Ecotransport mashup

[nickec]

I suspect that many members and readers know about the Lit Motors C-1. Likely readers recognize the Spira. This thread will cover my efforts to mashup concepts from Lit and Spira.

If I can get 80% of the results for 20% of the cost, I will celebrate.

The first donor chassis is a Gy6 powered Taotao motor scooter. Any modifications I make will minimize "hard mods" - so as little removal of components by metal cutting, and as little welding to the frame as possible. This makes reassembling the donor into "normal original" configuration easy.

Later I will consider extending the wheelbase by cutting and extending the single large tube which constitutes the spine of the frame.

This ongoing experiment may take a considerable time because I want hands-on experience with various design options:

roll bar vs. no roll bar
roof vs. no roof
fixed roof vs. demountable roof
fixed roof vs. convertible top
super narrow vs. narrow but comfortable
metal vs. coroplast vs. FRP vs. EPP bodywork (expanded polypropylene)
control positions - handlebar height and width; switch placement
**super small heater from copper coil exhaust wrap and computer radiator**

Thus far I have driven approximately 700 miles with various very low seats and very narrow handlebars. I have also lowered the floorboard.

Trial layouts of bodywork which partially fair the rider are in process.

The end goal is to enclose the rider as completely as possible while retaining the ability to easily firmly plant both feet for "take-off and landing" and to surround the rider with 3-6 inches of EPP. Think lighter, cheaper, simpler Lit C-1 with the foam body of the Spira.

If all-weather, improved safety moped riding results, perhaps others will follow my lead. Either way, this has been, and will continue to be great fun.

Pictures to follow in next post.

[nickec]

See this:



for Lit C-1 reference.

Now imagine it stayed in the dryer a bit too long and shrunk a bit.

[nickec]

Go to http://www.spira.com for pictures and video of various EPP body vehicles.

Spira had an NHTSA style test done to a 4 passenger version of their EPP body concept which produced outstanding results for an under 500 pound vehicle.

Watch this video at slowest possible speed:
http://youtu.be/zJ83UMc15Q0

Click the gear icon in lower right corner of video. Choose speed. Click .25 for quarter speed.

[nickec]

Two more posts and the system will allow me to post pictures.

In the pictures to come I compare the stock handlebar to the new fabricated inverted v bars, and I will show a super cheap seat consisting of a single bracket made from a bit of the metal framework which protects the motor scooter during shipping. Simple webbing completes the seat support structure.

I also experimented with inverted v bars which were bolted to the original bars using the tabs normally used to secure the plastic bodywork near the instrument cluster. These proved comfortable and gave me confidence about the riding position. Because I wanted to avoid destroying the original handlebar, I opted to make a new bar.

Readers may find it interesting that the rearview mirror tapped holes can serve to attach the controls in inverted v with *virtually no fabrication*. Just re-arrangement of parts. Another example of moving parts: the stock front fender makes a nice narrow upper fairing for the new narrowed handlebars - merely attach some foam to the inside and zip tie it in front.

Last example of part movement: In the full side photo attached to post #6 you see the original combination tail light, stop light, turn signal, license light rotated 180 degrees - inverted and attached to the original large bolts. This looks like it was made to be upside down! Seems too low though. The moped sticker would have to be mounted above the cluster because now the light faces up.

[nickec]

Maybe I can edit previous posts and provide live links, pictures, and video.

Indeed, system let me edit earlier posts. Good deal.

[nickec]

Narrow bars and controls - approximately half the stock handlebar width.

Around 41 inches to top of speedo cluster.

Lowest possible seat - any lower and carb strikes seat bottom.

Webbing from dollar store ratcheting tie down. Pad from discarded EPP packaging. Seat "cover" from dollar store carpet doormat.

Only metal cuts to vehicle thus far were four one inch cuts through supports for original floorboard where battery was housed. These cuts are easily restored as simple butt welds should it prove desirable to sell the scooter. All original new bodywork provided by the OEM is carefully stored.

Vehicle weighs significantly less than stock right now. Center stand, old floorboard, original seat, kick starter, many fasteners, seat lock, and original plastic bodywork adds up to X pounds. Will try to weigh removed parts and post.

[Frank Lee]

I like it.

[nickec]

Trial fairing to determine sizing and ergonomics.

"J" shaped 1/2" EMT (conduit) pierces wooden block.

Forward portion is two layers of corrugated cardboard. Rear portion is coroplast.

EPP pipe insulation serves as temporary combing. Zip ties fasten panels to EMT. Rearmost end of EMT bolted to frame near tailights.

Primitive yet effective. More panels to come.

Unlike in earlier pictures, tailight is not inverted.

[nickec]

Inside view shows need for painting coroplast panel.

Lower rear corner of coroplast constrained by zip tie to kick start splined shaft.

[nickec]

This picture seems to distort reality. Coroplast actually conforms to curve of EMT support.