Organic Transit: The Rise of the ELF

Eitan Tye and Julian Spector report on the mysterious ELF vehicle that has been taking Durham, N.C., by storm. Turns out it is a sustainable transport manufactured right in Durham by Organic Transit.

[@hcbigboy1]

I think would be a good thing for running around town and if could afford one would get one

[@pachma405]

1:32 surprised to see Sir Elton driving an ELF, I thought he had a Rolls Royce.

[@kevinkirk7187]

Not sure when this video was posted, but here's a user review from early 2017. Purchased my ELF in the middle of December and have put about 600 miles on it in 10 weeks. As someone who has cycled to work as often as possible, this is much more than I would have put in on the bike. The shell and lights have made riding in the wet and dark a non-issue. I would probably have about 1/5 of that mileage if I was only using a commuter bike through this season (extraordinarily warm Feb not withstanding). The lack of doors and floor are not a problem. Have never gotten wet, and even on mornings in the low 20s I'm not cold. I suspect the opposite will be a problem as the temps rise - it may be difficult to remain cool enough without any wind to cool me. While I am happy with my vehicle and plan to ride it into dust, I'm not happy with the company and I would urge any potential buyer to do lots of homework before making a decision. I began to have questions about OT when they wanted to charge me for shipping, even though I was picking it up myself at the company. Much of the information on the website is overstated (imagine: a marketing tool that's not truthful. The horror.). For instance, it says on the front page "up to 48 miles without pedaling." This is just plain wrong. I rode the ELF back to my office that day, a distance of about 12 miles. When I left for the day, the battery didn't even make it out of the parking lot before it died. And let me tell you, unless you are going only downhill, the battery is absolutely essential for travel. As a strong cyclist, I had my hardest workout since climbing Mt. Mitchell getting that thing home. When I called the next day to see if there might be something wrong with the charge, they asked me how far I'd traveled. When I said 10-12 miles, their reply was "that's about right." Now, true 12 miles is "up to" 48, but when I pointed out that was the information on their site they claimed I was wrong. (I wasn't - it's still there). They also suggested I needed to pedal (which I'd done continuously) especially when starting from a cold stop (which is nigh impossible). So they were essentially blaming me. They recommended that I use the larger 15ah battery, but have yet to make one available to me. My requests for tips on maintenance have gone unanswered (currently it's been 3+ weeks since I asked something about the brakes - the brakes! - without a reply), as has a request for a copy of the warranty. Like a lot of tech companies, they would just as soon never have to talk to an actual person. Another misstatement would be the price. These videos suggest $5K, but you will be hard pressed to get away for less than 9K. Everything, including color, comes with a price tag. So if you are going to get one, here are a couple of tips. First, get the Schwalbe tires. You want heavy duty tires, because you do NOT want a flat. It will take you most of the day to fix one the first time, maybe longer if it's the back wheel (there are FOUR youtube videos to explain how to remove it). And put Slime in the tires for extra protection. Second, do not get the wheel covers. They are as expensive as the tires and only make it more difficult to deal with the wheels (like inflating them or trying to lock them). Third, spring for the CycleAnalyst. It's very helpful to know exactly how far I've gone and how much battery is left. Fourth, I've enjoyed the variable transmission, but I suspect that if you're trying to save a little on the price, this is an option to be skipped. You can vary the effort with the throttle instead of the gearing. And last, get the larger battery. Although, since those are just a myth at this point, spring for a second one if you are planning on travelling any distance at all - especially if you won't have a full day (and full sun) for the solar cells to recharge it. So, bottom line, would I get one again? I'd say yes, but if there were other similar vehicles out there, I'd give them a long look. And if I read reviews that the customer service of those other companies was stellar, it would be a deciding factor for me.

[@popeyegordon]

Kevin - You re-posted a review that was only partially correct and fair based on experience, but also full of nonsense and lies especially about flat repair. It is EASIER to fix a flat with the ELF which stands upright at all times. You just prop up the frame with a small object like a paint can to make the whole tire free but even that is not required if you have an idea where the puncture is. There is also no 'myth' about the availability of a larger battery, there has always been two battery sizes sold and other battery suppliers can also help you out. I confronted the originator of this review and now I confront you, you likely did not get his permission to repost it. There are over 60 ELF videos on youtube, no reason to try and push false info from anonymous comments.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - *Stop HARASSING STRANGERS, YOU LIAR.*

[@JSB1882]

Man! I want one of these!

[@johnsonchew4635]

i really love this one!!

[@kleinbottled79]

Nice to see at least a few people with engineering skills. A 3 Ton Suv is about 2.9 tons of wasted weight, when it comes to moving a single occupant 7 miles to and from work. Solar electric, Grid charged electric, pedal power, little gasoline engines. Power source isn't as important as getting your orders of magnitude right on total rolling mass. 1 KwH of electricity pushes my 40 lbs E-bike ( and 160 lbs of rider ) for over 40 miles at 25 mph without pedaling. Good effort at the pedals will double that range at the same speed. A Nissan leaf is about 3 times more energy efficient than a similarly sized petrol powered car. A good electric bicycle is about 25-30 times more energy efficient than the leaf (at moving one person no/low cargo). Elf wouldn't quite make that mark (heavier, more drag) maybe 18-20 times as efficient, but its in the ballpark. One can at least call it efficient design with a straight face. Unlike the rolling metal mountains we call cars.

[@m9078jk3]

kleinbottled79 You have got it! It's the mass ratio.Most of the energy is stupidly wasted moving a big heavy box (the car,truck etc).

[@Nichen]

The idea is great...the only thing which could be improved is the design of the headlights, both back and forth. If ELF does that...the sales would increase a lot if you ask me.

[@popeyegordon]

What do you mean back and forth headlights? That makes no sense. All the DOT approved LED lights are adequately bright and in fact my headlights are so bright I bet blinked at sometimes. This even has side LED turn signal blinkers in the rear view mirror housings.

[@Bushcraft242]

Every one needs these rain snow heat

[@kpmohanasundaram19]

It's very important to my job

[@FrozenMiku]

This is so cool.

[@popeyegordon]

The kid who said it's not made for tall people is wrong. Note he was in fact sitting in the seat without hitting his head and he did not adjust the sliding seat which takes riders up to 6 feet 8 inches.

[@fosterwayne6684]

I think if they can drop the price a bit (maybe a little more than that) they would sell many thousands of theses things. I'm looking forward to seeing them in my town.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I am in roughly the same position. I want one. I live 11 km from work, so I can commute with it. I am 49 and out of shape, so I NEED to do something. But I just don't have the scratch.

[@popeyegordon]

Thy sold 1000 with the base price increased now to $8,950.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - You are a troll with no life.

[@tanyalake9152]

I agree.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - You had the audacity to refer to me as a *"b"* word, and *"a troll"* when I have stated the similar things, on my separate post, as the OP. Foh, troll.

[@fredalee2665]

Fascinating

[@DARIO8417]

It makes me really confortable half way!

[@kpmohanasundaram19]

I like iwant this to my contry india

[@AdonaiZedek]

we need a pic of the doors on their website

[@popeyegordon]

I am now in year 7 of having no car, the ELF has been a great substitute that offers safe exercise. I have saved so much money by going carless I have just bought the $20,000 Arcimoto electric autocycle, paid cash. And my only income is a social security pension, proving how economical the ELF is at the $9K price.

[@user-io6ky1cp5i]

Почему то ещё никто не догадался у нас производить аналогичную продукцию. Ведь на юге России такой транспорт пользовался бы спросом (при разумных ценах).

[@TimothyFish]

"It's not meant for tall people." That answers my question.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

+Timothy Fish Make a hole on top for your head. Don't be a defeatist!

[@TimothyFish]

Lass-in Angeles Now you're thinking!

[@totoroben]

2:10 my wife said...... oy.

[@JK-vp2ux]

Then his mommy... I mean wife... told him to wear clean underwear.

[@MrFakit]

not only did the elf beat him but the guy driving it was double his age

[@marcushill5060]

Unless the young guy let allowed him to win

[@z4u68]

nothing ever accommodates for tall people , this is why you have to build your own or adapt the factory version. My question is how long does the battery and motor last with a person two hundred pounds.

[@popeyegordon]

Sliding seat fits 6' 8" riders. I have never run my battery all the way down in 3 years of daily use. The sun and pedaling increases battery range. Minimum 25 miles.

[@cristelysusdias5632]

cuanto cuesta y como o donde lo puedo conseguir

[@ausable]

Organic Transit HQ in NYC = More appearances = more money

[@popeyegordon]

No, their HQ is in Durham. NY bans electric bikes for no good reason.

[@mylai5619]

Good for health and much safe ! Better make it affordable !

[@richardturner6981]

Where can i buy one?

[@popeyegordon]

OrganicTransit.com

[@paxwallacejazz]

In spite of the fact that the ELF is my favourite sane mode of transportation that I've seen on KZbin it's I fear too late. If humanity were carbon neutral right now it's too late. The methane monster cometh.

[@popeyegordon]

We tackle this challenge one person at a time. That means making the change you want to see. I have bought no gas for 4 years now.

[@mr.blackhawk142]

GO VEGAN ASAP and the world will be a paradise in a NANO-SECOND!

[@popeyegordon]

Oh look, another food fad fool. Listen, humans are omnivores and no fad diet will ever change that. What would happen in that second is we'd have to slaughter 200 million farm animals and 100,000 farmers would be out of work. 200,000 restaurants would close because humans crave meat as a natural genetically programmed trait thanks to 4 billion years of genetic programming. Your teeth, jaw and digestive tract length are those of an omnivore.

[@mr.blackhawk142]

Oh look, another TOXIC IDOT who is adDICKted to BLOOD and DEATH, and exists in FEAR 24/7! OH YEAH! I am on a 32 YEAR food 'FAD'! AND I HAVEN'T BEEN SICK IN THAT TIME.... NOT A SNIFFLE. I COULD KICK YER SORRY WEAKLING AZZ in 10 seconds, but jou would call yer mommy and get me arrested. COWARD

[@tonnybyfleet]

The Japanese could find a way of simplifying this thing further

[@user-pl8od9gz5c]

Nissan land glider concept. But I predict price 20000$

[@popeyegordon]

And yet they never have. They'd rather build complicated expensive electronic designs.

[@alanwright1512]

A couple in my area bought one and have not used it in 1 & 1/2 years. I'm a 40+ year experienced urban vehicular cyclist and I do not think I would be comfortable riding an ELF in my urban area.. Besides, i want to be able to slip around traffic not be stuck in it. The ELF will take off when our streets work better for cyclists and pedestrians. BTW - the comparison bike in the race was a duffer.

[@popeyegordon]

4 years later, I'm in year 6 with the ELF as my only transportation. This has saved me $19,000 so far and I'm much healther thanks to the exercise.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - *You are self-centered, and don't like when others give constructive criticism.*

[@popeyegordon]

@@tanyalake9152 No other readers (or moderators) will ever agree with you. They can not find any evidence in any of my 5000 posts in 60 ELF videos where I behave like you claim. You can not quote a single "constructive criticism" comment you have offered here. None. Just repeated destructive toxic attacks and lies. I have over 1000 comments in this, the most popular of all ELF videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJDbdah-qtBnlac

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - You are a bot. Stop harassing me, jerk.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - Get a real, fucking, life.

[@holtzroger]

Onde posso encontrar esse produto no Brasil?

[@popeyegordon]

No.

[@remc70]

When Israel lockhorns with Iran, these vehicles are going to become extremely popular. What I said on other web sites, is set up to tow a trailer so you can go shopping and you will have a winner.

[@popeyegordon]

I don't need a trailer, I have room for 20 bags of groceries, a frozen turkey, a case of beer and I can lash lumber to the side.

[@markoff3775]

how do you keep people from stealing it?

[@popeyegordon]

All bike security practices apply, plus the motor key removes. I carry a 10 foot cable and heavy lock with mine, always something to lock to or you can lock the rear disk brake. But think about what a thief gets - a 160 pound bike 9 feet long that sticks out like a sore thumb and has non-standard parts. A kid can't hide it in the bushes. It won't fit on a standard van and it won't go through a single door. Almost like trying to steal a zeppelin. Only 2 thefts in 6 years with 1000 sold.

[@remc70]

The other thing I meant to say is to have a person with a wooden leg to drive it. If he/she can do that then you really have a winner.

[@popeyegordon]

This vehicle can be operated by drivers with no legs at all.

[@naveenkumar-df6fx]

I need motor specifications

[@marcushill5060]

How do I buy one and have it shipped out to Cali?

[@popeyegordon]

OrganicTransit.com

[@sirrolan77]

Is this available in the Philippines?

[@popeyegordon]

No.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Does Santa know?

[@chrisfriant8957]

I live in Seattle I want to order

[@sms7039]

Cost of this bike is $5500/- this is big money. This can be manufactured in India or China for less than half of the cost of this bike.

[@kodakwhite4029]

but its gonna blow up

[@tanyalake9152]

Japan *could* make these and they would be more inexpensive, safer, and durable. Majority of Japan's vehicles are safer, and lasts longer.

[@popeyegordon]

@@tanyalake9152 No. Stabbing our fellow Americans in the back by buying foreign made goods that destroy US jobs is unpatriotic and disloyal. And Japanese vechicles are in fact more expensive. Be American, buy American.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - *LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU NUT!!!!*

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - I made one mistake. Some foreign products are expensive. However. It is a fact that American products are cheap and don't last long. The economy has always been, and still a mess in (stolen) Native America.

[@MrArthurGiles]

Where can I buy one in Portugal?

[@popeyegordon]

ELF ships world wide. OrganicTransit.com

[@Airsoftcleaner]

I live in Austin Texas , Could I order one?

[@popeyegordon]

OrganicTransit.com

[@Bahrta_sai]

this is basically a $5,500 electric trike. There's no way enough people are going to buy this to make an impact on the environment.

[@Bahrta_sai]

***** I agree. I only said that because the majority of the people who buy this are 50 year old environmentalists.

[@TimothyFish]

+bahrta sai I don't really go for the "let's do it for the environment thing", but I would like to see a reduction in smog and congestion around some of our cities. I see bicycles as a way to do that. I think the ELF might make it a more approachable concept to some people, but it still has the problem that you have to park it somewhere. The company thinks this things are bicycles, but you can't park very many of them on the sidewalk without blocking the sidewalk, so they have to park in the same places cars are parking. Parking is usually the driving factor in determining what people will use.

[@popeyegordon]

1000 sold now, 1000 cars off the roads!

[@renzocoppola4664]

no one would ever replace a car with this

[@tanyalake9152]

@@renzocoppola4664 - it's not actually meant to replace a car, especially for long, out of state driving. However. The idea is, it's better than having a car but, unfortunately, it is too expensive.

[@Justwantahover]

Can't a bike go over 20 mph? I had a speedo on my bike when I was a kid and I got 28 mph on it (down hill) but it was a crappy heavy bike. A racing bike should do faster than 20 mph (instead of a mountain bike).

[@jason1973tl]

A recumbent or velomobile can easily break 20 mph. 20 mph is the speed limit if it has an electric motor on a bicycle.

[@popeyegordon]

This complies with federal law by not going over 20 under power.

[@KunioTaki]

Seriously? A road bike can go much faster than that ELF...

[@TimothyFish]

+Jordán József True, given the right conditions, but the real problem is that they started the race with the operator already in the ELF. Had they been dismounted when they started, the bicycle would've won in that situation.

[@popeyegordon]

Silly idea. Who dismounts their bike every time they stop?

[@popeyegordon]

Not with 20 bags of groceries or a passenger.

[@tanyalake9152]

If these were at least $1,000, with or without the zipper doors, wouldn't mind owning one. However. The city/town I live in, hardly have bike lanes. Certain areas, that do have bike lanes, are too narrow. People drive crazy, and I also know that if I were to own and ELF, it people would (probably) try to steal it.

[@popeyegordon]

That's silly. This cost the company $3000 in materials to make! This is the safest bike ever made and it is the most safe in traffic. Nobody has ever been killied in one with 5 million road miles covered. Theft has not been a problem for us, there is a removable motor key and it will lock like any other bike.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - Stop harassing, trolling, spamming strangers! Wtf?

[@popeyegordon]

@@tanyalake9152 YOU are absolutely the troll here. YOU are harassing me without looking objectively at the content I am confronting, including yours. All commenters here are strangers to each other, so what? *YOU* posted multiple lies about a fine US made product that is environmentally safe in a time we are having a global warming emergency. As an exert owner in the ELF owners group I know as a fact that theft is not a problem. You might as well complain because private islands and 200 foot yachts do not cost $1000. Instead of apologizing for your ignorant hostile comment you double down on the hatefulness. None of the 1000 ELF owners have reported that bike lanes are too narrow. You know nothing about this design, you have no clue that three owners have completed 4000 to 35,000 mile journeys in one. With 5 million road miles covered, there has never been a fatal collision with the ELF, a great testimony to its safe design. Stop poisoning our internet.

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - *You are a FUCKING LIAR!!!*

[@tanyalake9152]

@@popeyegordon - *LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE, YOU FUCKING LIAR!!!"*

[@abdiasabdfesta6699]

ola amigo eu gostei esse Organic Transit: The Rise of the ELF mas vc pode vende aqui maceió -al qui eu quero ver esse Organic Transit: The Rise of the ELF meu email é [e-mail] obg

[@ronkemp9528]

At $8000 not many people are going to buy them. And there is no point in a roof if the tires spray water all over you when you turn.

[@popeyegordon]

Hey troll - the price is $8,950 and the competitor sells theirs for the same price. 1,200 have been sold which means a constant 3 to 6 month back log of orders paid in full in advance for the last 6 years. The tires DO NOT "spray water all over you", there are fenders. A fine mist is possible but nothing more unless we drive through deep puddles while turning sharply which is nothing for people who are just glad they are not getting completely soaking wet in rain on a bike with no roof. I was a Seattle bike commuter for 10 years and sure as hell WISH I could buy a bike then that keep me 99% dry in rain. Beats the shit out of 0% dry. Nobody gives a shit about your toxic hatred. Shove it. Or buy a 230 pound PEBL and get soaked in your own sweat with no ventilation and badly fogging windows.

[@ronkemp9528]

@@popeyegordon Well thats even worse then so your making my point lol. Do you know thats $12034.66 Canadian do you still think there worth the price and thats a base model. how many people do you think are really going to buy them at that price. I really want a Pebl but there no better so Im building my own pal.

[@popeyegordon]

@@ronkemp9528 The price is $8,950 USD and will not change just because you lie or convert USD to another currency without saying which country you are in. All readers can see where I already informed you, directly above, how many people have bought them at that price, they all waited for 3 to 6 months for delivery due to high demand. You will never finish your fully equivalent garage project which will end up weighing over 300 pounds and be a drag to try to pedal unless it is only partially enclosed like other trikes seen here at KZbin.

[@ronkemp9528]

@@popeyegordon nice that will help

[@popeyegordon]

@@ronkemp9528 Fantasy and reality rarely meet.

[@pachma405]

2:30 with steering on full lock there's no room to pedal, and this is a woman. What about a 6' + man? Poor design.

[@jamesveach6918]

To much money you can buy Elio for $6800 and it has comfort and a motor and is a lot more cooler

[@GMPax]

No, no you could not build this yourself for that little. You obviously haven't the slightest clue about what goes into these. The original ELF models were based around a specific, commercially-available recumbent tricycle: the Rover, built by TerraTrike. I believe they selected it because (a) it was the least expensive 'bent trike on the market, and (b) it has a very, very high total weight limit (400 pounds) due to it's box-steel construction. I happen to own, and ride, a TerraTrike Rover. The base, most no-frills model with zero extras costs $1,000 ... plus, if you can't pick it up in person in Michigan, $300 shipping (via FedEx Freight). That's for an _externally_ geared 8-speed; for an internally-geared hub, also 8 speed, the price jumps to $1,300 plus shipping. The model with a Nuvinci 330 Continuously-variable Transmission (essentially, "infinite gears") goes for $1,500 plus shipping. Note, NONE of these come by default with what is generally required equipment for a bicycle or tricycle - headlight, tail light, and so on. Your entire budget would be blown out of the water, just getting the basic chassis. Things you would still have to pay for would include the motor ($500 to $1K for the more basic, low-capacity models), and the shell with all it's accoutrements - headlights, tail lights, turn signals, solar panels, locking cargo compartment, and so on. And even then, your build would be lacking features the ELFT has - like SUSPENSION for those front wheels, and upgraded tires. (And the different steering mechanism, but we'll ignore that for the moment). While building a velomobile isn't impossible, it's not somehting you'r going to do for only $1.5K ... again, JUST THE CYCLE that serves as it's chassis, is going to cost more than that ... before you even begin building the shell. Or adding those lights, and solar panels, and the _motor_ ...

[@mr.blackhawk142]

"More cooler"??? It got air CONditioning?

[@popeyegordon]

5 years later there are STILL no Elios for sale! 1000 ELFs sold so far.

[@jdm9700]

What's so hard about making it available to taller people? How inconsiderate and bigoted!

[@popeyegordon]

The young man in the video did not speak for anyone but his own personal amateur opinion. He was not informed that the sliding seat takes riders up to 6 feet 9 inches tall as clearly stated on the OT website. Note he was not bumping his head either. This is the most roomy and comfortable velo on the market.

[@VAND4LL]

Hahaha global warming again blamed on man what a bunch of crap!!!!! Hey ever heard of the sun! But in the other hand i like this thing but the price needs to come down a bit then i would buy one.

[@dsm927]

Can you imagine, being the last man to believe in Zeus? A handful of people refuse to accept the truth, while the rest of the world leaves them in the dust. "It's a cycle!" We had a cold summer- that proves global warming something something." Someday, you will realize your world is a joke, your reality is an illusion. Your ideas and your opinions are irrelevant.

[@katemarshall83]

VAND4LL Just to let you know the sun does not cause global warming the green house effect caused by cars, factories, etc. does.... Yeah so the only thing the sun does is produce heat witch would normally leave our atmosphere.

[@popeyegordon]

Climate deniers are assholes who think they know more than our global community of scientists.

[@mr.blackhawk142]

Hahaha! Earth, it SNOT a globe, and jou can't PROVE it is either :P

[@tanyalake9152]

That's the same crap dumb-ty tRUMP-ty said about climate change. Smdfh!!!!