Elio - 84 mpg and $6800?

[Spitfire599]

Hello people of Automation! I'm just taking this time to introduce you to something that you may or may not have already heard of: the Elio. Elio motors is a small American company that thinks they can revolutionize transportation. It's got 3 wheels, is classified as a motorcycle, and can apparently do 84 mpg on the highway, all while costing $6800 brand new. So, what are your thoughts?

[nialloftara]

And they'll have my pre order money as soon as they clear up the regulatory autocycle issues.

[TrackpadUser]

nial is right.

Since it is a 3-wheel, it's going to require a motorcycle license and a helmet in many jurisdictions.

[Zabhawkin]

At least in my state you don't need a helmet if your over 18.

It would be great for commuting/city, but would suck out here in the rural southwest.

[TrackpadUser]

Yeah, it seems to be more or less in the same category Smart, but without the slightly ridiculous price tag of the Smart in North America.

[nialloftara]

I love the idea of them and give them kudos for the chutzpah of designing their own engine for this. Basic cheap transport is a great idea and I wish them the best, but until you can buy register and drive them in all states with only a drivers license, and they actually make that engine them talk about and stop using the old Geo metro xfi engine as a stopgap in their prototypes I'm calling it a pipe dream.