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Message started by BOBD on 03/10/13 at 05:39:24

Title: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by BOBD on 03/10/13 at 05:39:24

I'd like to see what everybody thinks of this. http://www.eliomotors.com/

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler
Post by Paladin. on 03/10/13 at 06:51:22

$7K, 1-liter automobile power, plastic. Where built? Don't ask.
Warranty, dealer support, manufacturer support? Don't ask.
Size, weight? Don't ask.

It may be available next year. If they are still in business in 2018 I will be considering one.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by BOBD on 03/10/13 at 07:15:23

Will be built in the USA in Louisiana. More info later this year. 2014 model available in July next year. I'm hoping it does make it. I've been looking for something like this for years. Hope to buy one in 2015. The more people that know about it the more likely it will succeed.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by BOBD on 03/10/13 at 11:47:29

Well, I can see this is not the place to discuss this subject. I am considering buying one of these because I no longer feel comfortable on 2 wheels and don't like sidecars or regular trikes.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Serowbot on 03/10/13 at 12:03:45

All the numbers and specs sound great...
...the only worry is that it seems to be vaporware at the moment...
I wouldn't risk my cash on a preorder...
I'd wait 'till they are actually on a showroom floor and you can take on for a spin....

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by BOBD on 03/10/13 at 12:09:29

Exactly. I plan to wait until 2015 anyway. I do plan to see and drive one first. No. I don't plan to do a reservation for $1000 or even$100. I hope the word spreads and this vehicle makes it though.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by verslagen1 on 03/10/13 at 12:34:05

From what I can see (cuz they ain't tellin')
the drive train will be from a small front wheel drive car.
probably the whole front of the car will be from same.
They are banking on not having to meet auto safety rules as it'll be classed as a m/c

for the price, I expect tata nano
but it does look like the smart car wheels.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Charon on 03/10/13 at 13:10:19

The layout looks quite similar to the Can-Am Spyder. If they use a rear drive, as does the Spyder, they eliminate the complexity of a differential and the CV joints of FWD. I want to see how they manage the claimed fuel mileage.

Edited to add:
I did some more looking on their website and see they plan to use front-wheel drive. They claim a one-liter three cylinder engine developing 70 hp. If they actually manage to get their claimed 84 mpg at anything resembling highway speed, they will be developing only about 6-7 horsepower. That implies a mighty low aerodynamic drag.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by BOBD on 03/11/13 at 04:32:09

It remains to be seen what the real vehicles gas mileage will be. I think more like 50MPG. Still hoping to buy one in 2015 though.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by engineer on 03/11/13 at 05:27:14

The Can Am Spyder is pretty cool and more like a motorcycle. If I wanted something enclosed that got good mileage I would just buy a used Honda Civic or something and get some air bags and niceties at the same time. Really, what's the point of a three wheel car. It has been tried many times in the past.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by BOBD on 03/11/13 at 05:46:30

I have considered the Can Am Spyder ST-S. I may buy that in 2015 if the Elio isn't around. Elio obviously cheaper. I already have a Chevy Sonic Turbo so don't need a Honda. Chevy Sonic has a 5 star rating. By the way the Elio is supposed to get a 5 star rating also. That remains to be seen. Has 3 airbags and a roll bar.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Dave on 03/11/13 at 06:55:18

37353E353C353923500 wrote:

Really, what's the point of a three wheel car. It has been tried many times in the past.

The point of a 3 wheel car?????? It does not have to meet the government mandated requirments of a car - It is considered a motorcycle in most places. THis is the reason you don't see any quads with license plates.......they have to meet the safetu regulations for cars (air bags, impact standards, polution eqpt., etc.).

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Paladin. on 03/11/13 at 09:02:31

http://www.andruschak.net/Avatars/BobD.jpg
47616E617F7D472024140 wrote:

It remains to be seen what the real vehicles gas mileage will be. I think more like 50MPG. Still hoping to buy one in 2015 though.

http://www.eliomotors.com/my-strengths/
Eco-Friendly
Quote:

This is a very green vehicle – and we’re not just talking about the color. Yes, it gets 84 MPG on the highway, but you’ll be doing your share of city driving, too. Fear not, with its city rate of 49 MPG, you’ll be consuming only 1/3 of what the average American vehicle consumes.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by verslagen1 on 03/11/13 at 09:19:11

Too bad it's not Jeep like... optional doors and glass.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Cavi Mike on 03/12/13 at 01:46:49

No one is getting 84MPG in that. I also am immediately skeptical of anyone bragging about their product as "The next big thing..."

It will flop. I bet they won't even reach sales number of the Peel P50.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by jcstokes on 03/12/13 at 02:03:03

Try www.pal-v.com for a different three wheeler

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by mpescatori on 03/12/13 at 05:01:45

6A5B565B5E53543A0 wrote:

http://www.andruschak.net/Avatars/BobD.jpg[quote author=47616E617F7D472024140 link=1362919164/0#8 date=1363001529]It remains to be seen what the real vehicles gas mileage will be. I think more like 50MPG. Still hoping to buy one in 2015 though.

http://www.eliomotors.com/my-strengths/
Eco-Friendly
Quote:

And that 84mpg on the highway may be at 45-50 mph -- My Savage got 70mpg across the Mojave doing 55ish. But it will be getting better than most other vehicles. It is legally a "motorcycle" but it actually a three wheel car, same as three wheel cars have been built because it small and cheap and taxed less than a heavier four wheel car. In California it will have a motorcycle registration and plate, but will use a Class-C car driver's license and you will be required to have a seat belt instead of a helmet.

It is for cheap transportation while keeping cool/warm/dry. [/quote]

Given my past experience in the UK, where three-wheelers are (relatively) popular, I would like to pitch in.

Three-wheelers have many interesting pointers vs. a four-wheeled vehicle:

http://www.bra-cars.com/
http://www.3wheelers.com/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/9675884/Three-wheelers-group-test.html

- they are lighter, hence more maneuverable, and use less gas;
- they are smaller, hence easier to drive, park, etc.
- they use a smaller engine, which in itself demands less fuel; and being lighter, will have zippier performance and better "fun factor"
- in a rear-wheel tricycle, you can (almost) pop a wheelie with the more performing models, and certainly feel the front inner wheel rise off the ground if you overaccellerate through a bend :D
- in a front-wheel drive tricycle, in the unlikely event of a front wheel lifting the differential immediately reacts and removes power from the other wheel. This is achieved without any driver intervention. The resultant loss of momentum will result in the raised wheel coming down and, once contact is made with the road, the differential engages drive and the car continues - in many cases without the driver even realising what has happened.

http://www.bra-cars.com/html/stability.html

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-group-2_2397405b.jpghttp://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-MEV_2397402c.jpghttp://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-Japster_2397404c.jpg_http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-Pembleto_2397399c.jpg_http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-Morgan_2397400c.jpg
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-Aero_2397417c.jpg_http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-JZR_2397403c.jpg_http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-Triking_2397397c.jpg

I love the old fashioned look of some ! 8-)

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Cavi Mike on 03/12/13 at 08:36:32

373E2E293236382E5D0 wrote:

Try www.pal-v.com for a different three wheeler

Yeah, because I want some drunken idiot crashing on the top of my house. Another thing that will never become a reality. Some people have so much talent but are absolutely void of common sense.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/12/13 at 09:08:21

LOve that! Thats the closest to a Good Answer for long distance commuting Ive seen,Imagine having a 1.5 hr, one way commute,, Drive to a place with enough asphalt to get off, fly to a place to put down, drive into work.. how cool would that be? & Gyros dont have a real long take off roll usually,mite just be a possible solution there.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by BOBD on 03/12/13 at 12:07:29

I don't like flying. No way I would try that thing! Keep my butt on the ground! Thank You!

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by verslagen1 on 12/18/15 at 14:15:27

The latest news on the elio...

http://www.gizmag.com/elio-motors-p5/40524/?li_source=LI&li_medium=default-widget

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by DesertRat on 12/18/15 at 15:33:39

it's gotta be VAPORWARE

they pushed out the release AGAIN. 4th quarter 2016.

they're scamming investors

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Oldfeller on 12/18/15 at 15:37:56

Since the last "release" they finished the custom engine, which was a required thing because the Suzuki 3 cylinder engine isn't available any more.

I wish them all the success in the world, but would not buy one as it is too hard to get into and out of.

Watch the videos .... the ones marked P5 (prototype 5) .... for people getting into and out of it.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by old_rider on 12/19/15 at 21:36:31

Wife and I have $100 all in.... but it has been doubled and bumped a couple of times over the last year or so.
We have a reservation number.....
It has just recently been put up on the stock market for investors, we were offered stock a few months back, don't have the money for it....

I'm thinking after building an engine from scratch and purchasing the plant that Paul won't back out on the build...
He might just build the ones for the reserved folks.... then drop it....but i'm hoping he will go through with it.
They did a lot of political back scratching to get the rules changed in several states so that folks won't have to wear a helmet while riding in one.
I don't believe that he can keep the price below 7k though.... we shall see
Going to have to lease a car for the wife, her little Hyundai is about to die and I don't think it is worth saving, and she really liked the Elio when we went to sit in and look at it, so it will be her next vehicle when they finally produce it (probably in 17')

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/20/15 at 00:11:48

I can see two of them, parked under the mini car port, in front of our tiny house.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by gizzo on 12/20/15 at 03:04:34

272E3E392226283E4D0 wrote:

Try www.pal-v.com for a different three wheeler

Great. Most people don't have the wits to be on the road, let alone in the sky. It's fun to see all these "flying car" contraptions though. Thanks.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by springman on 12/21/15 at 21:20:24

If they build it with specs close to what they advertise and at a price close to 6800, I will buy one. Being able to ride the HOV any time in an enclosed vehicle would be great.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Serowbot on 12/21/15 at 21:38:30

The "P-6" version will be powered by an E-cat...
Vapor powered, vaporware.... ;D
Coming in late 2017?... :-?

Meanwhile,... I've been getting 40+mpg in town, in a 1L 3cyl. 95' Geo Metro that I paid $1500 for 10 years ago...
... replaced battery twice, 1 alternator, 1 timing belt, 1 cv joint, 1 muffler, 4 tires... less than $750 repair/ maintenance in a decade... DIY of course.
... Elio's new motor design?... Big mistake....
Suzuki made it right the first time....

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Oldfeller on 12/22/15 at 01:41:51

The original game plan was to use the Suzuki motor, but Suzuki quit supplying the motors at a price that was realistic.

So they built their own motor. And yes, folks have seen the prototype motors running on test rigs. And the P-6 prototype car is being rebuilt using the first of the Elios brand motors so it will show a real "as sold" configuration.

And yes, progress has been slow because they have no funding beyond folks sending in $100 to $1000 to get a place in line. Financial backing from the money guys has been lacking as the Elios dream is simply not compelling to a lot of money people.

And yes, the Elios man is selling a niche based dream. It only applies to American motorcycle lovers and "reality fits" at all only because of our strange American motorcycle based laws.

The Elios concept is not an Oriental dream at all, since the Orientals already HAVE their dream little 4 seater cars already sitting in their driveways. I own the Japanese teenager version of one of those, the Nissan Cube (the #1 rated car for Creaky Old People). Sero owns another version, the Suzuki Metro. Both of us are happy and neither of us would buy a Elios.

Still, the concept does appeal to the Chinese, who have built several of them -- here is the best of that lot reviewed by Car and Driver.

http://www.caranddriver.com/columns/wildfire-wf650-c

(what ..... did you expect them to like it?)

As to the reality of E-Cat, you have until March to change your mind.

Rest easy that Rossi HAS all his funding, and the idea is so compelling that 4 other groups have their funding now and are only a year and some behind Rossi at this point in time. There is an investment fund out now that invests in the LENR companies as a group as one or more of them will ring the bell and will make folks rich.

The money people have no issues with pre-funding LENR companies based off the proofs and data shown to date .....

They just insist on this year long safety certification test being successfully completed with real world PRODUCTION data displayed cleanly before forking over the production pilot plant money.

;D

Sero, after March-April of this upcoming year one of us may be dining alone on this little delicacy ......

http://https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3480602/crow.0.jpg

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Paladin. on 12/22/15 at 05:44:11

786570667674617A677C150 wrote:

[quote author=6A5B565B5E53543A0 link=1362919164/0#12 date=1363017751]... In California it will have a motorcycle registration and plate, but will use a Class-C car driver's license and you will be required to have a seat belt instead of a helmet.

It is for cheap transportation while keeping cool/warm/dry.

... Three-wheelers have many interesting pointers vs. a four-wheeled vehicle:
...
- they are lighter, hence more maneuverable, and use less gas;
- they are smaller, hence easier to drive, park, etc.
- they use a smaller engine, which in itself demands less fuel; and being lighter, will have zippier performance and better "fun factor"....
I love the old fashioned look of some ! 8-)[/quote]
Yes, but you are looking at high performance open unprotected FUN vehicles:
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02397/3-wheeler-group-2_2397405b.jpg
I can buy a new Morgan 3-wheeler today -- http://www.cycle-car.com/specifications.htm :
http://www.cycle-car.com/images/2009/IMG_1017-copy.gif
But this is a $48K FUN vehicle. It designed for having fun in the sun. It is not designed for cold and wet. It is not designed to be a daily commute vehicle.

What the Elio is aimed at is the city commuter. Something that is cheaper than a base econo-car, with better fuel mileage. If it actually goes into production, for $10K or less, I will be buying one. Tucker tried to make a better car, did make a better car, but Old Boys Club killed it. I don't believe the Old Boys Club will allow the Elio to be produced.

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by old_rider on 12/22/15 at 17:33:07

Here, you guys can keep up to date on what is happening with it....

http://www.eliomotors.com/

http://www.eliomotors.com/blog/

Motor Dyno: https://youtu.be/XlM5jWOnDO8

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Art Webb on 12/23/15 at 07:06:49

3A2C3B263E2B263D490 wrote:

Biggest problem with the metro, they stopped making it
I pissed my brother in law off when he was bragging about his hybrid Honda getting 50 MPG
"Yup, and it only cost 40K my $500 Cavalier gets 40 for 1/1000th the price ;D

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by Serowbot on 12/23/15 at 07:21:53

595A52445F525344360 wrote:

Here, you guys can keep up to date on what is happening with it....
Motor Dyno: https://youtu.be/XlM5jWOnDO8

It rev's up,... it rev's down...
Quite an accomplishment... :-/

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by verslagen1 on 08/01/16 at 11:37:31

current events...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/elio-test-drive-went-great-160249497.html?nhp=1

Title: Re: The Elio 3 wheeler (Car/Motorcycle?)
Post by old_rider on 08/01/16 at 15:49:40

Yeah... the wife is ready now , we can't wait another two years. So this weekend or next we are car shopping for her.
The design team for the elio has a great idea, but they must not have a mechanic among them.
I realize it is the prototype with the engine they created in it. But man, do not give it to a news crew for a "live" test ride, if it isn't in top production shape.
And downtown? wow... did the Elio guys realize the thing was going to be driven on the worst city streets ever?
ROFL....... what a way to loose future customers and give fuel to the naysayers :)
VERY poor judgement on whoever let the PR guy do that.