Elf Velomobile by Organic Transit

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Gotta confess thatI considered it actually interesting, altough I would probably not get one for myself...

[euromodder]

IMO it's way too big and heavy (150 lbs, with hopes to reduce that to 100 lbs) for what it does.

For comparison, a very popular EU velomobile weighs in at around 60 , though it won't carry as much inside.

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by euromodder

IMO it's way too big and heavy (150 lbs) for what it does.

For comparison, a very popular EU velomobile weighs in at around 60 , though it won't carry as much inside.

The Pod I had weighed 60 without the roof, and 70 with side windows and roof. Then in 2007 a hub motor, controller, and 3 12 volt batteries brought it to 110 pounds. Not easy to lift any more (found out the hard way- pulled a ligament in my back). Mine went "like a bat"; but the Elf is like a "Model A"

[Christopher Jordan]

I was very pleased to see this today about Elf expansion back in the eastern US, but also expansion to San Jose, California - about 45 miles from here:
ELF Builders See Santa A Little Early This Year | EarthTechling
I have a 3-wheel scooter sold in San Jose that was built in China, the Elf would be a definite improvement over that! 3- wheelers seem to be a vanishing breed on the west coast.

[wheelbender6]

I really like the ELF, but I can build an electric boosted velomobile for around $2500. My bargain basement velomobile would not be as spaceous as the ELF, but would still allow all weather commuting.

[NeilBlanchard]

Can you post pictures and/or build details, please?

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

Can you post pictures and/or build details, please?

Me? I thought I posted #s somewhere; but body alone cost $3000., cheapo trike was $1400, motor/controller/3 batts were $1000. , braces/shocks/stereo maybe $500. so roughly about $5000 will get a one-only project on the road. Keeping it on the road is another ball of wax! 7 years later and it sits in the corner. I am through!!!

[wheelbender6]

Here is my recipe for the $2500 velomobile. It's not competitive. Just a way to get to work. I have commuted on bicycles, gas assisted bikes and and an e-bike. I'm willing to perform the problem solving, maintenance and general tinkering that comes with a home built contraption.
Terratrike Rover $699 I would purchase the 1 spd and add a derailleur, shifter and cogset I already have in my garage. The Rover seat bottom is an inch higher than the other models, which would benefit me at dangerous intersections.
TerraTrike
Blue Sky Designs HPV body $400 plus shipping. I don't want the floor pan (Need ground clearance in contruction zones). I don't want the glass canopy as it would certainly fog up in my climate;
Blue Sky Design - HPV
Here is the Flevo Roof $350. No fogging.
Accessories | Velocity Velos
Rear internally geared hub motor kit w/36v SLA $600 (Add $400 for Lipo batteries)
E-bike kits store, complete kits

[euromodder]

Now there's a more basic, down to earth velomobile !

Sacrificing sheer speed and lowest drag for a far simpler, easier and cheaper to construct bathtub shape.

[wheelbender6]

I will likely add a faux grill to the front, but pass on the TX traditional bull horns above the grill.