Driving The Elio?

[eddie66]

Maybe you need one of these.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2150iFXF5Vc?rel=0

 

[Craig]

Maybe you need one of these.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2150iFXF5Vc?rel=0

I would rate that commercial just below this one.

 

[Coda1]

OK, I keep seeing this post about a fishtailing rear wheel.......Have you forgotten that this is a front wheel drive vehicle, the rear wheel will do nothing but trail the front end. You may get some movement but little to NO fishtailing unless you force the front end hard around a corner. AND that's all I've got to say about that !!

On poorly plowed roads I think it could be a problem. Because it is not directly behind the front wheels it is not going to be following the same ruts. Usually there are a set of two well established ruts that everyone is driving in. Then there are a few that diagonal across from people passing. When the rear wheel of the Elio that is travelling through the deep snow with no rut to follow hits one of the diagonal ruts I think it might want to follow it.

The other thing that will be an issue is only one tire on the back will reduce the amount of traction when cornering and the back end will skid out more easily in corners. Tire shops refuse to put snow tires on only the front tires of cars because they feel it is unsafe. Traction of the rear tires is important even on front wheel drive cars.

I think three wheels will help Elio make a cheap vehicle that gets great gas mileage. I don't see three wheels as a desirable trait but a sacrifice made to attain those goals. For the vast majority of the time it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[eddie66]

On poorly plowed roads I think it could be a problem. Because it is not directly behind the front wheels it is not going to be following the same ruts. Usually there are a set of two well established ruts that everyone is driving in. Then there are a few that diagonal across from people passing. When the rear wheel of the Elio that is travelling through the deep snow with no rut to follow hits one of the diagonal ruts I think it might want to follow it.

The other thing that will be an issue is only one tire on the back will reduce the amount of traction when cornering and the back end will skid out more easily in corners. Tire shops refuse to put snow tires on only the front tires of cars because they feel it is unsafe. Traction of the rear tires is important even on front wheel drive cars.

I think three wheels will help Elio make a cheap vehicle that gets great gas mileage. I don't see three wheels as a desirable trait but a sacrifice made to attain those goals. For the vast majority of the time it shouldn't be a problem.

Just think about the poor slob behind you trying to follow your tracks.

 

[zelio]

Just think about the poor slob behind you trying to follow your tracks.

Oh My! That is a great thought!!!! I'm still laughing! :-) Z

 

[Flyboy1260]

HI, New to the Elio world. I am 'All in" and very excited!
But I wonder how many people have thought about how they should drive an Elio? I fyour answer is "Like I drive my car", you'd be wrong. Let's just hope your not "dead" wrong.
I feel pretty well prepared for the challenge as I've driven a motorcycle all my life and I also have a Mazda Miata. Both very small vehicles with a small visual footprint on the road.
When you're driving a small vehicle such as the Elio, all motorcycle rules will apply. That means SUPER DEFENSIVE DRIVING!! The little vehicles get no respect. Plan for every car to pull out in front of you, change lanes into you and NEVER be in another drivers blind spot!
I could go on, but you get my point.


Moderator Comment: Merged into existing driving thread

 

[BillZ]

I've driven a motorcycle most of my adult life. Your description of Super Defensive Driving is apt and very close to one I used as I taught my wife to ride her own motorcycle. Situational awareness is paramount to keep you safe as I explained to my wife, "you have to act as if you're driving everyone else's car too." You have to be much more aware of where everyone is as well as what they are doing or not doing while you prepare multiple "escape routes." This type of driving is not new to a motorbike driver because of the inherent danger of riding; you are basically fully exposed and can't afford to "trade paint" with anyone. Therefore, you learn to be much more observant and on your guard.

I find this level of involvement in my driving exhilarating because I feel more connected and much more actively "driving" instead of simply riding along inside my cage of a car. However, I fully expect that this type of explanation my un-nerve some potential Elio owners. The heightened level of involvement combined with the lower seating platform as well as looking through the front wheels is one of the things that excite me about the Elio. I believe it's going to be a driving experience like no other.

Bring it!

 

[CompTrex]

I've driven a motorcycle most of my adult life. Your description of Super Defensive Driving is apt and very close to one I used as I taught my wife to ride her own motorcycle. Situational awareness is paramount to keep you safe as I explained to my wife, "you have to act as if you're driving everyone else's car too." You have to be much more aware of where everyone is as well as what they are doing or not doing while you prepare multiple "escape routes." This type of driving is not new to a motorbike driver because of the inherent danger of riding; you are basically fully exposed and can't afford to "trade paint" with anyone. Therefore, you learn to be much more observant and on your guard.

I find this level of involvement in my driving exhilarating because I feel more connected and much more actively "driving" instead of simply riding along inside my cage of a car. However, I fully expect that this type of explanation my un-nerve some potential Elio owners. The heightened level of involvement combined with the lower seating platform as well as looking through the front wheels is one of the things that excite me about the Elio. I believe it's going to be a driving experience like no other.

Bring it!

I'm not sure about this. My guess, because the Elio is so big, it will feel a lot more like driving a car than a bike. I agree that defensive driving will be crucial, but I don't think that the Elio is going to have the same problem with being visible as an MC has. It basically has the same footprint as my Solara, and that seems to be pretty visible.

So as far as driving, I think it will be very similar to my Solara, except from the center of the vehicle.
As far as others, I'm betting that it will be a whole lot more visible that an MC.

 

[wheaters]

I think defensive driving is appropriate, irrespective of the type/size of the vehicle you are in charge of.

I watch "body language" of the vehicles around me. I can often predict actions of another driver, such as when a mobile phone is in use (illegal over here), when a cigarette is being smoked, or a drink or food being consumed by a driver, also illegal whilst driving.

And on the motorway, I often change lanes to allow a driver ahead of me a space to overtake, possibly even before he/she has decided they need to.

One thing I have learned from years of motorcycling whilst deaf dumb and blind drivers try to kill me is to watch the front wheels of other vehicles. Where they are pointing is often a better clue to the driver's intentions than indicators, which can be incorrectly used, or not used where they should be. Also, you can see the relative motion of wheels before you will see the vehicle itself beginning to move, such as a driver possibly about to emerge from a T junction when they don't have right of way - a common killer of motorcyclists.

 

[Joe3817]

Great discussion on this topic. I have never driven motorcycles, however am very aware of the importance of defensive driving, which should be employed no matter what you are driving in. The elio is bridging the motorcycle/vehicle gap so I think all of us non-motorcycle riders should listen to those who ride motorcycles. I am hopeful and confident that the elio will be safer than motorcycles in many respects, however I dont want to be t-boned in it. Drive defensively, and actually drive your elio, pay attention and enjoy the ride. Also picking out one of the loud attention grabbing colors should help as well......bring on the bright green for me or maybe the yellow as science has proven it to catch our attention.