Anyone Following the Elio?

[fitz19d]

Good long read here and explains it.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/04/elio-motors-update-latest-prototype-shown-lease-contracts-signed-factory-stores-announced

Aside from questions of it ever coming out and at projected cost/performance. (And per comments I'd love to see a tiny turbo diesal in it) Seems neat for someone not too scared of collisions and would rather not buy a $4k shitbox and the last 3k on the extra gas.

[Gman]

Is it licensed as a motorcycle? Ah..found it toward the bottom of the article.

With Tesla running up against car dealer franchise laws in Texas, Ohio, Arizona and most recently in New Jersey, I asked Vassallo how Elio plans to deal with the same problem. Here’s where three wheels again come in handy. Though Elio plans to have their vehicle meet automotive level safety and crash standards, as a three wheeler, it’s legally considered a motorcycle and thus has an easier and cheaper certification process. According to Vassallo, their status as a motorcycle, as opposed to an automobile, manufacturer will make a difference when it comes to operating factory stores in some states. He specifically mentioned that Harley-Davidson has factory owned stores, though he didn’t say whether those stores were in Texas or the other states that are problematic for Tesla.

[ChadAmberg]

I can see myself getting one. Been watching 'em for a a year or two.

The part about the motorcycle is interesting though: While it does get past those protectionist dealership laws, it also possibly triggers helmet laws in some states also.

[GilpinGuy]

Another hip gadget/vehicle for city folks. Not practical at all for my needs.

[Hound]

Seriously, where would you put your gun(s) for shooting at the range? Pistols would be no problem but rifles? Storage is gonna be a big issue. I am not saying this has help move a house but even groceries would hard to find a place for in that.

[Aloha_Shooter]

That thing looks ugly as sin. I think the only purpose behind it is to attract Obama-girls and they just don't interest me.

[blacklabel]

That thing looks ugly as sin. I think the only purpose behind it is to attract Obama-girls and they just don't interest me.

But they come with their own free birth control! The car that is. You can't get laid driving a car like that.

[sniper7]

Not for me. I'd rather have a canam spyder if I'm going to drive a reverse trike

[ruthabagah]

Not for me. I'd rather have a canam spyder if I'm going to drive a reverse trike

I totally second that.

[Ronin13]

But they come with their own free birth control! The car that is. You can't get laid driving a car like that.
They won't even fit in it, so this is very accurate.
I don't like it, pass. Does that thing even have a cup holder?

[ruthabagah]

The only "minimalist" car i would ever consider buying

44573

http://www.ultimatestreet.com/jeremy-clarkson-reviews-the-ariel-atom/ariel/

[TFOGGER]

The only "minimalist" car i would ever consider buying

44573

http://www.ultimatestreet.com/jeremy-clarkson-reviews-the-ariel-atom/ariel/

Or the KTM X-Bow

http://www.ktm.com/x-bow/x-bow-gt/model-info.html

[fitz19d]

For needs as Gilpin was saying, no this wont replace a work truck. I believe they've said it's intended as an extra vehicle for solely commuting. I think you actually could fit rifles in back/2nd seat if it was just you, but really that's a special trip and use your regular vehicle for. For those of us with boring lives where 99% of our drive is to/from work and then a couple times a year borrow a truck makes for lower cost of living.

In some ways (especially if they had some less flamboyant colors to live w/), it could encourage having a truck. A person could worry less about making their personal vehicle a 15mpg money pit and have a truck for show/actual work/specialty trips. But then again some folk have the money to buy a $60k truck w/ a 4ft bed, never haul anything but their progeny in their minivan disguised as an SUV disguised as a truck.

[wctriumph]

Motorcycles have two wheels. A third wheel only counts if it is a attached sidecar.

[SideShow Bob]

Another downside to this vehicle, in CO. It is considered a motorcycle so a MC endorsement on your drivers lisence is required to drive it legally.
But 80 + MPG for my 22 mile round trip daily vs 16 - 17 MPG would pay for it in a few years.
The thought of getting laied, when I said the I do's said the I don'ts............[Tooth]

[fitz19d]

Wish I had it now since I've been doing 100 miles a day since dec1 till End of june :(. Even at 27mpg it sucks.