Outrigger Steering And Brake Line Safety?

[JCar]

My biggest safety & reliability concern is the whole exposed outrigger linkage, especially what appears to be braided brake lines (emphasized in this view). Wind will be battering that area constantly, along with random debris. A cowl to at least partly protect it would make me a lot more confident. It could have accordion-style rubber edges if not too extreme for easy steering. Another option would be an aerodynamic blade mounted on the body ahead of the linkage to deflect debris, analogous to a train cow-catcher. Top and rear protection would be less important.

I also don't like the idea of random punks sticking crowbars in the suspension just for fun (many of us lack garages). Sure, they can vandalize regular cars but the more visible something is, the greater the temptation for those inclined. Bored teens often go around and do stuff like that.

I understand it might not be easy to engineer those protections but it would probably increase sales. In fact, it's my only real concern. I am sold on the overall low cost of ownership, even knowing that this vehicle is inherently less safe than something larger and wider. I drive very defensively in general.

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

Welcome to the forum, JCar.

Honestly I don't think either concern is really warranted. There have been three-wheel vehicles and two-wheel motorcycles plying our highways for decades upon decades and I've never heard nor seen anybody worry about these things or any evidence of it being a constant problem. Many of those older trikes and bikes used ordinary rubber brake lines swinging out in the breeze and it's just not a problem. So rest easy.

 

[zelio]

I agree with Gas-Powered Awesome. I believe you are looking for problems to worry about. I have found I get what I look for so I choose to not look for trouble. It makes my life much more comfortable and joyful. I hope you will enjoy this exciting adventure and journey to Elio production and ownership. :-) Z

 

[JCar]

Welcome to the forum, JCar.

Honestly I don't think either concern is really warranted. There have been three-wheel vehicles and two-wheel motorcycles plying our highways for decades upon decades and I've never heard nor seen anybody worry about these things or any evidence of it being a constant problem. Many of those older trikes and bikes used ordinary rubber brake lines swinging out in the breeze and it's just not a problem. So rest easy.

Do you have an example of something similar to it that's withstood many road miles? I can't think of anything mass market besides Can-Am, and those look stouter somehow (can't find details on their luck offhand). Hitting debris could take out the Elio brake line if something started spooling around. Even tumbleweeds can be wiry. I can see a cat getting snagged in those outriggers. Stuff happens all the time at random.

I would hope to drive (or ride?) an Elio long distances in wild country at times, not just for city routes. Don't want something that necessitates too much fatalism. It just has a bit of a flimsy look. I've never owned a motorcycle or even a convertible and never plan to, for similar reasons.

 

[JCar]

I agree with Gas-Powered Awesome. I believe you are looking for problems to worry about. I have found I get what I look for so I choose to not look for trouble. It makes my life much more comfortable and joyful. I hope you will enjoy this exciting adventure and journey to Elio production and ownership. Z

I do like the Elio, but not in a faith-based way (Murphy's Law adherent). If they don't protect those linkages I'd look into aftermarket kits or invent my own mod. At least the CV boots seem to be inside the body cowling. I've had one punctured on a truck, and not even during serious off-roading.

My aim in posting this is that the engineers might also see it. I also emailed them directly.

 

[BlioKart]

My first choice would be a braided line just for safety increase. 2nd would be a shielding like a F1 car. The electrical and hydraulic lines are ran threw a carbon fiber shield over one of the wishbones. I think steel braided lines would be sufficient. Maybe someone can whip up some tough abs plastic ones to protect them even further. Its not impossible for them to be damaged but its unlikely. Anything big enough would rip the whole suspension off anyway brake lines and all.

Polaris didn't seem to think it was big enough of an issue see how the lines are routed. Slingshot shares basic front suspension design principal with Elio.

 

[Bert]

All of it is open to the elements and other hazzards on the high lift vehicles. While it is possible for something to cause damage, it's not likely. The fenders on normal cars and trucks really won't stop "spooling" of things, and in fact being hidden most of the time, can cause people to ignore rubber parts of all types until they fail!
I have a 1978 Suzuki 550GS, with all origional rubber lines to the brakes. They are open to the elements and could easily be reached and damaged. They are in fact for outlasting my expectations.
Control arms, no issue. The lower control arm on all vehicles is just waiting to be taken out. A curb, pole, really bad pothole, name your poisin.
If you mount something in front of them, you've just supplied the item that will impact these parts, should something horribly wrong happen.
Don't sweat the small stuff. IMO

 

[JCar]

My first choice would be a braided line just for safety increase. 2nd would be a shielding like a F1 car. The electrical and hydraulic lines are ran threw a carbon fiber shield over one of the wishbones. I think steel braided lines would be sufficient. Maybe someone can whip up some tough abs plastic ones to protect them even further. Its not impossible for them to be damaged but its unlikely. Anything big enough would rip the whole suspension off anyway brake lines and all.

Polaris didn't seem to think it was big enough of an issue see how the lines are routed. Slingshot shares basic front suspension design principal with Elio.

Useful to know. I've just never driven anything that looks that fragile and exposed. For the price and high MPG I'll take the chance.

 

[JCar]

All of it is open to the elements and other hazzards on the high lift vehicles. While it is possible for something to cause damage, it's not likely. The fenders on normal cars and trucks really won't stop "spooling" of things, and in fact being hidden most of the time, can cause people to ignore rubber parts of all types until they fail!
I have a 1978 Suzuki 550GS, with all origional rubber lines to the brakes. They are open to the elements and could easily be reached and damaged. They are in fact for outlasting my expectations.
Control arms, no issue. The lower control arm on all vehicles is just waiting to be taken out. A curb, pole, really bad pothole, name your poisin.
If you mount something in front of them, you've just supplied the item that will impact these parts, should something horribly wrong happen.
Don't sweat the small stuff. IMO

I agree to a point, but a well integrated barrier in front of the axles wouldn't be much different than cowling or bumpers in a regular car, which I'd always prefer if given a choice. I'll file this under "it is what it is" and see how it fares in consumer reviews.

 

[Mike W]

Tanks are about the only vehicle that are bullet proof, as far as brake lines, suspension etc. goes, but that is an extreme example. Besides, there's always some punk with a TOW missle that will mess things up! Really though, there's always the stray something that messes up something that otherwise would work for a good long extended period of time. You can't not use it due to the fear that something will happen. If you work on that basis, move out of your residence because something may happen, exposed gas lines and electrical wires come into the building don't you know.