Organic Transit & The ELF: Discovery Channel Canada takes a look at OT's unique solar tricycle

Discovery Canada takes a look into Organic Transit, maker of the ELF. ( • Organic Transit & The ... ) The ELF is a solar and pedal powered electric vehicle designed by Organic Transit and made in Durham, NC. The most efficient vehicle on the planet, the ELF includes a solar panel on top of the trike with an electric motor assist. Organic Transit has created a one seat pedal powered electric vehicle as well as a two seat version. Organic Transit's ELF is a zero emission, green vehicle supporting ecomobility and new urbanism. From all of us at Organic Transit, happy riding!
Visit us at organictransit.com
Watch A Morning with an ELF:
• A Morning with an ELF ...

[@artistsmeetfilm6491]

All I can say is thank God someone thought of this, been looking for this for a long, long time.... thrilled.

[@popeyegordon]

Do you have one yet?

[@miguelsalami]

Keep looking they are out of business

[@echologname]

Due to my disability, I've been struggling to get a driver's license for the past 7 years and I believe the ELF can give me independence and freedom so I can get out of the house more often. I can't wait to save up enough money to get one of my own!

[@popeyegordon]

You can find used ELFs listed at AnyoneCanBike.com Wait for one in your general area because shipping is expensive. Don't buy one unless you are good at maintaining bicycles or you have a shop in your area that will work on ebikes.

[@echologname]

@@popeyegordon Thanks! I actually live close to a bike shop, so maintenance isn't a huge concern.

[@popeyegordon]

@@echologname Most shops don't have double doors so they have to work on this huge bike outside. My shop makes house calls.

[@echologname]

@@popeyegordon Ah, that's a good point! I'll have to call them and check.

[@maureencostello6405]

With its elegant design and stylish body, the ELF proves travel doesn’t have to burn oil and put out carbon. Instead the ELF runs on what we have in abundance -- calories and sunshine.

death trap

@@popeyegordon There goes little Popeye again. Probably needs his diaper changed.

[@popeyegordon]

@ From a CEO of Organic Transit, Maureen Costello on June 16, 2019: "One of our proudest achievements is that there was not a single death in an ELF in seven years. Even when people got in serious accidents they survived. Hard as this all was we felt like angels guarded us and the ELF owners. Rob's most serious concern was keeping people safe. He once said to me, "there are precious souls in these ELFs." We took it very seriously. You are all precious souls to us. God Bless."

[@ericjancinal2214]

Kudos to your team for designing and continually improving on the ELF. I hope your product get's introduced here in the Philippines as well :)

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Eric Jancinal sana may ganito sa Davao lol

[@popeyegordon]

@ You are living proof life isn't worth shit for trolls. Scumbag.

[@reggyreptinall9598]

That's pretty cool.

[@yoyo-jh9ce]

Nice cycle

[@maureencostello6405]

Spreading good news today about our company Organic Transit. We're changing the future of transportation by offering an environmentally friendly way to travel. We manufacture in the USA and have sold internationally almost 800 of OT’s first three models, ELF SOLO, ELF 2FR, and the Tactical ELF. The ELF is an enclosed solar-pedal-electric hybrid vehicle that travels on bike paths and roads. The E.L.F. (ELECTRIC LIGHT FUN) achieves the equivalent of 1800 MPG making it the world’s most efficient vehicle.

[@rutvi2716]

Maureen Costello hello Maureen I am Pranjal, a mechanical engineer from Pune,India For past 4 days since I saw the elf I am today obsessed with it. The traffic in my city of is getting worse and worse every day. I would be highly glad to get in some kind of import partnership with you guys so that I can market and give service backup to maximum number of your wonder vehicle here. my whats app contact is [phone] and my email is [e-mail] can I get some correspondance contact from your side as well? an email or even your whatsapp contact would be fine. Hope to get in touch with you soon!!

[@otsales2721]

Hi Pranjal, Members of the OT Sales Team are available to take calls Mon -Fri 9 to 6 EST. You can also go to Organictransit.com and hit the CONTACT US link or you can just send an email to [e-mail] I can assure you someone will get back with you.

[@rutvi2716]

OT Sales 2 thanks Maureen. I'll give a call in specified timings.

[@kimboss8721]

I am your perfect customer! I NEED an ELF, I'm learning to walk again after a Stroke 10 years agoon my dominate side. I live in Ohio. In a Collage town, Im sure there is a huge market here for them to. I hope you can help me out, please?

[@veganvocalist4782]

LOVE these ;D

[@bigsaga1]

Is there one where you can plug in your ipod or android so you can listen to music?

[@OTvehicles]

Some ELFs can charge 10 cellphones at once.

[@adolfopereirareis4619]

How can I make contact with elf !!!

[@rosadourada2607]

sou de portugal, será que posso ter uma bicicleta dessas? E é preciso ter carta de condução? Obrigada

[@pencilfluff......5489]

I like it ,needs a lightweight suspension on it

[@satatik21]

The new models have this.

[@greenkitty6482]

I like the concept of ELF but I live in Montreal, Canada, would an ELF survive our climate? And where can I service it if need be?

[@popeyegordon]

Canadians love this vehicle. Numerous owners in northern states too. Think studded tires. Any bike shop that works on e-bikes can help you but they need double doors to fit the ELF inside the shop.

[@Airsoftcleaner]

I think there's someone in British Columbia that owns one

[@lisalowe515]

This would be great if it could be coordinated with a power wheelchair. I would not worry about the weather. I would not have to worry about getting a license. Awesome!

[@popeyegordon]

This replaces the powered wheelchair. A regular chair folds up behind the seat.

[@9995tips]

Hi this car best opportunity in India

[@Propertymanagement123]

Hi, i have been caling elf and no one pick up my call or return my voice mail, anyway I am just curious have you guys sold those on california ? near the san diego area? any local complication to use those? I am thinking if getting one for my mom but want to know first. thank you. ( why not one pick up call or return the email on your website?)

[@anyonecanbikeanyonecanbike5739]

Check out Facebook the Adventures of Organic Transit Elf owners. I'm local and without any good bike lanes sometimes its tough to negotiate the streets and the hills we have here. Hey we have 2 ELF's . They are fun to pedal. Contact me for more info and to look at it.

[@otsales2721]

Organic Transit has sold many ELFs in California. Thanks for reporting your problem getting through. We did have a couple of hours of downtime on phones and internet last week due to a Time Warner Cable outage. Members of the OT Sales Team are available to take calls Mon -Fri 9 to 6 EST. You can also go to Organictransit.com and hit the CONTACT US link or you can just send an email to [e-mail] I can assure you someone will get back with you.

[@popeyegordon]

jjee - I made an effort to get you connected to OT, Have you received their replies? Did it work out OK?

[@popeyegordon]

Base price has risen to $8,950 No you don't need doors. No you can not do better buying a used car Yes it is very safe compared to any bike No, theft is not a serious problem No it is not too wide for bike trails and lanes No you can not make one cheaper yourself Yes the solar panel works very well

[@miguelsalami]

The Elf company closed it's doors & was sold at Auction to Oil & Gas Company Sun Petroleum in 2020. Doubt these units are being manufactured anymore. Good way to keep these non poluting vehicles out of the hands of the general public God forbid we stop driving our SUVs to the grocery store or stop paying high prices at the pump. There are no other vehicles like this currently The PEBL company closed it's doors in MA supposedly moved to the Netherlands.

[@Airsoftcleaner]

When these start getting really popular(And they will) they may have to start thinking on a different level like Detroit, Yes like Ford, GM, and Chrysler.

[@gramps10112]

I live in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean I would like to see one of these in my country I being the first to have it what is the price fully loaded

[@popeyegordon]

OrganicTransit.com

[@kakaoliveira4535]

Eu adorei eu quero um desse pra mim.

[@bledsoerobyn2581]

I am a person that has a lot of disabilities I have legs with my problems with I am very interested in your bicycle if you can send me a little more information that be awesome thank you

[@popeyegordon]

bledsoe robyn - OrganicTransit.com is your contact. They specialize in fitting these vehicles to special needs. The request you made here may not be noticed by their office.

[@nehv78sm63]

I wish that would be available here at the Philippines.

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Orderin mo overseas ikaw na maghandle sa shipping fee,tas Mahal Rin ,Kung may sariling factory dito mura nlng Yan sa atin

[@raeleannara3099]

meron ba sa pinas??

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

@@raeleannara3099 Sabi nga ng organic transit mismo dapat may sarili tayong factory dito para mura pero wala eh

[@badusachikanta7625]

I wish that would be available in India odisha.

[@danasmilkus4111]

Aciu uz reklama, butu gera matyti visa informacija:kaina, sali, kur prekiaujama siais dengtais triraciais?Vilnius, Lietuva ( Lithuania ) Pagarbiai -

[@gittekronb9824]

And I take it you don't need a driver license.. Which is so expensive to get and I might still fail it ,..I'm saving up for my elf do you export to u.k.

[@popeyegordon]

Direct questions to OrganicTransit.com

[@chocolatechiclid7654]

ROB COTTER PLEASE MAKE A COMEBACK PLEASE COME BACK I HAVE HOPE FOR YOU. from: A forever fan. I still want one.

[@popeyegordon]

The company has a new owner who is not doing anything for now. It took over the OT website. Used ELFs can be found at AnyoneCanBike.com Rob may be a consultant but he is not in charge.

[@chocolatechiclid7654]

@@popeyegordon Thanks for telling me man. Are they're going to continue providing parts for the ELF? Also are the going to continue production? Just wondering.

[@popeyegordon]

@@chocolatechiclid7654 No ELF owners have those answers yet. As to parts there are very few you can not get because almost all parts and materials were bought from suppliers you can search. When you join the main private owners group on Facebook you have full access to the huge archive of 7 years of repairs, upgrades and parts sourcing we have done. You can access the other two FB groups now. Unless something new comes out the ELF is still the only vehicle in its class in the US - the PEBL is gone for now.

[@chocolatechiclid7654]

@@popeyegordon What did you mean by the PEBL is gone?? Sounds like right now it's just of matter of time then to see if production occurs or not. Hope soo for the ELF

[@popeyegordon]

@@chocolatechiclid7654 After several years of production in the northeast, and what turned out to be a disastrous design that involved a major recall when the hemp body shells started disintegrating, they outsourced to Germany late last year. The original was already too heavy at 195 pounds, then the replacement fiberglass shell made the overbuilt PEBL weigh 230 pounds, far too heavy for the legal limit of a 750 watt motor. They started offering an illegal 1500 watt 'off road' mode option just so the thing could make it up hills. There is an unwritten law of physics that a bike of this type can not weigh over 180 pounds or the pedaling effort will no longer offer a practical and enjoyable addition to powering it. Nobody enjoyed pedaling the PEBL - too may car-like features and the drivers overheat easily because it is so enclosed. I can pedal my ELF on level ground at 10 mph for extended periods without using the motor. You can not say that about the PEBL. Their sales were to those not savvy about the limits of such designs. They were sold on car features like wood dashboard, gas shock rear trunk lid and heavy rear suspension and courtesy lighting in each storage compartment. If there was a larger power limit for legal sales in the US the PEBL would have done better but that same amount of power in the lighter ELF would still let it run circles around the PEBL.

[@MrPemabenza10]

I like the elf cause the designers had done very good in keeping it less weight as much as it can be. One cant expect to deliver everything from this tricycle. It just a tricycle with well built shell that will protect one from elements. But one cant expect it fully protected like cars. One shouldn't compare it to used car. ELf is not car. Can u move used car for a mile with pure human power? no , Elf can.

[@popeyegordon]

This is a new concept in transportation. A second company now sells a similar vehicle. We call them car-bikes.

[@ronenrique9620]

I do hope that it will be available here in the Philippines. I would like to ask about the specs? how much torque or drag can it have per kg? since i would like to determine how fast it go uphill around 45 degree or about 55 degree angle uphill with 100kg load that includes me and either another person or a baggage. Thanks in advance. and I really love the design

[@popeyegordon]

OrganicTransit.com

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Ayus yan

[@tibortorok7474]

Üdvözlöm!szeretnékvászárolni önöktöl .hogylehetne vászárolni ?mijen árba van?

[@kimberlynhughes3658]

Will you ever make a fully enclosed version? I live in Buffalo, NY. I could definitely use it 3 seasons a year. But it rains a lot here. Our winters are much warmer without as much snow in the past 4 yrs. But still I need it fully enclosed. I would love one of these.

[@popeyegordon]

Doors have always been available as an option. If you have actual bike experience you know exercise keeps you warm and of course there is a roof over your head and lots of wind chill protection even without doors which can cause the windows to fog. I guarantee you will over heat and fog up the windows with a full enclosure.

[@chubby7570]

you should try putting the moter connected to the gear side

[@popeyegordon]

No. Too much stress on the hub and freewheel.

[@nurmuxammadyusupov5744]

Здаствйть я из Узбекистана ваше велмобил правильно сколько стоит какой города впустую

[@nurmuxammadyusupov5744]

Понравилось

[@alexestefanesturbo]

muito bom gostei

[@maneeshku.mishra1559]

You can its production and marketing in INDIA

[@ronenrique9620]

can you make one for me like all parts can be assembled so you can ship it to Philippines? well here it will be very accepted as we don't follow so many regulations about these.Please I would like to beg..and well if it can be affordable also for us. $2,000 dollars though will be quite expensive for us. but I do hope it can be affordable for us here. Thanks in advance

[@popeyegordon]

clarke -sorry, the ELF is only sold fully assembled. It is $8,950 US plus delivery. Your country needs to have its own factory.

[@joannconditt5405]

How can I test one out

[@abdmullan2941]

Were are you from were are you live

[@anaheraya8111]

Quiero uno en rojo...

[@popeyegordon]

Si, Rojo esta una color.

[@md.moubshinistiak5090]

What price

[@SiMahDan]

But even the Model T had Springs. How about a model with shock absorbers and Springs?

[@popeyegordon]

It has front elastomeric suspension. Owners who live with rougher roads choose the 3 inch tire option, I like the ride they give. But this will never be an off-road vehicle, that's what mountain bikes are for.

[@dewidavies6185]

Can you build a company in the uk Wales,Llanelli.

[@martinzapata1671]

hola CUANTO VALE Y SE VENDE

[@siaoroger756]

how much was this cost ?can it be ship to taiwan? I need 2000watt..a removable battery for home charging。lastly fully enclosed.door completely cover

[@SANA-gl2wo]

How much does it cost now

[@popeyegordon]

$10,000

[@ravagesoyjoy]

Take my money already!!!

[@popeyegordon]

Where do you live? You know the typical delivery time is 3 months, right?

[@Tinstar2]

First! Very cool.

[@Shindinru]

It should be noted that it is only classified by the federal government as an e-bike for commerce purposes and may not be classified as such by your local jurisdictions DMV. Locally for me It's classified as a Moped and requires registration and insurance, but no special drivers license endorsement.

[@persebra]

that' ridiculous, It has pedals, I would fight that local classification.

[@Shindinru]

??? Mopeds have pedals. There are advantages to that classification as well, namely a higher top speed of 30mph

[@JaleelJohanson62]

That's the same deal in CT. One only need have a regular driver's license in CT too..

[@MB-rh5pq]

JaleelJohanson62 would the elf require insurance in CT? Still probably would be cheaper than cars insurance.

[@popeyegordon]

No insurance required in any state. But yes if you want to insure it for your protection it is cheap like motorcycle insurance or free when added on to a homeowners policy.

[@kalpeshsachala276]

Do I get this vehicle in India?

[@popeyegordon]

Some day.

[@evilplaguedoctor5158]

I personally feel that the elf is to big to really be a good alternative (since it's really to slow for the road, so it should fit where bikes can fit imo)

[@popeyegordon]

It is legally classified as a bike and fits on the end of bike racks or in many spaces cars won't fit. It is an excellent alternative, I got rid of my car 29 months ago and the ELF has been great. I save $3000/yr compared to driving a used car. It is 5 mph faster than bikes even when loaded with 20 bags of groceries. I have no issues with traffic when I drive safely and defensively.

[@evilplaguedoctor5158]

I must thank you, you got me to look up the regulations again, and it's not 120lbs, it's 120kg, big difference! =D www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/electric-bicycles-faq.shtml I haven't heard anything about it needing to fit in a bike rack though. :s and thank you for sharing your experience :)

[@evilplaguedoctor5158]

whoops, I thought you were a different person from another video, lol. but still, thank you for sharing your experience :) (I'm building my own covered bike)

[@evilplaguedoctor5158]

Disregard my last message, you are the same person, but different video :)

[@blumaxx1]

Does it have reverse? ?

[@popeyegordon]

Not needed.

[@latkagravas9011]

I hope this takes off. I really want one. I just don't trust motorists. Many reckless people driving on the street.

[@popeyegordon]

Safety is the best reason to drive the ELF, it is the safest bike ever made with 360 degree crumple zone impact protection. Plus full lighting system and loud horn. I feel safe in mine and of course we are not exposed to the very high speeds of interstate highways.

[@yany964]

How you start the business? From zero.

[@popeyegordon]

They used Kickstarter. They exceeded their goal.

[@sammeyeverett78]

Can you buy them in the UK

[@OTvehicles]

Sammey Everett. Yes you can buy them in the UK. Organic Transit sells and ships worldwide. You can contact us at 919-908-1599 Ext 2 for sales. Visit our website at organictransit.com

[@constantinoborsi2826]

quiero comprar uno

[@popeyegordon]

Two years later, ELF sales are approaching 1000 units. The new copycat vehicle, the US made better.bike 'PEBL' is in production and the first reports/videos say it is under powered and noisy. For years commenters attacked the ELF as incomplete and noisy due to the open doors and floor, now the PEBL owners report they are too hot in winter with the fully enclosed body shell, wait until summer gets here. The biggest issue is the 750 watt power limit for these vehicles as demanded by federal law. The PEBL design broke an unwritten rule of the laws of physics by exceeding the practical weight of this vehicle class while limited to 750 watt motors. At 195 pounds it can't climb hills adequately and the gear reduced motor they chose is really noisy. BUT you get a wooden dashboard, framed rear hatch with gas shocks and full interior lighting kits, solar roof is optional. With the optional solar kit this is a 200 lb vehicle soon to go the way of the Edsel unless an illegal 1000 watt motor is used. I'm sorry they are not doing well, I very much want this new industry to grow! Competition is good and eventually a design will blow away the current ELF version 1.8. That may be the future ELF version 2.0 or it may come from a new venture with deep pocket investors.

[@popeyegordon]

Correction, 1 year later - after the PEBL went to a fiberglass body their spec page now lists curb weight as 230 pounds, 70 pounds more than the ELF with the same motor on both vehicles.

[@abdmullan2941]

How much this

[@popeyegordon]

All you had to do was expand down the video description.

[@user-wk6gr1cs3o]

Company name and price

[@popeyegordon]

OrganicTransit.com

[@MB-rh5pq]

I want one with windows doors and child lock seating

[@popeyegordon]

You don't need doors but they are available as an option if you like overheating and fogging your windows. Child locks were designed for high speed cars, no need for that feature on bikes.

[@maureencostello6405]

The ELF 2FR has a seatbelt in the back seat. But please remember this is a bike not a car.

[@Airsoftcleaner]

I'm sure they're working on it

[@EdEJShonkacoxnet]

how much does the elf cost

[@popeyegordon]

OrganicTransit.com

[@bobluedtke9926]

$6,000.00 for a base model

[@wijitalakmal7412]

Pric

[@daisyjuna645]

Is it sold in India now. If it's who can we buy it .And plz, tells us the cost.

[@popeyegordon]

@@daisyjuna645 Too expensive to ship to India. You desperately need to make your own with affordable local labor. It is a mystery why no one has done this.

[@kuyaalvsbaguio810]

How much?

[@klaasjan111]

Why is it that the commentary-voice seems to be in the bathroom?

[@fvkijay]

What about safety? At 30 mph, getting hit with no seatbelt is pretty dangerous.

[@popeyegordon]

The ELF tops out at 20mph. It could only hit 30 down a hill. No other bike has crumple zone impact protection. Seat belts are for cars and toddlers, not adult bikers.

[@grimsfairytalez9777]

So.........in 3 months you payed for the new elf in savings? $10,000 (shipping NOT included) Don't try to replace parts, they won't sell to you. Once it's bought, your out in the cold

[@popeyegordon]

No, 3 years is closer to the break even point when you get rid of your car and drive the ELF instead. Now in year 5, I have saved $15,000 by no longer owning a car. I get the parts I need from OT when I can't find them cheaper elsewhere. I ordered a replacement mesh seat frame cover this year, the process took about 3 weeks including using their automated online parts ordering system. Almost no parts are totally custom, if you don't have the skills to search, use an ebike shop to locate parts for you. It is a total lie to claim "they won't sell to you" unless of course you stole your ELF because they require your serial number before proceeding to prevent selling parts to thieves. Are you an ELF thief? Very few have been stolen.

[@user-tj5kf1xs4p]

На этой скорлупе по россии ездить нельзя

[@jeffmullinix7916]

This is a really cool way of transportation and I like it . But there is the government we have to look into and weather conditions as well . The Government things goes from small towns to the Federal regulations . In most towns across American that this is just on example that Americans had lost there freedom . In most of these towns will not allow these on the streets or on bike paths , not even in parks . It is not illegal to own . It is just illegal to operate it . LOL . This is because it has an electric motor to assist you . In these states and local government they are actually denying out Constitutional rights . There is not one Judge that will stand up for your RIGHTS . If the government cant make money on it then your not going to have it . The people in the United States deserve what ever they get . Because they will not up hold there GOD given rights and freedom .

[@popeyegordon]

Jeff, you are mistaken. The ELF is specifically designed to conform to federal law for ebikes. That makes it legal in all 50 states UNLESS individual counties, towns or parks ban ebikes. This is rare and absolutely NOT in "most towns". It sounds like you are in one of the very few regions where ebikes are banned but you need to check carefully about your local laws which some police are not aware of. Carry a printout of the local laws with you. There is no constitutional right being violated - states, counties, towns and parks have the right to pass bans as local ordinances but few do so. New York City just ended its long standing ebike ban last year. It is getting better.

[@jeffmullinix7916]

@@popeyegordon : I am sorry that I did not make that clear . In the state of IL it is band from roadways to parks and bike trails . This is because every freaking county in IL band them . I do agree with you completely . So people check your state laws , county and city laws . IL are greedy A holes .

[@popeyegordon]

@@jeffmullinix7916 Contact your nearest bike club and keep checking, those laws will be dropped eventually. Many times it is bike clubs who are advocates for change. If NYC can change their minds, IL can too.