The ELF - Affordable green transportation

[Shankapotomus]

This is a green vehicle by a company called Organic Transit.

Their successful Kickstarter campaign page:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/842248593/roll-out-the-elf-to-your-city

I hope one day we are all driving Elf's or something just as clean and economical but maybe a little faster.

To me this kind of transportation is like a horse and buggy days in terms of speed, but without the horse and the humane issues.

Whenever someone points out the speed restrictions of these kind of vehicles compared to gas powered ones, I think about how the colonists got along with just the horse and buggy. They still traveled, albeit it took longer, but they survived. They just allotted more time for their trips but life still went on. I bet they would have loved to have this technology back then.

And if it helps clean up the air and save the planet today, I'm game for a slower paced life style.

[Kaleva]

1. Rec'd and bookmarked.

Might be able to donate a few books towards this.

I could easily zip around town with this doing errands and shopping during much of the year and even on certain days in the winter when the roads and streets are free of snow and ice.

Price is about a grand more then a moped the size I'd need but it does have a great deal more carrying capacity and I could use it on rainy days too.

[Shankapotomus]

2. I hope they are successful

and keep growing and refining the design to make it more efficient and comfortable for the driver. You can add doors but they are an option. Plus, people will eventually want to see a floor to keep out the cold.

I could see myself replacing my car (something i'm scheming to do) with this and using it around the small towns upstate.

In terms of snow, I found this mention in their FAQ:

Q:I live where there is a lot of snow, are studded tires an option?

A: Yes. The vehicles use a standard 26" mountain bike rim. The front fenders can accommodate up to a 2" wide tire and the rear comes with a 2.5" tire.

[Kaleva]

3. Donated $10 and signed up for their newsletter

Most likley I won't ever get one but I think the project is very worthwhile.

[Shankapotomus]

4. Cool!

I'm sure they appreciate every penny and it's a very good cause, I think.

I am working towards becoming car free and I would love to be able throw money at something I believe in someday. This is definitely one of them.

[Kaleva]

5. They've exceeded their goal of $100k by just under $46k

And there is still 4 days to go on the fund drive.

[Shankapotomus]

6. Just over $146k now

They must have gain about $1000 between now and the time you posted. Kickstarter is awesome for fund raising. I can't wait to see the first production models roll out.

[JNelson6563]

7. Absolutely love it!

Would love to see lots of these! Would love to have one!

Julie

[Kaleva]

8. Very recent news about the ELF

"Unique Bike Treks Up East Coast, Powered By Solar And Pedals"

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/08/01/207905214/unique-bike-treks-up-east-coast-powered-by-solar-and-pedals?ft=1&f=1001

[Shankapotomus]

10. Thanks, Kaleva

Been under the weather past few days. Will check out as soon as my allergy clears up.

[silverweb]

9. Want!

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]That would be sooooo perfect for me. The terrain here is pretty flat and I'm within a couple miles of almost everywhere I need to go. Exercises like a reclining bike with a little power assist, room for shopping bags, more visible than a bike with no danger of falling off.

Wow. Definitely on my wish list before I get too old!