Setting Expectations?

[Coss]

Most gravel roads have 3 wheel tracks and you generally drive on the right hand two. There are two "windrows" of gravel that separate the wheel tracks. I think that dodging potholes will be an issue but the real problem on gravel will be that rear tire riding in what can often be 2 or 3 inches of loose gravel. I have a mile of gravel to drive on before I get to a hard surface road. I have already decided that I will have to drive that a little slower than I usually do but that is a good intention. The same things that the road to hell is paved with.

If the Elio used the rear wheel as a drive wheel, it would be a problem; but being that the rear wheel is just something to hold up the back of it, going through loose gravel shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Ian442]

I learned to just stay close to the interstate exit in SLC. That numbered crap grid they use is confusing as hell reading road signs.

 

[RUCRAYZE]

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?

being to lazy to catch up on the thread today,and possibly already answered, I'd just share, having sat in them, the sense and concern of "outriggers" fades away, as to the need for a rear view mirror, never had one on a bike :-) and visibility is great
I think though, driving down the road with a piece of "something' in the middle of the lane, I'D PICK MY FEET UP!

 

[Jeff Bowlsby]

Explain that to the person not paying attention that walks along side of your Elio and trips over the wheels or the passing cyclist or motorbike that does the same at speed - because they are not expected. Its a concern.

 

[slinches]

People have fallen into the Grand Canyon because they weren't paying attention to what they were doing. I don't blame the canyon for that.

 

[W. WIllie]

You can't fix "stupid".........no matter how many safeguards you make.

 

[BADBOY]

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?

Elio may no be for you..but it will be perfect for me. I like people smiling and waving to me (in my similar unusual vehicles). I drove a 1959 Plymouth that was very unique as was my 1984 Pontiac Fiero, my 1970 Dodge Super Bee, 1998 Congressional Lincoln Town Car, 3 Pontiac Solstices, 2012 Nissan Maxima and a 120 MPH speedboat named 1BADBOY because it was. I enjoy talking to people who come up and ask "what is that?" I don't have to have the attention..but it feels pretty good.

 

[WilliamH]

Explain that to the person not paying attention that walks along side of your Elio and trips over the wheels or the passing cyclist or motorbike that does the same at speed - because they are not expected. Its a concern.

Hell, I'll do better than that.
I'll give them a copy of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species".
They can read it while they recover.
Maybe they will understand how natural selection weeds out stupid.

 

[Sethodine]

Explain that to the person not paying attention that walks along side of your Elio and trips over the wheels or the passing cyclist or motorbike that does the same at speed - because they are not expected. Its a concern.

Worst-case scenario: the government throws a tantrum and all Elio's are recalled until Pep Boys can slap a $1 reflector onto each fender. The ensuing news coverage becomes millions of dollars worth of free advertizing for the Elio, and sales go through the roof.

 

[Coss]

Elio may no be for you..but it will be perfect for me. I like people smiling and waving to me (in my similar unusual vehicles). I drove a 1959 Plymouth that was very unique as was my 1984 Pontiac Fiero, my 1970 Dodge Super Bee, 1998 Congressional Lincoln Town Car, 3 Pontiac Solstices, 2012 Nissan Maxima and a 120 MPH speedboat named 1BADBOY because it was. I enjoy talking to people who come up and ask "what is that?" I don't have to have the attention..but it feels pretty good.

I was doing the same when I had my rotary engine bikes, my trike with a Corvair engine (it was a reversed engine so where I sat was over the motor with a tall stack for the carbs on either side of me); a custom van I had that I widened 16" (had 3 windshield wipers) and a number of other mild customs I had; I'd hand them a business card (or 4) and if I happen to have an upcoming show, a flyer for it. I rode on a motorcycle stunt team for 9 years on a 1942 Harley; yeah, I love the attention too. If someone was walking close enough to my Elio to bump into a front wheel they would have to be almost leaning on it the whole time, the front wheels don't stick out that far.