The Future Of Transportation Or A Fad?
In fact, wherever an ELF vehicle makes an appearance, it seems to draw a curious audience of onlookers, wondering first of all what it is, and secondly if they can give it a try! 5,000. The ELF vehicle is an interesting concept vehicle that, if it were to be used by many people, could be a viable alternative to fossil fuel burning vehicles that are so popular now for commuting. It is entirely up to the driver how they want to use the new ELF transit vehicle. In a typical morning commute, many people want to get to work fresh, without looking as though they've just had a physical workout. These people may choose to use the ELF's solar battery power electric assist to ride in comfort all the way to work. Then after work, pedaling the ELF can provide a good cardio workout and help to relieve stress and tension from a busy workday.
The ELF vehicle can also be used in a way that combines pedal power with electric assist. When you come to a tough hill or terrain where you might struggle with a bicycle, the electric assist can help to provide that extra boost needed. These vehicles have a polycarbonate shell that surrounds the driver, keeping them safe from weather elements. There is also a spacious interior with disc brakes. Other nice features include headlights, a horn, signal lights and tail lights, making a person more visible and noticeable to other drivers on the road. Side mirrors are great for watching out for other drivers as well. Basically, the ELF can go any place a bicycle can, so for commuters who drive on roads that allow bicycles, like on town streets with lower speed limits, the ELF might be a very viable alternative. Commutes requiring freeway driving would still have to be taken in a traditional car, through shared carpool options or bus travel. Since the ELF vehicle falls into the same class as bicycles, it does not require drivers to have insurance, road inspections or separate registration of the vehicle.
Riders can get all the great benefits of riding a bicycle, and still be able to do things like shop while using an ELF vehicle. There is enough cargo space for several average size bags of groceries. Passengers cannot be carried yet, but that may come at some point in the future. The ELF can be ridden about 1,800 miles on just ONE gallon of gas. Imagine the savings of fossil fuels if even 1/3 to 1/2 of commuters could make the switch to the ELF! There wouldn't be nearly as many CO2 emissions with ELF vehicles, helping to possibly impact the greenhouse gas effects on the environment. Electric assist allows the driver to decide how much energy they want to expend each day using the ELF. Drivers could potentially see savings in the thousands by using the ELF for just some of their routine driving. Even if it is only used to and from work, it could mean a huge difference in the cost of commuting. 5,000 now, depending on limited options to choose from, like an extra battery for the vehicle. Drivers also save on insurance, registration and of course, fuel costs.
The ELF vehicle measures about 8 feet long, 5 feet high and about 3 feet wide. Top speed reached, when power assist is used alone, is about 20 mph to 30 mph. The ELF is categorized as a solar battery assisted, motorized bicycle in most places. Weight is about 130 pounds, including the solar panel, the battery and the vehicle's motor. The battery takes about 7 hours to recharge in sunlight. If electric plug in power is used to charge the ELF, it can be charged in about 2 hours. The body of the ELF is made from mostly recycled plastic, making it lightweight. The frame is made from at least 45 percent recycled aluminum. The battery can take most people an average of 30 miles on solo battery power. Commuters can go farther, however, if they use a combination of pedal power and battery power. There is a 60-watt solar panel on the ELF vehicle's roof that is used to constantly and slowly charge the battery, which is composed of lithium iron phosphate.
