Corbin Motors Merlin

[BigWarpGuy]

There is also development of the Sparrow II.

They had a design for a four wheel vehicle that could was a pickup (micro pickup) and one for those who are in wheel chairs.

 

[AriLea]

The other issue with the Sparrow other than the high price tag (therefore always a niche market) is the dedication to a tight package. That is to say a very narrow wheel track. Fine for an urban or city car. But forget it on the freeway. And if you don't feel comfortable on the freeway, that's a very small niche.

I yawn on anything not fully freeway drivable. Yes, you can do it, but it's not optimal for it.

Over the years, there has been a whole slew of City-Car failures because of their narrow niche market. These have all added to the expectation of failure for three wheeler makers in general. But really that's a total different product, and customer base, from something like the Elio.

 

[CompTrex]

The other issue with the Sparrow other than the high price tag (therefore always a niche market) is the dedication to a tight package. That is to say a very narrow wheel track. Fine for an urban or city car. But forget it on the freeway. And if you don't feel comfortable on the freeway, that's a very small niche.

I yawn on anything not fully freeway drivable. Yes, you can do it, but it's not optimal for it.

Over the years, there has been a whole slew of City-Car failures because of their narrow niche market. These have all added to the expectation of failure for three wheeler makers in general. But really that's a total different product, and customer base, from something like the Elio.

Confused. Are you saying the Sparrow is not good for highway? Please elaborate.

 

[BigWarpGuy]

Corbin Sparrow On The Freeway.

Corbin Sparrow Honda Powered - Automatic Transmission-with notes
A Honda powered Sparrow might be better than a battery powered one?

 

[AriLea]

Confused. Are you saying the Sparrow is not good for highway? Please elaborate.

OK, you got me on being a little exaggerated. Simply, the wheelbase is too undersized for my taste. For safe running with all levels and mentalities of drivers I would not make it that narrow and short. There are plenty of people who would disagree with me. I concede, below some level it is a shades of gray judgment, rather than black and white.

And there are any number of Sparrow owners who felt perfectly fine driving on the freeway. I would not be one of those if I had one. I've seen (and been in) a few things that keeps me a bit serious about all that. Even the Reliant Robin owner here in Phoenix drives it on the AZ freeways at 65mph. I don't know how positive he feels about that.

Admittedly, you can always find someone that can't drive the safest car safely.

 

[BigWarpGuy]

You make some very good points. I wonder many would say the same thing about the Elio?

 

[Rickb]

You make some very good points. I wonder many would say the same thing about the Elio?

Some have already expressed that concern. The Elio does look more stabile than the Sparrow along with it's anticipated 5 star safety rating. Unaware of the Sparrows safety rating.

 

[EZ]

The Corbin Raven

The VW Three Wheeler

the Peugot three wheeler

Harley has a patent on a three wheeler !

it will NEVER be for the "masses" ! NEVER !

using a "loop-hole" in the Federal Classifications creating three wheelers as MOTORCYCLES …thereby eliminating the requirement for safety testing, etc …then slithering through without helmets ..

tuff …

such a simple wonderful solution should be embraced by the Government and the people !

 

[AriLea]

You make some very good points. I wonder many would say the same thing about the Elio?

Yes, exactly center on the argument.
I'm/we're betting once driven by anyone, it will be considered plenty safe.
I have had my own 3wheeler once with about the same wheel width but worse roll-over estimation compared to the Elio. Most anyone would have felt fine driving it. Until then some felt a little insecure.
Comes with the territory.

 

[Jelio]

I'd love the front end in a turbo ELIO
(more Elioized)