This review is for the original first generation line of ELF electric bikes launched in 2013 by Organic Transit. They used geared motors, had smaller 60 watt solar panels, stiffer steering and no front suspension. This is still a great product and may be found used, you can get replacement batteries and service through Organic Transit or local bike shops. The next version is 1.5 and is reviewed here.
The ELF is a semi-recumbent three wheeled electric trike with a light weight body to protect its rider from the elements, haul cargo and charge on the go via built in 60 watt solar panel! It’s an electric bike like no other, launched on Kickstarter in 2013, the Organic Transit team raised $225,789 (over 2x their 100k funding goal). It’s heavier than most traditional electric bikes at 150 pounds and may feel a bit awkward to ride on narrow bicycle paths but it does qualify as an ebike under US laws having a top powered speed of 20mph and 600 watt geared motor. Despite the bold appearance I found the ELF to be practical, maneuverable and well priced given how many features are included and how well they’re integrated.
The motor powering the 2013 ELF is a 600 watt geared hub by BMC that’s actually mounted mid-frame. This position keeps it out of harms way and actually reduces the vibration and shock it experiences when riding over bumps. The motor pulls a chain that is connected to the rear wheel with a step up cog providing more torque for starting and climbing. It does freewheel when coasting and so does the pedaling system. The bike offers a 3 speed SRAM internally geared hub with the option of an upgrade to the continuously variable transmission NuVinci hub. The chain connected to the cranks runs through a PVC pipe that keeps it and your pants clean which is nice. The motor is activated with a thumb throttle on the right grip and changing gears can be accomplished using a twist shifter on the left grip. I like that the NuVinci lets you shift at standstill but it does add some weight and cost to the bike.
The battery pack offers 48 volts of power with 10 amp hours of capacity with a Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry that’s stable and reliable. The cells are built into a long rectangular brick that sits just below the driver seat and is removable for charging off the bike if you like. The solar panels are setup to charge the pack in ~6 hours with perfect conditions and depending on the wall charger you get it can take 5 or ~2.5 hours to charge inside using a standard 110 wall outlet. The battery position keeps it low, out of the way and centered which keeps the bike balanced. If your pack wears out they do offer replacements in the new Lithium Manganese Cobalt chemistry for ~$600 which is pretty good.
The cockpit on the Organic Transit ELF is pretty comfortable. The captain’s chair is adjustable forward to back and made of a breathable fabric that provides some cushion over bumps and cracks. You can upgrade the tires to be extra thick (providing even more cushion) but given the three wheel design and the larger 26″ wheels (most recumbents have 20″) it rides pretty well from the start. Getting into position can take some practice and a bit of bending and crouching but they’ve got a simple brake system to keep the bike steady and overall it works fine. In addition to the throttle, grip shifter and brake levers you also get a switch for the lights, turn signals and horn (which is quite loud).
Riding in the ELF is fun but feels different than a regular bicycle because cars and people can see you much easier. It’s also very stable which is important when you start carrying stuff around. There is a sort of echo inside and the entire body shakes a bit when cruising over rough terrain. I didn’t ride in the rain but it’s clear that the canopy will keep most of the interior dry and the solar panel is such a cool way to keep the sun off while also charging the bike. I was told that the plastic holds up very well to sunlight and the elements over time but the company does offer an optional cover which even has a built in window to let the panel on top charge. It’s even built to not over-charge the battery
The trunk space is plentiful, even if you don’t stack stuff on top of the lid, and the visibility when riding this way is great. The open door areas let wind blow through without rocking the bike and also keep you alert when riding with traffic. Given then ~$5K price point of these original ELF’s I’m quite impressed with what you get. There are very few vehicles that actually use solar panels in a meaningful way (The 4th gen Toyota Prius used them to run the air conditioning on hot days). With the ELF you can literally travel anywhere as long as you’re okay doing it ~20 miles per day and waiting ~7 hours (contingent on the weather) for the pack to recharge. It’s inspiring and it’s done very well with durable components that will hold for years to come.
Three wheeled recumbent style ebike with a UV resistant plastic body that improves safety and guards against weather. Built in lights, mirrors, horn, adjustable seat, locking cargo hold and integrated solar panel for…...
William kingoo
10 years agothe best idea on earth.
Replyaracknoid3
9 years agoThis is such an awesome idea! I’ve been looking for something like this. I’m a handicapped Army veteran confined to a wheelchair, but I do have some use of my legs. This would be just right for me. I could even put my chair in the back. How would I go about getting one?
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoCool! The ELF is a neat little vehicle and you can order them through the official website here. Another cool option is the Outrider Horizon which can be custom configured for use with hands or torso (for people who are paralyzed or even quadriplegic). These are all fairly expensive options, you could also get a standard recumbent trike bicycle and then add an ebike kit to it.
ReplyOzael medeiros
9 years agoBom dia , onde tem esta produto a venda no brasil ? (Good morning, where has this product for sale in Brazil ?)
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoOi Ozael , eu gostaria de ajudá-lo a encontrar este no Brasil, mas eu não sei a resposta. Talvez você deve entrar em contato com a empresa através do seu site aqui. (Hi Ozael, I’d like to help you find this in Brazil but I do not know the answer. Maybe you should contact the company through their website here.)
ReplyTim Hellsten
8 years agoWhile looking at the ELF and debating on it’s purchase I happened across another “competitor” / startup currently looking to kickstarter (like OT did) to get their product out. It is called the PEBL… it looks like the elf but there are some standard features that are included that are extra on the ELF… In Winnipeg (where I am) I was interested in getting an ELF to take my dogs with me for rides to distant parks and places for walks versus just around the blocks around home. also to the vet etc. I don’t drive due to a visual impairment so this would be my option for transporting not only myself but the 4 paw children… I currently have a 2 wheel Motorino Electric Scooter style Ebike but being 2 wheels scooter like you can’t really haul much…
So my investigation started with the elf after hearing the price of what I wanted I hesitated and sought alternatives. I happened across http://www.better.bike and their owner Kevin Murray inventor of the PEBL. Features I liked:
I have been speaking to the owner and as well one person who bought one of the prototype models from better bike and so far good reviews. For those concerned about doing too fast depending on the laws there they have a USB cable you connect to a computer and you can set the controller to change the speed or tourque to keep with the law of your land :)
Anyway they hve a kickstarter program on now and want to raise 20K to get more units out next release is 10 units at $5,500.00 per unit then I am guessing like OT the Price will go up a bit Kevin Murray (Owner) said that they are targeting $5800.00 – 6500.00 price range for their unit with in my opinion better base standard options.. have a look at the videos
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoThanks for the information Tim, looks like a neat product… excited to see more velomobiles for people who have kids, dogs, groceries or just want to cycle in an enclosure :D
ReplyTeshome Molalenge
6 years agoWe just found out the price to repalce the battery is almost $1,100. We received this as a gift in 2012 and the price seems very high; almost 20 % the cost of ELF. I wonder if any one knows if we can purchase a used battery or a battery from other sources. Thanks. Teshome
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Teshome, sorry for the delayed reply here. Perhaps you could work with a company like Hi-C Battery that does refills and repacking of ebike batteries. Here’s their website, hope this helps!
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