Jeff Bowlsby
Elio Addict
So I’m trying to determine what I should reasonably expect it will be like to actually own and use an Elio in reality, for me personally. YMMV. The single-seat width cabin and outrigger wheels are a significant departure from conventional vehicles and present their own advantages and drawbacks. To my gearhead sensibilities it’s been a fun ride watching the Elio develop and come to market, but soon we should have the opportunity to really bring one home and actually own and use it. What will that experience be like? I already own two other 2 seater fun cars so justifying this to the Boss – I just know she will make me sell 1 or both of the others as a bargaining chip to justify its purchase.
I am going to love the $20 fill-ups that last for 600+ miles.
The Boss has claustrophobia so its not likely she will ever ride in the backseat – thus for me I think the Elio is viable as a single seat vehicle except on rare occasions. I can see it being used for solo trips and errands around town, commuting (my commute is short). A solo long distance trip for me is rare, so highway trips will be infrequent. Its clear that I would need to use a conventional car/truck for 2 or more people and for most long distance journeys.
Cargo capacity is very limited so that I cannot go to ‘orange’ or ‘blue’ and get 10 foot pipes or lumber or insulation bales or potted plants, or bags of mulch or even more than a sack or two of groceries. (Hey there’s an idea – how about a lumber rack/roof cargo accessory!) Its clear that I would need to use a conventional car/truck for any task involving even moderate sized cargo.
The outrigger wheels are a bit of a safety concern. I am a capable/experienced driver but how much retraining will I need as a driver to get used to the outrigger wheels? Will I hit stuff with them? Bigger concern: will others hit my wheels – especially passing cars and motorbikes on the highway, even cyclists or pedestrians walking alongside in a parking lot - because they are not anticipated? I cannot see the outrigger wheels on the production Elio not having lights/reflectors for safety.
Elio power:weight ratio is about the same as my other fun cars – I suspect that the Elio will be a small, lightweight, nimble vehicle to drive, no concerns there really. Not expecting a big block muscle car experience – I am OK with that.
What about how others may come to perceive/reference the Elio? Will it earn or get tagged with a ubiquitous deprecating reference like “slug bug”, “tricycle car” or “popsicle rocket”? I think the Elio will get lots of attention given its styling and persona. I am a modest person and don't need or want the attention. Not that I care too much about others perceptions or opinions, but it is a consideration.
So how much do I need/want a vehicle that is insanely economical, only really useful for solo trips/errands/short jaunts around town, when I don't need to haul much of anything?
Opinions? Additional thoughts? What is your situation?
I am going to love the $20 fill-ups that last for 600+ miles.
The Boss has claustrophobia so its not likely she will ever ride in the backseat – thus for me I think the Elio is viable as a single seat vehicle except on rare occasions. I can see it being used for solo trips and errands around town, commuting (my commute is short). A solo long distance trip for me is rare, so highway trips will be infrequent. Its clear that I would need to use a conventional car/truck for 2 or more people and for most long distance journeys.
Cargo capacity is very limited so that I cannot go to ‘orange’ or ‘blue’ and get 10 foot pipes or lumber or insulation bales or potted plants, or bags of mulch or even more than a sack or two of groceries. (Hey there’s an idea – how about a lumber rack/roof cargo accessory!) Its clear that I would need to use a conventional car/truck for any task involving even moderate sized cargo.
The outrigger wheels are a bit of a safety concern. I am a capable/experienced driver but how much retraining will I need as a driver to get used to the outrigger wheels? Will I hit stuff with them? Bigger concern: will others hit my wheels – especially passing cars and motorbikes on the highway, even cyclists or pedestrians walking alongside in a parking lot - because they are not anticipated? I cannot see the outrigger wheels on the production Elio not having lights/reflectors for safety.
Elio power:weight ratio is about the same as my other fun cars – I suspect that the Elio will be a small, lightweight, nimble vehicle to drive, no concerns there really. Not expecting a big block muscle car experience – I am OK with that.
What about how others may come to perceive/reference the Elio? Will it earn or get tagged with a ubiquitous deprecating reference like “slug bug”, “tricycle car” or “popsicle rocket”? I think the Elio will get lots of attention given its styling and persona. I am a modest person and don't need or want the attention. Not that I care too much about others perceptions or opinions, but it is a consideration.
So how much do I need/want a vehicle that is insanely economical, only really useful for solo trips/errands/short jaunts around town, when I don't need to haul much of anything?
Opinions? Additional thoughts? What is your situation?
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