Elio Elevated For Better Visibility

[Rob Croson]

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..

IIRC, the Elio is almost the exact same height as a standard economy car. You shouldn't have any more problems from that aspect than any other car.

 

[CompTrex]

Maybe as an aftermarket we could install a lift kit? Jack that bad boy up! Maybe even go for a 3X3.

 

[slinches]

For practical purposes I don't think you would want to start with an Elio, but I don't see why someone couldn't come up with a very capable custom 3-wheel rock crawler design. It would probably look quite strange since the optimal configuration would have extremely tall tires (probably 60" or more) to keep the CG from being too far above the axles and still have adequate clearance. Although there is at least one benefit in that it wouldn't require a complicated long travel suspension design since there's need for articulation (3 points always form a flat plane).

 

[Coss]

Maybe as an aftermarket we could install a lift kit? Jack that bad boy up! Maybe even go for a 3X3.

For practical purposes I don't think you would want to start with an Elio, but I don't see why someone couldn't come up with a very capable custom 3-wheel rock crawler design. It would probably look quite strange since the optimal configuration would have extremely tall tires (probably 60" or more) to keep the CG from being too far above the axles and still have adequate clearance. Although there is at least one benefit in that it wouldn't require a complicated long travel suspension design since there's need for articulation (3 points always form a flat plane).

Interesting; I can picture this; it would look like a giant spider with 5 legs missing; very Orson Wells alien comes to mind.

 

[Coss]

IIRC, the Elio is almost the exact same height as a standard economy car. You shouldn't have any more problems from that aspect than any other car.

I believe they say it's the same as a new Mustang 5 3/4"

 

[Maurtis]

FWIW, looks about the same height as my Miata, no issues being seen yet. But I do want to install a nice, loud horn. Just like I install on my bikes and in my other small cars in the past.

 

[Rob Croson]

I believe they say it's the same as a new Mustang 5 3/4"

That's ground clearance, right? I thought the OP was talking about overall height.

 

[noahjoew]

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..

One could add a flag to the top of the Elio, like we do on bicycles!!

 

[booboo]

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..

I absolutely do not think the ELIO height is an issue.
Yes, being tall is fun, used to be in a class 8 Western Star with pneumatic seats, nobody bigger or taller than me.
Being small is fun too. Like many said, other low riders out there, and I look forward to being small not tall.
It is just a matter of driving properly for the vehicle you are in.

 

[Okie51]

I absolutely do not think the ELIO height is an issue.
Yes, being tall is fun, used to be in a class 8 Western Star with pneumatic seats, nobody bigger or taller than me.
Being small is fun too. Like many said, other low riders out there, and I look forward to being small not tall.
It is just a matter of driving properly for the vehicle you are in.

I might fear the stones that thrown my way by leading vehicles(i.e. Dump Trucks), or will they fly over the roof. Hope the glass is strong!