Will The Elf Save The Humans? [View all]

[Kennah]

http://digitallife.today.com/_news/2013/01/17/16570977-some-of-the-tech-of-tomorrow-is-here-today?lite

Hobbits and elves are totally in right now, even when it comes to new rides. The ELF Electric Hybrid bike is powered by the pedaler and the sun or with an electric motor boost, whenever you want it. Legally, this electric hybrid bike can go anywhere a regular bike goes (although, riders take note that in some places, like New York City, there are weird rules when it comes to electric bikes on the street).

This is actually a Kickstarter-funded project, and more than 60 units have been sold — 50 through Kickstarter and about a dozen outside of the campaign. Expect to see them hit the streets soon after delivery, which will be March through May. For now, ELF will be available online, but creators envision one day selling the units in dealerships nationwide.

Want some specs? ELF can go for 1,800 miles using the energy equivalence of what would be one gallon of gasoline. Max speed is 20 mph. The bike gets charged by 80-watt rooftop solar panels or via lithium ion battery, which takes about two hours to charge. ELF can go for about 30 miles on a full battery. No special license is required to ride it and it weighs 112 pounds and carries 350 pounds of cargo. The bike’s height is on level with passengers in cars for visibility, in addition to LED lighting for headlights, brakes and turn signals.

Plus, let’s just be honest: you will look cool.

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Velos tend to be pricey, and the Elf has a base price of $4K. Mass production would obviously drive down the prices of all Velos. Something like the Elf seems like it might appeal to a much wider market.

I would ride a traditional Velo, but I'm one of that damned, dirty bikers.