Discussion
[/quote]
I still think the target weight is valid. A composite body incorporating composite springs and uprights with moulded in seat etc would add less than 100kgs. I also disagree that single seaters look like disabled vehicles, this is where the skill of the stylist comes in. Lewis Hamilton didn't look like he was driving a disabled vehicle last season to me.
[/quote]
Lewis wasnt driving a 3 wheeler though!
quote;
It's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
It's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
stig mills said:
I believe 2 seats would ensure it doesnt look like a disabled vehicle.
No mention of how many wheels it has. Also, a single wheel at the front would increase drag. Since when have teardrops been wider at the back than the front?
stig mills said:
quote;
It's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
TVR SAGARIS Cheif DesignerIt's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
TVR Typhon Pricipal Designer
TVR Tuscan Convertible Cheif Designer
Have a look on google images
I get the imprssion that you are on the defensive here. It kind of proves my point that your average Kit Car manufacturer considers himself a design guru but lacks the seven years of study and ten years of experience to back it up. This generally results in a very capable person building and selling a limited number of kits to a very small market. Like I said, I admire what your good at, but still don't understand your why you don't buy in services that fill in the areas that your not so good at. IMHO this is why the kit car industry has remaind as niche as it has. I don't want an argument, I am simply stating the observations I've made over a long period of time.
The two grand I mentioned would buy you consultancy. A bit of guidance during your development process. Depending on location, probably five visits and an abundance of sketches and suggestions to assist you. A turn key production ready mould bought from me would be more like 200K depending on complexity. To be honest though, you would struggle to buy my time as I have bigger fishes to fry. You would probably be best having a Coventry University design student on placement. Choose carefully though, they let anyone onto the course nowadays and anyone not given a placement at one of the major OEM's is probably not worth the investment.
The two grand I mentioned would buy you consultancy. A bit of guidance during your development process. Depending on location, probably five visits and an abundance of sketches and suggestions to assist you. A turn key production ready mould bought from me would be more like 200K depending on complexity. To be honest though, you would struggle to buy my time as I have bigger fishes to fry. You would probably be best having a Coventry University design student on placement. Choose carefully though, they let anyone onto the course nowadays and anyone not given a placement at one of the major OEM's is probably not worth the investment.
FlossyThePig said:
fuoriserie said:
stig mills said:
You can see from my previous replies that I am quite happy to share details of what I am developing. One reason is possibly to help others with similar ideas and thus encourage the use of EV's. Perhaps others could share their own ideas? I have been toying with the idea of building a 3 wheeler city ev for some time. I would liken my idea to a modern BMW Isetta. I would love to see any ideas you may have Italo. Regards Stuart
Stuart,I like the concept.......will see what i can do....
Intrigued by the Aptera and "alé", both three wheelers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfv7wMXarig&fea...
something the kitcar industry should consider
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 20th January 11:28
hoopdiddy07 said:
stig mills said:
You can see from my previous replies that I am quite happy to share details of what I am developing. One reason is possibly to help others with similar ideas and thus encourage the use of EV's. Perhaps others could share their own ideas? I have been toying with the idea of building a 3 wheeler city ev for some time. I would liken my idea to a modern BMW Isetta. Aero dyamically speaking a more streamlined design would have one wheel at the front and 2 at the rear. Then you would need a diff though thus adding weight. A hub motor could drive the single front wheel but I have been quoted £2500 by PML flightlink plus £1700 for a controller. I used a wheel motor on the back of my scooter conversion but thats only 1500watts (2HP)although they are only £600. I also blew a couple of IGBT's at £110 each but now use 20p fet's in series to control it.
Two wheel motors on the rear is an option but more expensive than a single larger motor.
I would prefer the cheaper and more stable option of 2 wheels up front and a motor driving the single rear via a reduction box. 250kgs was mentioned above but thats not realistic as the Li-Ion pack will be over 150kgs. I believe 2 seats would ensure it doesnt look like a disabled vehicle. I was experimenting with 50mm alloy tube producing long curves over the top running front to back. I would love to see any ideas you may have Italo. Regards Stuart
I still think the target weight is valid. A composite body incorporating composite springs and uprights with moulded in seat etc would add less than 100kgs. I also disagree that single seaters look like disabled vehicles, this is where the skill of the stylist comes in. Lewis Hamilton didn't look like he was driving a disabled vehicle last season to me.Two wheel motors on the rear is an option but more expensive than a single larger motor.
I would prefer the cheaper and more stable option of 2 wheels up front and a motor driving the single rear via a reduction box. 250kgs was mentioned above but thats not realistic as the Li-Ion pack will be over 150kgs. I believe 2 seats would ensure it doesnt look like a disabled vehicle. I was experimenting with 50mm alloy tube producing long curves over the top running front to back. I would love to see any ideas you may have Italo. Regards Stuart
http://www.tritrack.net/
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 20th January 11:48
hoopdiddy07 said:
stig mills said:
quote;
It's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
TVR SAGARIS Cheif DesignerIt's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
TVR Typhon Pricipal Designer
TVR Tuscan Convertible Cheif Designer
Have a look on google images
Great design work, my congrats for your work. Any perliminary rough sketches to show us ?
Italo
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 20th January 11:53
fuoriserie said:
hoopdiddy07 said:
stig mills said:
quote;
It's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
TVR SAGARIS Cheif DesignerIt's a live project and I am a vehicle designer myself so have already produced computer models etc. Your hobby of quickly sketching rough ideas is a way of compairng my efforts. The fact that you do it for free on these pages is of additional benefit.
Don't worry about the cash. I've been doing this a long time and am well aware of how much it costs and how to do it cheaply. I'll have to differ with you about the respect you have for most producers of kit cars. IMHO most of them haven't been to university to study their subject, they didn't spend three years before that developing their skills in 3D and 2D art and design and they definatley haven't spent ten years making a living as a car designer. end quote.
Could I encourage you to show some of your past work or idea sketches here?
Not your best ofcourse as they maybe used without consent. Italo works very hard to keep us entertained and I feel we are all in his debt. It would be very interesting however to see a sample of your work as you mentioned kit car firms should cough up a couple of grand for a week to a pro to design a car.
Sounds great value if a car can indeed be designed in a week. But it may help convince those reading to tell us what they would get in return for the cash. Bearing in mind some would need to sell a few extra cars to find the spare money. It would be very interesting to see what a proffesional like yourself could bring to the table. Assuming you are not available for commisions then you could let us know what to expect and perhaps recommend a another.
Your efforts would be greatly appreciated and your sketches most welcome.
I design by construction using various materials otherwise I would be sketching now instead of typing when I should be in bed. Regards Stuart
TVR Typhon Pricipal Designer
TVR Tuscan Convertible Cheif Designer
Have a look on google images
Great design
Italo
stig mills said:
You can see from my previous replies that I am quite happy to share details of what I am developing. One reason is possibly to help others with similar ideas and thus encourage the use of EV's. Perhaps others could share their own ideas? I have been toying with the idea of building a 3 wheeler city ev for some time. I would liken my idea to a modern BMW Isetta. Aero dyamically speaking a more streamlined design would have one wheel at the front and 2 at the rear. Then you would need a diff though thus adding weight. A hub motor could drive the single front wheel but I have been quoted £2500 by PML flightlink plus £1700 for a controller. I used a wheel motor on the back of my scooter conversion but thats only 1500watts (2HP)although they are only £600. I also blew a couple of IGBT's at £110 each but now use 20p fet's in series to control it.
Two wheel motors on the rear is an option but more expensive than a single larger motor.
I would prefer the cheaper and more stable option of 2 wheels up front and a motor driving the single rear via a reduction box. 250kgs was mentioned above but thats not realistic as the Li-Ion pack will be over 150kgs. I believe 2 seats would ensure it doesnt look like a disabled vehicle. I was experimenting with 50mm alloy tube producing long curves over the top running front to back. I would love to see any ideas you may have Italo. Regards Stuart
Stuart,Two wheel motors on the rear is an option but more expensive than a single larger motor.
I would prefer the cheaper and more stable option of 2 wheels up front and a motor driving the single rear via a reduction box. 250kgs was mentioned above but thats not realistic as the Li-Ion pack will be over 150kgs. I believe 2 seats would ensure it doesnt look like a disabled vehicle. I was experimenting with 50mm alloy tube producing long curves over the top running front to back. I would love to see any ideas you may have Italo. Regards Stuart
The Twike is a similar concept to what you have in mind, check this site.
http://www.twike.com/
check also the LION Twike info
http://www.twike.nl/
Italo
Edited by fuoriserie on Sunday 20th January 12:05
hoopdiddy07 said:
fuoriserie, where are you based? Ok, seen your profile now. A bit far to meet up.
I'm planning a trip to the kitcar show in Stoneleigh on may 4th........but I've done lowcost round trip flights to london Luton/Stanstead for work on the same day !.Edited by hoopdiddy07 on Sunday 20th January 12:29
Italo
Now having read all the above I am having a re-think.
I reckon thats progress dont you?
Hoop mentioned single seats and my imeadiate reaction was to turn my nose up. Then I got thinking about my microlite days when one designer said to me, "I go to all this trouble and expense to keep the weight down when it would be easier for the pilot to go on a diet!"
Good point but you cant be weight-ist in this P.C world.
What you can do though is make an EV with one seat as suggested. We then have around 75kgs less to propel. Nice one.
Lets make it a sporty fun machine with a narrow cockpit and stick the wheels out on long bones (oval tube) now I can see the Lewis Hamiltons car scaled down with one rear wheel and narrow front tyres with vented wings.
She could be light, aerodynamic, cool to look at, and I think economy and fun could be level pegging.
I love the Italo trike apart from the screen cost (laminated glass for SVA)
as that could ensure only those with deep pockets get involved.
Do we need a screen? (extra weight)
Do we need a roof even? (extra weight)
An EV could do without a heated screen and wiper (required for SVA if screen fitted) in order to achieve max range but would it sell without these items?
Coincidently I have an absolutely perfect motor and controller for this task.
Its a brushless AC 3 phase unit that peaks at 15hp and I reckon it would do 50 mph with a bit of luck if I loose a few pounds!
Would love to get to the target weight suggested by Hoop of 250kgs. Thats the car not me by the way!
I can see a suit going to work with brief case in the back and wearing water proofs but I'm not certain he can see himself doing it.
What do you guys think? Am I barking up the wrong tree or barking mad?
Regards Stuart
I reckon thats progress dont you?
Hoop mentioned single seats and my imeadiate reaction was to turn my nose up. Then I got thinking about my microlite days when one designer said to me, "I go to all this trouble and expense to keep the weight down when it would be easier for the pilot to go on a diet!"
Good point but you cant be weight-ist in this P.C world.
What you can do though is make an EV with one seat as suggested. We then have around 75kgs less to propel. Nice one.
Lets make it a sporty fun machine with a narrow cockpit and stick the wheels out on long bones (oval tube) now I can see the Lewis Hamiltons car scaled down with one rear wheel and narrow front tyres with vented wings.
She could be light, aerodynamic, cool to look at, and I think economy and fun could be level pegging.
I love the Italo trike apart from the screen cost (laminated glass for SVA)
as that could ensure only those with deep pockets get involved.
Do we need a screen? (extra weight)
Do we need a roof even? (extra weight)
An EV could do without a heated screen and wiper (required for SVA if screen fitted) in order to achieve max range but would it sell without these items?
Coincidently I have an absolutely perfect motor and controller for this task.
Its a brushless AC 3 phase unit that peaks at 15hp and I reckon it would do 50 mph with a bit of luck if I loose a few pounds!
Would love to get to the target weight suggested by Hoop of 250kgs. Thats the car not me by the way!
I can see a suit going to work with brief case in the back and wearing water proofs but I'm not certain he can see himself doing it.
What do you guys think? Am I barking up the wrong tree or barking mad?
Regards Stuart
[quote=stig mills]Now having read all the above I am having a re-think.
I reckon thats progress dont you?
Hoop mentioned single seats and my imeadiate reaction was to turn my nose up. Then I got thinking about my microlite days when one designer said to me, "I go to all this trouble and expense to keep the weight down when it would be easier for the pilot to go on a diet!"
Good point but you cant be weight-ist in this P.C world.
What you can do though is make an EV with one seat as suggested. We then have around 75kgs less to propel. Nice one.
Lets make it a sporty fun machine with a narrow cockpit and stick the wheels out on long bones (oval tube) now I can see the Lewis Hamiltons car scaled down with one rear wheel and narrow front tyres with vented wings.
She could be light, aerodynamic, cool to look at, and I think economy and fun could be level pegging.
I love the Italo trike apart from the screen cost (laminated glass for SVA)
as that could ensure only those with deep pockets get involved.
Do we need a screen? (extra weight)
Do we need a roof even? (extra weight)
An EV could do without a heated screen and wiper (required for SVA if screen fitted) in order to achieve max range but would it sell without these items?
Coincidently I have an absolutely perfect motor and controller for this task.
Its a brushless AC 3 phase unit that peaks at 15hp and I reckon it would do 50 mph with a bit of luck if I loose a few pounds!
Would love to get to the target weight suggested by Hoop of 250kgs. Thats the car not me by the way!
I can see a suit going to work with brief case in the back and wearing water proofs but I'm not certain he can see himself doing it.
What do you guys think? Am I barking up the wrong tree or barking mad?
Regards Stuart
I honestly thought we had lost you for a mo. Your right, the less weight you carry, the fewer batteries you need. I think Italo's trike is cool. I agree with you about glass house costs and also think that the sectional silouette of the screen is too low. This is because the section of the A-pillar would restrict forward visibility too much. I am also of the opinion that the concept should be slightly bigger and therefore have a lower centre of gravity. The reality is that unless it's as narrow as a motorbike, it can't pass traffic. Also, parking spaces are of a specified size. The scale of the vehicle helps reduce the disabled car factor. Especially in a world full of Hummers etc, scale does add value. The benefits of being ultra compact are marginal compared to the percieved value for money you would gain from having an extra 500mm or so lenght.
I have to commend Italio for his efforts though, It is his enthusiasm for design that has attracted me to this forum. Still really looking forward to his rework of the above. I should be able to make it to the Stoneleigh Show. It would be good to meet face to face and share ideas.
Is the motor you mention a lynch stig? The concept I have in mind would need hub rather than pancake motors. I to have had trouble sourcing a hub motor of a suitable output. The flightlink chaps seem to be fantasists to me. They quoted 10k each for their 120hp motors. The closest hub motor to suit seems to be that of some of the ev scooters proced in China.
I test drove a Twike last year and thought that it was fantastic. It turned heads, did 50mph, was well built and featured a really intuitive joystick control. I just can't justify spending 14K on something that still has too much disabled car factor rather than coolness. Style really adds value and the Twike lacks style.
I reckon thats progress dont you?
Hoop mentioned single seats and my imeadiate reaction was to turn my nose up. Then I got thinking about my microlite days when one designer said to me, "I go to all this trouble and expense to keep the weight down when it would be easier for the pilot to go on a diet!"
Good point but you cant be weight-ist in this P.C world.
What you can do though is make an EV with one seat as suggested. We then have around 75kgs less to propel. Nice one.
Lets make it a sporty fun machine with a narrow cockpit and stick the wheels out on long bones (oval tube) now I can see the Lewis Hamiltons car scaled down with one rear wheel and narrow front tyres with vented wings.
She could be light, aerodynamic, cool to look at, and I think economy and fun could be level pegging.
I love the Italo trike apart from the screen cost (laminated glass for SVA)
as that could ensure only those with deep pockets get involved.
Do we need a screen? (extra weight)
Do we need a roof even? (extra weight)
An EV could do without a heated screen and wiper (required for SVA if screen fitted) in order to achieve max range but would it sell without these items?
Coincidently I have an absolutely perfect motor and controller for this task.
Its a brushless AC 3 phase unit that peaks at 15hp and I reckon it would do 50 mph with a bit of luck if I loose a few pounds!
Would love to get to the target weight suggested by Hoop of 250kgs. Thats the car not me by the way!
I can see a suit going to work with brief case in the back and wearing water proofs but I'm not certain he can see himself doing it.
What do you guys think? Am I barking up the wrong tree or barking mad?
Regards Stuart
I honestly thought we had lost you for a mo. Your right, the less weight you carry, the fewer batteries you need. I think Italo's trike is cool. I agree with you about glass house costs and also think that the sectional silouette of the screen is too low. This is because the section of the A-pillar would restrict forward visibility too much. I am also of the opinion that the concept should be slightly bigger and therefore have a lower centre of gravity. The reality is that unless it's as narrow as a motorbike, it can't pass traffic. Also, parking spaces are of a specified size. The scale of the vehicle helps reduce the disabled car factor. Especially in a world full of Hummers etc, scale does add value. The benefits of being ultra compact are marginal compared to the percieved value for money you would gain from having an extra 500mm or so lenght.
I have to commend Italio for his efforts though, It is his enthusiasm for design that has attracted me to this forum. Still really looking forward to his rework of the above. I should be able to make it to the Stoneleigh Show. It would be good to meet face to face and share ideas.
Is the motor you mention a lynch stig? The concept I have in mind would need hub rather than pancake motors. I to have had trouble sourcing a hub motor of a suitable output. The flightlink chaps seem to be fantasists to me. They quoted 10k each for their 120hp motors. The closest hub motor to suit seems to be that of some of the ev scooters proced in China.
I test drove a Twike last year and thought that it was fantastic. It turned heads, did 50mph, was well built and featured a really intuitive joystick control. I just can't justify spending 14K on something that still has too much disabled car factor rather than coolness. Style really adds value and the Twike lacks style.
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