Elio Motors
 

I'm curious how many Villagers have reviewed the Elio Motors P5 prototype. If it get's built, it looks like a vehicle that would work well inside the bubble but unlike a golf cart you could take it outside the bubble too. The base price on the vehicle is supposed to be $7300 which is less than a new golf cart and it includes features like AC, radio, ABS and more. I went to their website and put $100 down for a place in line (and a T-shirt). They may never build the car and I may now own a $100 t-Shirt but I think it's a better bet than spending it at the casino. Please let me know if you are also the proud owner of a $100 T-Shirt and possibly a new $7300 form of transportation.

I looked at it, and figured my wife could never get in or our of the back seat, so that killed it. I can still get in and out of the back seat of my fastback Mustang, but I am sure I would have trouble with this vehicle.

The reason its so cheap, its a TRIKE, doesn't have to have any of the safety equipment that a car is required to have, you will also need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. The running gear is very exposed and if you need support, keep your fingers crossed. Could be the biggest mistake you ever will make if you're in an accident.

According to their website:

"Uncompromised Safety: Elio is engineered to the highest safety standards. Each Elio comes equipped with a Safety Management System that includes three airbags – a unibody frame, Anti-Lock Braking System, and 50% larger crush zones than similar vehicles". Sounds better than a motorcycle to some degree.

Well I often wondered why the golf carts are so expensive given what you get for your money. Per what I've read, one of the reasons why the Elio is inexpensive is that it's constructed with a lot of readily available off the shelf parts used in other vehicles. Elio has put an agreement in place to have Pep Boy's service the vehicle. Florida is one of 41 states where you do not need a motorcycle license to drive this vehicle (they call it an autocycle). Per the safety factor, it certainly is not as safe as an SUV but it does have anti-lock brakes, airbags, traction control and a frame designed with "crush zones". It's likely a lot safer than riding on a scooter or a motorcycle. Although it's designed to go as fast as 100 mph, I would not want to drive it on I-75. I would drive it in the bubble and around the bubble.

I have been watching Elio for a long time. I may get one myself. However, I’m suspect about the accessibility to the back seat. I think it might be quite difficult for all expect small adults or children. As for the price I am looking to add a few upgrades, automatic trans., interior trim and back up camera since it appears to have poor rear visibility. That brought my price to $11k and that does not include shipping, taxes, title OR the cost of installing the few options. The final price would come in around $13k plus taxes. If it were $7300 out the door I would order one sight unseen but $14k requires I test drive first.