[nickec]

Right now automotive manufacturers around the world use large pieces of molded EPP for crash force absorption.

I am proposing and exploring the idea of simply snapping large EPP panels onto steel hoops which surround the vehicle occupant.

The fairing pictured is only for real-world riding experience to gauge proper sizing, ergonomics, and rough aerodynamic exploration. It is critical to know the proper size for leg access to the ground, and to achieve a shape which discourages airflow into the cabin from the leg access perforations.

Imagine a molded EPP panel which merely snaps onto a hoop and requires no other fasteners. This is the level of simplification I seek. Secondary light fastening may prove desirable to discourage panel theft.

This thread will hopefully usefully outline the baby steps along the long journey to an inexpensive yet effective transportation option.

The vehicles mentioned above, the Spira, the Qbeak, and the UCV, are at some level, large blocks of foam you can ride in. The Qbeak comes closest to simply exposing the EPP as a "finish surface". Because I feel that this is possibly a very good idea, with advantages and disadvantages, I wanted to demonstrate variations in an Ecomodder thread.

Because EPP molds are pricey it makes sense to simulate and simplify before making a significant investment in molds. Paper Mache may be in the offing.