Partially covered bike features cargo room and solar assist

The ELF is a partially covered, pedal-powered “velomobile” featuring cargo room and solar electric assist.

We’ve seen seemingly infinite variations on the electric-vehicle theme in recent years, but recently we came across a particularly interesting one. Technically classified as a bicycle under US federal guidelines, the ELF is a partially covered, pedal-powered “velomobile” featuring cargo room and solar electric assist. The creation of North Carolina-based Organic Transit, three-wheeled ELF features standard 26-inch bicycle tires and a polycarbonate shell to offer some protection from the elements. LED headlights, taillights, and signals along with side mirrors ensure safety and visibility in traffic, while the vehicle’s spacious interior offers room for several bags of groceries. Also included are disc brakes, a lithium battery pack and 30W solar panels for extra charging while in the sun. With a 350-pound payload, the ELF has a maximum speed of 20 mph on flat surfaces and can go for 1,800 miles on the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline, its maker says. Base pricing on the ELF is USD 4,000; also available from Organic Transit is TruckIt, a larger, more rugged cargo version for USD 5,500. In the video below, Organic Transit founder and CEO Rob Cotter explains the premise in more detail: Following a highly successful Kickstarter campaign that ended in January, Organic Transit is now building and delivering vehicles to its backers. All others can place a USD 500 deposit for a vehicle to be delivered later this year. Sustainable entrepreneurs the world over: one to get involved in? Spotted by: Katherine Noyes