Wheels & Tires

[wheaters]

My car runs on 5 x 16" cross plies, made by Avon. Aquaplaning isn't an issue. Problem with the 16 inch wheel diameter is that no one makes narrow tyres in a radial belt. Or at least, you can get them from vintage car specialist dealers but at a very high price. I use Firestone ANS for off road trialling, these are actually a WW2 Harley Davidson pattern so have round profile, no good for the road on a car. A 15 inch wheel size gives a much greater choice.

 

[saint451]

My car runs on 5 x 16" cross plies, made by Avon. Aquaplaning isn't an issue. Problem with the 16 inch wheel diameter is that no one makes narrow tyres in a radial belt. Or at least, you can get them from vintage car specialist dealers but at a very high price. I use Firestone ANS for off road trialling, these are actually a WW2 Harley Davidson pattern so have round profile, no good for the road on a car. A 15 inch wheel size gives a much greater choice.

wheaters,
Do you now live in the UK and do you plan to buy an Elio and bring it there? That would be great!

 

[wheaters]

wheaters,
Do you now live in the UK and do you plan to buy an Elio and bring it there? That would be great!

If it's possible at sensible cost I'd gladly buy one and do my 90 mile round trip UK commute in an Elio. The car makes a huge amount of sense for someone like myself. Just me plus a small amount of luggage is all I need to transport.

 

[ThreeWheelBurnin]

If it's possible at sensible cost I'd gladly buy one and do my 90 mile round trip UK commute in an Elio. The car makes a huge amount of sense for someone like myself. Just me plus a small amount of luggage is all I need to transport.

But the steering wheel is on the wrong side in an Elio...

 

[Terrence]

I will rely on the knowledge of the Elio engineers to calculate the best tire sizes for this unique auto cycle. They are looking out for our interest. Let's not forget it is about to be released, the Elio a 84 mpg auto cycle in our lifetime! That is just great!
That helps my gas budget!
thank you Paul Elio and the Elio Team!
Terrence Bernard

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

The great secret of the Prius isn't its over-hyped "hybrid" drive train, it's the low-rolling resistance skinny tires. Replace them with "ordinary" tires and mileage falls off quite a bit.

Remember the Elio is a lightweight vehicle shooting for low cost and very high fuel economy. Given those facts and prior statements from Elio, I think:
1. Wheels and tires will all be the same size. They have stated front and rear will be interchangeable.
2. Hubs will be four-lug, probably common pattern.
3. Tires will be skinny-ish, high pressure, low rolling resistance. Likely an already commonly-available size meeting that criteria.

 

[wheaters]

I'd have thought that the small and inexpensive 155 or 165 section in a 13 or 14 inch diameter would put sufficient rubber on the road for the weight and performance requirements of the Elio.

 

[Snick]

I'd have thought that the small and inexpensive 155 or 165 section in a 13 or 14 inch diameter would put sufficient rubber on the road for the weight and performance requirements of the Elio.

WAaaaaaay too wide for good fuel economy.

 

[Jim H]

The great secret of the Prius isn't its over-hyped "hybrid" drive train, it's the low-rolling resistance skinny tires. Replace them with "ordinary" tires and mileage falls off quite a bit.

Remember the Elio is a lightweight vehicle shooting for low cost and very high fuel economy. Given those facts and prior statements from Elio, I think:
1. Wheels and tires will all be the same size. They have stated front and rear will be interchangeable.
3. Hubs will be four-lug, probably common pattern.
3. Tires will be skinny-ish, high pressure, low rolling resistance. Likely an already commonly-available size meeting that criteria.

Gas-Powered, welcome to the forum and the this group of Elio enthusiasts. Glad you found the forum because it has the latest information, rumors, and opinions on the development and production of the Elio. Use the forum search function to quickly find information you need. If you can't find it just ask because the members are friendly and helpful. Hope you enjoy this journey and the Elio experience.

 

[Jambe]

1. Wheels and tires will all be the same size. They have stated front and rear will be interchangeable..

On FB, ElioMotors said rear tire will be wider.