Here are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often.
Got a question? Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d be delighted to help.
Q: Does Ridersmate come with a SIM card?
No, Ridersmate doesn’t come with a SIM card.
You will need to source a SIM card locally from the mobile network provider of your choice.It can be Pre-paid, Pay as you go or Contract. Pre-paid SIM cards can be purchased easily and cheaply from any phone store and even most supermarkets.
You’ll need to take a few precautions to ensure that it works effectively in an emergency situation:
- Check that your network has good coverage in the areas you want to ride in.
- Ensure you’ve always got credit on your SIM for Ridersmate to send messages.
- Ridersmate only sends and receives text messages to perform its operations. Text messaging is the lowest power form required to send a message, you require less contact or power from the mobile operators mast/grid as opposed to a voice call. You may have no bars on your mobile phone but it may still be possible to send and receive a text message.
- Use your Ridersmate to send a message at least once a month. Network providers cancel inactive SIM cards after a set period of time – check with your network for the specific timeframe.
- In most cases a simple pay as you go/pre-paid with £10/$10 credit will last a year.
- Your only charge against the credit is if the Ridersmate unit sends out a text message. The more messages sent the more of your credit is used.
- Most SIM cards can be topped up on the internet, check with your provider for the best solution.
Q: What happens if I accidentally activate the alarm by stepping off my ride and detaching the cable?
There is a 60 second window whereby you can re-attach the cable to stop the emergency message being sent. Please note that both lights on the unit flash in unison for 5 seconds if a message is being sent.
Q: What happens if I miss the 60 second window?
Not a problem, simply re-attach the cable and another message is sent cancelling the first.
Q: How do I know a message has been sent?
The unit has two lights, amber and red. They will flash at the same time for 5 seconds denoting a message has been sent.
Q: Why does the unit lights flash 60 seconds apart once a message has been sent?
The unit has a message safe environment and will send two messages 60 seconds apart to overcome any network issues that may be in the area of riding.
Q: What happens if I am riding in an area with little or no network coverage?
Ridersmate units have been designed to work with the lowest power available from a network mast. You may have no bars on your mobile phone and cannot make a voice call, however Ridersmate will have the best possible chance of still sending the emergency text message.
Q: Whats the best way to set up who receives the emergency text message?
Your partner, loved one, parent or friend should save the SIM card number of the unit into their mobile phone as [name of person] plus a message [riders emergency text]. For example: ‘David Emergency Text’.
Q: How many people can receive the text?
Up to three people at the same time. We would suggest that you include yourself as a recipient so you can test that the unit works and the SIM card has credit before you set off for your ride. Test by depressing the SOS button for three seconds to send a ‘soft’ message, no-emergency.
Q: What should the reaction be of the recipient?
Initially they should try and make contact with you via your mobile phone or other riders they know who are riding with you. This will stop any unwanted emergency services being called if not necessary.
Q: What happens of the rider is not answering their mobile phone?
If you cannot contact the rider you now have to assume that the rider is not able to make a call to you and is most possibly injured. If having tried several times to get through to the rider and not managed to speak to them, your next choice is the emergency services.
Q: What is contained in the text message?
The message contains:
- Longitude/latitude (very helpful for an air ambulance);
- Speed the rider was going when the accident occurred;
- An embedded map link which when touched takes you through to Google Maps.
A second text message is sent from the unit 60 seconds after the first has been sent. It is normal for you to receive two.
Q: In the map link I noticed that I can see my own position at the same time?
Google will display your own position if your GPS is turned on within your smart phone. It is possible to see both the riders position and your own at the same time. It is also possible to navigate within Google Maps from you to them and display the route on your phone.
Q: What type of messages are set?
Three messages are available:
- Detach the cord from the unit—an ‘Emergency Rider Down’ message is sent.
- Depress the SOS button twice in quick succession— an ‘Emergency Button Pressed’ message is sent.
- Depress SOS button for 5 seconds— a soft message is sent asking for help.
Got a question?
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We’d be delighted to help.
