Elio Motors

[Moto]

https://www.eliomotors.com/ Who thinks this idea is going to work?

I really like them, but the fact that they appeal to me might mean that they will not appeal to the general population.

I see all kinds of s car in this thing. A few hundred bucks and an engine out of a crashed Hayabusa or any other sport bike and what will you have?

I almost thought about making a new forum for them, but apparently they have been in development for quite awhile so there are already several forums for them.

[KuroNekko]

I don't think it'll take off. I remember watching a news clip on these. They are apparently agile, but rather lacking in space and refinement.
However, the main reason I don't think this company will succeed is because big names in the auto industry have already created something similar in the market.
http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation ... ty/i-road/

The Elio is powered by a gas engine while the Toyota is an EV. However, given that most people who buy tiny cars like these live in the city, having an electric drivetrain that can be powered anywhere for a fraction of the price of fossil fuels makes more sense. For people in suburban and rural areas, they are more likely going to want more of a car than the little Elio.

While I think the Elio is pretty cool and would be a great car for some people, I think that they will unlikely succeed to make a difference in the automotive market because they probably won't appeal to most consumers. Being apparently independent, I can't imagine how this could be sustainable.

[Moto]

I basically agree. We'll have to see. Hopefully we are both wrong.

I see a cheap track car when I look at that thing.

[bootymac]

Three wheels = motorcycle license required?

[Woodie]

It's been discussed to death over at the geometroforum, one participant has experience running a car factory, the consensus is that it's not going to happen. For one thing, the projected "on the road date" has already been pushed back many times, reminds me of Gerry Wiegert and his Vector. Wiegert rode out a pretty similar hustle, only at the top end of the spectrum, claiming to have an exotic car which could go 230 mph, from 1976 to 2010. Mostly just ran around raising money and taking deposits, there were about 40 cars built in that 35 years.

Here's a pretty brutal assessment from Jolipnik: http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/six-thing ... 1646776191

Here's a search for the word Elio on geometroforum, you could probably spend a full weekend reading up on there alone: http://geometroforum.com/search/1/?c=1& ... &type=post

[KuroNekko]

It's been discussed to death over at the geometroforum, one participant has experience running a car factory, the consensus is that it's not going to happen. For one thing, the projected "on the road date" has already been pushed back many times, reminds me of Gerry Wiegert and his Vector. Wiegert rode out a pretty similar hustle, only at the top end of the spectrum, claiming to have an exotic car which could go 230 mph, from 1976 to 2010. Mostly just ran around raising money and taking deposits, there were about 40 cars built in that 35 years.

Here's a pretty brutal assessment from Jolipnik: http://carbuying.jalopnik.com/six-thing ... 1646776191

Here's a search for the word Elio on geometroforum, you could probably spend a full weekend reading up on there alone: http://geometroforum.com/search/1/?c=1& ... &type=post

Yeah, I've heard of this Elio for a while now so it's not like something that's brand new. In fact, I'd say the styling even looks dated for today's standards even if Elio makes claims about its styling being for fuel efficiency.

Vector.
Jalopnik mentioned Vector in this article:
http://jalopnik.com/the-ten-best-vaporw ... 1649319141

[Moto]

Three wheels = motorcycle license required?

Yes in most states. Some even require a helmet.

[KansasKid]

Three wheels = motorcycle license required?

Yes in most states. Some even require a helmet.

Apparently, Kansas only requires protective eyeware when driving motorcycles. No helmets required. For some stupid reason.

[Woodie]

No helmets required. For some stupid reason.

Ummmmm, because it's none of their business what you do with your own noggin?

Most states have some language in their motorcycle laws to address this sort of gray area vehicle. Three wheels doesn't require a special license, and enclosed cab doesn't require a helmet.

There's a tradition of this in England, Morgan and Reliant sold three wheelers for years, the reason there was the yearly registration tax stamp price.

[bootymac]

Three wheels = motorcycle license required?

Yes in most states. Some even require a helmet.

Apparently, Kansas only requires protective eyeware when driving motorcycles. No helmets required. For some stupid reason.

Darwinism