Originally Posted by metro2005 (Post 15326345)

only plus point: It is cheap

Originally Posted by metro2005 (Post 15326345)

Too wide for bike paths, no doors so you still get wet, too small for ordinary traffic. Not something i would ever buy.

only plus point: It is cheap

Originally Posted by metro2005 (Post 15326345)

Too wide for bike paths, no doors so you still get wet, too small for ordinary traffic. Not something i would ever buy.

only plus point: It is cheap

Originally Posted by shepherdsflock (Post 15327312)

If I really felt I needed three wheels instead of two, I'd just get a conventional recumbent trike and spend a little money on rain gear (if I didn't already have rain gear). It would be FAR cheaper and the conventional recumbent trike would be a lot less work to commute with. Additionally, since I don't feel the need for three wheels, I can just ride my bike, which I hang on a hook on the wall of my garage when not in use. The bike only protrudes from the wall the width of the handle bars. Try that with that big behemoth.

Originally Posted by SpasticSprocket (Post 15327413)

Yeah for commuters like us that's great, but for people who typically drive their cars around and are tired of paying so much for gas, or just want a greener commuting option, this would be a really good alternative. It's an easier transition than switching to a full bicycle, and it's cheaper than the typical used car (around $5,000-$10,000 for a good used car). I can see where the appeal is, and since I live somewhere where it could rain mid commute without warning (which it has done) This would be a neat alternative to constantly having to carry a lot of stuff in a messenger bag and getting all sweaty. I will agree that the average bike commuter, who's used to dealing with the elements, is definitely not a target audience, but for drivers who can afford it, and are looking to save money this could be a good alternative, and one that eventually pays for itself.

Originally Posted by shepherdsflock (Post 15327554)

I don't see any reason the average person, even a "green" person, would choose this over a regular car. People drive cars instead of bikes primarily for the following reasons: speed (try going 70 mph in this thing!), passenger and cargo capacity (you're not going to haul your wife and kids around in this thing), comfort from the elements (no heater or air conditioning in this thing), range (you can easily travel hundreds of miles in a matter of hours with a car, you'd be lucky to make it a dozen miles with this thing before you were exhausted) and ease (let's face it, people are naturally lazy and want to find the easiest way to move around with the least amount of effort). This thing doesn't meet any of those points (though you might be able to make a weak argument for the effort part, since it does have an electric assist motor).

Originally Posted by PatrickGSR94 (Post 15327957)

But for most people commuting to and from work, you don't really HAVE to have things like speed, passenger or cargo capacity (not much of it anyway), or range. Comfort from the elements would be better than a regular bike since at least there's a roof and wind screen. Add a coat and minimal rain gear if it's cold or wet. And then ease, well the electric assist provides the ease to get up hills.

Originally Posted by Gnosis (Post 15326818)

Virtually any transportation methodology that keeps the incessantly greedy wh$res of petroleum out of consumer’s pockets is a welcome mode of transportation in my book! I like the Elf with two somewhat minor exceptions:

A) As it rumbled along, it sounded like a child’s plastic Big Wheel! :lol:

B) Its meek “meep-meep” horn was totally lame. It should bark like an 18-wheeler! :thumb:

I can see where this could be an attractive vehicle particularly to those who are experiencing issues whereby pedaling can sometimes suddenly become painful (like those with recurring knee, tendon, and ball of the foot issues), as it would provide a means by which to continue their ride home without pedaling.

As for me, I genuinely enjoy pedaling long and arduous hilly centuries on one of my portly mountain bikes, not simply for the health benefits (though that ranks highest in my priorities), but for the immense gratification it brings in knowing that I’m able to pedal such a rigorous distance as I quickly approach 57 years of age. But the day may come to pass whereby an Elf-like vehicle might be my only remaining joy, as I’ve already lived through one sudden excruciating near fatal heart attack, so who knows what health burden may be lurking just ahead.

I’m glad there are people who take the initiative to design and manufacture such vehicles, which are bound to appeal to some individuals in one way or another. :thumb: