Me too! At first I felt naked when I got rid of my car after owning one for a lifetime. Eventually I figured out that was the smartest thing I ever did. The ELF has already saved me $17,000 in year 6 and I'm healthier thanks to the pedaling in a fun way. I have a trailer for my ELF for larger items and I can still rent a vehicle if I needed to but never have needed to in 6 years.
I've owned 3 ELFs used as my primary mode of transportation, and have ridden them over 50K miles over the past 5 1/2 years. They vastly improved my health, saved me tons of money and dramatically reduced my carbon footprint. In addition to that, ELFing has made me a bit of a local celebrity and Subject Matter Expert on sustainable transportation. Every time I ride (which is daily), I'm extremely thankful Rob and Maureen had the foresight and fortitude to imagine and produce this incredible product. I understand Organic Transit recently filed for bankruptcy, but I sincerely hope the company is resurrected in some fashion. Until then, many ELF owners (and wanna be owners) have created Facebook groups to share tips, expertise, parts and stories. ELFing is definitely a way of life for me and not just a passing fancy.
Right on, Marty! it is also a life style for me and I'm a bit obsessed with the impact my full life history has had on the environment. This is a great way to move towards sustainable living and better health. I just tried to leave Walmart with a load of groceries, some frozen, and the continuous 20 minute line of questions from very curious people had me espousing all the usual features and numbers. They gape when I tip the ELF up on two wheels with one hand.
Since they filed for BANKRUPTCY, recently? Does that mean that they are not in business anymore? I was just about to leave them a message, on their website!? Darn. I guess I'll have to find an alternative mode of transport, to which I have already?! Only they're located in the East Coast.
Where do you live? What kind of weather coditions do you handle them in? Are they worth any incobiences? Like snow or rain(we get some heavy down pours, looks like rain would come in the open doors)
@@b_uppy There is a locking trunk. There is room for 30 bags of groceries or 4 loads of laundry. There is a roof that keeps us dry and protected. Owners don't leave valuables in their ELFs. Car owners avoid that too. I have never heard of a single case of "tilting" the ELF to gain access, tilting opens no additional access.
@@b_uppy This will never be a car. It is a 170 pound bike and should absolutly never be left full of valuables unless you alarm it like a car and park in low risk areas. That also violates all sound advice from police, property owners and security services. How many bikes at racks are packed with valuables? None! You are really weird to demand the unreasonable and absurd. I have seen and replied to well over 50,000 comments about the ELF and you are the first to stamp your feet about such an absurd demand AND make up this imaginary issue or tactic of "tilting" which accomplishes nothing and poses no threat of any kind. No ELF owner has ever reported a "tilting" problem! Not even vandals tilting it over onto its roof. Only rioters tilt over vehicles and not if they are locked to a post or rack. Do you have some kind of tilting fetish or compulsion? That would be unique and no one else has it.
Great concept, I had this idea 20 years ago. I am also a student of mechanical engineering, sadly I am from Nepal and I could not afford to put my idea in action. Really impressed with your invention. keep up the good work.
Boy I wish I'd had this when my twins were little. I always felt those cubicles you attach to your bike for kids weren't safe, but I would have gone for this in a heartbeat!! Most roads in London the speed limit is 20 mph anyway so this is perfect!
I've had mine for 2 1/2 years. It IS my car. I don't have another one. And I love it. I love the fact that you can combine what I call me-power with sunshine-power in any proportions you like. At first, I used a lot of sunshine power and not so much me-power. I hadn't ridden a bike in 30 years. Now I use more sunshine-power. I don't have doors, just haven't felt the need. The shape of the thing keeps rain and snow and puddle water out. The trunk's perfectly adequate or my needs. And the fact that any repairs get done at a bike shop rather than a car repair shop has saved me a fortune. But the best part is that I have met EVERYBODY in town because I drive that thing. I've had whole school classes stop and applaud me as I went by. And when I turned up at a Bernie Sanders rally driving it, they gave me a seat in the front row. "You're saving the world!" they said. My motto is: Reveal options by living them. And every single time I use the ELF, I'm doing that without saying a word and without sacrificing a thing. It's just plain old FUN driving it.
Donna Carty I just love this concept, but I am not gonna buy this plastic for 8,500 grand! I would rather have a used Volkswagen Jetta for that price. And I could use a regular bicycle unit someone makes it cheap enough for everyone.
if someone like Elon Musk got behind it and helped lower production costs this invention would take off. Maybe even government subsidy and rebates for bring a renewable electric human hybrid. As for now the cost is just too prohibitive for the average person.
David Howard: A lot of "average" people ARE building these things. Watch some vids on RUclips. Walmart has electric wheel kits available for $175 right now which means any one can afford one. (They'll pay more for the lithium batteries & charger than anything but they can run with sealed lead acid cells. ) People are bringing this into the mainstream whether you believe it or not. In all kinds of forms. You don't need Elon Musk, all you need is the mindset and the willpower of the people in ACTION. It is a beautiful thing.
Great interview! I love it! I ride in my mobility scooter to take my dog for walkies to the park and around neighborhood. I get it when she said she feels more connected to nature and noticing neighbors flowers, etc. This is a great application for other countries too. 💕❤💕
Avid cyclist and I’m a “lite car” driver. I’d love to be 100% dependent on cycling to get around. The “Elf” is such a great idea for your health, wealth, happiness and the planet.
@DrMossydog No, the light body shell would be a disaster off road or on trails. It increases the curb weight too high for off road use and the heavy, long travel suspension needed in such a design would put the total weight over 200 pounds, far too heavy to enjoy pedaling. There is a reason why there are no motocross bikes with enclosures. ELF owners do pull kayaks on carts, on paved roads, to their destinations.
But at Goodwill Industries I have to take the bus to work to keep the peace. But going down a hill can the person stop peddling so it can glide down the hill?
THANK YOU!! Wish more recline bikers would use elf's. I have resisted buying a recline bike because even in my tiny ford fiesta a recline biker is so low that even with a flag there is huge blind spots beside my car. This is an amazing vehicle that I am recomending to everyone I know!!
I like it! needs to be inexpensive for the masses to latch on. I just appreciate the can do attitude of the inventor and his wife. we need more of that around here. I hope they sell ten million!
Or more financial options need to become available for people to purchase it. Something like this really can't be done cheaper because of the quality and engineering necessary. The owner is right on the money to say that increasing visibility initially, even if they lost money on each unit, is the right thing to do long-term. They proved it is a viable concept with potential mass appeal. Partnering this with companies that do installment loans would be a fantastic move. While the average person may not be able to drop that kind of money all at once, it's a lot easier when it's just a moderate monthly payment. The more visible this product becomes, the more companies will be willing to offer financing options for them.
Or just make it affordable You can get battery cells from Japan for a fraction of the cost of US made cells (and they are of equal quality) I doubt this would cost more than a few hundred dollars to make if they used cheaper supply lines
@@mwbgaming28 All readers - note just how bad this Gaming geek wants the ELF but is frustrated he has no self discipline to save up for one so he trolls this thread with asshole comments like a child having a temper tantrum. This is what happens when you spend your time in front of a screen instead of learning social skills. He is typical of what happens to geeks.
@@popeyegordon explain how this is an "asshole comment" You talk a lot about me being a troll, geek.etc who spends all my time infront of a screen But you are trolling literally EVERY COMMENT on this thing and you are spending a LOT of time responding to the replies on those comments
Would love to have one of these. Pays for itself pretty quickly. No expensive car repairs, transmission, motor etc. No oil changes expensive tires and brakes. Don't need Ls or. insurnsce. I'm sold. It is a little on the expensive side but worth it in the long run IMO.
Yes! You are smarter than 95% of all other commenters here. In the last 5 years I have already saved $15,000 by no longer owning an old car and the daily exercise is vital for health. I like the high safety of the body shell. The purchase price is an investment with a 40% annual return instead of a 30% annual additional cost of car ownership.
Looks very promising, and even good just as it is. There seem to be many 'all or nothing' comments, like 'It's not a car', etc. No, it's not a car, and even the company owner said as much. Her 'baby steps' point is more valid than many people here are giving it credit for. I am not sure I like the CVT ratio control being a left-hand throttle-twist-type mechanism, but that may be as I am a motorcycle and scooter rider, for whom that seems counter-intuitive. Then again, I rode scooters before I rode manual transmission motorbikes, and it was no big deal to change. I love this thing. Here in Japan there are some companies and municipal city organisations with one-person electric cars that do not look too dissimilar to this. You sign up for an account, and can then just jump into one at one of a few set locations. When you have no more need of it, you just leave it at the same or another set location and walk away from it. These guys would do well to get into that 'lease' kind of market, I think. I wish them every success, as I do with Tesla cars and other game changing enterprises. Baby steps. She's right. That's how these things come to fruition. Thanks for the upload.
I bought a trike recumbent 10 years ago and put a 3.5kw brushless motor on it with 72 volt 20 amp battery and from the first ride I just could not stop thinking about how viable it would be to create a enclosure version like you have here! Well done sir and I take my hat off to you as you have created pretty much what I have envisioned to a tee! Everything you have done in its engineering seems logical to my mind. I too wish for a future where we have majority of human powered vehicles for inner urban areas where cars are limited to 40 km and our cities are planned accordingly and with conjestion and pollution being a major problem I forsee policy going in this logical direction. You sir are building my dreams 😊
One of the largest challenges in making a body shell is the need to keep weight down. That means either a vacuum molded shell like the ELF's that required expensive tooling, or a custom made reverse mold with mirror smooth surface that could be used as the form for a very light but very expensive carbon fiber shell. Fiberglass is too heavy. The mounting points between shell and frame are a real challenge to do right. And then you'd still have to make a full DOT wiring harness from scratch. It is the total package that impresses me and keeps the price relatively high.
@@popeyegordon yes the concept is easy but the impressive end package is what requires the real engineering focus and most likely over time as new ways are learnt and applied the weight will continue to fall.
Wow, the coolest personal vehicle on the road. Gr8 light weight shell, electric, bike class, vehicle. W/ added back seat allows package or kids transport. U r the pioneer of enclosed ebike. Thx 4 sharing in the internet. Keep on bikeing.
This is only the beginning. A billionaire Indian investor just bought part of Organic Transit. Imagine how one million of these could help their severe pollution problems.
Mike Johnson They said they ship world-wide. Also, some Elf owners in various places are willing to show theirs. Also they did a road show previously. They're probably still doing them.
Mike Johnson I think there may be one in Vancouver. I know there are a couple in Ontario, and quite a few in Portland and Seattle.... Organic Transit can help you there. And OT ELF owners love to offer test drives to people who are interested in an ELf
Contact www.OrganicTransit.com they can help you find someone who might own one you could test drive. There are several in Europe that I know of for sure.
BRILLIANT, here in Copenhagen Denmark your vehicle would definitely be a hit. I use a 3wheel Nihola tented cargo bike on a daily basis so my elderly dog can accompany me everywhere. There are at least 4 local cargo bike fabricators here each offer electric assist. PS I grew up in NC
Bill - based on what? Numerous commuters use the ELF for distances up to 25 miles. I sure as hell wish I had it for all my rainy Seattle commutes. Had to wait until retirement to get one.
@@popeyegordon Rob seemed pretty optimistic in a livestream he did a while back. Though I have noticed that the website hasn't been updated at all. One would have thought that Cotter's reacquiring of the company would be bigger news.
@@Yoshikarter1 The website does have a new response query if you look on the bottom of the right page. This was very big news for us ELF owners. I used the form to say I'm interested in a trade-in or new ELF since mine is 9 years old now.
@@Yoshikarter1 That old wait list was offered when the ELF was still in production. It may be saved but not sure. One year ago Rob did not have his new office yet. Now you can find his new address and phone on the main site, the one with a room number.
In just over 3 years, over 3 million miles have been covered by ELF owners. Like travelling around the planet 120 times with zero pollution at the equivalent of 1800 mpg! Healthy people, healthy planet.
@@JodBronson Hey asshole troll - you can scroll down to see not one, but TWO statements by the CEO of Organic Transit that I am not paid in any way, I'm an enthusiastic tree hugger owner of the ELF for 5 years now. But nobody has to scroll anywhere to see you are a little dipshit.
From a CEO of Organic Transit, Maureen Costello on June 16, 2019: "One of our proudest achievements is that there was not a single death in an ELF in seven years. Even when people got in serious accidents they survived. Hard as this all was we felt like angels guarded us and the ELF owners. Rob's most serious concern was keeping people safe. He once said to me, "there are precious souls in these ELFs." We took it very seriously. You are all precious souls to us. God Bless."
I love this thing. I live in AZ so there is plenty of sun just not very many bike trails. I wouldn't mind using this vehicle instead of my car. I hope this takes off because we need new technologies in this country.
@@trevorambrose4821 cars can run on water we have not needed gas for the past 90 years but if you convert your car to run on water and the gov find out they will take it off you and it will cost around $150 to convert it. Hydrogen gas comes from water when you run electric though it on to stainless steal plates. Look on RUclips
Excellent. Do have questions about: What's the grade it will go up with electric assist? Battery lock, is it necessary? Do you always have to be peddling? I love the Elf without the wire spokes that don't have to be tuned. Currently using electric kick scooter around town. This looks great and worth keeping an eye on for my next mobile vehicle.
Mine takes me, a 300 lb rider, and a load of groceries up the steepest hills in my town with full throttle and pedaling moderately hard. At this time there is no vehicle like this that can handle long mountain passes. I have had no problem with spokes, I use the 3 inch tires.
Haven't hit a grade yet I couldn't make it up. Sits outside my house all the time, battery stays put or 2 1/2 years so far. No you don't need to pedal all the time or any of the time if you don't want to.
This is very good, especially for areas that gets sun all year round! I’m going for a similar vehicle that is more adjusted for Swedish climates - the Podride. The two inventors should meet up and make a collab!
And then spend $4,000 a year every year to use it legally while getting no exercise whatsoever. You will have no money left to pay for that cardiac bypass you will need. Flagged for trolling by the way.
Can you share the address/name of your dad's electric bike store in Santa Cruz. I have a nice design to build something similar bu different and looking for some help
I live in a hilly area and we all need to exercise everyday. The roads often follow the ridges on the hills. Then there are the steep hills, which really make me huff and puff. As well as pedal assist. But following the ridges is where I can continue to exercise and feel the wind and have that open view. Its approximately 1/2 the cost of the cheapest car with zero pollution and and no fuel. I would save 2K a year in fuel. And everyday I would get my exercise.
One of the most active ELF owners lives in a hilly area of Georgia. He makes lots of posts in our Facebook ELF owners private group of 700 members. He has videos here on RUclips about his heavy use of the ELF and owns two of them. His combined total mileage covered is 54,000 miles in 5 years, over ten times what I have covered in 4 years with my ELF in a less hilly central Florida town. I love it, 4 years without a car has saved me $12,000 and I get the exercise I need in a fun way. Be aware that some ELF owners who have to deal with long steep hills do have problems with the motor controller over heating and shutting down. Long mountain passes will defeat every ebike made at this time, there is room for design improvement in dealing with hills. One owner has added a second gear for his motor to climb mountain passes easier by gearing down, way down. He has passed the 4000 mile mark on his cross country trip while towing a trailer that holds 3 large solar panels. I have owned 3 top brand ebikes for daily commuting before the ELF was released for sale. The first one with a lead acid battery caught on fire while hauling my heavy ass up a steep hill. The motor controller burned bright like a road flare. Lithium batteries have helped tremendously. If you get an ELF go for the 40 speed NuVinci hub upgrade that is best for hilly areas. Also stick with the original equipment ELF battery for hills, it is stronger than after market batteries and is worth the $1000 price tag, it is US made with fire proof spacers between each cell.
Very funny and very true but there isn't much traffic here. As to the nudge, 6 months later someone would be talking a walk in the bush and say what is that putrid stench. Finally I would be found.
@Buggs Bunny Wrong, asshole. Car drivers are environmental criminals who will soon be off the roads while this class of sustainable emissions free vehicle takes over. ELF owners are responsible and we share the road. We pull over if we are holding up traffic and all car drivers are required by law to share the road with bikes or lose their license.
@@JohnSmith-tw3rw Idiotic ignorant comment. With 1,200 sold and 6 million road miles covered there has been exactly 17 car collisions with no injuries beyond bruising thanks to the 360 degree crumple zone safety of the body shell. The ELF is by far the safest bike ever made, safer than any motorcycle too.
Great! Finally, a HPV that is actually usable by everyone. It also seems to go pretty fast. Using the solar cell as structural component connecting and stabilizing the "kayak" halves is awesome. At 13:39 it seems as if the wheel camber is somewhat off, and different between the two front wheels.
The ELF frame uses the classic 'tadpole' trike design with cambered front wheels. The spokes are dished and tuned to be stronger with this and it takes turns stronger with less stress. My alignment is still good after 6 years.
it's adorable and a cool idea,, expensive yes but I remember when computers were super expensive. They are well made so they will retain a lot of their intrinsic value when they are traded used. I am very interested to see where this idea goes.
Truthfully, my used 2012 Honda Insight cost me more than a fully-loaded ELF. And that was before adding in the insurance et al. - that's not required for an ELF. :)
In ten years of owning your Honda you will spend $30,000 more than if you switched to a sustainable vehicle that requires no license or insurance and you won't be ready for a triple bypass either.
it would be death if someone crashed in to you on it. I would rather spend more money and have a car and stay alive. it would only be safe if everyone had one
Samuel - what part of the fact I just informed you of was not clear? In the first four car/ELF road collisions there have been no injuries to the drivers inside the ELF. If you need clarification on that contact OrganicTransit.com The more of us who get out of our cars and use bikes or these light vehicles, the safer our roads become. Your stance clearly establishes you insist on being part of the problem, not part of the solution.
So your telling me if someone hit the back of you at 60mph your kids would be fine I don't think so. And if a lorry hit you there would be no chance. Not really a good idea putting children in a death trap
20mph (32kmph) is faster than most countries in the EU where around 26kmph is permitted as a maximum for electric bikes assists. A few years ago, there was no limit and one could go really fast.
There is no such country or region of Romanistan. Furthermore there is a reason why power assist is limited to 26kmph - one can have more but the vehicle needs to be taxed and registered.
As with all Quitter propaganda, this is more of the same lies and half truths put out by them. Speed limits are set by national countries - not by the EU - something you could easily check for yourself.
I think this is great. I am impressed. I live in a big city though, so I don't know how this would work out....parking spaces, locking it up overnight, lots of vehicle traffic....but it looks very practical. I think I would definitely enjoy using one.
It is so small we rarely need a car sized parking space. All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. It is the safest bike ever made, it has high visibility and the lights and horn make it blend into car traffic better.
you're lucky you didn't buy one. They are poorly made crap, and they all died. The company went out of business and there are no parts. most of the ELfs are sitting out somewhere..dead. Thye were poorly designed and cheaply built. YOu didn't miss anything at all.
The electric power has a key that I take with me. They could drive off, but the first time they hit a hill, they'd be stymied. They'd have to get out and push. And it's so unique, the police would spot it in about ten seconds.
I have a couple questions since it sounds like you have one of these. What do you during rain? With no protection underneath and only half doors as options, you could be in for a good soaking. How are they on real hills, not the little "bumps" in this video. Since this wouldn't be permitted some of our roads because of the minimum speed limits, I would need to take back roads which can have long steep hills, (for a bike). For most people where I live outside of Pittsburgh, there is a commute into the city. Access to the city is either by 4 lane highways which are prohibited to bikes, or the back roads with continuous hills. I don't see an electric assist lasting for the trip back home. As far as no one has been hurt, that is only due to fortune. The person that was t-boned was fortunate not to ended up in a neck brace. There is no getting around kinetic energy. I would love get one of the 2 seaters so I could take my dog with me but if I can only get limited use, it ends up being an expensive novelty.
There are amazing people in the world... here are 2 unique individuals with a vision for mankind, not themselves. I am truly inspired and also have started biking full-time on a trike that I have customized. I'll have to move up to one of these some day soon!
@Sgt. Giggle Mittens OK asshole, I'll take you on. First of all the full US list price is $8,950 USD. And we end up with a CAR REPLACEMENT! I'm in year 6 with no car, I got rid of that wasteful beast in favor of a fully sustainable 160 pound car-bike that is very safe and it has a 550 pound payload capacity. I have room for 30 plastic bags of groceries or a passenger inside the shell. I have a trailer hitch. I have the same lighting system as a car, plus a horn. I sit at eye level with car drivers. Some owners use the ELF for food deliveries or pedicab service. My battery has never been fully discharged in 6 years thanks to the 100 watt solar panel roof that no bicycle has. I feel safe in a bike that has never seen a fatality with 1000 sold and 8 million road miles covered. 17 collisions and no one died, compare that to any 8 million miles traveled on basic bicycles. If I kept my car and the bicycle I used to own I could not have saved $16,000 so far. In ten years I will save $30,000 by not driving a car. There is nothing wrong with a basic bike but it is extremely stupid to attack this design you shit stain troll.
I am retired in a small town and just use the ELF as an excellent affordable replacement for my car. It is very versatile and can not be pigeonholed. It is used for business deliveries and rentals and there is a police model.
@@popeyegordon I think it is brilliant. That will be something I do when I retire. I live in a small town, and I am about 7 miles from the small downtown area, where stores are, and this would work good for me. I live on a side of a mountain, so most of the power of electric motor would be used coming back. I live about 300ft above the town. I am sure one of these would work. I have 15 or so years before I retire, so the technology will get even better. Thanks for sharig your experience with your bike.
I just united a shopper who really wanted one with a seller who dropped his price to $3500 for an ELF with only 600 miles on it. They were 180 miles apart.
Ben - one of the main advantages is the lack of any requirement for mandatory insurance, license, registration or driver license. All 50 states. This is defined as an electric assist bicycle by federal law. Most lanes will fit this and you can stop to let people by if you think they will be uneasy about your vehicle width. It is no problem for me, I got rid of my car 3 years ago and rely on the ELF and free solar power for all my transportation. I saved so much money by not owning a car, this paid for itself quickly not to mention the vital exercise it offers.
It has the same max speed mandated on all ebikes in the US, 20 mph. Using the word 'motorway' implies you are not in the US. The ELF is legal wherever bikes are legal, that means all bike trails and any road with a minimum speed limit of 20 mph or less.
Impressive materials used, I like it, cool in it's own right. Continual transmission, 6061 aluminum, my type of parts. Nice thinking with the crumple zone too, respect.
I want this to be my next bicycle! I love the body portion of this and the fact that I could take kids with me, or lots of groceries. Doing that on my regular city-bike is pretty difficult. But the thought of using electric-assist terrifies me.
No, e-assist is very easy, nothing like driving a powerful car. Just a nudge on the thumb throttle helps you up hills. It is only a 1 horse power motor. You will find it natural to incorporate in your rides.
no it's not way ahead of anything. It's poorly designed, poorly built and hundreds and hundreds of these ELFs are forever parked...no service, no parts, no tech support and the co. has gone out of business.
@@savannaswildnatureworkshop7810 That's a real shame if true. Poorly designed is a bit overreaching and the fact there are no parts but a bunch of what you seem to describe as hulls could just be part of the manufacturing process. It's often very expensive to tool up for the molds needed to build the exterior of the elf. I would not be surprised if they had to order 10k+ of the shells while still doing small orders of the rest of the parts because they are off the shelf parts.
Something like this would work in a fossil fuel free town otherwise it's the nuisance on the road. On the other hand, a Christian bike is more versatile and fun for kids.
This is not an off road vehicle. It is fine for hauling camping gear though and 3 owners have gone on 4000 mile journeys. One is writing a book about it and one made a movie you can find on RUclips for a small fee. Do a search for Organic Transit ELF videos to see it. A trailer will be a serious problem in any winds.
Shell - Organic Transit goes out of its way to work with people with disabilities. I know of several wheel chair bound owners of this vehicle. 90 year olds, legally blind, autistic, all are doable with this vehicle. You don't have to pedal at all, maybe the basic three speed model is all you need. It does help when starting out if you pedal a bit.
How much is the latest model? I want one so bad because the doctor won't let me drive a car. My gosh I could become independent once again. It will be mine one day and I can't wait.
You don't have to use any lock but it is wise. The motor key removes, leaving a 160 pound bike. All bike security measures apply. I carry a 10 foot cable and heavy lock.
Three ELFs have completed 4000 mile journeys. One book and one movie were made about it. But this is not an off-road vehicle, don't even think about it.
@@popeyegordon Well they said they used the suspension n stuff from Sports bikes, so if it was made from Mountain bike suspension then possibly. But not doing anything extreme like climbing cliff walls or anything like that just enjoying the beauty of nature.
@@Mason-pq3kv No chance, this is strictly a road bike. There is a rudimentary elastomer suspension washer set in the front with very short travel that just reduces the most sharp impacts and vibrations. Upgrading to 3 inch tires does more than the elastomer dampening. There is no rear suspension at all, buyers decide to order with the fatter tire options if we think our typical rides will include less than smooth surfaces. Mountain bikes don't weigh 160 pounds and they don't have a 550 pound payload capacity like the ELF. The ELF is the family SUV of bikes, not the Jeep of bikes. Mountain bike trails are not going to work for a bike with a huge 4 by 8 foot body shell. Jumping it will cause frame or body cracks and rolling it will mean serious body damage. In a recumbent seat you can't rise to your knees to deal with large bumps like mountain bikers do.
@@popeyegordon No one said jumping, I said exploring the nature trails & taking in the scenery. & I'm sure if you built your own with a similar chassis to this, but more built off road, it would be fine. Nothing is impossible. However; at that point you might as well just buy an ATV but you're not getting the exercise as you would with a bike to this extent.
@@Mason-pq3kv Exploring implies off trail or mountain bike trails. I'm absolutely sure that if you try to build this rugged enough to take dirt trails with thousands of root crossings and rocks your project will end up weighing so much you could not pedal it.
Do you sell these in Europe too? The only change I'd make is having a second model for colder climates that has doors. Other than that, I'd love one. That's all you need in a big city like London or Paris.
@@popeyegordon That is super duper excellent news!! I hope that eventually the manufacturer lowers the price enough that the average guy will be able to afford one.
@@medusalvr1968 The prices will only rise. I hope that eventually people will conquer their innumeracy and realize the obvious - Buying one of these is like buying stock guaranteed to triple in value over 10 years. Buying a car, something 150 million average guy Americans decide they can afford, is far more expensive. Even a car given to you free costs you $3000/yr to own and operate which is $30,000 every ten years. In 10 years your total expenses to own an ELF will be $3000, a $27,000 savings. Mine has paid for itself twice already in 5 years. Plus the obvious substantial perks of not needing a gym membership and not polluting.
I have an electric wheelchair and have been looking into a shell for it. If you have any suggestions, please feel fee to notify me Thanks, Have a blessed day.
For people who think this is expencive; it carries 100w solarpanel, engine, computer, lightweight frame, the cower. All this, is very expencive products. Especially the solarpanel and everything electric. So, try to find the costs before smashing something that can be a part of saving this planet from going in the drains. And remember, you don't have any expences after bying it, no fuel.
Urban - it saves you at least $3000/yr over car ownership. I'm now in my third year so it has fully paid for itself. All the rest is a delicious gravy not served with any car....
All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. Theft is not a serious issue, 3 thefts in 7 years with 1000 sold. You can insure any bike through Velosurance. Some home policies protect you. The base price is $8,950 and there are used ones for sale. Tell me which state you live in. Shipping is a big cost with these large bikes.
@@a.warner8246 Yes, innumeracy is a common problem with Americans. Your poorly educated brain is not capable of grasping that every 10 years you own a car, regardless of what it cost you to buy, you spend at least $30,000 on it for all expenses. In those SAME ten years of driving the ELF, we spend $3000, a $27,000 difference!! And we get the vital exercise no car driver gets, and we don't pollute. But hey, lack of awareness of your short attention span is more important isn't it? Getting rid of my car was the smartest thing I ever did. I have already saved $17,000 in year 6, more than twice my 7K purchase price. But hey, go ahead and keep paying those driving insurance, license and maintenance costs because you you perceived false savings up front...... until a gigantic environmental tax we will be forced to levy on all car owners forces you to to what you should have done years ago. The sad part is that the damage is already done and you don't give a shit.
Do these have to be registered to be on the road no license plate needed? You got something great here. All the things of a vehicle. I love that it says ORGANIC .........I’m ALL FOR IT.
This is an electric assist bicycle under federal law. Two states require tabs like they demand for mopeds. No insurance required, no driver license required. It's all good. I'm in year 6 without a car thanks to my ELF.
In the realm of urban transport, this is where the future's heading. For those complaining about the price, you're just not their target market. Also, people forget that when you're buying any product, the final cost includes the ideas, labour, materials, marketing, etc. If they're able to eventually mass produce these then logically the price point will be reduced. But they're a small company, so naturally the price per design is going to be more expensive, especially being made in-country versus outsourcing to somewhere with sweat shop labour (modern day slavery aka capitalism).
You hit the nail on the head. The price is inflated to fit the expectations of a target market. Nobody is marketing to the poor people because marketing costs money. I could use $400 worth of epoxy to make a canopy or I could melt together pop bottles (recycled PETE). I could use aircraft grade aluminum or I could use bamboo. The designer knows that he can inflate the price more by using "aircraft grade" aluminum. There is really no other reason to use that grade. It's not an aircraft. Bamboo is the way to go. It's a nontoxic renewable resource that is environmentally friendly. You can't say that about aluminum. He could use capacitors instead of lithium batteries. He uses only a 100 watt solar panel, but anyone can get a 190 watt solar panel for a mere $190 (less if you buy in bulk) from wholesalesolar. I looked at a study that compared the environmental impact of making a bike frame from bamboo imported from China and connected using epoxy versus the impact of a frame made from aluminum and the study suggested the difference was negligible. However, that's partly because they assumed the aluminum was made from 60% recycled aluminum and the bike frame would be recycled at end of life. It's also possible to grow bamboo locally--I have some in my back yard. Another flaw of the study was that it only considered the impact of so called greenhouse gases produced and did not look at the damage of fluoride and other toxins that are dug up along with the mined alumina. Finally, it was not a true comparison when epoxy was thrown in. There are many different epoxies and some are more environmentally friendly than others; however, it is not necessary to use them at all. I hope that despite the disinformation on the web, it's common sense that bamboo is a less expensive and more environmentally friendly alternative to aluminum.
kedwa30 no . They lost money on the prototypes so that they could work on fine tuning the design. It takes a lot to design any new product . If you look at the people making it you dont see rich greedy people. They want to make them accessible for everyone. The frames cost a lot. They have a kayak company making the shell. Who do you think sourced the other company to manufacture? How many companies didnt fit the bill? Who is hired and trained to build them? do they put them together? Where? these separate steps take time and money.The cost is minimal when you realize how much it costs a person to do everything from concept,testing,building them for sale...... Dont judge until you know what they cost to manufacture.Even if there is a market,it is tough starting and keeping a small business going. Overhead costs are huge. these people are doing a great thing. If it works,the cost will go down. Used ones will become available,and probably they can rent them out by the day like a bike or a car.
I saw my first ELF 2 years ago at a car show in Lindstrom, MN.I looked up the sticker price at $9000, but this is hand built. Now I've seen the video. It's time has come and lately watching the electric bike mature. My interest was the fat tire recumbent/electric.
In England they have a saying in a complaining conversation between gossipers: "As long as you've got your ELF" (really health but it's the way they talk lol.) It would make a GOOD SLOGAN for the UK as it works well for both spellings.
Sadly entirely illegal in the UK...well not classed as a bike. So you'd need a drivers licence, tax, insurance, number plates and to get it certified by the DVLA - because apparently we really hate both convenience and the environment!
@@_Piers_ as an electric assist tricycle, doesn't it count as a scooter equivalent? So a motorbike licence and its lower costs apply. Here in Northern Ireland there is pressure to get electric bikes downgraded so that they don't need the scooter/bike licence. A covered cycle shouldn't be treated differently to a regular electric cycle.
Such a great idea.. this could so easily be used in Bristol UK. We were known as the cycling city a few years back. But we have loads of hills. Then the electric bike came, but we still use cars, and most people are put off by riding a bike, because, it's wet, cold, and bikes are seen by motorists. This could enable us to reduce the pollution, but aid safer travel to the shops, work or even across the city. My average daily commute is 20 miles around trip. I don't want to arrive wet, cold or sweaty. I want to arrive safe, and ready to work. The question is how much do they cost?
All bicycle security measures and locking hardware applies, plus the motor key removes, leaving a 160 pound bike so large it does not fit in a standard van. I lock mine to any available vertical post or on the end of a bike rack. Even the parking brake is enough to confound kids who don't realize any bike would have a parking brake. With 1,100 of these sold, only 2 have been stolen. One was recovered and the one not recovered had not been locked by its owner. Plus, new owners are needlessly fearful of theft so they usually buy bike insurance for the first year. Velosurance offers full coverage policies for bikes.
Same concern for my ebike. The homeless guys just lust after ebikes here. Carefull going under bridges on bike trails in parks. They'll call their buddies down the trail to let them know you're delivering your ebike to them.
Love this idea. Wish it was affordable for me. 9 and 10,000. If I lived in aarea that I could make this my full time transportation, I would spend the 9 grand to get one. i would love the pickup truck one. I am a small farmer, would love to deliver my produce in the city to chefs in one of these.
Joe you shouldn't have to wait long. There are already experimental fleets for the USPS and UPS. I find my ELF extremely economical, in the 4 years since getting rid of my used car I have saved $12,000. And I get the exercise I need while living cleanly.
That sounds awesome. I absolutely see the value in them. Thanks for sharing how it's helped you. I look forward to having one some day. I'm a grower for fine dining chefs here in Charleston, SC. I grow microgreens and edible flowers, all pure organic. I'd love to be able to deliver my product in a ELF.
Some businesses already use the ELF, pizza and baked goods are two I'm aware of. You can put your business logo on the sides and advertise that you deliver via solar power. There is a lot of room in the base model - front shelf, side boards, rear deck, two 12 gallon bins and it is easy to pull a small bike trailer.
I love this! But I just kept thinking it looked a little awkward with bars instead of a steering wheel. I ride a bicycle about a 100 miles per week. It seems like it would be hard to get used to the “leaning back arms up” position. Also, I love being out in the open air with no obstructions to sight and hearing approaching intersections. Those are the things I would need to settle with a test ride.
You may not be aware of the many thousands of trikes with a reclining seat position called 'recumbents'. This is a popular and very comfortable rider position with a mesh seat. The seat lets you push even more than your own body weight when you need maximum pedal power. A wheel would require a much heavier and more expensive design and a longer vehicle body. I assure you the position and driving experience feels natural compared to a bicycle and the bars and seat both adjust. If you insist on being in the open air we wonder why you made any comment at all. There is no reduction in hearing at all, the doors are large and wide open but we do not miss the loud rumble of wind over our ears the windshield prevents.
not sweet..too bad you're going on appearances. It has no suspension, hugely underpowered, very small range on the battery and a terrible hillclimber. a good idea very poorly executed. The company, Organic Transit is out of business.
I too would love one. But more on the full on velomobile side. But they're so damn expensive. Wouldn't use one everyday either because of where I live (rural area).
The bike cars in this video are so neat. I feel I both could use having one and would like having one. Even as much as big as I am in doing the music artist thing, I still feel working for a company like theirs helping build them bike cars could be a second passion of mine.
I agree - I'm in year 6 of using the ELF without owning a car. The smartest thing I ever did. Saves me a bundle of money, fun exercise and no pollution! The artificially low price of gas is really hurting the sustainable transportation industry and the environment.
Zk AY the hate troll thinks it is smarter to spend $4000/yr for ten years, $40,000 total, rather than spending $9000 once on the ELF. This is called innumeracy. But his spamming is flagged anyways.
It is a great idea but the price tag (imo) will be I hinderance to it catching on. If a cheaper model could be made that was affordable to students, struggling single parents and teenagers all of a sudden I think you would see them everywhere. But while there the same price as a family car I just can't see it and that's a huge shame.
Zero - any student or parent who currently owns a car is already spending much more for that than they would spend for the ELF. 10 years of car use costs you $30,000 while 10 years of ELF use costs you $3000, a $27,000 difference!! You CAN NOT logically compare the purchase prices directly, ELF only needs bicycle maintenance after purchase while a car needs insurance, gas, oil changes, license, registration, tires, brake jobs, and cars have $4000 transmissions and $5000 motors that can blow up, the ELF has no such liabilities plus you get exercise and you stop causing carbon emissions. It is a shame that most people are penny wise and pound foolish, that weakness is part of the reason for the impractical success of personal cars. There are already a few ELFs in the used market, they start at $3000. Remember the new PEBL vehicle, a very similar product, is also churning out new vehicles at its factory. Both makers have a 4 month backlog because demand is so high. Bike mechanics cost $20/hr., car mechanics charge $120/hr.
Zero - As I type this a 5 year old ELF is for sale in California for $2000. These are not the same price as a family car, that is incorrect. These cost you less than 1/10th of the annual cost to drive a car. No insurance or gas ever. No $5000 motor or $3000 transmission to blow up. An ELF replacement motor costs $300.
The price does annoy me too. I searched around the internet it was first advertised as a 4000 dollar upcoming vehicle.4K became 5k 6k... 9K. At 9k its just stretching the wallet. It would be an instant buy for me at ~$5k. Going from 4k to 9k is a bit problematic.
I think they nailed it ! I think you should also build a weather protection for regular bikes ! A ferring that goes over ! Maybe a frame with removable vinyl ! The vinyl has to be removable for windy sunny days !
If that was possible it would have been done already. A sturdy enclosure that will survive winds and cargo and stresses has to have a sturdy frame to carry it and it will weigh at least 80 pounds. The ELF has a 550 pound payload capacity and full lighting, signals and horn.
At this point in my life (58) I’m using my bike as a utility vehicle more than my SUV. Elf is a game changer. Bravo to these folks!
Me too! At first I felt naked when I got rid of my car after owning one for a lifetime. Eventually I figured out that was the smartest thing I ever did. The ELF has already saved me $17,000 in year 6 and I'm healthier thanks to the pedaling in a fun way. I have a trailer for my ELF for larger items and I can still rent a vehicle if I needed to but never have needed to in 6 years.
I've owned 3 ELFs used as my primary mode of transportation, and have ridden them over 50K miles over the past 5 1/2 years. They vastly improved my health, saved me tons of money and dramatically reduced my carbon footprint. In addition to that, ELFing has made me a bit of a local celebrity and Subject Matter Expert on sustainable transportation. Every time I ride (which is daily), I'm extremely thankful Rob and Maureen had the foresight and fortitude to imagine and produce this incredible product. I understand Organic Transit recently filed for bankruptcy, but I sincerely hope the company is resurrected in some fashion. Until then, many ELF owners (and wanna be owners) have created Facebook groups to share tips, expertise, parts and stories. ELFing is definitely a way of life for me and not just a passing fancy.
Right on, Marty! it is also a life style for me and I'm a bit obsessed with the impact my full life history has had on the environment. This is a great way to move towards sustainable living and better health. I just tried to leave Walmart with a load of groceries, some frozen, and the continuous 20 minute line of questions from very curious people had me espousing all the usual features and numbers. They gape when I tip the ELF up on two wheels with one hand.
Since they filed for BANKRUPTCY, recently? Does that mean that they are not in business anymore?
I was just about to leave them a message, on their website!? Darn.
I guess I'll have to find an alternative mode of transport, to which I have already?! Only they're located in the East Coast.
Where do you live? What kind of weather coditions do you handle them in? Are they worth any incobiences? Like snow or rain(we get some heavy down pours, looks like rain would come in the open doors)
@@b_uppy There is a locking trunk. There is room for 30 bags of groceries or 4 loads of laundry. There is a roof that keeps us dry and protected. Owners don't leave valuables in their ELFs. Car owners avoid that too. I have never heard of a single case of "tilting" the ELF to gain access, tilting opens no additional access.
@@b_uppy This will never be a car. It is a 170 pound bike and should absolutly never be left full of valuables unless you alarm it like a car and park in low risk areas. That also violates all sound advice from police, property owners and security services. How many bikes at racks are packed with valuables? None! You are really weird to demand the unreasonable and absurd. I have seen and replied to well over 50,000 comments about the ELF and you are the first to stamp your feet about such an absurd demand AND make up this imaginary issue or tactic of "tilting" which accomplishes nothing and poses no threat of any kind. No ELF owner has ever reported a "tilting" problem! Not even vandals tilting it over onto its roof. Only rioters tilt over vehicles and not if they are locked to a post or rack. Do you have some kind of tilting fetish or compulsion? That would be unique and no one else has it.
Great concept, I had this idea 20 years ago. I am also a student of mechanical engineering, sadly I am from Nepal and I could not afford to put my idea in action. Really impressed with your invention. keep up the good work.
Boy I wish I'd had this when my twins were little. I always felt those cubicles you attach to your bike for kids weren't safe, but I would have gone for this in a heartbeat!! Most roads in London the speed limit is 20 mph anyway so this is perfect!
Anna Twink how much is this bike?
@@aubreymalena3225 Read the description. Sheesh.
I've had mine for 2 1/2 years. It IS my car. I don't have another one. And I love it. I love the fact that you can combine what I call me-power with sunshine-power in any proportions you like. At first, I used a lot of sunshine power and not so much me-power. I hadn't ridden a bike in 30 years. Now I use more sunshine-power. I don't have doors, just haven't felt the need. The shape of the thing keeps rain and snow and puddle water out. The trunk's perfectly adequate or my needs. And the fact that any repairs get done at a bike shop rather than a car repair shop has saved me a fortune. But the best part is that I have met EVERYBODY in town because I drive that thing. I've had whole school classes stop and applaud me as I went by. And when I turned up at a Bernie Sanders rally driving it, they gave me a seat in the front row. "You're saving the world!" they said. My motto is: Reveal options by living them. And every single time I use the ELF, I'm doing that without saying a word and without sacrificing a thing. It's just plain old FUN driving it.
Yes, it is not moped ride. peddling is 1/2 of the equation. The rest is solar power.
Donna Carty how much does it cost? how do you lock it? thanks
Donna Carty I just love this concept, but I am not gonna buy this plastic for 8,500 grand! I would rather have a used Volkswagen Jetta for that price. And I could use a regular bicycle unit someone makes it cheap enough for everyone.
if someone like Elon Musk got behind it and helped lower production costs this invention would take off. Maybe even government subsidy and rebates for bring a renewable electric human hybrid. As for now the cost is just too prohibitive for the average person.
David Howard: A lot of "average" people ARE building these things. Watch some vids on RUclips. Walmart has electric wheel kits available for $175 right now which means any one can afford one. (They'll pay more for the lithium batteries & charger than anything but they can run with sealed lead acid cells. ) People are bringing this into the mainstream whether you believe it or not. In all kinds of forms. You don't need Elon Musk, all you need is the mindset and the willpower of the people in ACTION. It is a beautiful thing.
Surely for the sake of mankind this type of transport must be the future! ..A great invention which can only get better. Congratulations
Until you see the $10k price tag (There's a reason why the company went under)
You got it but suppose somebody has on medication.
@@candacecassidy9673 obviously can't be for everyone but that would be the case under any circumstances
Yes congratulations I really am impressed. There's only one question. Suppose somebody tried to steal it?
@@candacecassidy9673, Outstanding idea, getcha custom made Elf gun rack for that ONE.
Great interview! I love it! I ride in my mobility scooter to take my dog for walkies to the park and around neighborhood. I get it when she said she feels more connected to nature and noticing neighbors flowers, etc. This is a great application for other countries too. 💕❤💕
Sue G Brazilian wax
Sue G Brazilian wax
:-)
Avid cyclist and I’m a “lite car” driver. I’d love to be 100% dependent on cycling to get around. The “Elf” is such a great idea for your health, wealth, happiness and the planet.
@DrMossydog No, the light body shell would be a disaster off road or on trails. It increases the curb weight too high for off road use and the heavy, long travel suspension needed in such a design would put the total weight over 200 pounds, far too heavy to enjoy pedaling. There is a reason why there are no motocross bikes with enclosures.
ELF owners do pull kayaks on carts, on paved roads, to their destinations.
I agree as well.
@@popeyegordon so it's not a true car replacement then (which is contrary to What you have been saying in every other comment)
@Jon Doe sounds like he needs to lay off the spinach lol
But at Goodwill Industries I have to take the bus to work to keep the peace. But going down a hill can the person stop peddling so it can glide down the hill?
THANK YOU!! Wish more recline bikers would use elf's. I have resisted buying a recline bike because even in my tiny ford fiesta a recline biker is so low that even with a flag there is huge blind spots beside my car. This is an amazing vehicle that I am recomending to everyone I know!!
I like it! needs to be inexpensive for the masses to latch on. I just appreciate the can do attitude of the inventor and his wife. we need more of that around here. I hope they sell ten million!
Or more financial options need to become available for people to purchase it. Something like this really can't be done cheaper because of the quality and engineering necessary. The owner is right on the money to say that increasing visibility initially, even if they lost money on each unit, is the right thing to do long-term. They proved it is a viable concept with potential mass appeal. Partnering this with companies that do installment loans would be a fantastic move. While the average person may not be able to drop that kind of money all at once, it's a lot easier when it's just a moderate monthly payment. The more visible this product becomes, the more companies will be willing to offer financing options for them.
Or just make it affordable
You can get battery cells from Japan for a fraction of the cost of US made cells (and they are of equal quality)
I doubt this would cost more than a few hundred dollars to make if they used cheaper supply lines
@@mwbgaming28 All readers - note just how bad this Gaming geek wants the ELF but is frustrated he has no self discipline to save up for one so he trolls this thread with asshole comments like a child having a temper tantrum. This is what happens when you spend your time in front of a screen instead of learning social skills. He is typical of what happens to geeks.
@@popeyegordon explain how this is an "asshole comment"
You talk a lot about me being a troll, geek.etc who spends all my time infront of a screen
But you are trolling literally EVERY COMMENT on this thing and you are spending a LOT of time responding to the replies on those comments
@@popeyegordon - *TROLL TROLL TROLL TROLL TROLL TROLL TROLL TROLL! RE-RE* 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂
Wonderful bike! And great to see your videos Kirsten! its been ten years since i ran into faircompanies, and you're still doing great things! OneLove!
With the price they are charging, they are anything but fair lmao
Would love to have one of these. Pays for itself pretty quickly. No expensive car repairs, transmission, motor etc. No oil changes expensive tires and brakes. Don't need Ls or. insurnsce. I'm sold. It is a little on the expensive side but worth it in the long run IMO.
Yes! You are smarter than 95% of all other commenters here. In the last 5 years I have already saved $15,000 by no longer owning an old car and the daily exercise is vital for health. I like the high safety of the body shell. The purchase price is an investment with a 40% annual return instead of a 30% annual additional cost of car ownership.
that's awesome, I'd be smiling the whole time riding. great creation! Kirsten, you're the best; I've seen so many cool things through your channel.
I was thrilled to see one of these on a bike path yesterday. I truly hope to see lots more in the future.
I hope that the price Will get in the future lower
Looks very promising, and even good just as it is.
There seem to be many 'all or nothing' comments, like 'It's not a car', etc.
No, it's not a car, and even the company owner said as much.
Her 'baby steps' point is more valid than many people here are giving it credit for.
I am not sure I like the CVT ratio control being a left-hand throttle-twist-type mechanism, but that may be as I am a motorcycle and scooter rider, for whom that seems counter-intuitive.
Then again, I rode scooters before I rode manual transmission motorbikes, and it was no big deal to change.
I love this thing.
Here in Japan there are some companies and municipal city organisations with one-person electric cars that do not look too dissimilar to this.
You sign up for an account, and can then just jump into one at one of a few set locations.
When you have no more need of it, you just leave it at the same or another set location and walk away from it.
These guys would do well to get into that 'lease' kind of market, I think.
I wish them every success, as I do with Tesla cars and other game changing enterprises.
Baby steps. She's right. That's how these things come to fruition.
Thanks for the upload.
Incredibly well thought out. Amazing minds do amazing things. Really impressed!
I like the new elf. Congrats on your new company
I bought a trike recumbent 10 years ago and put a 3.5kw brushless motor on it with 72 volt 20 amp battery and from the first ride I just could not stop thinking about how viable it would be to create a enclosure version like you have here! Well done sir and I take my hat off to you as you have created pretty much what I have envisioned to a tee! Everything you have done in its engineering seems logical to my mind. I too wish for a future where we have majority of human powered vehicles for inner urban areas where cars are limited to 40 km and our cities are planned accordingly and with conjestion and pollution being a major problem I forsee policy going in this logical direction. You sir are building my dreams 😊
One of the largest challenges in making a body shell is the need to keep weight down. That means either a vacuum molded shell like the ELF's that required expensive tooling, or a custom made reverse mold with mirror smooth surface that could be used as the form for a very light but very expensive carbon fiber shell. Fiberglass is too heavy. The mounting points between shell and frame are a real challenge to do right. And then you'd still have to make a full DOT wiring harness from scratch. It is the total package that impresses me and keeps the price relatively high.
@@popeyegordon yes the concept is easy but the impressive end package is what requires the real engineering focus and most likely over time as new ways are learnt and applied the weight will continue to fall.
I built and live in a home on wheels: I like all your videos Kirsten, but this episode relates to my interest more, thanks.
Wow, the coolest personal vehicle on the road. Gr8 light weight shell, electric, bike class, vehicle. W/ added back seat allows package or kids transport. U r the pioneer of enclosed ebike. Thx 4 sharing in the internet. Keep on bikeing.
This is only the beginning. A billionaire Indian investor just bought part of Organic Transit. Imagine how one million of these could help their severe pollution problems.
I love it; right now I have an e-scooter ( like a vespa) but I would love something like this for this lousy Vancouver weather.
Do they sell this in Vancouver Canada?
Mike Johnson
They said they ship world-wide. Also, some Elf owners in various places are willing to show theirs. Also they did a road show previously. They're probably still doing them.
Mike Johnson I think there may be one in Vancouver. I know there are a couple in Ontario, and quite a few in Portland and Seattle.... Organic Transit can help you there. And OT ELF owners love to offer test drives to people who are interested in an ELf
Contact www.OrganicTransit.com they can help you find someone who might own one you could test drive. There are several in Europe that I know of for sure.
BRILLIANT, here in Copenhagen Denmark your vehicle would definitely be a hit. I use a 3wheel Nihola tented cargo bike on a daily basis so my elderly dog can accompany me everywhere. There are at least 4 local cargo bike fabricators here each offer electric assist. PS I grew up in NC
what an amazing design for the modern commuter in smaller cities
Any size city.
Bill - based on what? Numerous commuters use the ELF for distances up to 25 miles. I sure as hell wish I had it for all my rainy Seattle commutes. Had to wait until retirement to get one.
outie555 muy pendejo ese imbento
It's exciting to know that Cotter has revived the company and plans on producing and selling new models with a year. I definitely plan on getting one.
Not revived yet but there is a good chance.
@@popeyegordon Rob seemed pretty optimistic in a livestream he did a while back.
Though I have noticed that the website hasn't been updated at all. One would have thought that Cotter's reacquiring of the company would be bigger news.
@@Yoshikarter1 The website does have a new response query if you look on the bottom of the right page. This was very big news for us ELF owners. I used the form to say I'm interested in a trade-in or new ELF since mine is 9 years old now.
@@popeyegordon I was not aware of that. I was unable to locate it.
I did sign up for the waitlist of the "new ELF" about a year ago.
@@Yoshikarter1 That old wait list was offered when the ELF was still in production. It may be saved but not sure. One year ago Rob did not have his new office yet. Now you can find his new address and phone on the main site, the one with a room number.
In just over 3 years, over 3 million miles have been covered by ELF owners. Like travelling around the planet 120 times with zero pollution at the equivalent of 1800 mpg! Healthy people, healthy planet.
Zk AY is a hate troll who does not understand the first thing about sustainability. Notify Kirsten we have another one to block.
No pollution? What about all the methane from chronic bike farters? LOL
Popeye Gordon the battery's ain't that eco though.
@Popeye Gordon - You working for them huh? *Silly FOOL! Only STUPID is, STUPID does!* 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@JodBronson Hey asshole troll - you can scroll down to see not one, but TWO statements by the CEO of Organic Transit that I am not paid in any way, I'm an enthusiastic tree hugger owner of the ELF for 5 years now. But nobody has to scroll anywhere to see you are a little dipshit.
I still want one! So cool!
From a CEO of Organic Transit, Maureen Costello on June 16, 2019: "One of our proudest achievements is that there was not a single death in an ELF in seven years. Even when people got in serious accidents they survived. Hard as this all was we felt like angels guarded us and the ELF owners. Rob's most serious concern was keeping people safe. He once said to me, "there are precious souls in these ELFs." We took it very seriously. You are all precious souls to us. God Bless."
overpriced
Looks like a perfect vehicle for short distances. No fuel cost, no taxes, no insurance. Great product.
But way to expensive.
Come on now you going to pay $9,000 for this bicycle car and not put some type of geico insurance on it for your protection from theives
I love this thing. I live in AZ so there is plenty of sun just not very many bike trails. I wouldn't mind using this vehicle instead of my car. I hope this takes off because we need new technologies in this country.
it gets hot as hell in Phoenix, i doubt it would work there.
Absolutely
@@beaucrawford538 why wouldn't it work?
@@dsteere2303 you'd burn out those flexible panels
At first I giggled, but now I’m totally in love with these!
they can replace cars no more gas
L Flowers
Don't be!!! One Collision w a 3 thousand pound missile on the road driven by a fool and you'll repent!!!
@@jesscast5122 Pfzz! It's the same as riding a BICYCLE, only more visible.
That's the same that happend when I looked at you. ;)
@@trevorambrose4821 cars can run on water we have not needed gas for the past 90 years but if you convert your car to run on water and the gov find out they will take it off you and it will cost around $150 to convert it. Hydrogen gas comes from water when you run electric though it on to stainless steal plates. Look on RUclips
I LIKE YOUR PROGRESSOLOGY.
YOU WILL DO WELL.
LOVE YOU ALL.
Excellent. Do have questions about: What's the grade it will go up with electric assist? Battery lock, is it necessary? Do you always have to be peddling? I love the Elf without the wire spokes that don't have to be tuned. Currently using electric kick scooter around town. This looks great and worth keeping an eye on for my next mobile vehicle.
Mine takes me, a 300 lb rider, and a load of groceries up the steepest hills in my town with full throttle and pedaling moderately hard. At this time there is no vehicle like this that can handle long mountain passes. I have had no problem with spokes, I use the 3 inch tires.
Haven't hit a grade yet I couldn't make it up. Sits outside my house all the time, battery stays put or 2 1/2 years so far. No you don't need to pedal all the time or any of the time if you don't want to.
This is very good, especially for areas that gets sun all year round! I’m going for a similar vehicle that is more adjusted for Swedish climates - the Podride. The two inventors should meet up and make a collab!
We don't know much about the PodRide in the US because our bike laws are for 3 wheels or less.
"This is very good:" But nobody buys them! Meanwhile, 100 million cars are sold every year.
I love velomobiles. I have always wanted to build one myself.
torq21
Me too!
Wonderful idea, congratulations. Hello from Costa Rica.
Great! An idea long overdue. Thx.
Shared this with my Dad who owns an electric bike store in Santa Cruz California. Rad!
And then spend $4,000 a year every year to use it legally while getting no exercise whatsoever. You will have no money left to pay for that cardiac bypass you will need. Flagged for trolling by the way.
What is the name of your Santa Cruz store?
Connie - google is your friend.
Zk AY link don't exist.
Can you share the address/name of your dad's electric bike store in Santa Cruz. I have a nice design to build something similar bu different and looking for some help
I live in a hilly area and we all need to exercise everyday. The roads often follow the ridges on the hills. Then there are the steep hills, which really make me huff and puff. As well as pedal assist. But following the ridges is where I can continue to exercise and feel the wind and have that open view. Its approximately 1/2 the cost of the cheapest car with zero pollution and and no fuel. I would save 2K a year in fuel. And everyday I would get my exercise.
One of the most active ELF owners lives in a hilly area of Georgia. He makes lots of posts in our Facebook ELF owners private group of 700 members. He has videos here on RUclips about his heavy use of the ELF and owns two of them. His combined total mileage covered is 54,000 miles in 5 years, over ten times what I have covered in 4 years with my ELF in a less hilly central Florida town. I love it, 4 years without a car has saved me $12,000 and I get the exercise I need in a fun way. Be aware that some ELF owners who have to deal with long steep hills do have problems with the motor controller over heating and shutting down. Long mountain passes will defeat every ebike made at this time, there is room for design improvement in dealing with hills. One owner has added a second gear for his motor to climb mountain passes easier by gearing down, way down. He has passed the 4000 mile mark on his cross country trip while towing a trailer that holds 3 large solar panels. I have owned 3 top brand ebikes for daily commuting before the ELF was released for sale. The first one with a lead acid battery caught on fire while hauling my heavy ass up a steep hill. The motor controller burned bright like a road flare. Lithium batteries have helped tremendously. If you get an ELF go for the 40 speed NuVinci hub upgrade that is best for hilly areas. Also stick with the original equipment ELF battery for hills, it is stronger than after market batteries and is worth the $1000 price tag, it is US made with fire proof spacers between each cell.
Very funny and very true but there isn't much traffic here. As to the nudge, 6 months later someone would be talking a walk in the bush and say what is that putrid stench. Finally I would be found.
@Buggs Bunny Wrong, asshole. Car drivers are environmental criminals who will soon be off the roads while this class of sustainable emissions free vehicle takes over. ELF owners are responsible and we share the road. We pull over if we are holding up traffic and all car drivers are required by law to share the road with bikes or lose their license.
@@JohnSmith-tw3rw Idiotic ignorant comment. With 1,200 sold and 6 million road miles covered there has been exactly 17 car collisions with no injuries beyond bruising thanks to the 360 degree crumple zone safety of the body shell. The ELF is by far the safest bike ever made, safer than any motorcycle too.
Great! Finally, a HPV that is actually usable by everyone.
It also seems to go pretty fast. Using the solar cell as structural component connecting and stabilizing the "kayak" halves is awesome.
At 13:39 it seems as if the wheel camber is somewhat off, and different between the two front wheels.
The ELF frame uses the classic 'tadpole' trike design with cambered front wheels. The spokes are dished and tuned to be stronger with this and it takes turns stronger with less stress. My alignment is still good after 6 years.
@@popeyegordon Amazing
it's adorable and a cool idea,, expensive yes but I remember when computers were super expensive. They are well made so they will retain a lot of their intrinsic value when they are traded used. I am very interested to see where this idea goes.
Truthfully, my used 2012 Honda Insight cost me more than a fully-loaded ELF. And that was before adding in the insurance et al. - that's not required for an ELF. :)
In ten years of owning your Honda you will spend $30,000 more than if you switched to a sustainable vehicle that requires no license or insurance and you won't be ready for a triple bypass either.
it would be death if someone crashed in to you on it. I would rather spend more money and have a car and stay alive. it would only be safe if everyone had one
Samuel - what part of the fact I just informed you of was not clear? In the first four car/ELF road collisions there have been no injuries to the drivers inside the ELF. If you need clarification on that contact OrganicTransit.com
The more of us who get out of our cars and use bikes or these light vehicles, the safer our roads become. Your stance clearly establishes you insist on being part of the problem, not part of the solution.
So your telling me if someone hit the back of you at 60mph your kids would be fine I don't think so.
And if a lorry hit you there would be no chance.
Not really a good idea putting children in a death trap
Really, really good. Every urban household should get an ELF.
Sure, when they cost less than a normal family car. Good idea, just too expensive for a lot of people to afford.
20mph (32kmph) is faster than most countries in the EU where around 26kmph is permitted as a maximum for electric bikes assists. A few years ago, there was no limit and one could go really fast.
Yes, the UK laws suck, pedelec especially sucks. But OT has altered several ELFs to conform to EU laws.
Alan Heath It's a extremely stupid idea and law to have a maximum speed to 25km/h on EU and Românistan(Romania) .
There is no such country or region of Romanistan. Furthermore there is a reason why power assist is limited to 26kmph - one can have more but the vehicle needs to be taxed and registered.
As with all Quitter propaganda, this is more of the same lies and half truths put out by them. Speed limits are set by national countries - not by the EU - something you could easily check for yourself.
Yes you can park on the sidewalk in the EU.
I think this is great. I am impressed. I live in a big city though, so I don't know how this would work out....parking spaces, locking it up overnight, lots of vehicle traffic....but it looks very practical. I think I would definitely enjoy using one.
It is so small we rarely need a car sized parking space. All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. It is the safest bike ever made, it has high visibility and the lights and horn make it blend into car traffic better.
Another great use is transport tools for a trades person working in a apartment complex
.. also a small trailer for materials.
Yes, at lest one tradesman hauls his wares in a trailer behind his ELF.
Absolutely brilliant wish I had one for ireland. .
you're lucky you didn't buy one. They are poorly made crap, and they all died. The company went out of business
and there are no parts. most of the ELfs are sitting out somewhere..dead. Thye were poorly designed
and cheaply built. YOu didn't miss anything at all.
How do you keep someone from jumping in and peddling off with it while you shop?
bike lock it seems. EDIT: See Andrea
dowarnette
The wheels lock up and it has a security system.
The electric power has a key that I take with me. They could drive off, but the first time they hit a hill, they'd be stymied. They'd have to get out and push. And it's so unique, the police would spot it in about ten seconds.
As the video says, there have been four accidents, no one hurt. It's so light, it just gets pushed.
I have a couple questions since it sounds like you have one of these. What do you during rain? With no protection underneath and only half doors as options, you could be in for a good soaking. How are they on real hills, not the little "bumps" in this video. Since this wouldn't be permitted some of our roads because of the minimum speed limits, I would need to take back roads which can have long steep hills, (for a bike). For most people where I live outside of Pittsburgh, there is a commute into the city. Access to the city is either by 4 lane highways which are prohibited to bikes, or the back roads with continuous hills. I don't see an electric assist lasting for the trip back home. As far as no one has been hurt, that is only due to fortune. The person that was t-boned was fortunate not to ended up in a neck brace. There is no getting around kinetic energy. I would love get one of the 2 seaters so I could take my dog with me but if I can only get limited use, it ends up being an expensive novelty.
There are amazing people in the world... here are 2 unique individuals with a vision for mankind, not themselves. I am truly inspired and also have started biking full-time on a trike that I have customized. I'll have to move up to one of these some day soon!
What a brilliant way to save the planet with non pollution vehicles on the road, plus you get exercise i am all for this......
@Planet CEO Fuck off asshole child troll. Flagged.
@Sgt. Giggle Mittens OK asshole, I'll take you on. First of all the full US list price is $8,950 USD. And we end up with a CAR REPLACEMENT! I'm in year 6 with no car, I got rid of that wasteful beast in favor of a fully sustainable 160 pound car-bike that is very safe and it has a 550 pound payload capacity. I have room for 30 plastic bags of groceries or a passenger inside the shell. I have a trailer hitch. I have the same lighting system as a car, plus a horn. I sit at eye level with car drivers. Some owners use the ELF for food deliveries or pedicab service. My battery has never been fully discharged in 6 years thanks to the 100 watt solar panel roof that no bicycle has. I feel safe in a bike that has never seen a fatality with 1000 sold and 8 million road miles covered. 17 collisions and no one died, compare that to any 8 million miles traveled on basic bicycles. If I kept my car and the bicycle I used to own I could not have saved $16,000 so far. In ten years I will save $30,000 by not driving a car. There is nothing wrong with a basic bike but it is extremely stupid to attack this design you shit stain troll.
I love it, Great Ideas comes from great minds.
Fred Flintstone would give his approval I'm sure.
haha!
I always wanted a Flintstone style car. :D
There is no way to propel this forwards with your feet on the ground, so not quite.
It was a joke. It is a pretty neat little contraption though.
Anna Faulds Can I call you Wilma?👀
These are awesome. This could change how people that live in cities commute. My hat is off to you guys.
I am retired in a small town and just use the ELF as an excellent affordable replacement for my car. It is very versatile and can not be pigeonholed. It is used for business deliveries and rentals and there is a police model.
@@popeyegordon I think it is brilliant. That will be something I do when I retire. I live in a small town, and I am about 7 miles from the small downtown area, where stores are, and this would work good for me. I live on a side of a mountain, so most of the power of electric motor would be used coming back. I live about 300ft above the town. I am sure one of these would work. I have 15 or so years before I retire, so the technology will get even better. Thanks for sharig your experience with your bike.
the more i watch the video i fall in love with it
I just united a shopper who really wanted one with a seller who dropped his price to $3500 for an ELF with only 600 miles on it. They were 180 miles apart.
love it, I have been working on this concept myself, Delft TeU: :D
Ok, this is pretty cool. Good idea and useful.
Wow . Wonderful bicycle
Great idea.
Do you need to have insurance / any number plates and road tax ?
It seems a bit wide to use in cycle lanes in the UK.
Ben - one of the main advantages is the lack of any requirement for mandatory insurance, license, registration or driver license. All 50 states. This is defined as an electric assist bicycle by federal law. Most lanes will fit this and you can stop to let people by if you think they will be uneasy about your vehicle width. It is no problem for me, I got rid of my car 3 years ago and rely on the ELF and free solar power for all my transportation. I saved so much money by not owning a car, this paid for itself quickly not to mention the vital exercise it offers.
Popeye Gordon
Thanks for your comments
Can you drive it on the motorway? What's the max speed?
It has the same max speed mandated on all ebikes in the US, 20 mph. Using the word 'motorway' implies you are not in the US. The ELF is legal wherever bikes are legal, that means all bike trails and any road with a minimum speed limit of 20 mph or less.
Ben insurance is for vehicles that meet certain size speed limits. I’m sure there are other factors as well.
Impressive materials used, I like it, cool in it's own right. Continual transmission, 6061 aluminum, my type of parts.
Nice thinking with the crumple zone too, respect.
It really looks fun, I'd love to try it.
AdventureSportFlashlights
AdventureSportFlashlights
Ml
I want this to be my next bicycle! I love the body portion of this and the fact that I could take kids with me, or lots of groceries. Doing that on my regular city-bike is pretty difficult. But the thought of using electric-assist terrifies me.
No, e-assist is very easy, nothing like driving a powerful car. Just a nudge on the thumb throttle helps you up hills. It is only a 1 horse power motor. You will find it natural to incorporate in your rides.
Pretty awesome idea!!
This is the market Uber and Lyft are missing. This is post-self-driving cars technology. Way ahead of its time.
no it's not way ahead of anything. It's poorly designed, poorly built and hundreds and hundreds of these ELFs
are forever parked...no service, no parts, no tech support and the co. has gone out of business.
@@savannaswildnatureworkshop7810 That's a real shame if true. Poorly designed is a bit overreaching and the fact there are no parts but a bunch of what you seem to describe as hulls could just be part of the manufacturing process. It's often very expensive to tool up for the molds needed to build the exterior of the elf. I would not be surprised if they had to order 10k+ of the shells while still doing small orders of the rest of the parts because they are off the shelf parts.
no....not ahead of anything...the company is gone. out of business. the worst tech support, with an attitude.
Verolift is like that in Europe
Something like this would work in a fossil fuel free town otherwise it's the nuisance on the road. On the other hand, a Christian bike is more versatile and fun for kids.
In Detroit they have put a lot of bike lanes. I would love one of these. I could take my grandsun to school and back and exercise too. How cool!!
I ride a OnewheelXR.
I have 6000 miles on it now.
It's my primary mode of transportation and my biggest hobby.
Please do a touring/camping/dirt/off road one please! This would be great to tow a little trailer for camping ⛺️
This is not an off road vehicle. It is fine for hauling camping gear though and 3 owners have gone on 4000 mile journeys. One is writing a book about it and one made a movie you can find on RUclips for a small fee. Do a search for Organic Transit ELF videos to see it. A trailer will be a serious problem in any winds.
Wow !!! New Era of commutting !!!
These are fab, do you have anything in the pipeline for people who are no so able bodied I have fibromyalgia and can't use my legs very well at all
Shell - Organic Transit goes out of its way to work with people with disabilities. I know of several wheel chair bound owners of this vehicle. 90 year olds, legally blind, autistic, all are doable with this vehicle. You don't have to pedal at all, maybe the basic three speed model is all you need. It does help when starting out if you pedal a bit.
how can you be blind and drive????
Just talking to my wife about a car bike hybrid this morning, and presto I come across this video. Divine intervention!
There are several car-bikes made and sold in the EU.
I had to laugh..watched this video as I sat on my recumbent exercise bike pedaling like mad. Nice idea.
How much is the latest model? I want one so bad because the doctor won't let me drive a car. My gosh I could become independent once again. It will be mine one day and I can't wait.
What anti-theft mesures are used
......do you have 2 use a bicycle cable-lock?
You don't have to use any lock but it is wise. The motor key removes, leaving a 160 pound bike. All bike security measures apply. I carry a 10 foot cable and heavy lock.
Over where I'm at now there's no bike rack here at all.
I do go back to work at Goodwill Industries. It has to be left at the apartment building.
I would love one of these.
What a brainy ! Amazing creation. Can’t wait to have one .
I don't know if it's been done but looks like they would be great for riding round the world.
Three ELFs have completed 4000 mile journeys. One book and one movie were made about it. But this is not an off-road vehicle, don't even think about it.
@@popeyegordon Well they said they used the suspension n stuff from Sports bikes, so if it was made from Mountain bike suspension then possibly. But not doing anything extreme like climbing cliff walls or anything like that just enjoying the beauty of nature.
@@Mason-pq3kv No chance, this is strictly a road bike. There is a rudimentary elastomer suspension washer set in the front with very short travel that just reduces the most sharp impacts and vibrations. Upgrading to 3 inch tires does more than the elastomer dampening. There is no rear suspension at all, buyers decide to order with the fatter tire options if we think our typical rides will include less than smooth surfaces. Mountain bikes don't weigh 160 pounds and they don't have a 550 pound payload capacity like the ELF. The ELF is the family SUV of bikes, not the Jeep of bikes. Mountain bike trails are not going to work for a bike with a huge 4 by 8 foot body shell. Jumping it will cause frame or body cracks and rolling it will mean serious body damage. In a recumbent seat you can't rise to your knees to deal with large bumps like mountain bikers do.
@@popeyegordon No one said jumping, I said exploring the nature trails & taking in the scenery. & I'm sure if you built your own with a similar chassis to this, but more built off road, it would be fine. Nothing is impossible. However; at that point you might as well just buy an ATV but you're not getting the exercise as you would with a bike to this extent.
@@Mason-pq3kv Exploring implies off trail or mountain bike trails. I'm absolutely sure that if you try to build this rugged enough to take dirt trails with thousands of root crossings and rocks your project will end up weighing so much you could not pedal it.
this is really great....small electric motor and solar top-up.
Do you sell these in Europe too? The only change I'd make is having a second model for colder climates that has doors. Other than that, I'd love one. That's all you need in a big city like London or Paris.
They sell doors as well (there are lots of parts sold separately). And they do sell them worldwide.
Kirsten Dirksen thanks 😊
I checked the website this morning and saw a heater option. I think it's throttle only, no pedal assist.
Robert, no. Thumb throttle and pedaling are separate except in Europe where pedelec is mandatory.
These are excellent!!! This company just needs to market these. I see many ppl in L.A. wanting something like this
They have marketed 1000 already. They spawned a new industry with competitors.
@@popeyegordon That is super duper excellent news!! I hope that eventually the manufacturer lowers the price enough that the average guy will be able to afford one.
@@medusalvr1968 The prices will only rise. I hope that eventually people will conquer their innumeracy and realize the obvious - Buying one of these is like buying stock guaranteed to triple in value over 10 years. Buying a car, something 150 million average guy Americans decide they can afford, is far more expensive. Even a car given to you free costs you $3000/yr to own and operate which is $30,000 every ten years. In 10 years your total expenses to own an ELF will be $3000, a $27,000 savings. Mine has paid for itself twice already in 5 years. Plus the obvious substantial perks of not needing a gym membership and not polluting.
I have an electric wheelchair and have been looking into a shell for it. If you have any suggestions, please feel fee to notify me
Thanks,
Have a blessed day.
For people who think this is expencive; it carries 100w solarpanel, engine, computer, lightweight frame, the cower. All this, is very expencive products. Especially the solarpanel and everything electric. So, try to find the costs before smashing something that can be a part of saving this planet from going in the drains. And remember, you don't have any expences after bying it, no fuel.
Still $8,000 is not cheap. I would like this to take off, but I can't afford $8,000.
Brian Foster ....it's simply not worth $8000 it's too much to ask for.
Urban - it saves you at least $3000/yr over car ownership. I'm now in my third year so it has fully paid for itself. All the rest is a delicious gravy not served with any car....
Popeye Gordon ......I see, does it come with financing ?
Jan Sveen ...... how can you purchase this item ?
Can you “lock it up” so it doesn’t get stolen? Is it insurable as a motor bike or motorcycle? How much does it cost?
All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. Theft is not a serious issue, 3 thefts in 7 years with 1000 sold.
You can insure any bike through Velosurance. Some home policies protect you. The base price is $8,950 and there are used ones for sale. Tell me which state you live in. Shipping is a big cost with these large bikes.
Popeye Gordon I am in Ohio, USA. what do used go for? price is a big point!! And where are they found?
@@popeyegordon nearly 9 grand for a bike with a shell?
I'll just get a car thanks!
@@a.warner8246 Yes, innumeracy is a common problem with Americans. Your poorly educated brain is not capable of grasping that every 10 years you own a car, regardless of what it cost you to buy, you spend at least $30,000 on it for all expenses. In those SAME ten years of driving the ELF, we spend $3000, a $27,000 difference!! And we get the vital exercise no car driver gets, and we don't pollute. But hey, lack of awareness of your short attention span is more important isn't it? Getting rid of my car was the smartest thing I ever did. I have already saved $17,000 in year 6, more than twice my 7K purchase price. But hey, go ahead and keep paying those driving insurance, license and maintenance costs because you you perceived false savings up front...... until a gigantic environmental tax we will be forced to levy on all car owners forces you to to what you should have done years ago. The sad part is that the damage is already done and you don't give a shit.
@@a.warner8246 guess he told you.
i love this. such a useful invention. i would love it if these things took off and replaced a large percentage of automobiles on the road.
I have an electric wheelchair.a.nd i need an some kind of cover.,, simular to qhat you already have
Your fifties is when people have business starting $$. The storage iis so neat & invisible. Maybe if we peddle, idiots would not text & kill folks.
I have completed 6 years of using the ELF as my only transportation.
that's awesome!
Do these have to be registered to be on the road no license plate needed? You got something great here. All the things of a vehicle. I love that it says ORGANIC .........I’m ALL FOR IT.
This is an electric assist bicycle under federal law. Two states require tabs like they demand for mopeds. No insurance required, no driver license required. It's all good. I'm in year 6 without a car thanks to my ELF.
This is absolutely incredible. I love it!
In the realm of urban transport, this is where the future's heading. For those complaining about the price, you're just not their target market.
Also, people forget that when you're buying any product, the final cost includes the ideas, labour, materials, marketing, etc. If they're able to eventually mass produce these then logically the price point will be reduced.
But they're a small company, so naturally the price per design is going to be more expensive, especially being made in-country versus outsourcing to somewhere with sweat shop labour (modern day slavery aka capitalism).
You hit the nail on the head. The price is inflated to fit the expectations of a target market. Nobody is marketing to the poor people because marketing costs money. I could use $400 worth of epoxy to make a canopy or I could melt together pop bottles (recycled PETE). I could use aircraft grade aluminum or I could use bamboo. The designer knows that he can inflate the price more by using "aircraft grade" aluminum. There is really no other reason to use that grade. It's not an aircraft. Bamboo is the way to go. It's a nontoxic renewable resource that is environmentally friendly. You can't say that about aluminum. He could use capacitors instead of lithium batteries. He uses only a 100 watt solar panel, but anyone can get a 190 watt solar panel for a mere $190 (less if you buy in bulk) from wholesalesolar.
I looked at a study that compared the environmental impact of making a bike frame from bamboo imported from China and connected using epoxy versus the impact of a frame made from aluminum and the study suggested the difference was negligible. However, that's partly because they assumed the aluminum was made from 60% recycled aluminum and the bike frame would be recycled at end of life. It's also possible to grow bamboo locally--I have some in my back yard. Another flaw of the study was that it only considered the impact of so called greenhouse gases produced and did not look at the damage of fluoride and other toxins that are dug up along with the mined alumina. Finally, it was not a true comparison when epoxy was thrown in. There are many different epoxies and some are more environmentally friendly than others; however, it is not necessary to use them at all.
I hope that despite the disinformation on the web, it's common sense that bamboo is a less expensive and more environmentally friendly alternative to aluminum.
I am legally disabled and my state Department of Vocational Rehabilitation paid for mine.
kedwa30 no . They lost money on the prototypes so that they could work on fine tuning the design. It takes a lot to design any new product . If you look at the people making it you dont see rich greedy people. They want to make them accessible for everyone. The frames cost a lot. They have a kayak company making the shell. Who do you think sourced the other company to manufacture? How many companies didnt fit the bill? Who is hired and trained to build them? do they put them together? Where? these separate steps take time and money.The cost is minimal when you realize how much it costs a person to do everything from concept,testing,building them for sale...... Dont judge until you know what they cost to manufacture.Even if there is a market,it is tough starting and keeping a small business going. Overhead costs are huge. these people are doing a great thing. If it works,the cost will go down. Used ones will become available,and probably they can rent them out by the day like a bike or a car.
I saw my first ELF 2 years ago at a car show in Lindstrom, MN.I looked up the sticker price at $9000, but this is hand built. Now I've seen the video. It's time has come and lately watching the electric bike mature. My interest was the fat tire recumbent/electric.
In England they have a saying in a complaining conversation between gossipers: "As long as you've got your ELF" (really health but it's the way they talk lol.) It would make a GOOD SLOGAN for the UK as it works well for both spellings.
Sadly entirely illegal in the UK...well not classed as a bike. So you'd need a drivers licence, tax, insurance, number plates and to get it certified by the DVLA - because apparently we really hate both convenience and the environment!
@@_Piers_ as an electric assist tricycle, doesn't it count as a scooter equivalent? So a motorbike licence and its lower costs apply. Here in Northern Ireland there is pressure to get electric bikes downgraded so that they don't need the scooter/bike licence. A covered cycle shouldn't be treated differently to a regular electric cycle.
Such a great idea.. this could so easily be used in Bristol UK. We were known as the cycling city a few years back. But we have loads of hills. Then the electric bike came, but we still use cars, and most people are put off by riding a bike, because, it's wet, cold, and bikes are seen by motorists. This could enable us to reduce the pollution, but aid safer travel to the shops, work or even across the city. My average daily commute is 20 miles around trip. I don't want to arrive wet, cold or sweaty. I want to arrive safe, and ready to work. The question is how much do they cost?
How do you keep it from being stolen while you're shopping?
All bicycle security measures and locking hardware applies, plus the motor key removes, leaving a 160 pound bike so large it does not fit in a standard van. I lock mine to any available vertical post or on the end of a bike rack. Even the parking brake is enough to confound kids who don't realize any bike would have a parking brake. With 1,100 of these sold, only 2 have been stolen. One was recovered and the one not recovered had not been locked by its owner. Plus, new owners are needlessly fearful of theft so they usually buy bike insurance for the first year. Velosurance offers full coverage policies for bikes.
if you are in America do nothing because most Americans are out of shape anyways lol
Same concern for my ebike. The homeless guys just lust after ebikes here. Carefull going under bridges on bike trails in parks. They'll call their buddies down the trail to let them know you're delivering your ebike to them.
Love this idea. Wish it was affordable for me. 9 and 10,000. If I lived in aarea that I could make this my full time transportation, I would spend the 9 grand to get one. i would love the pickup truck one. I am a small farmer, would love to deliver my produce in the city to chefs in one of these.
Joe you shouldn't have to wait long. There are already experimental fleets for the USPS and UPS. I find my ELF extremely economical, in the 4 years since getting rid of my used car I have saved $12,000. And I get the exercise I need while living cleanly.
That sounds awesome. I absolutely see the value in them. Thanks for sharing how it's helped you. I look forward to having one some day. I'm a grower for fine dining chefs here in Charleston, SC. I grow microgreens and edible flowers, all pure organic. I'd love to be able to deliver my product in a ELF.
Some businesses already use the ELF, pizza and baked goods are two I'm aware of. You can put your business logo on the sides and advertise that you deliver via solar power. There is a lot of room in the base model - front shelf, side boards, rear deck, two 12 gallon bins and it is easy to pull a small bike trailer.
What a great idea. Can't afford one now, but a great idea
Yeah I'm here because I want to make my own and I found this while doing some research.
A great idea I have still not seen local. most likely due to the near 8 grand price tag.
I love this! But I just kept thinking it looked a little awkward with bars instead of a steering wheel. I ride a bicycle about a 100 miles per week. It seems like it would be hard to get used to the “leaning back arms up” position. Also, I love being out in the open air with no obstructions to sight and hearing approaching intersections. Those are the things I would need to settle with a test ride.
You may not be aware of the many thousands of trikes with a reclining seat position called 'recumbents'. This is a popular and very comfortable rider position with a mesh seat. The seat lets you push even more than your own body weight when you need maximum pedal power. A wheel would require a much heavier and more expensive design and a longer vehicle body. I assure you the position and driving experience feels natural compared to a bicycle and the bars and seat both adjust.
If you insist on being in the open air we wonder why you made any comment at all. There is no reduction in hearing at all, the doors are large and wide open but we do not miss the loud rumble of wind over our ears the windshield prevents.
Seems like a lot of money but if so many people are actually buying them I can’t knock them for that. These are pretty sweet.
not sweet..too bad you're going on appearances. It has no suspension, hugely underpowered, very small range on the battery and a terrible hillclimber. a good idea very poorly executed.
The company, Organic Transit is out of business.
I too would love one. But more on the full on velomobile side. But they're so damn expensive. Wouldn't use one everyday either because of where I live (rural area).
Excellent, looks like fun. This take biking to a whole anther level.
Wth. The world would be so much happier using this
The bike cars in this video are so neat. I feel I both could use having one and would like having one. Even as much as big as I am in doing the music artist thing, I still feel working for a company like theirs helping build them bike cars could be a second passion of mine.
I agree - I'm in year 6 of using the ELF without owning a car. The smartest thing I ever did. Saves me a bundle of money, fun exercise and no pollution! The artificially low price of gas is really hurting the sustainable transportation industry and the environment.
Outstanding idea. I hope it catches on!
Zk AY the hate troll thinks it is smarter to spend $4000/yr for ten years, $40,000 total, rather than spending $9000 once on the ELF. This is called innumeracy. But his spamming is flagged anyways.
It is a great idea but the price tag (imo) will be I hinderance to it catching on. If a cheaper model could be made that was affordable to students, struggling single parents and teenagers all of a sudden I think you would see them everywhere. But while there the same price as a family car I just can't see it and that's a huge shame.
Zero - any student or parent who currently owns a car is already spending much more for that than they would spend for the ELF. 10 years of car use costs you $30,000 while 10 years of ELF use costs you $3000, a $27,000 difference!! You CAN NOT logically compare the purchase prices directly, ELF only needs bicycle maintenance after purchase while a car needs insurance, gas, oil changes, license, registration, tires, brake jobs, and cars have $4000 transmissions and $5000 motors that can blow up, the ELF has no such liabilities plus you get exercise and you stop causing carbon emissions. It is a shame that most people are penny wise and pound foolish, that weakness is part of the reason for the impractical success of personal cars. There are already a few ELFs in the used market, they start at $3000. Remember the new PEBL vehicle, a very similar product, is also churning out new vehicles at its factory. Both makers have a 4 month backlog because demand is so high. Bike mechanics cost $20/hr., car mechanics charge $120/hr.
Zero - As I type this a 5 year old ELF is for sale in California for $2000. These are not the same price as a family car, that is incorrect. These cost you less than 1/10th of the annual cost to drive a car. No insurance or gas ever. No $5000 motor or $3000 transmission to blow up. An ELF replacement motor costs $300.
The price does annoy me too. I searched around the internet it was first advertised as a 4000 dollar upcoming vehicle.4K became 5k 6k... 9K. At 9k its just stretching the wallet. It would be an instant buy for me at ~$5k. Going from 4k to 9k is a bit problematic.
How much does the ELF Bike cost ?! GOD bless you all! A very innovative idea! I would love 1 in Orange!
Almost $10,000.
I absolutely love it!
I think they nailed it ! I think you should also build a weather protection for regular bikes ! A ferring that goes over ! Maybe a frame with removable vinyl ! The vinyl has to be removable for windy sunny days !
If that was possible it would have been done already. A sturdy enclosure that will survive winds and cargo and stresses has to have a sturdy frame to carry it and it will weigh at least 80 pounds. The ELF has a 550 pound payload capacity and full lighting, signals and horn.
Some factories on some different parts of the world could help to make more of these available. It would help in so many places. I would like one.
The company is already dead, killed by their absurd prices
@@mwbgaming28 that's sad but probably explains why all of this products are keep as project more than an actual product
@@AlejandroRodolfoMendez well they wanted $10,000 for of one of these, I'd say they brought it upon themselves