I purchased a Keis heated cushion from SportsBikeShop (UK) after enduring a -5'C ride to my biker service appointment.
First ride was without any heating, to go and buy the extra bits I needed for powering it (more on that later). Internally this cushion has 2 inflatable bladders, and even comes with a little hand pump should you want to inflate it firmer than you can by mouth (I didn't bother). My biggest fear about this is that I would lose that sense of connection with the seat, and my riding control would be fluffy. Maybe initially it felt a little different, but after a few corners I reckon the air bladders settled into the right areas and any difference was unnoticeable compared to riding in winter textile trousers (which I had on also). What I did notice was the slight change in riding position height meant I had to lean down whenever I checked my mirrors. I needed to get the tools out to give me the extra adjustment I needed to get the mirror position right again.
This item literally comes as the cushion and the pump, but SportsBikeShop threw in a battery connecting lead for free. As the cushion can draw 1.5A and my bike only has a 8Ah battery, I didn't want to connect it up. I know the stator kicks out 30A charging, but I accidentally left one of my gloves switched on and there's no auto-cut out so it was totally flat when I needed it. I was paranoid about that happening on the bike (yes the guidance says to always disconnect, but if you forget to do it at a lunch stop, you might not be getting home again).
So I'm running it on the battery pack design for the clothing, which also needs another power lead. I ran the cushion on medium (amber) for an hour and I still had 70% on the battery pack. Butt and back felt warm and cosy, and I still have high power to try.
Two minor negatives - the securing straps are quite flimsy in comparison to my two tail packs. They also are elasticated, which makes it difficult to keep it in the perfect position. Also, whilst my butt was warm, my groin was noticeably cold, because it was up against the fuel tank. Maybe a future development could add a fold out flap to add heat to this area?
