I have had my Elf for 7 months now. I had been riding a bike in DC for almost 30 years – its a great city to ride in and during my time here in DC I have explored just about every section of the city on my wheel. A friend who knew I was an avid rider mentioned the Elf to me about 10 months ago, I began asking Organic Transit in Durham, NC some questions about their creation and signed up shortly after that to own one. I was interested in the technology of the product, that the Elf is American made and I could be an investor in a technology that has a positive environmental impact. The Elf is a bit bike pedal power, chargeable battery power and solar power rolled into one package. A versatile vehicle, the Elf has been my transport and commuting vehicle for the last seven months.
I was interested in staying on my bike, but wanted something that could carry more, that I could use for my local errands, shopping and a transport method that would shrink our carbon footprint. The Elf seems to fit perfectly – 75% of the trips I do are within 2 or 4 miles from home, work is maybe 3 miles, i get my exercise and park it in a sunny spot and let the battery fill up with sunshine. Plus its fun!!! With a Nuvinci adjustable transmission hub one can pedal along keeping up with the motor, low gear it for hills, pedal with it or go motor alone. For me it is still about pedaling and getting my exercise, so my normal recipe for motion is a healthy combination of the two.
Riding with its highly visible wasabi green shell, the same height as auto’s : I am well seen and going 18 to 22mph, I keep up with the normal pace of urban traffic. I am stopping to talk to people about it all the time and many are surprised as the Elf zips along or takes a corner curve with a quick whip. Cutting emissions, soaking up sun and getting me around town, never stopping at a gas station , the Elf is proving to be perfect for my urban life style.
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Photos taken by ELF owner and Organic Transit Ambassador Andrew Krieger
