Is it a hard speedbump?
No, the speedstopper works through the illusion of being a hard speedbump. The driver slows down due to the risk of damage to their vehicle. When the driver discover that the speedbump is soft, the speed is already lowered, and the goal is achieved.
What happens if one driver knows it is a fake speedbump?
The speed of the traffic will probably be slow anyway. All vehicles have to slow down to the speed of the slowest vehicle passing the Speedstopper.
What happens if all drivers know it is a fake speedbump?
If this happens, which is unlikely, it is possible to have multiple designs to avoid drivers learning how the different Speedstoppers look like.
The design can also be changed to imitate existing hard speedbumps, making it impossible to know the difference. Though it is very unlikely that drivers will take a chance that it is a fake speedbump and risk damaging their vehicle.
The current design is chosen for its effectiveness and to maintain a low price of production.
Is it a one-time product?
No, not at all. It will last for hundreds of uses.
The surface area below the Speedstopper will be the main factor determining the life of the product. Rough gravel will wear on the fabric the most. Smooth asphalt will be very gentle on the fabric.
How long will it last before it is destroyed?
It depends on how it is used. If the surface is smooth under the Speedstopper it will last for many uses.
How long does it take to deploy?
Will the Speedstopper move out of position when it is so light?
No, the tire pinches the Speedstopper to the ground so that it does not move when the vehicle passes. The tire does not have to climb an obstacle, which means that the force pushing the Speedstopper forward is minimal.
See close up on the Speedstopper as vehicles drives over.
It has also been tested on snow and ice with good results, but more tests will be performed during winter 2021–2022.
If vehicles drive too fast over the Speedstopper it might lift and move out of the way by the wind. There is a heavier version of the Speedstopper in development for those that want a more stable unit.
See a video of the heavier version when a car passes in 100 km/h or 60 mph.
Is it possible to bowl it out, or do you have to roll it out?
The result may not be great when it is bowled out like a bowling ball. It may end up on its side and twist around itself. The best option is to roll it out with your foot.
Is the speedstopper water-resistant?
Yes, the product is made from durable PVC fabric, which can endure much wear and water. The closed cell foam inside can take both water and be compressed by large trucks many times.
The most fragile part is the high visibility reflective material, despite being the best I have found. But the reflective parts can easily be replaced if worn out.
How much does it weigh?
It weighs 2 150 grams (4,74 lb).
How long is it?
The roll is in total 417 cm (164 in) long. But the actual soft bump is about 310 cm (122 in) long.
What do you do if it is too short?
It is designed for one traffic lane. But it is possible to position the Speedstopper so that it partially covers two lanes. If that is not enough, more than one unit can be used together.
Why are there holes on the sides?
That is where the air escapes and enters when it is compressed.
How fast does the foam inside expand?
The foam is usually fully expanded within a few seconds after the compression is released from the roll, or when a tire has compressed it. But if the speedstopper has been stored for months, it might take a longer.
The Speedstopper works well even if the foam is not fully expanded.
Why not use a stronger foam inside?
With a stronger foam, it will be harder to roll it back together and it will require more space to store it, which was a key factor when designing it.
How should it be cleaned?
If needed, flush it off with a regular garden hose. If the yellow fabric is very dirty, a mild brush and a mild car shampoo can clean it. Let it dry before rolled together again.
Do not use high pressured water or air since the reflective tape might come off. And do not use a strong cleaning agent either.
What do you do if there is water inside the speedstopper?
Use a car and drive slowly along the Speedstopper from the short side and push the water out towards the other side.
Who is the inventor of the Speedstopper?
Lars Axelsson, The Swedish Firenerd, is the inventor of the product.
The Swedish company Wetterskogs has been a great help in designing a working product.
Is the Speedstopper protected
Yes, the Speedstopper is patent pending.