Keith Nagel wrote:
I've seen _many_ other scooter and minibike devices, perhaps this summer I'll take some pictures and post.
I, on the other hand, have actually ridden some of these things, commuting 6 miles a day. Most of them do not seem practical. For a distance of 1 km or more you need to ride in the street, and the only practical way to do that is with a bicycle. Traveling on the sidewalk is so slow you might as well walk. A vehicle with wheels smaller than a bicycle is difficult to maneuver and it is likely to be overturned by a stone or broken bottle. (The railroad accident in Japan on Monday may have been caused partly by a stone on the rails.)
Safety is the biggest problem with any of these vehicles. In the US, riding any kind of vehicle outdoors is dangerous, especially with SUVs prowling around. Even walking is dangerous with those damn things around! You cannot see the drivers and they cannot see you. I have been nearly run down by them on numerous occasions. The only thing worse is a delivery van, and most delivery van drivers realize they have limited vision and they are careful.
In China I saw many unusual electric vehicles, including micro-taxicabs/jinrikisha -- like electrified pedal cabs. I saw one with a big fat lady sitting in front and the guy in the back pedaling with the help of a large electric motor.
There is a real market for this stuff . . .
There may be, but it has been very difficult for manufacturers to reach in the US. The LaFree electric bicycle I purchased is no longer manufactured. You would think that aging baby boomers would want these things.
Here is inexpensive but remarkable looking electric bicycle for $2200:
http://www.electricvehiclesnw.com/main/revive-spirit.htm
For that kind of money you might as well buy a moped. Or one of these all-electric things:
http://www.egovehicles.com/Products/index.cfm?doc_id=122
(These are not mopeds because you cannot pedal them.)
- Jed
