Elio Elevated For Better Visibility

[ArmMach]

Had a discussion with someone who favors a Motorcycle to an Elio. I was puzzled, and asked why. The answer was two-fold: (1) Line of sight because of how high you sit on a Motorcycle versus an Elio, and how other more elevated Drivers in vehicles like Trucks and SUVs may have difficulties seeing the Elio because it is so much lower, (2) The Motorcycle allows him to cut out if traffic (legal in CA). #2 cannot be resolved since the there's no way the Elio can be as narrow as a Motorcycle. But what about #1? From a photo I've seen of an Elio next to an SUV, it does appear to be much lower. Wonder if Elio can raise the car a bit more without sacrificing aerodynamics (gas mileage), looks, or having to redesign. Do any of you think the Elio's height is a real concern for visibility from others on higher vehicles, or no more concern than something like a Civic? Let me know..

 

[Grumpy Cat]

If you have a train horn, people won't need to see you when they try moving over, they'll hear and feel the horn.

 

[CheeseheadEarl]

Err, no.

If I were worried I'd put a sand dune buggy flag on it.

But I'm not, so I won't.

I swear, some people spend way too much time trying to find things to worry about. That, or they're trolls looking to paint the E. as an unsafe time bomb.

 

[Eliodude]

Had a discussion with someone who favors a Motorcycle to an Elio. I was puzzled, and asked why. The answer was two-fold: (1) Line of sight because of how high you sit on a Motorcycle versus an Elio, and how other more elevated Drivers in vehicles like Trucks and SUVs may have difficulties seeing the Elio because it is so much lower, (2) The Motorcycle allows him to cut out if traffic (legal in CA). #2 cannot be resolved since the there's no way the Elio can be as narrow as a Motorcycle. But what about #1? From a photo I've seen of an Elio next to an SUV, it does appear to be much lower. Wonder if Elio can raise the car a bit more without sacrificing aerodynamics (gas mileage), looks, or having to redesign. Do any of you think the Elio's height is a real concern for visibility from others on higher vehicles, or no more concern than something like a Civic? Let me know..

Very good observations!

As of a result of the low & narrow profile, operating the Elio safely in traffic will necessitate a defensive driving posture.

My Elio will be used for intercity commuting, and will see little or no freeway operation.

 

[floydv]

I heard similar "concerns" about being visible enough in my smart car and even on my recumbent trike. All baseless concerns, if you ask me. I found that the more novel a vehicle is, the more visible it is, irrespective of its relative height. People can't help noticing something that they haven't seen before or don't see very often. Ask yourself this: The last time you encountered a Lamborghini or Ferrari, did you have trouble seeing it? I bet the answer is no, although those types of cars are several hands shorter than an Elio.

I've found drivers tended to give me much more of a buffer zone around my unusual vehicles than my "normal" ones.

 

[aahz]

I don't personally believe there will be any more problems than any other smaller car.
I've rode bikes for years and yes there are a boat load of idiots out there, but at least with the Elio you will have alot more around you then on a bike!
I sold my last bike after a very good friend was killed on his.
I've got others that need their dad around so I choose the Elio!
Your right Cheeseheadearl, there are wayyy to many whiners worried about a leaf blowing across their path!!!

Peace all

 

[aahz]

Ouch. Did I just answer a Troll?
(Shiver)!!!

 

[Lawrence G.]

Oh wow, straight from the past, I had a 74 MGB, air horn. EM should put that in as an option or let us choose one of 3 horns.

To me it's the driver behind me, who kind of doesn't see the smaller vehicle in front of them.

 

[Chaz]

I drove a Triumph Spitfire for a few years never had any problem with people not being able to see me. I also drove a motorcycle and had problems with people pulling out and turning in front of me. Riding my road bicycle is the worst I have been hit 3 times. Each time the person said they saw me but turned in front of me anyway. The last time the person past me, I was going 25mph on a flat road and then proceed to turn right into a driveway when he was about 10ft in front of me. Then when i slammed into the his front quarter panel he asked why I hit him. He was arrested for drunk driving and driving without a license it was 10am on a Sunday morning.
People will see the Elio because it is different but, people will still be texting, adjusting the radio yelling at their kids ect... so we still will be hit. I just don't think it will be at a higher rate than normal.

 

[booboo]

I drove a Triumph Spitfire for a few years never had any problem with people not being able to see me. I also drove a motorcycle and had problems with people pulling out and turning in front of me. Riding my road bicycle is the worst I have been hit 3 times. Each time the person said they saw me but turned in front of me anyway. The last time the person past me, I was going 25mph on a flat road and then proceed to turn right into a driveway when he was about 10ft in front of me. Then when i slammed into the his front quarter panel he asked why I hit him. He was arrested for drunk driving and driving without a license it was 10am on a Sunday morning.
People will see the Elio because it is different but, people will still be texting, adjusting the radio yelling at their kids ect... so we still will be hit. I just don't think it will be at a higher rate than normal.

My 2nd car was an orange Triumph Spitfire, wanted a TR6, but being 17 and working part time, I had shallow pockets. Let's shake hands and God Save the Queen.