a 50cc or electric mini car project?

[Peakster]

Originally Posted by stormbird

I like the model is it yours ?

Yes, the model was created by me. I've been sketching aerocars ever since seeing basjoos's Honda Civic, however that's the first '3D' model I've made with aerodynamics foremost in mind. I was expementing with creating a tapered rear end without it looking like it's 'sticking right out'. The end result looks reminiscent of the Jetsons automobiles and the B.A.T. car .

Originally Posted by ebacherville

My states laws say 30 mph is the max you can travel.. but they would have to catch me... LOL

I'd personally would be very happy with a 30-mph maximum. That's pretty quick for a human-powered vehicle.

I don't know you guys, with all these great vehicle designs floating around, I really want to make my own now... Maybe I could get away with a wooden frame for now .

[ebacherville]

welding is't to hard.. and welders for light tube frame work can be had for under 200 bucks ..
Biggest thing is practice practice practice ... now to get really sweet looking welds you have to go TIG instead of MIG welding

There is a whole string of videos on youtube showing how to weld.. here is a sample: (this is Arc welding ) MIG is easier , aka wire feed

YouTube - Learn to Arc Weld: Tips & Techniques for Beginners: Free Video Instruction : Running a Bead of Weld: Arc Welding Tips & Techniques for Beginners

[skyl4rk]

Laugh at High Gas Prices With a 282-MPG VW | Autopia from Wired.com

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by skyl4rk

]Laugh at High Gas Prices With a 282-MPG VW | Autopia from Wired.com[/url]

Terrific article! This exact same VW appeared a few years ago, but with gas over $4.50 here and oil @ $145.+; try try again! How appropriate now! Great vehicle too.

[Figjam74]

I really would like it for commuting, but it looks like they've priced it out of my range.

I need something like this instead...

I need something more like this...

[skyl4rk]

XR3 Hybrid: Personal Mobility Vehicle (PMV) Automotive Prototype Project

At just 1300 pounds, this high-performance design combines lightening-fast acceleration, a maximum speed of 85 mph, and fuel economy of 125- to over 200-mpg.

[Peakster]

Holy moly, that velomobile was cruising really fast!

[ebacherville]

yep that velo is a great example of what i envision, very light capable of decent speeds to commute and go get supplies.. thus why i started looking at bicycle type based vehicles and beefing them up a bit to meat the needs.

MAking it a 2 seater would add some great flexibility in use.

[Christopher Jordan]

Mine would very easily reach 30 - 35 on a slight downhill (pre -motors), but maintaining that speed is hard. Electric motors solved that quite well, but speed laws of 20 are annoying; so I make up for my speed with a steady 20 mph. Good thing, in a way- suspension is critical around here- especially on a trike! Beefier suspension is a must!

[skyl4rk]

Michelin Challenge Design