Arcimoto

[Elio Amazed]

My last few posts have been looking at the GEN 8 in comparison to a car.
When you do that, some issues do present themselves.
Again, it may not be for the masses.

Now when you look at it in comparison to any 3-wheeled MC out there...

Say the Spyder...

Due to it's enclosure, weight, drive, style and price point, I admit that it wins as awesome hands down.

 

[Rickb]

I may have preferred the SRK Electric over the Elio only after test driving both, but no SRK for me unless Arcimoto takes care of the MC licensing issue prior to production.

I agree the SRK is looking awesome compared to other three wheeled motorcycles.

 

[slinches]

I'd be interested in hearing an estimated price of the Deliverator option (just order of magnitude is fine, e.g. $200 or $2000). If it isn't insanely expensive, it would likely pay for itself in increased utility. That would allow for use on more inclement weather days and trips where you may want to leave something in the vehicle when parked.

By the way, I agree that not qualifying as an autocycle is likely a mistake if they were going into high volume production. From what I recall Arcimoto is planning for a multi-stage ramp up, so they have time to develop an autocycle variant long before they hit anticipated Elio initial production levels.

 

[Rickb]

The Deliverator drivers will need an MC endorsement too. I don't think Arcimoto will develop an autocycle variant, but attempt to amend the autocycle definition to allow for the handlebar steering. The steering wheel shouldn't have been so specific in the current autocycle definition..........enclosed cabin, 2 or 3 wheels, bench seat, and carlike safety features would have covered it.

I mention 2 wheels to have covered the Lit Motors enclosed 2 wheel self balancing motorcycle which is the coolest of the three. IMO

 

[slinches]

I doubt that ammended legislation that would cover the SRX as-is will pass. One of the main points for getting the license exemption on autocycles is that they would operate more like a car than a motorcycle and therefore don't need any additional training to operate beyond the normal driver's license. A big part of that is maintaining the standard car style interface of a steering wheel and pedals. I don't see how to clearly differentiate the categories without including that requirement.

Although the same argument probably doesn't hold for helmet laws. Anything the has a full roll cage and restraints should probably be exempted from those.

 

[Mark Frohnmayer]

By the by, as you cover the other questions, could you give us the curb weight of the GEN 8?

The Gen 8 mule is 1,023 lbs. We are targeting 1,000 lbs. for the production version.

no SRK for me unless Arcimoto takes care of the MC licensing issue prior to production.

Many states (including our launch markets of Oregon and California) don't require a MC endorsement, and states that do require one allow you to take the test using the SRK. If you happen to live in a state that requires special licensing, it's going to be a great enough ride that it'll be worth going to the DMV and taking the test so that you can ride it.

We'll certainly work with lawmakers around the country to normalize the requirements because really it takes almost no time to get the hang of riding -- if you know how to ride a bicycle you will be instantly familiar with the operation of the SRK. This lobbying effort will be best engaged when we can actually sit lawmakers in the drivers seat to experience it for themselves.

 

[JEBar]

all vehicles are designed and marketed to meet the needs/wants of a specific market segment .... most issues I see raised stem from potential buyers wanting the vehicle to do things it isn't designed to do .... examples, some are upset because an Elio can't accommodate a large family, some because it can't accommodate much luggage, and so on .... some are upset with Arcimoto type vehicles because they don't have enough range, some because they don't have a climate controlled cabin, some because it doesn't have a steering wheel, and so on .... the reality is, when a company offers a product, people can buy it or not .... some will buy and try to make aftermarket mods to better enable it to meet their wants/needs, and there is nothing wrong with that .... I find it interesting to watch comments from those who look at a given vehicle and determine it isn't perfect or at least palatable for them .... for some the old if it isn't my way I'll take my ball and go home attitude is still very much alive and in full force .... until I started following this thread, I'd never heard fo a Arcimoto and have enjoyed learning about it .... I can see for some people it may well be a perfect match and I hope it does well .... its not for me because it will not meet my wants/needs and that's irrelevant to everyone else on the planet ....

 

[Muzhik]

Welcome Mark! Can you drink hemp milk mochas and drive?

Only if you don't inhale.

Sorry for the late response, just getting caught up on this thread. I can see one very good way that the major automakers can thwart the introduction and acceptance of both EM and Arcimoto: cheap Asian imports. More to the point, cheap Asian imports that are "found to be" dangerous. Start spreading the idea among the general public that 3-wheeled vehicles are the "ATV" of today and that would put a crimp in any sales plan.

 

[slinches]

Those are all good points, JEBar, but there's one major difference here that makes these comments a bit more meaningful. This vehicle is still in the development phase. There is a chance, if we voice our concerns and suggestions to the people behind the project, that the end product will better meet our particular needs/wants.

 

[Rickb]

all vehicles are designed and marketed to meet the needs/wants of a specific market segment .... most issues I see raised stem from potential buyers wanting the vehicle to do things it isn't designed to do .... examples, some are upset because an Elio can't accommodate a large family, some because it can't accommodate much luggage, and so on .... some are upset with Arcimoto type vehicles because they don't have enough range, some because they don't have a climate controlled cabin, some because it doesn't have a steering wheel, and so on .... the reality is, when a company offers a product, people can buy it or not .... some will buy and try to make aftermarket mods to better enable it to meet their wants/needs, and there is nothing wrong with that .... I find it interesting to watch comments from those who look at a given vehicle and determine it isn't perfect or at least palatable for them .... for some the old if it isn't my way I'll take my ball and go home attitude is still very much alive and in full force .... until I started following this thread, I'd never heard fo a Arcimoto and have enjoyed learning about it .... I can see for some people it may well be a perfect match and I hope it does well .... its not for me because it will not meet my wants/needs and that's irrelevant to everyone else on the planet ....

The key to spending hundreds of millions of dollars on vehicle development for the mass market and keep it affordable is to design and build it to meet the wants and needs of the masses so it's irrevelant to as few people as possible. Elio figured that out early on.

The SRK did meet my wants and needs and one change in the design/engineering process now makes it irrelevant only because of MC licensing and helmet issues. I realize that's my choice to not jump through licensing hoops and could change with amended legislation. The SRK will no doubt have enough market share to be successful and I will follow more closely the three wheeler EVs under development from Corbin Motors and ElectraMeccanica.