I am an Elf owner, I purchased it last year in May of 2014. After driving it for a complete season without incident and never being flipped off by any motorist. More often than not people give the thumbs up and smile with curiosity when they pass. I use for commutes between my location and town (17 kms round trip). The route I use has a maximum speed limit of 60 kmh , I can clearly see anything coming to and from me. When I experience a situation where I may be a liability to road traffic I simply pull over and let vehicles pass however most are willing to wait and watch until they can pass safely. Over all I am very well pleased with this bike and recommend it to anyone looking for an alternate form of transportation. It helps our environment, health and is economic when you do the math.
Need to throw some water proof on those things, like doors, that lock & put a sIgn on the back that reads," E-BIKE, NOT A CAR." People are going to want to be able to use these things in summer or winter too, you know. Also, can criminals hack into your smart phone E-bike account and remotely drive off with yer E-bike? And if so, does it come with a tracking device, so you can find were it is, or where it went ?
Hi Agrotis, I can't reply to your comment for some reason so I'm writing it here. The ELF starts at ~$5,500 and goes up depending on the options, here's the rest of the details on the bike: electricbikereview.com/organic-transit/elf/
tarstarkusz Quite a few normal electric bikes retail for North of $5K and even the ELF is selling well. I think velomobiles tend to sell less well than upright two wheel bikes because they are untraditional looking, harder to transport and somewhat harder to lock and store.
tarstarkusz You must understand most cheap bikes are mass produced and assembled in china from budget materials but ALL recumbents and velomobiles are hand-made and tend to have mid to very high grade materials and equipment. That adds to cost. And you make a very deliberate choice when buying a bike or velomobile like that. Not because you need it but because you WANT it!
Andrej Gobec Mass production is probably the key to get these down to a better price. I'm old enough to remember buying bicycles that were made in America (where I live) and though they were slightly more expensive, they weren't triple the price of cheaper bikes from Taiwan and other cheaper labor markets. If you can mass produce cars, you can certainly mass produce this vehicle and bring the price down under $1k
Not sure when this video was posted, but here's a user review from early 2017. Purchased my ELF in the middle of December and have put about 600 miles on it in 10 weeks. As someone who has cycled to work as often as possible, this is much more than I would have put in on the bike. The shell and lights have made riding in the wet and dark a non-issue. I would probably have about 1/5 of that mileage if I was only using a commuter bike through this season (extraordinarily warm Feb not withstanding). The lack of doors and floor are not a problem. Have never gotten wet, and even on mornings in the low 20s I'm not cold. I suspect the opposite will be a problem as the temps rise - it may be difficult to remain cool enough without any wind to cool me. While I am happy with my vehicle and plan to ride it into dust, I'm not happy with the company and I would urge any potential buyer to do lots of homework before making a decision. I began to have questions about OT when they wanted to charge me for shipping, even though I was picking it up myself at the company. Much of the information on the website is overstated (imagine: a marketing tool that's not truthful. The horror.). For instance, it says on the front page "up to 48 miles without pedaling." This is just plain wrong. I rode the ELF back to my office that day, a distance of about 12 miles. When I left for the day, the battery didn't even make it out of the parking lot before it died. And let me tell you, unless you are going only downhill, the battery is absolutely essential for travel. As a strong cyclist, I had my hardest workout since climbing Mt. Mitchell getting that thing home. When I called the next day to see if there might be something wrong with the charge, they asked me how far I'd traveled. When I said 10-12 miles, their reply was "that's about right." Now, true 12 miles is "up to" 48, but when I pointed out that was the information on their site they claimed I was wrong. (I wasn't - it's still there). They also suggested I needed to pedal (which I'd done continuously) especially when starting from a cold stop (which is nigh impossible). So they were essentially blaming me. They recommended that I use the larger 15ah battery, but have yet to make one available to me. My requests for tips on maintenance have gone unanswered (currently it's been 3+ weeks since I asked something about the brakes - the brakes! - without a reply), as has a request for a copy of the warranty. Like a lot of tech companies, they would just as soon never have to talk to an actual person. Another misstatement would be the price. These videos suggest $5K, but you will be hard pressed to get away for less than 9K. Everything, including color, comes with a price tag. So if you are going to get one, here are a couple of tips. First, get the Schwalbe tires. You want heavy duty tires, because you do NOT want a flat. It will take you most of the day to fix one the first time, maybe longer if it's the back wheel (there are FOUR youtube videos to explain how to remove it). And put Slime in the tires for extra protection. Second, do not get the wheel covers. They are as expensive as the tires and only make it more difficult to deal with the wheels (like inflating them or trying to lock them). Third, spring for the CycleAnalyst. It's very helpful to know exactly how far I've gone and how much battery is left. Fourth, I've enjoyed the variable transmission, but I suspect that if you're trying to save a little on the price, this is an option to be skipped. You can vary the effort with the throttle instead of the gearing. And last, get the larger battery. Although, since those are just a myth at this point, spring for a second one if you are planning on travelling any distance at all - especially if you won't have a full day (and full sun) for the solar cells to recharge it. So, bottom line, would I get one again? I'd say yes, but if there were other similar vehicles out there, I'd give them a long look. And if I read reviews that the customer service of those other companies was stellar, it would be a deciding factor for me.
Kevin - the 48 mile figure is with two batteries. One battery is good enough for most because we pedal and get solar charging as we go. There was a problem with their battery supplier for a while but that is now over and they have 16AH batteries. The price was from 3 years ago, it is now $8,450. They were losing money. Tire repair is NO DIFFERENT AND GENERALLY EASIER with the ELF than with a two wheeled bike since it stays upright. The number of instructional videos for tire repair is irrelevant. I have not yet had a flat in 29 months of daily use but I did rotate my front tires which was easy, just place little blocks under the frame. I use no flat proof gimmicks. I like my wheel covers, they look futuristic and high tech and they increase the side visibility view of this vehicle but of course they are optional. Look, your warranty will eventually expire and you sound like someone who will need an expert ebike mechanic so just find the closest shop that is willing to work on this, most are thrilled at the chance to touch an ELF. The only challenge is finding a shop with double entrance doors so it will fit indoors. The sooner you connect with a local shop the better.
@@BurtonHohman There are fans of that copycat vehicle despite its 205 pound curb weight which takes the joy out of pedaling and limits hill climbing ability. OT offers a full one year warranty, the PEBL offers none. PEBL is more fully enclosed so it is better for cold climates, the ELF is great for me here in Florida, I'm in my 5th car-free year.
@@jclar3565 You are in an extreme minority. 1000 ELF owners who are excited to be part of the paradigm shift away from personal car abuse are happy with their ELFs and understand they need maintenance. The newer the ELF model is, the less maintenance they need. 500 engineering improvements in the last 6 years. There will always be a whiner and a sour grapes complaint with any product.
I keep coming back and looking at this unit -- I find them to be very intriguing. Looks like they are petering out as the media from Organic does not seem to be growing very fast and looks like a standstill for 4 months. These guys have a great product a bad price point, IMHO. They need to start getting them mass produced and get the price down. Pretty soon someone else will see the product and make a copy of if for allot cheaper - and more then likely not as good of quality as the elf. I really hope Organic becomes very successful and they become main stream as we really need stuff like this to help the environment. Cheers, Patrick
Yeah, it's tough to say... The story I heard during my visit last time was that they're expanding, looking at new geographies, adding different models. That might be code for "we haven't found our customer" but I'm not sure. It's definitely inspiring and intriguing but the price is a touch high compared with products that could match or beat characteristics of the ELF. None combine them all... There's another velomobile product I'm going to check out in SoCal later this year. I think it goes for under $3K but lacks the solar panel. It's a company called Virtue Bikes and the model is the "Pedalist" you can see some footage of it in day 3-5 here electricbikereview.com/guides/interbike-2014/
That's so cool! I have mild Cerebral Palsy and I never learned how to ride a two weel bike. This is a cool alternative. With the three wheels it gives you the balance that some people with CP have trouble doing on a two wheel bike.
@@popeyegordon - Thank you for commenting this. I'm legally blind and this fits my needs. I'm glad it's specifically marketed in that way, this explains why it ticked most of boxes on my list.
@@YourMajesty143 Glad to steer you in the right direction, but bad news, the factory is presently shut down so you only have the 1000 used ELFs to check for used sales. There are several sites that list it but one of the better ones is AnyoneCanBike.com You should also check out the competing vehicle called the PEBL. Watch TH-cam videos about it.
@@popeyegordon - Oh that's too bad, I guess I can check out if those are available or if there's something similar like the one you just mentioned. Thanks for the heads up 👍
Electric Bike Review Great job on this video. I have found your message.(very late) Hope,one day you will do the same good job on my Egg tricycle.Thanks for interest. Recently I am building upgraded version of the EGG -alloy,improved design-better ergonomics and practicality , hub motorization, integrated cargo box and no tilting. It will be hopefully available early next year. Sure, I will let you know details when it will be ready. I am based in Slovakia =quite far,but lets see how far it will go...
Egg Tricycle Sounds like a very cool design! Will you be at Interbike this year? I skipped Eurobike but may go next year. Good luck with your project and thanks for sharing :)
This trike has clear advantages to conventional bikes, e bikes etc. I think it appeals to motorcyclists too because they are uncool in the rain. As for bypassing Big Oil...............priceless. A great form of transport for short trips commuting etc. Love to try one.
That sounds amazing! Good trade in my opinion... I love Porsche (maybe you've seen the eRuf concept? www.caranddriver.com/news/ruf-eruf-concept-model-a-car-news) but there's something so practical and cool about the solar powered ELF, especially for going around town. I guarantee people will say hi more frequently and you'll get the kind of fresh air and exposure that traditional transports just can't offer. Feel free to share your experiences and pictures in the Organic Transit Forums here: electricbikereview.com/community/forums/organic-transit/ I'd love to hear about it!
How can that solar panel give 60 Watt? What I can see it is normal PV crystalline silicon panels giving maximum 20% energy output. In the standard size of 125 mm * 125 mm that would give maximum 3 Watt per square. So 15 * 3 = 45 Watt! Real output a sunny day would probably be around 30 Watt because of the round shape and not perfect conditions. If not using a MPPT controller probably down to 20 Watt. Just some calculations in my head..
In the UK, we had something similar back in the 1980's called the Sinclair C5. Two wheels at the back, one at the front. Only available in white. It had both pedal and battery power (though not solar). The handle-bar was under the legs and it had no top. It was considered impractical and felt quite unsafe when buses and other large vehicles overtook. It was a flop and one of the failures that led to the downfall of a company that had previously introduced affordale 8-bit computers such as the highly successful Spectrum 48K and 128K home computers (comparable to the Commodore 64 but half the price).
Fascinating prospect for niche transportation needs of some. Q: 1. Is there any work being done to shave the price of these or produce a version that would be more attractive to more budget conscious adopters? 2. When does an electric bike become motor vehicle status? 3. Does a user need to be a bike mechanic; are designers even considering that many prospects don't want to be constantly tinkering with their ELF in order to keep it on the road? For this concept to flourish, it needs to be low maintenance and reliable, and cheap. At $5.5K and up, many seeking alternative transportation will opt for more traditional vehicles. At this price, they would be a hard sell vs. a Twizy (where available), or a conventional bike, moped, LSV/NEV/golf cart, etc.
1.) Great question about price, I think the ELF is selling very well at the current ~$5K mark and they are expanding the variety of models right now. I'm not aware of a more affordable version in the works at this time. 2.) In the USA an ebike is classified as a bicycle if it has a motor that is
I have liked the ELF styling since first sight. Don't like the price but when you compare it to what is out there like the Rhoade's Car, definitely better bang for the buck with the ELF. Just watching this vid again to get ideas to build my bastardized version that will look more like the Rhoades with the plexi roof, noticed in this vid that you will might get sprayed by the wheels if you are out in the rain when turning, no biggy, just noticed it and thought I would point it out to others looking to get one. I figured that if you are paying to get something to keep you out of the elements it might be important! Cheers, Patrick
The Rhoades Car is poorly engineered junk. If you can pick one up of craigslist for cheap ($200-$300) they are ok, but not worth the new price in the least. If you are looking for a Quadracycle either go with a Surrey, they have been selling them since the 70's, or order one from Quadarcycles LLC out of Tuscola, Illinois.
Thx for the info - I am building my own from scratch - got delayed in the new build but currently riding my Recycled Recumbent design 2 wheeler that I converted to a 3wheeler using the rear end off a adult trike. Cheers, Patrick
+Shindinru I've never seen or rode on a Rhoades Car before but I did watch a video of one being built at their factory. I knew I should probably steer clear of them when the guy started installing the wheel bearings on the bike wheels...*with a claw hammer*. The quickest way to ruin bearings is to drive them into place with a hammer of any kind, much less one meant to drive *nails*. You use a bearing press for that and for that application a strictly mechanical one would work fine.
Seems that driveing/rideing with the rear screen up is less aero drag in warm and dry weather seems like a good idea that brings up another point. When Your making a turn on a wet street do the front tires spray You?
Great question Walt, the fenders look pretty big so my guess is that you stay dry (there wasn't any water to test with on my ride). I wonder if the front slips at all? It felt solid and stable when I rode, even when I turned hard.
Thanks for posting this review! It was super informative and contained so much great info that I hadn't seen before. I love seeing the innovation (shocks, rear seat, steering improvements etc.) since I'm still saving for one at least I know it will contain some of these new upgrades. It has lights and turn signals but does it have also brake lights? Please shoot another video in a couple months to show what the doors might look like and any other design changes we can look forward to.
I really appreciate the compliment! Yeah, the ELF is an awesome little electric bike/car thing and I'm also curious about the doors but may not get to see them. I had to drive from Colorado to North Carolina to do this review and have just been sleeping in my car and stuff... posting from libraries ;) It does have four red lights in the rear that are always on (not activated by the brake) as well as turn signals back there. I'll be posting more reviews soon of other bikes that are out here on the East Coast but nothing quite like Organic Transit has.
Electric Bike Review Great post! Have you checked out FFR Trikes yet? They are in NC also. Not really the same useCase as Organics but they are quite the perfomer and a sign of things to come. They brought home 1st and 2nd place at Pike's Peak in 2012. watch?v=bS6JVhX0d8c
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm very impressed with the Organic Transit products, this new version of the ELF has suspension bumpers, the solar panel and an improved motor which is a great combination of the lower price and simplicity of a hub motor with the balance and durability of a mid-drive. Very cool.
Dude, you sound like Joshua Seth (voice actor of Tai from Digimon, Tetsuo from Akira and Dio from Last Exile). And the bike looks like something which can become very popular as it gets cheaper. A solar vehicle for the masses. Great review! EDIT: Also, do you think the ELF could be used with the Bike RV project? The Bike RV Project by Alexander Main or the EDAR tent? CNN - Tents on wheels give homeless people roof and pride
Glad you like the bike! I agree that it's a bit pricy but love the solar panels and nice shell they built. It's funny you should mention the Bike RV Project, I've seen that video before and even donated a bit and wrote to that guy but never heard back. Maybe it's tough to get email when you're in a Bike RV :)
It would also be a Death Trap if you tried to mix very closely with car and truck traffic, Jackass. It is generally assumed that a rider would want to Stay Alive in traffic, and this little pig is not suited for that.
Very Nice. I like this bike but I am not sure I would like being "indoors" while riding as a personal choice. I think if you want to be enclosed this is the etrike. I do not like the noise. I would find a way to button down the items that are making noise. Not a bad price for what you get. I do like the position of the battery and I really like the way the motor is mounted with a gear and chain to help with the torque. I am willing to bet you could change the rear gear so a rider could go up just about anything. From this video I have two changes I am going to make to my etrike. Thanks for the report.
Awesome, I'm glad you've gotten some new ideas from this. The Organic Transit ELF is one my favorite bikes because of the unique design and solar panel integration. It's inspiring :D
Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't it be more more aerodynamic backwards than forwards? Shouldn't the blunt end of the teardrop shape face forwards for maximum efficiency?
good point?! I'm not a physicist but it seems like you could be right. I think the design they chose here is based on having space for your feet and the steering hardware. It could probably work the other way too? At sub 20 mph speeds however, aerodynamics are less important and maybe they just thought it looked more like a little car this way :P
That's an EXCELLENT idea, thanks for sharing. I'll mention it to the Organic Transit team when we talk again. This is something that you can't really do with a normal bike (unless it has a wind fairing or something)
What happens if your feet slipped off the pedals while using the motor? I think you might snap an ankle or lose some skin. It needs a lightweight tray under the feet, otherwise cool looking
There is no issue with feet off the pedals unless you place your feet down on the pavement with pressure that could create enough friction to drag your ankles back under the vehicle. If this frightens you buy pedals with straps or clips. I got the optional full foot platform pedals with heel cups, so very comfortable even barefoot. A full floor is not practical due to the small clearance to the road bed and we need the ventilation.
in city centers where cars are banned (there are plenty of those in Europe) these could be huge business and the fact that it charges while you work is freaking awesome. I was expecting some actual shock absorbers but i guess those are better than nothing. By the way how far are these models from the production version ? Also why not have 4 wheels ? i mean 300 pounds + half the bikes weight + the rider is a lot of strain a single bicycle tire, is it just because it's easier to make the drive system this way ? And another thing, when you get a puncture you tip it over ?
Yeah, the suspension bumpers were kind of basic but this design keeps the weight and price down. These are very close to production but still kind of pieced together (the one had a rear seat and the other one had the unique paint job). To fix flats you might have to use a small jack or prop the bike up and take the wheel off. I would recommend keeping it right side up to avoid scratching the frame. I asked about maintenance and they said it uses standard bike parts and most shops could help... but it's kind of big, I think it's probably more work to service than a traditional bike.
Everdayvideos good point i guess, but over here (in East Europe) we already have small cars that don't need a license or insurance, because they are very small, about the size of the ELF if not smaller, they also have small 300-400cc engines and a limited top speed, stuff like this images.sodahead.com/polls/000659951/polls_no_license_car2_3549_750125_answer_3_xlarge.jpeg
Joe G.P. That's cool, I forget that you're in East Europe and not US! In the future maybe we will also see smaller cars like this. We have the Car2Go that uses the Smart car like this www.car2go.com/
Are these kind of vehicles road legal in the UK? Do they require tax, MOT and insurance? Do you need a licence to drive them? Would be interested to build something like this but with 2 seats.
All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. This is a huge 160 pound bike. Kids can't hide it in the bushes and it won't fit in a standard van. But it does sound like you need to move to retain your own human dignity.
the biggest issue with these kind of vehicles is that a used motorcycle cost half as much. I bought a Vulcan 900 for $2,950 this electric trike is $5,500.
No, this trike has a list price of $8,950 and the competition sells the PEBL for $12,000 with no solar panel. No gasoline powered vehicle can be compared with bike prices. The ELF is emissions free, offers fun exercise and needs no driver license or insurance or tags. You are in the most dangerous group for severe injuries on motorcycles. Car drivers think nothing of taking on a perpetual annual cost of owning a car in the range of $3 to $5 thousand dollars every year, year after year. You all seem clueless that a car costs you at least $30,000 every ten years while the ELF only costs you $3000 to own for ten years, a savings of at least $27,000!!! In year 6 without a car my ELF has already saved me $16,000, more than twice my purchase price in 2015. And you ignored the fact that cars and motorcycles are a proven double risk - you get no exercise and their pollution injures all humans and the biome. Buying the ELF was the smartest thing I ever did. And of course we are still free to rent a car or motorcycle if needed but you will discover you don't need one when you live sustainably and responsibly. My car was stealing resources from future generations. I put a stop to my theft. The ELF has $3000 worth of high performance parts, why should they sell it below cost?
Yeah, I really love this thing. It's amazing to see in person and realize just what's being accomplished combining solar, electric drive and cargo capacity.
A suggestion for improving this version. The wheels need a rain cover on the inside of the driver's cab. Didn't you think of it? I think it's best if the rain cover is hung on the bike itself instead of integrating it into the cabin.
Not really needed. A few of us have added a small panel to extend the fenders inwards in the area near our knees/thighs but there is no spray when going stright, only when turning over a deep puddle. Mostly avoidable.
This is a 5 year old video. He won't see your message here. He has new reviews where he reads the comments. There are only two bikes in this class which have been in production.
I called Court to ask him to consider making an updated review since this one is three years old and many improvements are now standard in the 2017 ELF. He is interested but has to work it into his schedule as he travels the US making these videos. He's on a shoestring budget, lives in his Prius while traveling. Maybe we can see a head to head review of the latest ELF vs. the new PEBL in production now.
@@npr-sgtrangerrickringlemin3207 i know this is late, but in this model he specifies that the motor and your pedal drive train both freewheel. for regenerative braking or any other kind of charging, you need something to be turning the motor the other way, in addition to it being the right KIND of motor. it's got solar panels on top, so it recharges while you're at work or whatever, but there is no regen braking or pedal charging. if it did, there would be significantly increased rolling resistance and friction.
Not a problem for most of us but you can add a simple flap if that is a concern. In any case you won't get "covered". A really tiny percentage of the time you are moving is spend in sharp turns in wet. Most turns are not sharp.
thieves will find it irresistable because it's light enough to lift it into their car while you are inside for only some minutes. I think that the replacement of the car by the 'improved bike' needs a advanced theft protection.
Unfortunate that they can't get the price down. You can almost buy a used Leaf for that cost, but then... you have to have license and insurance, registration. Maybe with higher production they can bring down the price. I saw lots of this sort of thing, looking somewhat home-made, in Beijing. I guarantee those would be VERY inexpensive.
cook7772 Yeah, that's what I meant to say... the advantage is that it's classified as a bicycle, so you don't pay all that extra stuff. What we need is a low-cost option, like the pedicabs and such you see all over Asia.
+J Bishop I travel at 15-20mph I just don't see the point. I don't gain enough speed to make it worth it. If you give up your car, you can add up price of gas and Insurance for the year. For a decent electric bike start at what? $2,000?
cook7772 I've got a PHEV now, since I need a car (in our area mass transit sucks and almost nothing is walking distance), so my cost of fuel is, well, nearly nothing. Insurance is about $200/yr (PL/PD only) and registration is... I'm not sure what I paid. Probably $200 or so. I can put lots of stuff (like 4 people) in the car and go 60mph. I'm not willing to spend $5,000 on a bicycle... but I would definitely buy and use something like this if it was reasonably priced for the covered moped that it is.
+J Bishop How's your cost of fuel almost nothing??? I'd honestly be surprised if you commute spots where more then 10 miles. (Except work) Most car speed's avg dies with traffic lights btw. Doesn't sound like it saves you money, so I would agree with you on what's point of it.
great bike. but I have a question I cant se in the video ore other asking... ? Have do you lock the Bick if you want to leave it some place, so it want be stolen?
MarsterKanobi If it were stolen, they wouldn't have the key, so couldn't use the motor. But I've got a good u-lock and a motion-sensing alarm that should be additional deterrent. Plus they're so rare a thief couldn't do much with one. I'm also adding stickers to personalize it..
Good insights... I think the added weight of this bike at ~150 pounds will use up brake pads more quickly and agree that the rear tire will take more wear given the motor drive placement. The wheels seem very solid and they offer different tire options so bent rims shouldn't be a huge issue. These things can carry a lot of weight and have been in use by the Durham bike trail police which seems to be working out alright.
Electric Bike Review Can you do a review of the EnergyReturnWheel. I think it would be the best fit for the elf. Also do you know about blacklightpower.. replacements for battery technology.
superhotbm I'd love to review the Energy Return Wheel (ERW) but have never seen one in person. They are so expensive right now but I love the idea of no flats. Will keep an eye out for that and the Black Light Power thing (looks like hydrogen power or something? Have you seen it before?)
Electric Bike Review I think a better design for this would be a huge disc brake on the back. Have you also looked at the auroratek self charging scooter. I think the ERW is the future of electric bicycles. One of the big problems is flats, bent rim from the heaviness of the batteries and the motor. Electric bikes are in constant repair.
superhotbm Yeah, a disc brake on the rear wheel makes a lot of sense, right now there are two chains there (one for pedaling and one on the other side connected to the motor mounted at the middle of the frame) so maybe that limited their ability to attach a disc? I've contacted Energy Return Wheel because they have an office in Denver very close to where I'm at right now but they don't want to do a demo for some reason...
Me too, I love that it has that solar panel on top and is so self contained. When I think about actual use and storage it's a little daunting but the idea is great :)
Too Country BBQ Did you see this video? I got some behind the scenes footage with the founder of Organic Transit and it shows how the frames are setup and the unique middle mounted hub motor Organic Transit Tour, ELF Overview With Founder Rob Cotter
Great video. I REALLY like this little thing. The only thing that is stopping this from taking off is the infrastructure. Cities need to build more bike paths that are wider to accommodate trikes. Where I live the side walk is to small and you would NEVER want to ride on the street because you will get run over. If my city had the infrastructure in place, I would buy one in a heart beat. Some modifications I would recommend. 1. Needs four wheels for stability. 2. Needs shocks. Looks bumpy has hell 3. Need ability to slide front wind shield up and out of the way so you can feel the wind on beautiful days. 4. Needs wind shield wipers for when it rains. Unless you can get away with using Rainx 5. Needs built in anti theft solution. Maybe even a GPS to locate it if stolen. Just my opinion.
The ELF is 5 feet high, how does a car "run over" it? Makes no sense. 1) 4 wheel bikes with electric assist have to be licensed and insured like cars in the US. 2) No we do fine with the elastomer suspension and soft 3 inch tires are no more than 20 mph 3) We do fine without a removable windshield. Lots of side ventilation 4) Wipers ruin plastic windshields. Rain-x for glass has alcohol that ruins plastic. We use carnauba wax 5) Has removable key for motor and all bike security measures apply. Theft is not a problem for this large conspicuous bike
how the hek India build a car that you can buy for $2,000 (nano car) but Americans build a bike car for $5000. I just don't get it why it's so freaking expensive.
***** I'm not completely sure Alicia but it might have to do with volume of sales (many more buyers of small cars in India than ebikes in the US) and also regulations and taxes in the US. Our products have to be UL certified, companies have to carry insurance and there are import duties vs. India where laws are less restrictive and manufacturing is done locally for a much lower cost (US has minimum wage). It's a complex topic but I think these are some valid points. On the flip side, some things are very affordable in the US compared to other countries such as food, water and energy.
***** The nano car needs gas, insurance, etc. The ELF doesn't, so in the long run it's more efficient. And I understand the nano car isn't very safe. I wouldn't take one of they paid me.
Hi Alicia - its all about profit margin over here in North America - you cant stay in business if you dont make a certain amount of money so you can than afford the over priced housing and fancy cars which I will admit I have a big house and good car. Not sure how we fix this An example on price mark up is on the upgrade Mag aluminum wheels - I got those same rims for 64$ for a 20" and 70$ for a 24" - 30 dolars shipping so 234$ is getting marked up to $1000. Another example are the solar panel - I got them for $100 - $550 from them. That is a huge profit margin - can you imagine everything else on there that has to be marked up and you can be sure these people get better pricing then I did because they in bulk. I aint beating the war drums on OrgTran and their products - everyone over here is the same way. When you go out there and price Electric bike this or that - OT pricing on par to what else is out there. This is one reason I am building my own - wont look as fancy but it will get the job done. Green is good now and it is not the environment green - it is the dollar green. Best Wishes, Patrick
Patrick - YOU don't get a warranty. YOU deal with any dimensional incompatibility issues when mounting the wheels to the disc brakes and axle. YOU did not have to research and test the wheels for reliability. What dealer offers upgrades at cost? Name one.
Patrick - you did not get a comparable solar panel for $100. Either you lied or you got a cheaper version. They average $180 plus shipping of the crate on Amazon. The panels are shipped in custom wooden crates, I know because I got one that way. Again, what vehicle dealer sells replacement parts at cost? Is there a free warehouse for them to store the panels in? Do they get free financing for the funds to stock those panels? Any home made imitation will not come remotely close to the performance of a product designed by a team of engineers and assembled with half a million dollars worth of specialized custom tooling. You are a childish braggart pissing in the wind.
That's a great idea! Organic Transit recently introduced a two-seater version just like you're imagining here. Check out this article on Treehugger: www.treehugger.com/bikes/organic-transit-elf-velomobile-now-two-seater-option.html
I own 3 ebikes, and with the rise of these types of vehicles, we really need an infrastructure of bike lanes and paths to really help them to take off in popularity.
I think price is the biggest barrier to entry before infrastructure. These hybrid velo-etrikes are already road friendly, after all(barring interstates) I understand completely why these things are so pricey, but it doesn't change the fact that you can literally buy a car for what OT was asking. Expensive recumbents get away with the pricing because they're a niche hobby product, but the Elf was trying to be a practical machine and the price just didn't match what was being offered I still plan on getting one of these used one day, regardless lol
Cool. I am looking for an electric bike to travel around the country and promote green energy. Was thinking of getting an ebike & towing a trailer with a solar panel...but then I saw this and thought hmmm 🤔 Could be interesting! I am curious what the battery range is and how long it takes to charge via the sun. I don’t mind just using pure human pedal power, but I am curious. Especially on a tour of that thing was loaded down with gear.
You really need to check out the movie made by a Canadian who went 4000 miles to Key West in an ELF with one spare battery. He has a TH-cam channel too, representing 'Sustainable Joes': th-cam.com/video/KfgwrSCBLbM/w-d-xo.html Two other people have done 4000 mile journeys as well. Carrying camping gear or staying at VFWs. There are several hundred ELF videos you should consider reviewing for ideas. In the first year, no PEBL owners have done long journeys. You will figure out why, soon enough. Once you buy an ELF you can join our community with 3 groups on Facebook. Ask me where you can buy a used ELF.
Since there are two wheels up front, I wonder if it might be worth exploring front cargo wells. I suspect the trike would be less likely to tip during an emergency swerve when laden.
Great idea, I've seen a running board side rack thing that goes along the inside walls and a front dash board thing that might come close. Keeping weight low and towards the front where it's stable is a good call. You can see the features here under "front parcel rack" and "bamboo cargo shelves" organictransit.com/features/
Going downhill makes me think of the soapbox races. The ELF is a neat transport option. I wonder what is the reaction from car drivers on the road to it ; do they leave enough clearance for the ELF? Are they allowed on the bike paths? I find the cabin a bit noisy, as you explained you had left the rear flap unsecured and it rattled . I think they could isolate the different parts that vibrate with something and make the cabin noise less noticeable. I find the signal lights too small, they could be larger sort of like butterfly who make themselves appear bigger . I would use the cabin pillards as signal lights.
Cars treat us very well, more respect than bikes get. ELF is legal on almost all bike paths unless they ban ebikes. You absolutely can not judge interior noise in a cheap TH-cam video, don't even think about it. If Court had to yell loudly to narrate that would be different. What about that constant loud roar of wind past your ears on any bike going more then 12 mph? Doesn't happen in the ELF with windshield. The LED lights are correctly sized, they are very bright and exceed DOT specifications.
The demo unit has the 2 inch tires, most owners take the 3 inch tire option for a softer ride. The old demo unit does not have the elastomeric front suspension. Over 300 upgrades have become standard since this video was recorded.
i could have used one of those when i was a teen... crowing up with seizures, my only way to get around was a bike.. ty showing up to a Funeral Home type job dripping wet...
All bicycle security methods apply. Only 3 have been stolen in 7 years and one recovered. At 160 pounds and 9 feet by 4 feet wide it won't fit in a standard pickup or van. We remove the motor key just like with a car. Too big for a kid to hide it in the bushes and very conspicuous. Most people don't know what to make of it and never think of trying to steal a vehicle they don't know how to operate.
Interesting... thanks for the input. I wonder how the ELF is used in real life, like do most people ride them in the street or around neighborhoods? I'm just curious, the design is awesome but yeah, on a path it would stand out (whether it was allowed or not).
"the back is a little noisy"..... LOLOLOLOLOLOL TRY CLOSING AND LOCKING THE HATCH!!! love your video , thanks .. P.S.... i would make some snap on screen doors just like front radiator covers for cars with "bug-bras" or winter radiator covers for gas vehicles
Great idea about the snap or zip on doors, could keep the rain out and make it slightly more aerodynamic. I agree these things ride a bit noisier, glad you enjoyed the video.
That must have been a real early 1.5 version. I have a 1.5 as my only transportation for 29 months now. It has the larger 100 watt roof panel but your video shows the older version with a 60 watt panel and no front suspension. In fact I'm pretty sure your video did not review the 1.5 as stated incorrectly in the video information. Time for another review with a new vastly upgraded product.Version 1.8 has a mid-drive and different electronics and battery placement. EDIT - year 5 and going strong. I save thousands of dollars and get good exercise and no pollution.
can i buy 1 in big apple? i dont know how to ride a bike this good for me? all i need is doors? if u step outside the super market someone might steal your ride. do i need a driver linsnce ?
There are ELF pedicabs in NYC. You don't need to balance the 3 wheel ELF. All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. This is a huge 160 pound bike. Kids can't hide it in the bushes and it won't fit in a standard van. Doors are available but they make it too hot. We need maximum ventilation while exercising in this small space. This is designed to conform to ebike laws so no license is required.
All standard bike security measures apply, plus the motor key removes and there is a parking brake. You can also place a disk brake lock on the rear brake or use GPS tracker. Theft is not an issue with these, they are too large and extremely conspicuous. Kids can't hide them in the bushes. The ELF does not fit in a standard van. I lock to a bike rack or any vertical post. Only 5 thefts have been reported in 7 years with 1000 sold. Two of those were recovered. The one not recovered was not locked.
If this catches on it will might be revolutionary if not then it would fade into bankruptcy. People could use this as taxis, delivering newspapers, mail, etc.
Yeah, it could be ahead of its time or just in time. There are enough niche applications to keep the company going for a while but it would be great to see it catch on if gas prices go up again. I almost want to buy one for myself... it's just so cool, like the creative ideas I've heard friends talking about in school but this thing is real!
Kokioj Europos saly galima isigyti tokia triracia, dengta transporto priemone? Butu gerai reklamoje pamatysi kaina? Vilnius, Lietuva ( Lithuania ) Pagarbiai -
I wonder if lining the inside of it with some of that sound reducing foam that you see in music recording studios would reduce the rattling noise? Not coating the entire inside but just putting strips of it here and there ya know?
Base price is now $8,950. The competing PEBL has a $12 K base price without the solar panel and it weighs 70 pounds more, making it a poor performer. Shipping is a potential large cost for these bulky bikes.
So , niche tech for greenies. It is a product creating a fixed solution. I could see it for some of the rv nomad folks but, an electric golf cart is less than this bike. It is tech that is a step towards a sustainable post oil future. Removable pV panel to be useful in another home pV application. Larger lighter battery for increased range. Folding shell to allow portability. adapt to the jitney world for mass production where this style of transportation is already in use. Robust materials that are less costly. How many segways are used in thailand?
I predict this is a phase-in tactic for release of ELF version 2.0 which is expected to have rear suspension, regenerative braking and reverse gear plus more. Since there is an approx. 2 month backlog the orders taken now may be getting the upgraded model. I look forward to side by side rubber meeting the road performance testing of ELF vs. PEBL. Acceleration, hill climbing, load carrying, braking, battery range and lighting safety measurements. And the results of two 4000 mile long PEBL trips comparable to what that Canadian and a 74 year old German woman did with their ELFs. Collision testing is very expensive for companies this small and not required.
This looks like an awesome idea, and 1,800mpg with solar assist in a lightweight frame is probably a far more sensible way to do things than a hydrocarbon-powered car, but... Were they really expecting people to pay ten times the price of a used car and nearly the price of some new cars for a tricycle without doors?
Yes. 1000 owners of the ELF and 200 owners of the new PEBL are elated with the gigantic cash savings every year that no car can offer. We pay no insurance, license, tuneups or fuel costs. In year 6 I have now saved $16,000 because I got rid of my car, the smartest thing I ever did. An old car costs you $30,000 every ten years to own, the ELF costs you $3000 to own and operate for 10 years, a $27,000 savings!! Plus, no pollution and vital exercise in a fun way. Therefore there is no valid cost comparison with owning cars.
+SolarizeYourLife Sure, I've ridden ebikes in the snow before and they work pretty well, even rain and wet conditions... just clean them off and store the batteries in cool/dry vs. freezing cold or super hot to make them last. Here's one test I did in the snow with a fat ebike: electricbikereview.com/felt/outfitter/ scroll down for the video ;)
Nice design,nice back storage,nice back seat for extra passenger ..cons:too noisy, rattles a lot, no flooring ,no front paneling,poorly designed trunk door..needs more modifications and improvement on comfort.hope you could compete with the PEBL
After 6 years as my car replacement I can assure you the design is correct as-is. I fix any rattles I hear. The trunk door is perfect and functions as a rear deck for cargo or a pet. We don't want the weight and loss of ventilation and clearance problems a full floor would offer. What do you mean by front paneling? The front does have a nose panel and shelf. The PEBL is not competition, it is far too heavy because it tries too much to be like a car. As a result it is 70 pounds heavier, too heavy to enjoy pedaling and the motor has to be geared which makes it very noisy. It is so heavy the factory had to add an illegal cheater switch that doubles the wattage. The superfluous extras like body liner, courtesy lights, wood dash and floor panels make it too heavy and poorly ventilated. The rear hatch with gas shock and frame is far too heavy compared to the elegant light weight ELF rear window design. The PEBL is a rip-off copy and is a real slug, can't make it up hills and can't maintain top speed without illegal motor power. No one has completed a long journey in the PEBL but three ELF owners have done 4000 mile journeys. ELF invested in an injection mold to make light body panels, the original PEBL hemp shell was a disaster and the fiberglass is too heavy as designed. Somewhere past the light design of the ELF the PEBL crossed an invisible line for practical weight limits that ruined it as a successful design for mass production under the current US ebike design laws. Finally, note that this video is 6 years old and the ELF has seen 300+ improvements since then including mid-drive. The PEBL sells to those who do not have much bike experience. You would not want to be caught with a low battery in the PEBL.
I am an Elf owner, I purchased it last year in May of 2014. After driving it for a complete season without incident and never being flipped off by any motorist. More often than not people give the thumbs up and smile with curiosity when they pass. I use for commutes between my location and town (17 kms round trip). The route I use has a maximum speed limit of 60 kmh , I can clearly see anything coming to and from me. When I experience a situation where I may be a liability to road traffic I simply pull over and let vehicles pass however most are willing to wait and watch until they can pass safely. Over all I am very well pleased with this bike and recommend it to anyone looking for an alternate form of transportation. It helps our environment, health and is economic when you do the math.
Need to throw some water proof on those things, like doors, that lock & put a sIgn on the back that reads," E-BIKE, NOT A CAR." People are going to want to be able to use these things in summer or winter too, you know. Also, can criminals hack into your smart phone E-bike account and remotely drive off with yer E-bike? And if so, does it come with a tracking device, so you can find were it is, or where it went ?
How do you lock it up? Also, do you have safety concerns when driving it?
If you don't mind me asking, how much do they run
What is the price?
Is it as noisy as it seems to be in this video? How is it after 4 years?
Hi Agrotis, I can't reply to your comment for some reason so I'm writing it here. The ELF starts at ~$5,500 and goes up depending on the options, here's the rest of the details on the bike: electricbikereview.com/organic-transit/elf/
Fifty five hundred dollars, therein lies the problem. This is why velomobiles don't sell well, they are just far too expensive.
tarstarkusz Quite a few normal electric bikes retail for North of $5K and even the ELF is selling well. I think velomobiles tend to sell less well than upright two wheel bikes because they are untraditional looking, harder to transport and somewhat harder to lock and store.
tarstarkusz You must understand most cheap bikes are mass produced and assembled in china from budget materials but ALL recumbents and velomobiles are hand-made and tend to have mid to very high grade materials and equipment. That adds to cost. And you make a very deliberate choice when buying a bike or velomobile like that. Not because you need it but because you WANT it!
Andrej Gobec Mass production is probably the key to get these down to a better price. I'm old enough to remember buying bicycles that were made in America (where I live) and though they were slightly more expensive, they weren't triple the price of cheaper bikes from Taiwan and other cheaper labor markets. If you can mass produce cars, you can certainly mass produce this vehicle and bring the price down under $1k
tarstarkusz I think you're right and prices will come down ad these companies become more established and reach new markets.
Not sure when this video was posted, but here's a user
review from early 2017. Purchased my ELF
in the middle of December and have put about 600 miles on it in 10 weeks. As someone who has cycled to work as often as
possible, this is much more than I would have put in on the bike. The shell and lights have made riding in the
wet and dark a non-issue. I would
probably have about 1/5 of that mileage if I was only using a commuter bike
through this season (extraordinarily warm Feb not withstanding). The lack of doors and floor are not a
problem. Have never gotten wet, and even
on mornings in the low 20s I'm not cold.
I suspect the opposite will be a problem as the temps rise - it may be
difficult to remain cool enough without any wind to cool me.
While I am happy with my vehicle and plan to ride it into
dust, I'm not happy with the company and I would urge any potential buyer to do
lots of homework before making a decision.
I began to have questions about OT when they wanted to charge me for
shipping, even though I was picking it up myself at the company. Much of the information on the website is
overstated (imagine: a marketing tool that's not truthful. The horror.). For instance, it says on the front page
"up to 48 miles without pedaling."
This is just plain wrong. I rode
the ELF back to my office that day, a distance of about 12 miles. When I left for the day, the battery didn't
even make it out of the parking lot before it died. And let me tell you, unless you are going
only downhill, the battery is absolutely essential for travel. As a strong cyclist, I had my hardest workout
since climbing Mt. Mitchell getting that thing home. When I called the next day to see if there
might be something wrong with the charge, they asked me how far I'd traveled. When I said 10-12 miles, their reply was
"that's about right." Now,
true 12 miles is "up to" 48, but when I pointed out that was the
information on their site they claimed I was wrong. (I wasn't - it's still there). They also suggested I needed to pedal (which
I'd done continuously) especially when starting from a cold stop (which is nigh
impossible). So they were essentially blaming me. They recommended that I use the larger 15ah battery, but have
yet to make one available to me. My
requests for tips on maintenance have gone unanswered (currently it's been 3+
weeks since I asked something about the brakes - the brakes! - without a reply),
as has a request for a copy of the warranty.
Like a lot of tech companies, they would just as soon never have to talk
to an actual person.
Another misstatement would be the price. These videos suggest $5K, but you will be
hard pressed to get away for less than 9K.
Everything, including color, comes with a price tag.
So if you are going to get one, here are a couple of
tips. First, get the Schwalbe
tires. You want heavy duty tires,
because you do NOT want a flat. It will
take you most of the day to fix one the first time, maybe longer if it's the
back wheel (there are FOUR youtube videos to explain how to remove it). And put Slime in the tires for extra
protection. Second, do not get the wheel
covers. They are as expensive as the
tires and only make it more difficult to deal with the wheels (like inflating
them or trying to lock them). Third,
spring for the CycleAnalyst. It's very
helpful to know exactly how far I've gone and how much battery is left. Fourth, I've enjoyed the variable
transmission, but I suspect that if you're trying to save a little on the
price, this is an option to be skipped.
You can vary the effort with the throttle instead of the gearing. And last, get the larger battery. Although, since those are just a myth at this
point, spring for a second one if you are planning on travelling any distance
at all - especially if you won't have a full day (and full sun) for the solar
cells to recharge it.
So, bottom line, would I get one again? I'd say yes, but if
there were other similar vehicles out there, I'd give them a long look. And if I read reviews that the customer
service of those other companies was stellar, it would be a deciding factor for
me.
Kevin - the 48 mile figure is with two batteries. One battery is good enough for most because we pedal and get solar charging as we go. There was a problem with their battery supplier for a while but that is now over and they have 16AH batteries.
The price was from 3 years ago, it is now $8,450. They were losing money.
Tire repair is NO DIFFERENT AND GENERALLY EASIER with the ELF than with a two wheeled bike since it stays upright. The number of instructional videos for tire repair is irrelevant. I have not yet had a flat in 29 months of daily use but I did rotate my front tires which was easy, just place little blocks under the frame. I use no flat proof gimmicks.
I like my wheel covers, they look futuristic and high tech and they increase the side visibility view of this vehicle but of course they are optional.
Look, your warranty will eventually expire and you sound like someone who will need an expert ebike mechanic so just find the closest shop that is willing to work on this, most are thrilled at the chance to touch an ELF. The only challenge is finding a shop with double entrance doors so it will fit indoors. The sooner you connect with a local shop the better.
Any idea how it compares to the Pebl?
Very thorough truthful and excellent commentary in my opinion as an elf owner.
@@BurtonHohman There are fans of that copycat vehicle despite its 205 pound curb weight which takes the joy out of pedaling and limits hill climbing ability. OT offers a full one year warranty, the PEBL offers none. PEBL is more fully enclosed so it is better for cold climates, the ELF is great for me here in Florida, I'm in my 5th car-free year.
@@jclar3565 You are in an extreme minority. 1000 ELF owners who are excited to be part of the paradigm shift away from personal car abuse are happy with their ELFs and understand they need maintenance. The newer the ELF model is, the less maintenance they need. 500 engineering improvements in the last 6 years. There will always be a whiner and a sour grapes complaint with any product.
I keep coming back and looking at this unit -- I find them to be very intriguing. Looks like they are petering out as the media from Organic does not seem to be growing very fast and looks like a standstill for 4 months. These guys have a great product a bad price point, IMHO. They need to start getting them mass produced and get the price down. Pretty soon someone else will see the product and make a copy of if for allot cheaper - and more then likely not as good of quality as the elf. I really hope Organic becomes very successful and they become main stream as we really need stuff like this to help the environment.
Cheers, Patrick
Yeah, it's tough to say... The story I heard during my visit last time was that they're expanding, looking at new geographies, adding different models. That might be code for "we haven't found our customer" but I'm not sure. It's definitely inspiring and intriguing but the price is a touch high compared with products that could match or beat characteristics of the ELF. None combine them all... There's another velomobile product I'm going to check out in SoCal later this year. I think it goes for under $3K but lacks the solar panel. It's a company called Virtue Bikes and the model is the "Pedalist" you can see some footage of it in day 3-5 here electricbikereview.com/guides/interbike-2014/
That's so cool! I have mild Cerebral Palsy and I never learned how to ride a two weel bike. This is a cool alternative. With the three wheels it gives you the balance that some people with CP have trouble doing on a two wheel bike.
Yes, the ELF is marketed to autistic, legally blind and wheelchair bound users as well.
@@popeyegordon - Thank you for commenting this. I'm legally blind and this fits my needs. I'm glad it's specifically marketed in that way, this explains why it ticked most of boxes on my list.
@@YourMajesty143 Glad to steer you in the right direction, but bad news, the factory is presently shut down so you only have the 1000 used ELFs to check for used sales. There are several sites that list it but one of the better ones is AnyoneCanBike.com You should also check out the competing vehicle called the PEBL. Watch TH-cam videos about it.
@@popeyegordon - Oh that's too bad, I guess I can check out if those are available or if there's something similar like the one you just mentioned. Thanks for the heads up 👍
For those not able to have or drive a car ...these are awesome alternatives. Not to mention environmentally friendly.
Now that is something to wow at. Bravo for posting this video. Very inspiring. Great job.
Thanks! It was a long road trip to visit these guys but totally worth it, glad you enjoyed the video :D
Electric Bike Review
Great job on this video. I have found your message.(very late) Hope,one day you will do the same good job on my Egg tricycle.Thanks for interest. Recently I am building upgraded version of the EGG -alloy,improved design-better ergonomics and practicality , hub motorization, integrated cargo box and no tilting. It will be hopefully available early next year. Sure, I will let you know details when it will be ready. I am based in Slovakia =quite far,but lets see how far it will go...
Egg Tricycle Sounds like a very cool design! Will you be at Interbike this year? I skipped Eurobike but may go next year. Good luck with your project and thanks for sharing :)
Good review, I was impressed you shot video from outside the bike while driving.
This trike has clear advantages to conventional bikes, e bikes etc. I think it appeals to motorcyclists too because they are uncool in the rain. As for bypassing Big Oil...............priceless. A great form of transport for short trips commuting etc.
Love to try one.
Are these crash tested in case you were hit by a car
I test drove an Elf a few weeks ago, and I loved it. We are selling a 1972 Porsche then buying an Elf to use around Winston-Salem, NC as a city car.
That sounds amazing! Good trade in my opinion... I love Porsche (maybe you've seen the eRuf concept? www.caranddriver.com/news/ruf-eruf-concept-model-a-car-news) but there's something so practical and cool about the solar powered ELF, especially for going around town. I guarantee people will say hi more frequently and you'll get the kind of fresh air and exposure that traditional transports just can't offer. Feel free to share your experiences and pictures in the Organic Transit Forums here: electricbikereview.com/community/forums/organic-transit/ I'd love to hear about it!
How can that solar panel give 60 Watt? What I can see it is normal PV crystalline silicon panels giving maximum 20% energy output. In the standard size of 125 mm * 125 mm that would give maximum 3 Watt per square. So 15 * 3 = 45 Watt! Real output a sunny day would probably be around 30 Watt because of the round shape and not perfect conditions. If not using a MPPT controller probably down to 20 Watt. Just some calculations in my head..
The 21% energy conversion efficiency is included in the wattage rating. The 100 watt panel gets hit with 500 watts of solar radiation.
In the UK, we had something similar back in the 1980's called the Sinclair C5. Two wheels at the back, one at the front. Only available in white. It had both pedal and battery power (though not solar). The handle-bar was under the legs and it had no top. It was considered impractical and felt quite unsafe when buses and other large vehicles overtook. It was a flop and one of the failures that led to the downfall of a company that had previously introduced affordale 8-bit computers such as the highly successful Spectrum 48K and 128K home computers (comparable to the Commodore 64 but half the price).
Number 1 environmentally friendly....no gas no engine...
No floor in the ELF If u drop ur things though into the road and the car roll across and ur things then damage.
Fascinating prospect for niche transportation needs of some. Q: 1. Is there any work being done to shave the price of these or produce a version that would be more attractive to more budget conscious adopters? 2. When does an electric bike become motor vehicle status? 3. Does a user need to be a bike mechanic; are designers even considering that many prospects don't want to be constantly tinkering with their ELF in order to keep it on the road? For this concept to flourish, it needs to be low maintenance and reliable, and cheap. At $5.5K and up, many seeking alternative transportation will opt for more traditional vehicles. At this price, they would be a hard sell vs. a Twizy (where available), or a conventional bike, moped, LSV/NEV/golf cart, etc.
1.) Great question about price, I think the ELF is selling very well at the current ~$5K mark and they are expanding the variety of models right now. I'm not aware of a more affordable version in the works at this time.
2.) In the USA an ebike is classified as a bicycle if it has a motor that is
I have liked the ELF styling since first sight. Don't like the price but when you compare it to what is out there like the Rhoade's Car, definitely better bang for the buck with the ELF. Just watching this vid again to get ideas to build my bastardized version that will look more like the Rhoades with the plexi roof, noticed in this vid that you will might get sprayed by the wheels if you are out in the rain when turning, no biggy, just noticed it and thought I would point it out to others looking to get one. I figured that if you are paying to get something to keep you out of the elements it might be important!
Cheers, Patrick
The Rhoades Car is poorly engineered junk. If you can pick one up of craigslist for cheap ($200-$300) they are ok, but not worth the new price in the least.
If you are looking for a Quadracycle either go with a Surrey, they have been selling them since the 70's, or order one from Quadarcycles LLC out of Tuscola, Illinois.
Thx for the info - I am building my own from scratch - got delayed in the new build but currently riding my Recycled Recumbent design 2 wheeler that I converted to a 3wheeler using the rear end off a adult trike.
Cheers, Patrick
+Shindinru I've never seen or rode on a Rhoades Car before but I did watch a video of one being built at their factory. I knew I should probably steer clear of them when the guy started installing the wheel bearings on the bike wheels...*with a claw hammer*. The quickest way to ruin bearings is to drive them into place with a hammer of any kind, much less one meant to drive *nails*. You use a bearing press for that and for that application a strictly mechanical one would work fine.
The fact that the price went from 4k (2013) to 10k is insane to me.
Very nice review of the trike. When I first saw it, I thought no way, but after your review I want one!
Ha! It's pretty crazy right... but also awesome. Glad you enjoyed the video ;)
Seems that driveing/rideing with the rear screen up is less aero drag in warm and dry weather seems like a good idea that brings up another point. When Your making a turn on a wet street do the front tires spray You?
Great question Walt, the fenders look pretty big so my guess is that you stay dry (there wasn't any water to test with on my ride). I wonder if the front slips at all? It felt solid and stable when I rode, even when I turned hard.
Thanks for posting this review! It was super informative and contained so much great info that I hadn't seen before. I love seeing the innovation (shocks, rear seat, steering improvements etc.) since I'm still saving for one at least I know it will contain some of these new upgrades.
It has lights and turn signals but does it have also brake lights?
Please shoot another video in a couple months to show what the doors might look like and any other design changes we can look forward to.
I really appreciate the compliment! Yeah, the ELF is an awesome little electric bike/car thing and I'm also curious about the doors but may not get to see them. I had to drive from Colorado to North Carolina to do this review and have just been sleeping in my car and stuff... posting from libraries ;)
It does have four red lights in the rear that are always on (not activated by the brake) as well as turn signals back there. I'll be posting more reviews soon of other bikes that are out here on the East Coast but nothing quite like Organic Transit has.
Electric Bike Review
Great post! Have you checked out FFR Trikes yet? They are in NC also.
Not really the same useCase as Organics but they are quite the perfomer and a sign of things to come. They brought home 1st and 2nd place at Pike's Peak in 2012. watch?v=bS6JVhX0d8c
pfos I love those guys! Have reviewed several of their bikes but refer to them as "Outrider" instead of FFR electricbikereview.com/category/outrider/
cool, I'll check it out
has that retro VW feel color scheme to it, cool
Cool dude didn't know you reviewed this! Totally awesome and it is actually a very practical solution :)
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm very impressed with the Organic Transit products, this new version of the ELF has suspension bumpers, the solar panel and an improved motor which is a great combination of the lower price and simplicity of a hub motor with the balance and durability of a mid-drive. Very cool.
Can the batteries be charged using a manual plug in cord?
+ArielHelwany Yes.
Dude, you sound like Joshua Seth (voice actor of Tai from Digimon, Tetsuo from Akira and Dio from Last Exile). And the bike looks like something which can become very popular as it gets cheaper. A solar vehicle for the masses. Great review!
EDIT: Also, do you think the ELF could be used with the Bike RV project? The Bike RV Project by Alexander Main or the EDAR tent? CNN - Tents on wheels give homeless people roof and pride
Glad you like the bike! I agree that it's a bit pricy but love the solar panels and nice shell they built. It's funny you should mention the Bike RV Project, I've seen that video before and even donated a bit and wrote to that guy but never heard back. Maybe it's tough to get email when you're in a Bike RV :)
that would be great for someone that had their driver's license revoked... it's also very economical no gas or oil or insurance!
It would also be a Death Trap if you tried to mix very closely with car and truck traffic, Jackass. It is generally assumed that a rider would want to Stay Alive in traffic, and this little pig is not suited for that.
@@dehoedisc7247 you're mean
Because U are drunk driver. That's why U are revoked . U can't drive any vehicles!!!! So U are not smart and an idiot!!!!!!!!!
@@YOUGETVIOLENCE you're evil and mean.
@@tinkerbell4296 U are not smart.. are u drunk ????
Very Nice. I like this bike but I am not sure I would like being "indoors" while riding as a personal choice. I think if you want to be enclosed this is the etrike. I do not like the noise. I would find a way to button down the items that are making noise. Not a bad price for what you get. I do like the position of the battery and I really like the way the motor is mounted with a gear and chain to help with the torque. I am willing to bet you could change the rear gear so a rider could go up just about anything. From this video I have two changes I am going to make to my etrike. Thanks for the report.
Awesome, I'm glad you've gotten some new ideas from this. The Organic Transit ELF is one my favorite bikes because of the unique design and solar panel integration. It's inspiring :D
ElectricBikeReview.com Thanks Court. I really think the solar panel is awesome.
Made in USA - a great bicycle!
/Sweden
Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't it be more more aerodynamic backwards than forwards?
Shouldn't the blunt end of the teardrop shape face forwards for maximum efficiency?
good point?! I'm not a physicist but it seems like you could be right. I think the design they chose here is based on having space for your feet and the steering hardware. It could probably work the other way too? At sub 20 mph speeds however, aerodynamics are less important and maybe they just thought it looked more like a little car this way :P
a good idea would be a tinted windshield or windshield visor so when your riding into the sun
That's an EXCELLENT idea, thanks for sharing. I'll mention it to the Organic Transit team when we talk again. This is something that you can't really do with a normal bike (unless it has a wind fairing or something)
I used Gila heavy duty cling tint on my ELF. It is still good 3 years later in harsh Florida weather.
What happens if your feet slipped off the pedals while using the motor? I think you might snap an ankle or lose some skin. It needs a lightweight tray under the feet, otherwise cool looking
There is no issue with feet off the pedals unless you place your feet down on the pavement with pressure that could create enough friction to drag your ankles back under the vehicle. If this frightens you buy pedals with straps or clips. I got the optional full foot platform pedals with heel cups, so very comfortable even barefoot. A full floor is not practical due to the small clearance to the road bed and we need the ventilation.
in city centers where cars are banned (there are plenty of those in Europe) these could be huge business and the fact that it charges while you work is freaking awesome.
I was expecting some actual shock absorbers but i guess those are better than nothing.
By the way how far are these models from the production version ?
Also why not have 4 wheels ? i mean 300 pounds + half the bikes weight + the rider is a lot of strain a single bicycle tire, is it just because it's easier to make the drive system this way ?
And another thing, when you get a puncture you tip it over ?
In the US if it had 4 wheels it would considered a car and you would need a license and insurance
Yeah, the suspension bumpers were kind of basic but this design keeps the weight and price down. These are very close to production but still kind of pieced together (the one had a rear seat and the other one had the unique paint job). To fix flats you might have to use a small jack or prop the bike up and take the wheel off. I would recommend keeping it right side up to avoid scratching the frame. I asked about maintenance and they said it uses standard bike parts and most shops could help... but it's kind of big, I think it's probably more work to service than a traditional bike.
Everdayvideos
good point i guess, but over here (in East Europe) we already have small cars that don't need a license or insurance, because they are very small, about the size of the ELF if not smaller, they also have small 300-400cc engines and a limited top speed, stuff like this images.sodahead.com/polls/000659951/polls_no_license_car2_3549_750125_answer_3_xlarge.jpeg
Joe G.P. That's cool, I forget that you're in East Europe and not US! In the future maybe we will also see smaller cars like this. We have the Car2Go that uses the Smart car like this www.car2go.com/
Americans are way to used to big cars, it will never catch on, maybe only in big city centers
I really love how it sounds like it’s rattling into a million pieces.
Id love too get one of these im sick of owning a car
Are these kind of vehicles road legal in the UK? Do they require tax, MOT and insurance? Do you need a licence to drive them? Would be interested to build something like this but with 2 seats.
What a great machine I'd love one
Hello guys! I'm fallen in love with the Elf. Just a question: I live in a city where thieves steal everything! How can I protect Elf from burglers?
All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. This is a huge 160 pound bike. Kids can't hide it in the bushes and it won't fit in a standard van. But it does sound like you need to move to retain your own human dignity.
What a great product.
the biggest issue with these kind of vehicles is that a used motorcycle cost half as much. I bought a Vulcan 900 for $2,950 this electric trike is $5,500.
No, this trike has a list price of $8,950 and the competition sells the PEBL for $12,000 with no solar panel. No gasoline powered vehicle can be compared with bike prices. The ELF is emissions free, offers fun exercise and needs no driver license or insurance or tags. You are in the most dangerous group for severe injuries on motorcycles. Car drivers think nothing of taking on a perpetual annual cost of owning a car in the range of $3 to $5 thousand dollars every year, year after year. You all seem clueless that a car costs you at least $30,000 every ten years while the ELF only costs you $3000 to own for ten years, a savings of at least $27,000!!! In year 6 without a car my ELF has already saved me $16,000, more than twice my purchase price in 2015. And you ignored the fact that cars and motorcycles are a proven double risk - you get no exercise and their pollution injures all humans and the biome. Buying the ELF was the smartest thing I ever did. And of course we are still free to rent a car or motorcycle if needed but you will discover you don't need one when you live sustainably and responsibly. My car was stealing resources from future generations. I put a stop to my theft. The ELF has $3000 worth of high performance parts, why should they sell it below cost?
I predict a huge market for these superb little grocery getters!
Yeah, I really love this thing. It's amazing to see in person and realize just what's being accomplished combining solar, electric drive and cargo capacity.
A suggestion for improving this version. The wheels need a rain cover on the inside of the driver's cab.
Didn't you think of it?
I think it's best if the rain cover is hung on the bike itself instead of integrating it into the cabin.
Not really needed. A few of us have added a small panel to extend the fenders inwards in the area near our knees/thighs but there is no spray when going stright, only when turning over a deep puddle. Mostly avoidable.
can you review on the Organic Transit ELF 2FR/2 SEATER pls pls!!!!!!
Sir, Thanks for the nice review.
I would like see more such reviews of 3 wheeled electric vehicles with a body.
This is a 5 year old video. He won't see your message here. He has new reviews where he reads the comments. There are only two bikes in this class which have been in production.
what the little people will be using when the oil runs out
godofallbums Yeah, these things are pretty cool! I love the idea of just leaving it outside to charge :D
Im 6ft.and thinking of sleeping in one of these..
I called Court to ask him to consider making an updated review since this one is three years old and many improvements are now standard in the 2017 ELF. He is interested but has to work it into his schedule as he travels the US making these videos. He's on a shoestring budget, lives in his Prius while traveling. Maybe we can see a head to head review of the latest ELF vs. the new PEBL in production now.
that will e perfect for Puerto Rico streets :)
+Juan Vargas Nice! It's an amazing little vehicle, hope we see these in small communities all across the world, I love the solar!
ElectricBikeReview.com what's the tow package can I haul my travel trailer does any of the paddling charge the battery
Saludos de Rincón Puerto Rico😝!
@@npr-sgtrangerrickringlemin3207 i know this is late, but in this model he specifies that the motor and your pedal drive train both freewheel.
for regenerative braking or any other kind of charging, you need something to be turning the motor the other way, in addition to it being the right KIND of motor. it's got solar panels on top, so it recharges while you're at work or whatever, but there is no regen braking or pedal charging. if it did, there would be significantly increased rolling resistance and friction.
It looks pretty good for Adelaide streets too.
Good video.
There's no mud guard on the inside of the front wheels. Won't the driver get covered in spray when cornering on a wet or muddy road?
Not a problem for most of us but you can add a simple flap if that is a concern. In any case you won't get "covered". A really tiny percentage of the time you are moving is spend in sharp turns in wet. Most turns are not sharp.
wow! how does it cost?
Around 10,000 much cheaper than a car!
How long will it be before we can start seeing these replacing all cars in urban traffic......forgive my impatience.
thieves will find it irresistable because it's light enough to lift it into their car while you are inside for only some minutes. I think that the replacement of the car by the 'improved bike' needs a advanced theft protection.
A GPS location chip welded inside the frame.. I prefer to put criminals behind bars instead of worrying about them.
People need to stop putting up with living with crime.
You must live alone a thousand miles from anywhere if you aren't living near crime.
@@Grizzydan No. Most of us don't live in crackhead neighborhoods.
hello there
i want to know if solar panel can keep charging the battery while running. and which company make they are
Unfortunate that they can't get the price down. You can almost buy a used Leaf for that cost, but then... you have to have license and insurance, registration.
Maybe with higher production they can bring down the price.
I saw lots of this sort of thing, looking somewhat home-made, in Beijing. I guarantee those would be VERY inexpensive.
It's a bike, you need non of those things.
cook7772 Yeah, that's what I meant to say... the advantage is that it's classified as a bicycle, so you don't pay all that extra stuff. What we need is a low-cost option, like the pedicabs and such you see all over Asia.
+J Bishop I travel at 15-20mph I just don't see the point. I don't gain enough speed to make it worth it.
If you give up your car, you can add up price of gas and Insurance for the year. For a decent electric bike start at what? $2,000?
cook7772 I've got a PHEV now, since I need a car (in our area mass transit sucks and almost nothing is walking distance), so my cost of fuel is, well, nearly nothing. Insurance is about $200/yr (PL/PD only) and registration is... I'm not sure what I paid. Probably $200 or so. I can put lots of stuff (like 4 people) in the car and go 60mph. I'm not willing to spend $5,000 on a bicycle... but I would definitely buy and use something like this if it was reasonably priced for the covered moped that it is.
+J Bishop How's your cost of fuel almost nothing???
I'd honestly be surprised if you commute spots where more then 10 miles. (Except work) Most car speed's avg dies with traffic lights btw.
Doesn't sound like it saves you money, so I would agree with you on what's point of it.
Thanks for the review.
you're awesome thanks for the info.
Quando ,custa no BRASIL?
great bike. but I have a question I cant se in the video ore other asking... ? Have do you lock the Bick if you want to leave it some place, so it want be stolen?
MarsterKanobi If it were stolen, they wouldn't have the key, so couldn't use the motor. But I've got a good u-lock and a motion-sensing alarm that should be additional deterrent. Plus they're so rare a thief couldn't do much with one. I'm also adding stickers to personalize it..
I can see many bent wheels, brakes wearing out and the back wheel will need to change the tire often.
Good insights... I think the added weight of this bike at ~150 pounds will use up brake pads more quickly and agree that the rear tire will take more wear given the motor drive placement. The wheels seem very solid and they offer different tire options so bent rims shouldn't be a huge issue. These things can carry a lot of weight and have been in use by the Durham bike trail police which seems to be working out alright.
Electric Bike Review
Can you do a review of the EnergyReturnWheel. I think it would be the best fit for the elf. Also do you know about blacklightpower.. replacements for battery technology.
superhotbm I'd love to review the Energy Return Wheel (ERW) but have never seen one in person. They are so expensive right now but I love the idea of no flats. Will keep an eye out for that and the Black Light Power thing (looks like hydrogen power or something? Have you seen it before?)
Electric Bike Review
I think a better design for this would be a huge disc brake on the back.
Have you also looked at the auroratek self charging scooter.
I think the ERW is the future of electric bicycles. One of the big problems is flats, bent rim from the heaviness of the batteries and the motor.
Electric bikes are in constant repair.
superhotbm Yeah, a disc brake on the rear wheel makes a lot of sense, right now there are two chains there (one for pedaling and one on the other side connected to the motor mounted at the middle of the frame) so maybe that limited their ability to attach a disc? I've contacted Energy Return Wheel because they have an office in Denver very close to where I'm at right now but they don't want to do a demo for some reason...
I live in America, do they make one with bulletproof glass?
I want one, cant afford it but still want one...lol
Me too, I love that it has that solar panel on top and is so self contained. When I think about actual use and storage it's a little daunting but the idea is great :)
Electric Bike Review Im pretty handy and can build most anything. Its giving me some ideas...lol
Too Country BBQ Did you see this video? I got some behind the scenes footage with the founder of Organic Transit and it shows how the frames are setup and the unique middle mounted hub motor Organic Transit Tour, ELF Overview With Founder Rob Cotter
Electric Bike Review Yes I saw that, Just wonderful, I may have to design something for myself....Not a rip off but its inspired me...
Too Country BBQ Cool, if you do create a custom design definitely take some video and share!
Great to see you riding without a helmet on, looking Dutch!
I want one of these
Great video. I REALLY like this little thing. The only thing that is stopping this from taking off is the infrastructure. Cities need to build more bike paths that are wider to accommodate trikes. Where I live the side walk is to small and you would NEVER want to ride on the street because you will get run over. If my city had the infrastructure in place, I would buy one in a heart beat.
Some modifications I would recommend.
1. Needs four wheels for stability.
2. Needs shocks. Looks bumpy has hell
3. Need ability to slide front wind shield up and out of the way so you can feel the wind on beautiful days.
4. Needs wind shield wipers for when it rains. Unless you can get away with using Rainx
5. Needs built in anti theft solution. Maybe even a GPS to locate it if stolen.
Just my opinion.
The ELF is 5 feet high, how does a car "run over" it? Makes no sense.
1) 4 wheel bikes with electric assist have to be licensed and insured like cars in the US.
2) No we do fine with the elastomer suspension and soft 3 inch tires are no more than 20 mph
3) We do fine without a removable windshield. Lots of side ventilation
4) Wipers ruin plastic windshields. Rain-x for glass has alcohol that ruins plastic. We use carnauba wax
5) Has removable key for motor and all bike security measures apply. Theft is not a problem for this large conspicuous bike
OMG WANT!
Where do you buy this and how much does it cost?
how the hek India build a car that you can buy for $2,000 (nano car) but Americans build a bike car for $5000. I just don't get it why it's so freaking expensive.
***** I'm not completely sure Alicia but it might have to do with volume of sales (many more buyers of small cars in India than ebikes in the US) and also regulations and taxes in the US. Our products have to be UL certified, companies have to carry insurance and there are import duties vs. India where laws are less restrictive and manufacturing is done locally for a much lower cost (US has minimum wage). It's a complex topic but I think these are some valid points. On the flip side, some things are very affordable in the US compared to other countries such as food, water and energy.
***** The nano car needs gas, insurance, etc. The ELF doesn't, so in the long run it's more efficient. And I understand the nano car isn't very safe. I wouldn't take one of they paid me.
Hi Alicia - its all about profit margin over here in North America - you cant stay in business if you dont make a certain amount of money so you can than afford the over priced housing and fancy cars which I will admit I have a big house and good car. Not sure how we fix this
An example on price mark up is on the upgrade Mag aluminum wheels - I got those same rims for 64$ for a 20" and 70$ for a 24" - 30 dolars shipping so 234$ is getting marked up to $1000.
Another example are the solar panel - I got them for $100 - $550 from them.
That is a huge profit margin - can you imagine everything else on there that has to be marked up and you can be sure these people get better pricing then I did because they in bulk.
I aint beating the war drums on OrgTran and their products - everyone over here is the same way. When you go out there and price Electric bike this or that - OT pricing on par to what else is out there.
This is one reason I am building my own - wont look as fancy but it will get the job done.
Green is good now and it is not the environment green - it is the dollar green.
Best Wishes, Patrick
Patrick - YOU don't get a warranty. YOU deal with any dimensional incompatibility issues when mounting the wheels to the disc brakes and axle. YOU did not have to research and test the wheels for reliability. What dealer offers upgrades at cost? Name one.
Patrick - you did not get a comparable solar panel for $100. Either you lied or you got a cheaper version. They average $180 plus shipping of the crate on Amazon. The panels are shipped in custom wooden crates, I know because I got one that way. Again, what vehicle dealer sells replacement parts at cost? Is there a free warehouse for them to store the panels in? Do they get free financing for the funds to stock those panels?
Any home made imitation will not come remotely close to the performance of a product designed by a team of engineers and assembled with half a million dollars worth of specialized custom tooling. You are a childish braggart pissing in the wind.
I love, love, love this bike! I'd love to see if they'd put a bench in the back for small kiddos. Wouldn't that be an awesome vehicle for a family?!!
That's a great idea! Organic Transit recently introduced a two-seater version just like you're imagining here. Check out this article on Treehugger: www.treehugger.com/bikes/organic-transit-elf-velomobile-now-two-seater-option.html
this thing in traffic, would be a nightmare.
mace FTL Haha! Awesome visual...
mace FTL Though... You might just be able to cut between cars and pass everyone who is standing still in heavy traffic :D
ElectricBikeReview.com lol!
I wonder if/when these things would be available outside the US. This is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for.
I own 3 ebikes, and with the rise of these types of vehicles, we really need an infrastructure of bike lanes and paths to really help them to take off in popularity.
I think price is the biggest barrier to entry before infrastructure. These hybrid velo-etrikes are already road friendly, after all(barring interstates)
I understand completely why these things are so pricey, but it doesn't change the fact that you can literally buy a car for what OT was asking. Expensive recumbents get away with the pricing because they're a niche hobby product, but the Elf was trying to be a practical machine and the price just didn't match what was being offered
I still plan on getting one of these used one day, regardless lol
Cool. I am looking for an electric bike to travel around the country and promote green energy. Was thinking of getting an ebike & towing a trailer with a solar panel...but then I saw this and thought hmmm 🤔 Could be interesting! I am curious what the battery range is and how long it takes to charge via the sun. I don’t mind just using pure human pedal power, but I am curious. Especially on a tour of that thing was loaded down with gear.
You really need to check out the movie made by a Canadian who went 4000 miles to Key West in an ELF with one spare battery. He has a TH-cam channel too, representing 'Sustainable Joes': th-cam.com/video/KfgwrSCBLbM/w-d-xo.html Two other people have done 4000 mile journeys as well. Carrying camping gear or staying at VFWs. There are several hundred ELF videos you should consider reviewing for ideas. In the first year, no PEBL owners have done long journeys. You will figure out why, soon enough. Once you buy an ELF you can join our community with 3 groups on Facebook. Ask me where you can buy a used ELF.
Since there are two wheels up front, I wonder if it might be worth exploring front cargo wells. I suspect the trike would be less likely to tip during an emergency swerve when laden.
Great idea, I've seen a running board side rack thing that goes along the inside walls and a front dash board thing that might come close. Keeping weight low and towards the front where it's stable is a good call. You can see the features here under "front parcel rack" and "bamboo cargo shelves" organictransit.com/features/
What kind of battery......lead acid?
I am going to buy one of these soon!
I would like to know how many miles do you get on one full charge?
Where do you buy this? Bike shop?Or?
Is it possible.to.get
get it in fat tires?
What is the battery voltage?
Going downhill makes me think of the soapbox races. The ELF is a neat transport option. I wonder what is the reaction from car drivers on the road to it ; do they leave enough clearance for the ELF? Are they allowed on the bike paths? I find the cabin a bit noisy, as you explained you had left the rear flap unsecured and it rattled . I think they could isolate the different parts that vibrate with something and make the cabin noise less noticeable. I find the signal lights too small, they could be larger sort of like butterfly who make themselves appear bigger . I would use the cabin pillards as signal lights.
Cars treat us very well, more respect than bikes get. ELF is legal on almost all bike paths unless they ban ebikes. You absolutely can not judge interior noise in a cheap TH-cam video, don't even think about it. If Court had to yell loudly to narrate that would be different. What about that constant loud roar of wind past your ears on any bike going more then 12 mph? Doesn't happen in the ELF with windshield. The LED lights are correctly sized, they are very bright and exceed DOT specifications.
The demo unit has the 2 inch tires, most owners take the 3 inch tire option for a softer ride. The old demo unit does not have the elastomeric front suspension. Over 300 upgrades have become standard since this video was recorded.
i could have used one of those when i was a teen... crowing up with seizures, my only way to get around was a bike.. ty showing up to a Funeral Home type job dripping wet...
How secure is this when parked? Could someone easily pick it up and put it in the back of a truck? Or get in and “drive” it away?
All bicycle security methods apply. Only 3 have been stolen in 7 years and one recovered. At 160 pounds and 9 feet by 4 feet wide it won't fit in a standard pickup or van. We remove the motor key just like with a car. Too big for a kid to hide it in the bushes and very conspicuous. Most people don't know what to make of it and never think of trying to steal a vehicle they don't know how to operate.
I know it's not a car but does this not require a seat belt?
Depending on where you live, there are width restrictions on bike path. They would not be allowed in Montreal, Canada.
Interesting... thanks for the input. I wonder how the ELF is used in real life, like do most people ride them in the street or around neighborhoods? I'm just curious, the design is awesome but yeah, on a path it would stand out (whether it was allowed or not).
I live in Durham, N.C. & let me tell you......I WANT ONE OF THESE SO BAD 😍😍😍😍😍😍 BUT I CAN'T AFFORD IT RIGHT NOW.
Can I ask something: if they put this in Kickstarter, what did they offer in return ? Price discount ?
Yes. $4000 was a deal that lost the company money. Kickstarter worked out beyond all expectations for numbers and orders.
"the back is a little noisy"..... LOLOLOLOLOLOL TRY CLOSING AND LOCKING THE HATCH!!! love your video , thanks .. P.S.... i would make some snap on screen doors just like front radiator covers for cars with "bug-bras"
or winter radiator covers for gas vehicles
Great idea about the snap or zip on doors, could keep the rain out and make it slightly more aerodynamic. I agree these things ride a bit noisier, glad you enjoyed the video.
If you ride it using batteries only.. how long will it last on a fully charged?
25 miles in the dark, but pedaling and sunshine greatly extend range. I have never completely run down my battery even once in 3 years.
That must have been a real early 1.5 version. I have a 1.5 as my only transportation for 29 months now. It has the larger 100 watt roof panel but your video shows the older version with a 60 watt panel and no front suspension. In fact I'm pretty sure your video did not review the 1.5 as stated incorrectly in the video information. Time for another review with a new vastly upgraded product.Version 1.8 has a mid-drive and different electronics and battery placement. EDIT - year 5 and going strong. I save thousands of dollars and get good exercise and no pollution.
can i buy 1 in big apple? i dont know how to ride a bike this good for me?
all i need is doors?
if u step outside the super market someone might steal your ride.
do i need a driver linsnce ?
There are ELF pedicabs in NYC. You don't need to balance the 3 wheel ELF. All bike security measures apply and the motor key removes. This is a huge 160 pound bike. Kids can't hide it in the bushes and it won't fit in a standard van. Doors are available but they make it too hot. We need maximum ventilation while exercising in this small space. This is designed to conform to ebike laws so no license is required.
My question is, what is the security like? How can you stop someone from stealing it.
All standard bike security measures apply, plus the motor key removes and there is a parking brake. You can also place a disk brake lock on the rear brake or use GPS tracker. Theft is not an issue with these, they are too large and extremely conspicuous. Kids can't hide them in the bushes. The ELF does not fit in a standard van. I lock to a bike rack or any vertical post. Only 5 thefts have been reported in 7 years with 1000 sold. Two of those were recovered. The one not recovered was not locked.
Price?
If this catches on it will might be revolutionary if not then it would fade into bankruptcy. People could use this as taxis, delivering newspapers, mail, etc.
Yeah, it could be ahead of its time or just in time. There are enough niche applications to keep the company going for a while but it would be great to see it catch on if gas prices go up again. I almost want to buy one for myself... it's just so cool, like the creative ideas I've heard friends talking about in school but this thing is real!
Kokioj Europos saly galima isigyti tokia triracia, dengta transporto priemone? Butu gerai reklamoje pamatysi kaina? Vilnius, Lietuva ( Lithuania ) Pagarbiai -
With one rear wheel, do they tip easily?
I wonder if lining the inside of it with some of that sound reducing foam that you see in music recording studios would reduce the rattling noise? Not coating the entire inside but just putting strips of it here and there ya know?
What is the price for this bike? Thanks for your reply...
Base price is now $8,950. The competing PEBL has a $12 K base price without the solar panel and it weighs 70 pounds more, making it a poor performer. Shipping is a potential large cost for these bulky bikes.
So , niche tech for greenies. It is a product creating a fixed solution. I could see it for some of the rv nomad folks but, an electric golf cart is less than this bike. It is tech that is a step towards a sustainable post oil future. Removable pV panel to be useful in another home pV
application. Larger lighter battery for increased range. Folding shell to allow portability.
adapt to the jitney world for mass production where this style of transportation is already in use. Robust materials that are less costly. How many segways are used in thailand?
alegandra rodrige
April 2017 up date -
Base price on the ELF is now $8,495 for either the Solo or 2FR.
The two tone paint option takes it up to $9,399.95
I predict this is a phase-in tactic for release of ELF version 2.0 which is expected to have rear suspension, regenerative braking and reverse gear plus more. Since there is an approx. 2 month backlog the orders taken now may be getting the upgraded model.
I look forward to side by side rubber meeting the road performance testing of ELF vs. PEBL. Acceleration, hill climbing, load carrying, braking, battery range and lighting safety measurements. And the results of two 4000 mile long PEBL trips comparable to what that Canadian and a 74 year old German woman did with their ELFs. Collision testing is very expensive for companies this small and not required.
Note he arbitrarily added the nice but rarely chosen two tone paint upgrade. Better to invest in the wide tire option and the computer.
This looks like an awesome idea, and 1,800mpg with solar assist in a lightweight frame is probably a far more sensible way to do things than a hydrocarbon-powered car, but... Were they really expecting people to pay ten times the price of a used car and nearly the price of some new cars for a tricycle without doors?
Yes. 1000 owners of the ELF and 200 owners of the new PEBL are elated with the gigantic cash savings every year that no car can offer. We pay no insurance, license, tuneups or fuel costs. In year 6 I have now saved $16,000 because I got rid of my car, the smartest thing I ever did. An old car costs you $30,000 every ten years to own, the ELF costs you $3000 to own and operate for 10 years, a $27,000 savings!! Plus, no pollution and vital exercise in a fun way. Therefore there is no valid cost comparison with owning cars.
if these were affordable I would sooooo own one.
can you tell me more about transparent material that you used in this Trike
Every closed vehicle needs Ventilation System, to drive Moisture away from windshield,Windows..Nice Video,thanks
That's why the front floor is open and doors are an option that few want. We don't need no stinkin' doors.
Any winter riding? Not winter storms...
+SolarizeYourLife Sure, I've ridden ebikes in the snow before and they work pretty well, even rain and wet conditions... just clean them off and store the batteries in cool/dry vs. freezing cold or super hot to make them last. Here's one test I did in the snow with a fat ebike: electricbikereview.com/felt/outfitter/ scroll down for the video ;)
Pretty cool. Gotta try one , one day
excellent review, thanks!!!!
Thanks Daniele! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Simpatico ed anche pratico
Nice design,nice back storage,nice back seat for extra passenger ..cons:too noisy, rattles a lot, no flooring ,no front paneling,poorly designed trunk door..needs more modifications and improvement on comfort.hope you could compete with the PEBL
After 6 years as my car replacement I can assure you the design is correct as-is. I fix any rattles I hear. The trunk door is perfect and functions as a rear deck for cargo or a pet. We don't want the weight and loss of ventilation and clearance problems a full floor would offer. What do you mean by front paneling? The front does have a nose panel and shelf. The PEBL is not competition, it is far too heavy because it tries too much to be like a car. As a result it is 70 pounds heavier, too heavy to enjoy pedaling and the motor has to be geared which makes it very noisy. It is so heavy the factory had to add an illegal cheater switch that doubles the wattage. The superfluous extras like body liner, courtesy lights, wood dash and floor panels make it too heavy and poorly ventilated. The rear hatch with gas shock and frame is far too heavy compared to the elegant light weight ELF rear window design. The PEBL is a rip-off copy and is a real slug, can't make it up hills and can't maintain top speed without illegal motor power. No one has completed a long journey in the PEBL but three ELF owners have done 4000 mile journeys. ELF invested in an injection mold to make light body panels, the original PEBL hemp shell was a disaster and the fiberglass is too heavy as designed. Somewhere past the light design of the ELF the PEBL crossed an invisible line for practical weight limits that ruined it as a successful design for mass production under the current US ebike design laws. Finally, note that this video is 6 years old and the ELF has seen 300+ improvements since then including mid-drive. The PEBL sells to those who do not have much bike experience. You would not want to be caught with a low battery in the PEBL.