An electric scooter with integrated solar panels on the optional rear storage box (~14 Watts) and multi-color LED accent lights
One of the quickest e-scooters I've tested, the motor is relatively quiet but delivers better torque and speed than other similar products I've reviewed even though they have the same power ratings
Compatible with an Android/iOS smartphone app for adjusting top speed, power output climbing ability and more
Successfully crowd funded through Indiegogo, available in three colors, comes with a remote for locking, setting an alarm or starting the bike, mixed warranty of 1 year frame and motor and 6 months battery and components
Video Review
Introduction
Make:
Daymak
Model:
Chameleon
Price:
$1,999
(Optional $2,299 Turbo Edition)
Body Position:
Upright Relaxed
Suggested Use:
Urban, Commuting
Electric Bike Class:
Throttle on Demand (Class 2), Moped or Motorcycle (Class 4)
1 Year Frame and Motor, 6 Month Components and Battery
Availability:
United States, Canada, Worldwide
Model Year:
20152016
Bicycle Details
Total Weight:
200 lbs (90.71 kg)
Battery Weight:
70 lbs (31.75 kg)
Motor Weight:
25 lbs (11.33 kg)
Frame Types:
Step-Thru
Frame Material:
Chromoly Steel and Aluminum Alloy
Frame Colors:
Red, Blue, Black
Geometry Measurements:
Length: 64", Height: 44", Width 27", Seat to Ground: 29", Seat to Floor Panel: 11"
Frame Fork Details:
Standard Suspension
Frame Rear Details:
Coil Over Suspension
Gearing Details:
1
Single Speed
Pedals:
Folding Plastic Platform
Handlebar:
Short, Gently Swept Back
Brake Details:
Hydraulic Disc, 160 mm Rotors
Grips:
Flat Rubber, Aluminum End Caps
Saddle:
Extended, Padded
Rims:
Cast Aluminum
Tire Brand:
Kenda, 16" x 2.5"
Wheel Sizes:
16 in (40.64cm)
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Integrated LED Light Strips (Multi-Color), Integrated Solar Charging (Top Panel 12.24 Watt, Side Panels 1.98 Watt Each), Two Side Mirrors Mounted to Handle Bar, Locking Seat Storage Box, Locking Saddle Storage, License Plate Bosses, Turn Signals, Running Lights, LED Front and Rear Lights, Horn, Plastic Front and Rear Fenders, Double Leg Long-Term Kickstand, Single Side Quick Kickstand, Anti-Theft Alarm, Keyless Start
Other:
Estimated 500 Full Charge Cycles, 300 lb Weight Limit
Daymak is a Canadian electric vehicle company based in Toronoto… They’re one of the larger brands with sales dating back to 2002 when they also sold gas powered scooters. In 2009 they switched entirely to electric and in October 2015 they successfully crowd funded the Chameleon electric scooter. while it’s very similar in appearance to some of their other scooters (most of which are imported stock from Asia) the Chameleon delivers several unique custom features. Namely, integrated solar panels for trickle charging the battery and several LED light strips that enhance its visual footprint improving safety and style. My first impression of the bike was that it looked almost identical to the Voltbike Metro+ which retails for quite a bit less. However, upon closer inspection and test riding my mind was completely changed. The Chameleon uses different wheels, offers more voltage and is one of zippiest, most satisfying scooters I’ve tried to date. In general, it’s still a value build with plastic frame parts that rattle over bumps and a base Sealed Lead Acid battery pack… but several upgrade paths exist for those who want to further increase range and lifespan.
Driving the bike is a 500 watt direct drive hub motor built into the rear wheel. It seems very well protected and operates with a quiet whirr under full power. This thing is zippy and felt even stronger than the Beast (which I also tested when visiting Daymak). Part of the performance boost may be the smaller diameter wheels (which improve mechanical leverage for the motor) and the semi-slick tires being used on concrete. Both wheels are made from solid aluminum so you don’t need to worry about bending spokes and the tires were thick and durable. This bike weighs over 150 lbs and offers a maximum additional load of 300 lbs so it would work well as a daily commuter for people who want to bring along some gear. I could see this thing being perfect for people who live in the city and have insurance and a motorcycle license because it’s capable of hitting ~40 mph when unlocked with the smart phone app. By default, it only delivers a 20 mph top speeds that, along with its very basic pedals, help to classify it as a “low speed electric bicycle” legal to ride without a license or insurance in the US and Canada in bike lanes. As mentioned in the video review, this thing would not be fun to pedal around, the crank arms are very short and I had to spread my legs fairly wide to even reach the pedals without completely rubbing my inner thighs raw on the extra-long and wide saddle. Saddle height cannot be adjusted and this scooter (as with most others) only comes in one standard size. I’m about 5 foot 9 inches and it felt comfortable but my knees came fairly close to the handlebar so taller riders would need to scoot further back or consider alternative bikes.
Powering the Chameleon is one of two battery options including the stock SLA battery or a Lithium-ion upgrade for ~$1,000 more. With a voltage of ~84 and 12 amp hours the standard Lead Acid pack really boosts the motor but still has enough capacity to reach 30+ miles if ridden with the slow-start option in the app. This helps to conserve energy when starting from rest… and it is not what we were testing in the video. That’s one of the big features here, you can adjust how the bike performs enabling it to climb steep 39 degree hills and dash off the line or ride more gently to conserve power. If you spend the extra money to get Lithium-ion cells the bike will weigh a bit less, the battery will take you further because it offers 24 amp hours of capacity instead of just 12 and it should deliver more cycles effectively doubling lifespan. Lead acid packs are more affordable to replace and given the integrated solar charging box option I think they would hold up very well over time here. I really like the optional rear cargo box with lights and the solar panels (offering 12 watts for the top and ~2 watts for each side). These panels aren’t going to refill your battery pack unless you set the bike out in perfect sun for nearly a week and a half… but they do offer a way to keep the battery healthy and maybe add a mile or two while you’re working during the day. The included wall charger is far superior in terms of speed but gimmicky as it may be, the solar option still delights me and it does work. I’ve included the spec sheet below so you can decide for yourself how it might perform with your exposure to the sun.
Operating the Daymak Chameleon is very simple, just charge up the battery and make sure it’s secured and locked into the floor area then insert the key and turn to on. Alternatively, you can use the included wireless remote to start the bike and this allows you to keep your keys secured in a pack so they won’t jingle around or get in the way of your legs. The display is fairly nice for a mid-level scooter showing speed, odometer, battery level, turn signals and light readouts on a monochrome backlit LCD. It is backlit for use in low light or at night and has a blueish hue likely produced by a blue LED set. Speaking of colored LED’s, that’s the other big differentiator about the Chameleon and likely where it got its name. In addition to the standard (and very nice) headlights, tail lights and turn signals, this bike has long strips of color changing LED lights. You can choose from a long list of stock colors blended from red/green/blue RGB to match your outfit, the bike frame color or any other accent you choose. I could see this being a huge safety improvement over traditional scooters, it reminds me of the under-carriage lights put on street racers but much more visible. Because they are all built into the cargo box or mounted along the edge of the seat they aren’t distracting to the rider, you really don’t even see them unless you look back and down. I think most bicycle related accidents are head-on or front-facing but it feels nice to have your back-end very visible so you won’t get rear ended and again… they’re just fun ;)
I came away very impressed with the Cameleon, I hadn’t test ridden many of Daymak’s other product before this trip to Toronto and I wasn’t sure what to expect. They also offer a solar option on the Beast and a prototype conversion wheel kit but the Chameleon is my favorite. The panels are placed in such a way that your body won’t block them or get them dirty while riding (not the case with the Beast). I like that it can be tuned to ride as a low speed ebike or a full power scooter and it just felt comfortable and capable. That’s also the feeling I got from the company making it… As mentioned earlier, Daymak has been around since 2002, they have a decent warranty and they have access to a “boneyard” of parts on-site to mail out to customers who are having issues or possibly crashed and need repair work done. Daymak has a vast network of stores in Canada and a few in the US but also sells online and if you go that route you’ll sped at least $300 extra on shipping (possibly more if you’re in the sates) so this definitely isn’t the cheapest e-scooter around. Still, for ~$2k you get a lot of utility here and the fenders, front and rear suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and bar-mounted lights and mirrors put it in a different class than others.
Pros:
One of the most powerful, responsive electric scooters I’ve tested… even though the motor size and battery are similar to others, this one takes off with more zip and can be unlocked to top 20 mph for use as a vehicle (if you have a license and insurance)
Unique integrated solar charging solution, a large panel is mounted on top of the cargo box and two smaller panels line the side… it would take over a week to charge the base SLA battery from empty but even small amounts of trickle charging will help to keep it topped off which prevents damage to cells
Cool LED light strips are wrapped around the cargo box and down the sides of the seat which make this scooter very visible (even in low light during the day), you can select from over a dozen colors and the plastic frame on the scooter itself is available in three colors as well
The battery is removable and weighs 60+ pounds which means you could significantly reduce the weight of this vehicle (nearly in half) for transport or maintenance just by taking the battery off temporarily
Great safety features including full length fenders, turn signals, bar mirrors, bright LED powered lights and a “bright” mode and a horn, I like that the top set of headlights turn as you steer
The solid aluminum rims are very sturdy (won’t come out of true or require work) and the 16″ tires seem tough and should avoid flats, the disc brakes and coil-over suspension also seem tough
You can start the bike with the wireless remote vs. putting the key into the ignition, I like this option because it means my keys can stay in my pocket and not jingle around on the bike, also it has a built in alarm for locking the bike and deterring theft
The motor is fairly quiet (being gearless) and probably very durable because the only moving parts are the bearings and the casing is aluminum, built right into the wheel itself
The bike looks pretty cool, I like the color choices and the light design on the front and back, the fact that you can change the color by adjusting the LED light strips on the back is cool, I set it to match the blue frame color of the bike I was testing
The variable speed twist throttle is smooth and intuitive, it’s easy to use for almost anyone and the display isn’t overly complex or distracting, I like that the grips have aluminum lockers and caps that will hold up better if the bike tips
The tires are wider than many traditional bicycles but are still able to fit into most bike racks, this means you can lock the Chameleon more easily and in more places
Cons:
Some of the shortest, most useless pedals I’ve ever tried one one of these electric scooters… they are really only there to help it qualify as a “low speed electric bike” so you can ride without insurance or a license but they hardly work in practice, there’s also only one gear here to pedal with but at least the pedals fold so you can keep them out of the way
The rubber floor matt protects the battery pack from dust, water and scratches when you put your feet down while riding but it isn’t secured and could easily blow off or just fall off
One of the heavier electric scooters I’ve reviewed at 150+ lbs, this is due to the Sealed Lead Acid batteries vs. Lithium-ion (which can be ordered as an option but cost a lot at ~$1,000
There are lots of shops that carry Daymak products in Canada, only a handful in the US, if you need to buy this online it will add $300+ to the price
The scooter is a “small/medium” in size (which is fine for petite riders, I’m 5’9″ and it worked well), my knees came pretty close to the handle bars when seated but I could have scooted back on the saddle for more room
At this price point I think the warranty should be one year for everything… not just the motor and frame, many other ebike and scooter companies offer at least a year
A premium personal mobility vehicle with decent range and lots of power with a hefty price tag. Fully enclosed cabin with two suicide style doors, windshield complete with wiper and cleaning fluid…...
A decidedly off-road style electric scooter with enormous tires, front and rear suspension and an adjustable saddle. Integrated 15 watt solar panel extends range by trickle-charging the battery, it would take over…...
A super-affordable folding electric kick scooter with integrated solar panels for charging on the go. Shorter deck length and bar height, probably best for kids and petite adults with smaller…...
A decidedly off-road style electric scooter with enormous tires, front and rear suspension and an adjustable saddle. Integrated 15 watt solar panel extends range by trickle-charging the battery, it would take over…...
Other electric scooters, bikes, have controls and displays on the bike and do NOT …REQUIRE… the driver to have a “smart phone” There really are potential CUSTOMERS that don’t need/want the expense of a smartphone. My LG306G phone “claims to be Android” but does not have the “aps” needed, to use the excellent features of this bike. If it had it’s own display/controls, mounted on the bike, I probably would have ordered one, at this price point. I will wait and watch, and probably there will be “another” bike, that does have it’s own display and controls. Until then, CONGRATULATIONS on, what looks like, and excellent product. Other than the ridiculous $295 “delivery charge” I think DAYMAK is on the right path, of innovative products that should sell well!
Court Rye
8 years ago
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Roger! The Chameleon has a basic LCD display on the dash but yeah, most of the power and acceleration settings are only available through smartphones. If you didn’t have the app, I still think it would run and you’d see your speed, battery level, odometer, turn signals and light indicators but wouldn’t be able to turn up the torque or unlock the higher speeds :)
john betts
7 years ago
I received one in march of 2016 it rolled of the truck in my drive missing drive chain for peddles and the charger lol,and the mat that covers the battery ,they sent the charger later by purolater,this unit has developed serious electrical problems and has no more twelve volt abilities for lights or horn it has become a big pile of crap
Roger Mathews
8 years ago
My LG306G does text and all of my needs. I won’t be buying a “smart phone” and paying ridiculous monthly bills, when my Tracfone only costs $90 a year* (Amazon.com, special pricing) If you ever build one that doesn’t require a special phone, let me know…. Thanks for the reply! RM
Mubasher Zia Siddiqui
8 years ago
Daymak Chameleon Review how much this scooter with deliver in UK Birmingham B31 2hj please reply thank you.
Reese
8 years ago
Hello! Is this by chance street legal in the US (Texas)? Also, how much CC does the engine have, if any? Thanks! Happy Turkey Day!
Court Rye
8 years ago
Hi Reese, sorry for the long delay on my response here. Scooters like this are technically legal because they have pedals and under 750 watt motor size (and if you use below 20 mph) but sometimes they can also be used faster and on roads if you have a motorcycle license. I’m not sure how to equate the motor wattage to CC but the video should give some idea… it’s pretty zippy :)
Devil's Advocate
7 years ago
I went to Daymak today to test drive a Cameleon, and evaluate it, with thoughts of buying one.
The first disappointment was the price Daymak is actually putting on it. Considering their “mission statement” made on Indiegogo about “wanting to make good ebikes affordable”, I was surprised to see the sticker price sitting at $3,500CDN for the lithium version. This price is insane, given the crowdfunding, and the actual final product….
The second disappointment was the absence of an MP3 player or anything that used to be included with many previous Daymak products. With the exception of the light package, theft alarm, and bluetooth controls, there was nothing to fully justify the price of this bike.
The third disappointment was the test drive… it never happened. Seems the controller wouldn’t set up (using the software) in such a way that would let the bike drive properly. EIther the techs didn’t know enough about the bluetooth app, or the app itself had a few bugs. Makes me question whether or not I would want my bike’s controller governed by an external device. I made an observation to Daymak that the lack of a “manual” option to make these adjustments (such as a hard menu on the bike’s own display) was a huge oversight.
What I can say about the Cameleon is that it really does have a good deal of power, though! I did manage an unintentional wheelie before the controller stalled from the improper settings. The bike itself seems pretty nice, although I’d like to see the tires at least 3 inches wide (instead of the 2.5″ it comes with), as the ride could use a bit more cushion. (There’s still that plastic rattle when you ride the slightest bump.)
Court Rye
7 years ago
Thanks for the updates about pricing and different options! Maybe they’ve been selling way less than expected and had to adjust for volume? In any case, I like the creativity of the Chameleon and hope they can refine their offering and continue doing more affordable stuff in the future. I saw the price jump way up for the Daymak carbon fiber EC1 ebike after their crowd fund for that too.
Devil's Advocate
7 years ago
I don’t think it’s that. Looks more like they’re exploiting the ignorant with the lithium pricing.
For instance, they put the 84V lead-acid Chameleon on their Ebike Universe site for $1,799. The price jumps to $3,500 for the lithium version. I know lithium is *somewhat* expensive, but if you subtract the value of the lead-acid system being taken away, it’s like they’re trying to say that lithium battery is worth over $2,000! That’s nuts.
When you also take into consideration there appears to be no value-adding items included with this bike (such as an MP3 player, or even a pump or toolkit), they’re milking it. I’m currently talking with Aldo at Daymak about this. Their website doesn’t really answer the question of “is anything included?”.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate what’s going on in getting this bike out, and it has a good foundation to build on. I just think it’s counter-productive for Daymak to try milking the product before it’s even been officially launched. It also doesn’t help promote the lithium movement, either.
If you look at all the bikes on the floor at Daymak, they’re all assembled with the lead-acid systems. Daymak then handles lithium orders as a “conversion” or a “modification”. That tells me something right there.
Devil's Advocate
7 years ago
I need to post a followup to my last comments… I have since been to Daymak, and spent some time with Aldo, who took me around and showed me the things I needed to see. Some of my previous concerns about the Chameleon have been answered, and I should share the info here, in the interests of fairness.
BLUETOOTH CONTROLLER:
I was concerned the Chameleon rider, in the absence of a smartphone or tablet, could become stranded, due to a Controller fault or “reset”. I had a very knowledgeable tech (who doesn’t work for Daymak) explain why this can’t happen, and I realize now I should’ve known better on this – the controller will always retain the settings last given to it because they’re being kept in a place in the firmware that is not affected by things like power interruptions, bumps, etc.
COST OF LITHIUM:
Aldo apologized for the confusion on the apparent high cost. The “Bike Universe” website was displaying ($1,799), which was for the BASE model that didn’t include the solar package or lights (“Standard” version). The difference between the “Deluxe” version (upgraded with solar kit), and the “Ultimate” version (lithium ) was about $1,200. Since my previous bike’s 72V lithium added about $1,000, the price for the 84V lithium made far more sense.
The Chameleon is being assembled from the start in BOTH lithium and lead-acid versions. This eliminates the question about the cost of the lead-acid being “swallowed” by “conversion”. I’ve also seen the dealers’ cost to order lithium, and the overhead going to Daymak is surprisingly small. If anyone’s milking the cost of lithium, it would be the suppliers, but that’s an investigation for another day.
CUSTOM REQUESTS:
Daymak was also willing to consider certain “modifications” I felt would make things better for me. I asked if a handle could be installed at either END of the battery case, in order to carry it vertically (much easier than the 2-handed posture, especially when you need to carry it a certain distance). They’re going to attempt this for me, as well as install an MP3-ready connection (which is easy, apparently), and price a 2nd 84V lithium battery. (I function better with 2 batteries).
Oh, and yes, I’ve decided to buy one. :)
Court Rye
7 years ago
Thanks for the follow up notes… I’m SO happy that you were able to get some one-on-one time with Aldo and the rest. They seemed open and transparent to me during the reviews and demos but that may be because I have a voice online. It’s great to hear that they treat customers well and that you decided the product would work for your needs. I hope it holds up well for you and again, thanks for the update :)
Autobotmech
7 years ago
Thanks for the info, been considering the chameleon since the kickstarter went live. Only recently did the local dealer get a few chameleons in for trial and supposedly this coming week they will have one set up.
Court Rye
7 years ago
That’s awesome! I hope it works out for your test ride, I’d love to hear back about your experience with the product :D
STEVE BRIGGS
7 years ago
Have had my Ultimate Chameleon a couple of weeks now. Was very surprised at picking it up in Toronto that the solar boxes are still being developed and manufactured, but these will be sent out at some unspecified future date and will be plug and play. Have been experimenting with the app settings and talking to Daymak about the best settings. This bike is electronically limited to about 56 kph when fully charged (94V) and will do 52-53 at 84V. Now, I am 280 pounds, but this is a far cry from the 40+ MPH (67 kph) they advertised. I was able to 80 km range at pretty much full throttle in one go, which is fabulous! And the acceleration and deceleration can be programmed to be brutal, which I like. Maybe that is the zippiness Court was noticing. I have to say Daymak’s customer service and communication could be lots better. Overall this is a really decent light compact scooter, and has much to recommend it. But the Daymak Eagle I have had for a year is much more comfortable and roomy, and has a higher top speed, at least in 84V lead acid form. It only has about a 30 km range though.
Court Rye
7 years ago
Hi Steve! Interesting feedback… Sounds like you have had some good with the bike but also a few concerns. Sorry to hear that customer service has been less than expected and that the bike didn’t come complete with the solar panels. It sounds like you’re being very fair (and are a long time Daymak customer!) I hope the experience gets better and I really appreciate you sharing here so others can go in with realistic expectations. Maybe Daymak will also see this and identify areas that they can improve :)
STEVE BRIGGS
7 years ago
For Chameleon or other Daymak Drive app users, here are the factory recommended settings: These are the settings we use to max out our bikes: Dealer settings menu:
Speed limit off
Over speed turn on, speed ratio 15, low speed can be 50-80 (this controls speed 1 setting on throttle)
Settings menu:
Turbo on
High acceleration at 10
Low acceleration at 0
Battery current A at 80 (this can be higher, but you will get less range)
Phase current at 80 (this can be higher, but you will get less range)
Battery threshold 74 (this feature should be set 10 below the bikes voltage, The Chameleon default voltage is 84)
These have no effect on the bikes performance:
SHOW MAC on (what is MAC?) shows the unique id for the bike
SPEED LIMIT NOTIFICATION 70kph <- this sets when the speed notification will pop up.
The only setting that you need to be worried about is Over speed ratio, don’t set it higher than 15, depending on the motor it could over drive it. Voltage threshold. Needs to be 10 below the bikes voltage. Too high values can cause the motor to stall at max speeds. Battery current a and phase current, too high values can make the motor stall also. Other settings you can pretty much change to whatever you want.
Court Rye
7 years ago
Awesome! Great feedback Steve, thank you for taking the time to share these power settings and help other Daymak Chameleon owners :)
STEVE BRIGGS
7 years ago
One last point…I had to go buy an android tablet for $130 to use the app, which is not available for any other platform. If you want to turn on the LED strip lighting you need do so via the app before every ride. It was like pulling teeth to get the app working on the tablet, you need a Daymak tech to email you the .apk file and install it that way. They do not tell you that the app does not show the LED controls until turned on in the Dealer Settings. They do not tell you how to access the dealer settings…and on and on. It was a five day slog to get the system figured out.
Court Rye
7 years ago
Ouch! Man… it sounds like you’ve been working very hard to get the bike going. I’m sorry that my limited feedback on the review wasn’t more helpful and that it doesn’t reflect the reality of the final product for you. Again, this is all super helpful for other owners and I appreciate you taking the time to share it :)
Marc P.
7 years ago
This scooter has some good potential, but after reading all the comments from people who’ve actually rode or bought one, I get the impression that this product is currently in “beta testing” with early adopters as guinea pigs… I’m potentially interested… but I think I’ll wait for version 2.0 !
Court Rye
7 years ago
Yeah, it sounds like there’s some work to be done to get this thing right to match the marketing ;)
Devil's Advocate
7 years ago
@ Steve Briggs:
Since your last post, have you seen any workarounds that would leave the LED system on, without having to use the app to turn them on again?
I just got my Chameleon today, and witnessed the LEDs working at Daymak. Brought it home, tried to show the LEDs to someone else, and couldn’t turn them on. I don’t have an Android device (yet), but I’m going to make an Android boot disk and use my desktop to launch the app and flip the switches. But, it makes no sense to have to always turn the LEDs on with the app at every startup. There’s got to be a static setting.
A few technicians I’ve talked to (who don’t work for Daymak) outlined another problem with the app – it doesn’t work correctly on Bluetooth version 5 or higher – only version 4! And, even when it does manage to work from version 5, it can result in a burned out motor! (The under voltage setting strangely changes, without your input or intent, to something too high. If you don’t notice it and correct it before the ride, you fry your motor.)
Roger Mathews
8 years agoOther electric scooters, bikes, have controls and displays on the bike and do NOT …REQUIRE… the driver to have a “smart phone” There really are potential CUSTOMERS that don’t need/want the expense of a smartphone. My LG306G phone “claims to be Android” but does not have the “aps” needed, to use the excellent features of this bike. If it had it’s own display/controls, mounted on the bike, I probably would have ordered one, at this price point. I will wait and watch, and probably there will be “another” bike, that does have it’s own display and controls. Until then, CONGRATULATIONS on, what looks like, and excellent product. Other than the ridiculous $295 “delivery charge” I think DAYMAK is on the right path, of innovative products that should sell well!
Court Rye
8 years agoThanks for sharing your thoughts Roger! The Chameleon has a basic LCD display on the dash but yeah, most of the power and acceleration settings are only available through smartphones. If you didn’t have the app, I still think it would run and you’d see your speed, battery level, odometer, turn signals and light indicators but wouldn’t be able to turn up the torque or unlock the higher speeds :)
john betts
7 years agoI received one in march of 2016 it rolled of the truck in my drive missing drive chain for peddles and the charger lol,and the mat that covers the battery ,they sent the charger later by purolater,this unit has developed serious electrical problems and has no more twelve volt abilities for lights or horn it has become a big pile of crap
Roger Mathews
8 years agoMy LG306G does text and all of my needs. I won’t be buying a “smart phone” and paying ridiculous monthly bills, when my Tracfone only costs $90 a year* (Amazon.com, special pricing) If you ever build one that doesn’t require a special phone, let me know…. Thanks for the reply! RM
Mubasher Zia Siddiqui
8 years agoDaymak Chameleon Review how much this scooter with deliver in UK Birmingham B31 2hj please reply thank you.
Reese
8 years agoHello! Is this by chance street legal in the US (Texas)? Also, how much CC does the engine have, if any? Thanks! Happy Turkey Day!
Court Rye
8 years agoHi Reese, sorry for the long delay on my response here. Scooters like this are technically legal because they have pedals and under 750 watt motor size (and if you use below 20 mph) but sometimes they can also be used faster and on roads if you have a motorcycle license. I’m not sure how to equate the motor wattage to CC but the video should give some idea… it’s pretty zippy :)
Devil's Advocate
7 years agoI went to Daymak today to test drive a Cameleon, and evaluate it, with thoughts of buying one.
The first disappointment was the price Daymak is actually putting on it. Considering their “mission statement” made on Indiegogo about “wanting to make good ebikes affordable”, I was surprised to see the sticker price sitting at $3,500CDN for the lithium version. This price is insane, given the crowdfunding, and the actual final product….
The second disappointment was the absence of an MP3 player or anything that used to be included with many previous Daymak products. With the exception of the light package, theft alarm, and bluetooth controls, there was nothing to fully justify the price of this bike.
The third disappointment was the test drive… it never happened. Seems the controller wouldn’t set up (using the software) in such a way that would let the bike drive properly. EIther the techs didn’t know enough about the bluetooth app, or the app itself had a few bugs. Makes me question whether or not I would want my bike’s controller governed by an external device. I made an observation to Daymak that the lack of a “manual” option to make these adjustments (such as a hard menu on the bike’s own display) was a huge oversight.
What I can say about the Cameleon is that it really does have a good deal of power, though! I did manage an unintentional wheelie before the controller stalled from the improper settings. The bike itself seems pretty nice, although I’d like to see the tires at least 3 inches wide (instead of the 2.5″ it comes with), as the ride could use a bit more cushion. (There’s still that plastic rattle when you ride the slightest bump.)
Court Rye
7 years agoThanks for the updates about pricing and different options! Maybe they’ve been selling way less than expected and had to adjust for volume? In any case, I like the creativity of the Chameleon and hope they can refine their offering and continue doing more affordable stuff in the future. I saw the price jump way up for the Daymak carbon fiber EC1 ebike after their crowd fund for that too.
Devil's Advocate
7 years agoI don’t think it’s that. Looks more like they’re exploiting the ignorant with the lithium pricing.
For instance, they put the 84V lead-acid Chameleon on their Ebike Universe site for $1,799. The price jumps to $3,500 for the lithium version. I know lithium is *somewhat* expensive, but if you subtract the value of the lead-acid system being taken away, it’s like they’re trying to say that lithium battery is worth over $2,000! That’s nuts.
When you also take into consideration there appears to be no value-adding items included with this bike (such as an MP3 player, or even a pump or toolkit), they’re milking it. I’m currently talking with Aldo at Daymak about this. Their website doesn’t really answer the question of “is anything included?”.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate what’s going on in getting this bike out, and it has a good foundation to build on. I just think it’s counter-productive for Daymak to try milking the product before it’s even been officially launched. It also doesn’t help promote the lithium movement, either.
If you look at all the bikes on the floor at Daymak, they’re all assembled with the lead-acid systems. Daymak then handles lithium orders as a “conversion” or a “modification”. That tells me something right there.
Devil's Advocate
7 years agoI need to post a followup to my last comments… I have since been to Daymak, and spent some time with Aldo, who took me around and showed me the things I needed to see. Some of my previous concerns about the Chameleon have been answered, and I should share the info here, in the interests of fairness.
BLUETOOTH CONTROLLER:
I was concerned the Chameleon rider, in the absence of a smartphone or tablet, could become stranded, due to a Controller fault or “reset”. I had a very knowledgeable tech (who doesn’t work for Daymak) explain why this can’t happen, and I realize now I should’ve known better on this – the controller will always retain the settings last given to it because they’re being kept in a place in the firmware that is not affected by things like power interruptions, bumps, etc.
COST OF LITHIUM:
Aldo apologized for the confusion on the apparent high cost. The “Bike Universe” website was displaying ($1,799), which was for the BASE model that didn’t include the solar package or lights (“Standard” version). The difference between the “Deluxe” version (upgraded with solar kit), and the “Ultimate” version (lithium ) was about $1,200. Since my previous bike’s 72V lithium added about $1,000, the price for the 84V lithium made far more sense.
The Chameleon is being assembled from the start in BOTH lithium and lead-acid versions. This eliminates the question about the cost of the lead-acid being “swallowed” by “conversion”. I’ve also seen the dealers’ cost to order lithium, and the overhead going to Daymak is surprisingly small. If anyone’s milking the cost of lithium, it would be the suppliers, but that’s an investigation for another day.
CUSTOM REQUESTS:
Daymak was also willing to consider certain “modifications” I felt would make things better for me. I asked if a handle could be installed at either END of the battery case, in order to carry it vertically (much easier than the 2-handed posture, especially when you need to carry it a certain distance). They’re going to attempt this for me, as well as install an MP3-ready connection (which is easy, apparently), and price a 2nd 84V lithium battery. (I function better with 2 batteries).
Oh, and yes, I’ve decided to buy one. :)
Court Rye
7 years agoThanks for the follow up notes… I’m SO happy that you were able to get some one-on-one time with Aldo and the rest. They seemed open and transparent to me during the reviews and demos but that may be because I have a voice online. It’s great to hear that they treat customers well and that you decided the product would work for your needs. I hope it holds up well for you and again, thanks for the update :)
Autobotmech
7 years agoThanks for the info, been considering the chameleon since the kickstarter went live. Only recently did the local dealer get a few chameleons in for trial and supposedly this coming week they will have one set up.
Court Rye
7 years agoThat’s awesome! I hope it works out for your test ride, I’d love to hear back about your experience with the product :D
STEVE BRIGGS
7 years agoHave had my Ultimate Chameleon a couple of weeks now. Was very surprised at picking it up in Toronto that the solar boxes are still being developed and manufactured, but these will be sent out at some unspecified future date and will be plug and play. Have been experimenting with the app settings and talking to Daymak about the best settings. This bike is electronically limited to about 56 kph when fully charged (94V) and will do 52-53 at 84V. Now, I am 280 pounds, but this is a far cry from the 40+ MPH (67 kph) they advertised. I was able to 80 km range at pretty much full throttle in one go, which is fabulous! And the acceleration and deceleration can be programmed to be brutal, which I like. Maybe that is the zippiness Court was noticing. I have to say Daymak’s customer service and communication could be lots better. Overall this is a really decent light compact scooter, and has much to recommend it. But the Daymak Eagle I have had for a year is much more comfortable and roomy, and has a higher top speed, at least in 84V lead acid form. It only has about a 30 km range though.
Court Rye
7 years agoHi Steve! Interesting feedback… Sounds like you have had some good with the bike but also a few concerns. Sorry to hear that customer service has been less than expected and that the bike didn’t come complete with the solar panels. It sounds like you’re being very fair (and are a long time Daymak customer!) I hope the experience gets better and I really appreciate you sharing here so others can go in with realistic expectations. Maybe Daymak will also see this and identify areas that they can improve :)
STEVE BRIGGS
7 years agoFor Chameleon or other Daymak Drive app users, here are the factory recommended settings: These are the settings we use to max out our bikes: Dealer settings menu:
Settings menu:
These have no effect on the bikes performance:
The only setting that you need to be worried about is Over speed ratio, don’t set it higher than 15, depending on the motor it could over drive it. Voltage threshold. Needs to be 10 below the bikes voltage. Too high values can cause the motor to stall at max speeds. Battery current a and phase current, too high values can make the motor stall also. Other settings you can pretty much change to whatever you want.
Court Rye
7 years agoAwesome! Great feedback Steve, thank you for taking the time to share these power settings and help other Daymak Chameleon owners :)
STEVE BRIGGS
7 years agoOne last point…I had to go buy an android tablet for $130 to use the app, which is not available for any other platform. If you want to turn on the LED strip lighting you need do so via the app before every ride. It was like pulling teeth to get the app working on the tablet, you need a Daymak tech to email you the .apk file and install it that way. They do not tell you that the app does not show the LED controls until turned on in the Dealer Settings. They do not tell you how to access the dealer settings…and on and on. It was a five day slog to get the system figured out.
Court Rye
7 years agoOuch! Man… it sounds like you’ve been working very hard to get the bike going. I’m sorry that my limited feedback on the review wasn’t more helpful and that it doesn’t reflect the reality of the final product for you. Again, this is all super helpful for other owners and I appreciate you taking the time to share it :)
Marc P.
7 years agoThis scooter has some good potential, but after reading all the comments from people who’ve actually rode or bought one, I get the impression that this product is currently in “beta testing” with early adopters as guinea pigs… I’m potentially interested… but I think I’ll wait for version 2.0 !
Court Rye
7 years agoYeah, it sounds like there’s some work to be done to get this thing right to match the marketing ;)
Devil's Advocate
7 years ago@ Steve Briggs:
Since your last post, have you seen any workarounds that would leave the LED system on, without having to use the app to turn them on again?
I just got my Chameleon today, and witnessed the LEDs working at Daymak. Brought it home, tried to show the LEDs to someone else, and couldn’t turn them on. I don’t have an Android device (yet), but I’m going to make an Android boot disk and use my desktop to launch the app and flip the switches. But, it makes no sense to have to always turn the LEDs on with the app at every startup. There’s got to be a static setting.
A few technicians I’ve talked to (who don’t work for Daymak) outlined another problem with the app – it doesn’t work correctly on Bluetooth version 5 or higher – only version 4! And, even when it does manage to work from version 5, it can result in a burned out motor! (The under voltage setting strangely changes, without your input or intent, to something too high. If you don’t notice it and correct it before the ride, you fry your motor.)