London.
LMC is also quite close to our headquarters, making it a great meeting place to interact with our community.
At LMC, we met Mohsin, one from riders in our London community, who previously used our EasyBlock for the PCX 2018 model.
He kindly offered to provide us with his brand-new PCX 2021 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 on the bike, we gathered the other staff members, including LMC workshop chief Paulo, to review 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 who will fit our finished product.
DECISION TIME
For the PCX 2021, we had two prototypes using two different attachment points on the motorcycle.
In the end, with feedback from the tests and the evaluation of the safety implications of both locks, we chose the lock located just below the exhaust.
This position makes locking and unlocking quick 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.
Additionally, we also decided to add extra protection for this model using a special type of security bolt, which would make removal almost impossible with standard tools.
REAL-WORLD USER TEST
We then left the prototype lock on Mohsin’s bike to give him time to test it next week and report any issues we might 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 phase is to start creating our first batch of wheel locks for the PCX 2021. Since this model was quite similar to previous versions we made, there will be no delays in lock production, which means we plan to go from prototype to testing and production in less than a month.
The PCX 2021 model will start shipping in early June. You can find the preorder page using the button below.
We take our work at EasyBlock very seriously. We always strive to improve our wheel locks and increase the number of bikes we equip with our security systems.
We believe safety is vital for our motorcyclist community and that every day without an EasyBlock lock could mean the theft of another scooter.
We are grateful to our community for all the help they provide and for the great fun we have at every meetup.
Best regards,
Team EasyBlock
PS: A special thanks to:
Mohsin for providing his beautiful bike and valuable feedback
Wilson Cavera for his skilled hands and optimistic mood
LMC Staff who always support us in every situation, it's fantastic to work with you guys!
