ELF--Mustachian and badass, or catheter and bedpan territory?

[Emg03063]

Saw this kickstarter campaign in my techshop news feed and was thinking about buying one, and wanted some opinions:

http://www.organictransit.com/

Quick summary: $4000 pedelectric velomobile with built in solar panels.  1800 mpge on battery. 

My situation:  10 mile round trip commute, well suited to this thing, or bicycle but for the following factors:  unavoidable (without 2 mile detour) interstate/8 lane road is not particularly bike friendly or safe.  Also, I have a repetitive stress injury that limits my ability to grip handlebars for extended time, which this would address.  I drive a '06 Toyota corolla.  I don't have a prognosis on when my arm would be well enough to just ride my bike.  I'm guessing at least 6 months.  In the 5 years I've lived here, I've biked to work 3-4x.  I figure my ROI would be about 3 years if I eliminate the majority of my car driving by replacing it with this (feasible), plus it just looks cool.  I could probably build something like it myself for a lot less, but I'm ~3 years from FI, and don't have the time or ability at the moment.  Thoughts and opinions?

[Mola]

I've got to admit that is pretty cool.  Are you saying that you would take this on the freeway? Or that the two-mile detour avoiding the freeway becomes more feasible because of this?  I certainly would never take that on the freeway.

Obviously the strictly FI pragmatic advice is that your probably better off waiting for your injury to heal and then growing more disciplined about riding your bike than sinking $4000 into this.  The flip side is that if your 3 years from FI how much is $4000 going to change that date and does the ELF speak to you on a level that makes the delay worth it? 

[SwordGuy]

A cursory google search shows electric bike conversion kits in the $500 to $1000 price range.

[Emg03063]

I could take it on the freeway (it's a short 2 block stretch I need to get on before the freeway ends), or take the detour.  I have an electric motor on one of my bikes already; that doesn't address my gripping problem.  The purchase would be neutral to my FI date, as it should pay for itself about the time I'd be FI anyway.

[StarswirlTheMustached]

I was going to advocate insourcing, but I see you've already thought of that option. Consider this your face-punch: it's not as hard as you think!
You can skip the shell, at first. And the electric, unless it's a very hilly commute. You just need a delta trike recumbant. Can't weld? Fine! Use bamboo . Or birch ply.

You can still get a regular recumbent trike and add the electric and shell yourself (later, if you decide you need them) for less than 4k, I bet. AND without the risk that this kickstarted venture fails to produce.

[Emg03063]

So, I did the mustachian thing here and bought myself a sun ex-1 off of Craigslist for $240.  It's a little slow compared to my normal road bike, but VERY comfortable.  Next question:  anyone here have experience with adding fairings to these things?

[rejones]

Have you thought about a used recumbent bicycle or adjusting your current bicycle to take weight off of your hands. There is an old saying that you should be able to play the piano while riding your bike i.e. if you are 'gripping' the handlebars, you are not riding efficiently or something is wrong with your fit.

[shadowmoss]

Looks like you found a good solution.  I have wanted a recumbent trike ever since I learned they exist.  Maybe soon.  I'm interested to hear how it works for you.

[BentMike]

Hi all,

I have been a beta tester of an ELF (mine is #7).  I commute 25 miles each way to work in all weather, a few times a week.  Glad to answer questions about it.

BentMike