Handlebars

[floydv]

i searched but couldn't find any discussion on this. Several reports indicate that Arcimoto's switch from a design using a steering wheel to one using handlebars allowed it to save from 500-700 lbs (depends on the source), as well as increase interior space and vehicle length. I wonder if Elio has considered using handlebars instead of a steering wheel?

 

[HonestTex]

Autocycle legislation states "automotive controls". Don't think handlebars are in their plans.

 

[Coss]

i searched but couldn't find any discussion on this. Several reports indicate that Arcimoto's switch from a design using a steering wheel to one using handlebars allowed it to save from 500-700 lbs (depends on the source), as well as increase interior space and vehicle length. I wonder if Elio has considered using handlebars instead of a steering wheel?

You might want to PM Rickb about the Arcimoto; he seems to know all about them.

Autocycle legislation states "automotive controls". Don't think handlebars are in their plans.

That's correct; the Autocycle descriptions always include "Steering Wheel" along with the "Enclosed Cabin"

 

[Jeff Miller]

This got me wondering.

From what I understand, steering wheels on likely everything except race cars rotate significantly more that handlebars do. The handlebars on my motorcycles rotate probably no more than 120 degrees while steering wheels often rotate significantly more than that.

It may be that because the elio is so light that steering gearing necessary to support a handlebar might be manageable by the driver without assist but given the concern everybody is already expressing about the lack of power steering I don't think many would like it.

 

[Coss]

This got me wondering.

From what I understand, steering wheels on likely everything except race cars rotate significantly more that handlebars do. The handlebars on my motorcycles rotate probably no more than 120 degrees while steering wheels often rotate significantly more than that.

It may be that because the elio is so light that steering gearing necessary to support a handlebar might be manageable by the driver without assist but given the concern everybody is already expressing about the lack of power steering I don't think many would like it.

Also consider that there are a lot of people afraid of motorcycles and would never operate one. The steering wheel give people that familiar look and feel of a car; if it had handlebars some people would see in the back of their mind that it's a bike, and want nothing to do with it.
Experiments like this have happened over time that people do some mental comparisons because a part reminds them of something else that they like or fear and it triggers an automatic response.

 

[Rickb]

Handlebar steering shaved over 700 lbs. off the Arcimoto SRK. The wt. reduction is a big win for the SRK EV by increasing range and lowering the MSRP dramatically.

Suzuki married their car to their motorcycle handlebar steering in this Suziki Prototype. Imagine the mpg gain, increased turning radius, and quicker steering response if it was adaptable to the Elio. Handle bars in an autocycle would be extreme visually, but handle bar steering mechanics coupled with a hybrid designed steering yoke (allowing for the airbag) would be accepted by the average driver. Interesting thought.

 

[NSTG8R]

Handlebar steering shaved over 700 lbs. off the Arcimoto SRK. The wt. reduction is a big win for the SRK EV by increasing range and lowering the MSRP dramatically.

Suzuki married their car to their motorcycle handlebar steering in this Suziki Prototype. Imagine the mpg gain, increased turning radius, and quicker steering response if it was adaptable to the Elio. Handle bars in an autocycle would be extreme visually, but handle bar steering mechanics coupled with a hybrid designed steering yoke (allowing for the airbag) would be accepted by the average driver. Interesting thought.

View attachment 7761

View attachment 7763

700lbs? I don't think my 7.3L cast iron Powerstroke diesel engine even weighs 700lbs. Was that just a typo [70lbs]?

 

[W. WIllie]

I agree. No way would the power steering and attachments weigh 700#.

Willie

 

[Rickb]

The SRK Gen 7 weighed 1750 lbs.. Because of 'all' the changes allowed as a result of the handlebar steering the Gen 8 weighs slightly over 1000 lbs.. I have no idea how that translates to the Elio platform if adapted to handlebar steering.

 

[floydv]

I believe the change to handlebars in the Arcimoto allowed a whole series of changes -- from other parts of the vehicle, not just the steering -- that cumulatively reduced the vehicle's total weight by 700 lbs (reported). Perhaps the Elio can use something like an airplane style yoke that evokes a steering wheel (I'm not sure of the mechanics of doing that) while still keeping the weight savings of handlebars.