Better Bike PEBL

[Daox]

Very cool Neil. I look forward to hearing more about it and how you like it!

[NeilBlanchard]

I will certainly post updates, and a review after I get it.

[NeilBlanchard]

Better Bike is ramping up their production.

https://www.facebook.com/sustainable...type=3&theater

[Grant-53]

Another vehicle option is the uni-body from VelosRus.com in Fayetteville, NC.

[freebeard]

The Better Bike looks 'better' for ingress/egress.

How much travel in the suspension? Everything I've ever seen like that was sprung too stiff with a thin, hollow shell.

Will you add three wheel skirts?

[samwichse]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

Another vehicle option is the uni-body from VelosRus.com in Fayetteville, NC.

They don't even have a proper product page. Just "custom carbon fiber body" listed, and a bunch of pictures on a separate page that look like they were from some kind of meet/race of a bunch of different trikes apparently taken with a potato.

Maybe if they spent 5 minutes putting a picture of the product up, we could care. But they don't so I just assume they're hobbyists and not a real business.

/pet peeve

[Grant-53]

Follow the link to recumbents.com velomobile forum for more details. I have had contact with him and discussed his business plan. A carbon fiber unibody sells for $3800

[NeilBlanchard]

Originally Posted by freebeard

The Better Bike looks 'better' for ingress/egress.

How much travel in the suspension? Everything I've ever seen like that was sprung too stiff with a thin, hollow shell.

Will you add three wheel skirts?

When I test rode the PEBL, I had to be very careful, so I didn't figure out the best way to get in and out, and the seat was set up for the owner.

I don't know how much suspension travel it has - I am also getting the 3" tires that are shown on most of these production units, and I had noticed the tighter clearance with them vs the stock 2 1/4" (?) tires. The general structure on the PEBL is pretty robust, vs the ELF, which a friend owns. The PEBL has suspension on all three wheels, which is not typical. The ELF, for example only has front suspension.

I will consider spoke covers to smooth air flow. I need to use it for a bit to get a feel for how much this might help.

[Daox]

Are you still on track to get it this month?

[NeilBlanchard]

Solar powered electric bike-cars ELF and PEBL might just be weird enough to work

The biggest difference between the ELF and the PEBL, is the PEBL has rear suspension, and the ELF has front suspension. The PEBL also has inner fenders on the front wheels, and comes with a removable floor panel. The PEBL also comes with roll up doors, so it is fully enclosed, and can be used in the cold. It comes standard with a rear seat, as well. The front seat is adjustable. The PEBL has reverse, while the ELF you use your feet on the ground.

The PEBL has optional windshield wiper, an option heater, and optional interior lights. The standard battery is 48v 16Ah, and provides an estimated 25 mile range. There are options for a 32Ah, 48Ah, and 64Ah batteries. The solar panel is 110w (not 100w as mentioned in the article) and it is an option. For places that have a lot of trees, or not much sun, you would be better off to opt for a bigger battery.

I rode a friend's ELF, and I have tried a PEBL. The ELF is slightly wider, and taller, and it feels wide open - you can see out through the front wheels. The ELF is more expensive, and is made with vacuum formed plastic side panels. The PEBL is a hemp and fiberglass shell, that uses a soy and pine based resin.

ELF vs PEBL
Length: 106" vs 99"
Width: 48.25" vs 45"
Height: 61" vs 58"

The PEBL starts at just under $8,000, while the ELF is $900 more.

The ELF comes standard with the 100w solar panel. The 110w solar panel is a $550 option on the PEBL.

The standard ELF comes in white, with 6 other colors optional. The PEBL comes standard in a choice of 6 colors, with almost any custom color optional for $200.

The ELF comes standard with a 3 speed hub, while the PEBL has an 8 speed hub.

The ELF has 3 disk brakes, and the PEBL has 90mm front drum brakes, and a rear disk.

The ELF weighs 160-200 pounds (depending on the model and options) and the PEBL weighs 195 pounds with the standard battery.

I am buying a red PEBL, with a 64Ah battery, 3" wide wheels, wiper, interior lights, 12v power outlet (in addition to the standard USB). I have now paid for my PEBL (finally), and it should be available in early July, for pickup!