folder fanatic

Here is my own account of the Expo. I attended on Saturday December 9. I went in the morning to get a fresh experience of the Expo before the massive crowds show up like they tend to do at freebies. I mostly saw electric cars displayed and some even for test drives-I declined since I only like to drive or ride if I am serious about the purchase of a vehicle, no matter how they are powered. Metro and Santa Monica Bus displayed their buses on the parking lot by the hanger.

As for the location of the Expo, I was a bit surprised that for a event sponsoring alternative transport, there was no convenient public transit available nearby. You had a choice of driving, a very long walk from the nearest bus, or biking there. I am pleased that there was a staffed bike parking and storage area for the event by the LACBC, a serious bike advocacy organization. I left my Brompton there (with it's claim ticket) next to a Piccolo (I am glad I did not bring mine since I am still breaking it in) and proceed to the show inside the hanger. I saw mostly electric cars or cars that were once gas/petrol powered now converted to alternative fuel. I saw Currie Technologies and their electric powered IZip bikes, including their own version of a electric powered folding bike called the EZGo. It seems to pose no serious challenge to Dahon at a hefty 53 lbs vs a much lighter Roo at around 36 lbs. in spite of having a aluminum frame and components. I liked the Zenn car being more like a regular car being in closed and all-rather than the tour bus like the more populated electric cars that either were more suited for golf courses or moving people around entertainment facilities. At one of the bike advocacy booths I saw another Piccolo-the first time I ever saw more than 1 folding bikes at a particular event that was not owned by me or my family or a bike shop's own stock in the Southern California area.

I will post photos on my website just as soon as I can!