We here at autoevolution strongly support the integration of small electric motors into bicycles, because we say that the electric motor is perfectly suited for that application. On a pedal-powered vehicle, the electric engine acts as a generator when not in use, so you never really have to plug it in, you just need to charge it by moving your feet, in a circular motion - good for your health and very green!
Organic Transit Vehicles, a North Carolina-based company have been trying out their ELF solar-assisted trike through town, ahead of a public sales debut in the fall of 2013. It is basically a trike, with one wheel at the back, which is both pedal-operated, and electrically assisted, with the electric motor receiving current from both the electric motor/generator, and the Sun.
Since it doesn’t require that much energy to get moving, the Sun will make a valuable contribution and will undoubtedly make your journey as green as possible. The total range, without having to pedal or plug it in, is somewhere in the region of 50 km (30 miles) - more than enough, as you should be able to extend the range with your legs!
It will be available as both a passenger-only version (pictured in white), as well as a van-like variant (pictured in light green), with the latter being able to carry as much as 363 kg. When it comes to price, the ELF will cost $3,900 (€3,150), with the ‘Truckit’ version costing $5,500 (€4,440), and it will only be available in the US.
Since it doesn’t require that much energy to get moving, the Sun will make a valuable contribution and will undoubtedly make your journey as green as possible. The total range, without having to pedal or plug it in, is somewhere in the region of 50 km (30 miles) - more than enough, as you should be able to extend the range with your legs!
It will be available as both a passenger-only version (pictured in white), as well as a van-like variant (pictured in light green), with the latter being able to carry as much as 363 kg. When it comes to price, the ELF will cost $3,900 (€3,150), with the ‘Truckit’ version costing $5,500 (€4,440), and it will only be available in the US.
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