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I lost money on Elio, what are the thoughts on this?


lappir

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https://sondorsx.com/pages/metacycle

 

So when Elio was HOT I was starting to look for a replacement for my 1999 Isuzu Vehicross for my Garage on wheels. As it quickly tapered off I started looking for something else and thought my Subaru Crosstrek was the answer. It wasn't but the Jeep so far has filled in nicely. It's not a new concept and was a lot more expensive than what the Elio was supposed to be and what this Sondors Metacycle is priced at. At $100 refundable as a preorder I'm really tempted to jump in today, but just as I was ready to commit I reminded myself of the Elio and the money that was not "Refundable". "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me." Is what I heard in my minds voice. Sure it's apples and oranges in the type and situation, but close enough for my mind today. 

I ride my current motorcycle almost every day to work, getting groceries and on many of my extended trips while I am set up for an assignment. This will not replace it, but I could leave the big bike in the garage all nice and clean for those bigger trips and not worry about the times where it's too far (or hilly) to ride the pedal cycle, yet not far enough to actually bring the gas powered up to operating temperature before arriving. With the electric there is no warm up or cool down that I can determine. 

If I actually invest in this I will remove the link to the company so as not to seem to be promoting. 

 

Rod

White 2000/2010Volvo VNL 770 with 7' Drom box with opposing doors,  JOST slider hitch. 600 HP Cummins Signature 18 Speed three pedal auto shift.

1999 Isuzu VehiCross retired to a sticks and bricks garage. Brought out of storage the summer of 2022

2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport S Two door hard top.

2007 Honda GL 1800

2013 Space Craft Mfg S420 Custom built Toyhauler

The Gold Volvo is still running and being emptied in July. 

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Not sure why this was moved here, but I guess maybe the word investment. It's not an investment to purchase something in my mind. Buying into the company on the open market is. I was hoping others who have considered an electric bike, motorcycle or other vehicle such as the Elio and their thoughts. I won't be buying stock for sure. 

Rod

White 2000/2010Volvo VNL 770 with 7' Drom box with opposing doors,  JOST slider hitch. 600 HP Cummins Signature 18 Speed three pedal auto shift.

1999 Isuzu VehiCross retired to a sticks and bricks garage. Brought out of storage the summer of 2022

2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport S Two door hard top.

2007 Honda GL 1800

2013 Space Craft Mfg S420 Custom built Toyhauler

The Gold Volvo is still running and being emptied in July. 

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Rod, Yep, I lost a C note on Elio too.

As far as moving your post folks here scan the first sentence, or argue without reading just like elsewhere on the Internet. Kirk is one of the folks who can and does move posts nut there are many. Ask Kirk if you think it should be moved. However I would change the first paragraph to the bottom as I thought it was about investing too.

Thanks for prompting me to look again! They have electric cars now as well as big bikes awesome.

Have you called them? 

Have a question? The SONDORS Team is here for you.

Reach SONDORS through LIVE CHAT below or by calling +1 323-372-3000.

I was going to buy (Pandemic interrupted we will pick up after) one of their eBikes and they have been around a long time:

The head guy Storm, is awesome. He reminds me of Musk in a good way!

 

"ABOUT STORM

Storm Sondors is a highly-skilled specialist in design and manufacturing, and the creator of the award-winning SONDORS Electric Bike. Currently the largest electric bike distributor in the United States, SONDORS Electric Bikes have been sold in 42 countries worldwide.

What distinguishes Storm from others in his area of expertise is how he treats design and engineering as his own form of entertainment. He has special interest in personal branding, and he believes the road to success is an arduous one.

Storm's adage is simple; if it isn't relevant enough, people switch the channel.

Determined to inspire the world to convert to zero emission vehicles, Storm has successfully raised more awareness of electric technology in affordable transportation than any other company in the industry.

He is passionate about lithium-ion batteries, and due to his brand's success in the marketplace, admits to probably having too much fun with his access to the world's best electric technologies and resources.

Based in Malibu, California, Storm also enjoys beach life, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding."

https://sondors.com/about/

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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After reading up on the Elio and the whole project, I decided it was not for me and looked like a pipe dream.  I kept my money in MY bank.

Ken

Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot

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Good for you Ken. Like I said then, for the price of dinner/drinks at a decent restaurant for me and my SH I was willing to risk it. Then I'd be one of the first in line.

Hey I also lost a $100.00 deposit on a Model 3 with Tesla. The week before mine was going to be ready, I took a longer test drive and found the seat was too low for my back and the twist and turn to get out and in would have kept me in pain.

When the first Model Ys finally came in for test drives I was so relieved to find it had a taller seat, and the most comfortable I've ever owned. I had no issues after getting in and out a few times.

It's all good as long as we are living well.

 

Edited by RV_

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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  • 2 weeks later...

Believe it or not I received an email from my Elio Reservation that said the build is back on . Believe it when I see the first one actually on the road where I happen to be at the time. Photos and emails will not do. I will have to see it in person and maybe even touch it, just to make sure I'm not dreaming. 

 

Rod

White 2000/2010Volvo VNL 770 with 7' Drom box with opposing doors,  JOST slider hitch. 600 HP Cummins Signature 18 Speed three pedal auto shift.

1999 Isuzu VehiCross retired to a sticks and bricks garage. Brought out of storage the summer of 2022

2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport S Two door hard top.

2007 Honda GL 1800

2013 Space Craft Mfg S420 Custom built Toyhauler

The Gold Volvo is still running and being emptied in July. 

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Agreed Rod! I got the email and I'm with you, I need to see it.

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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For about the same money, or less, than the $5000 Sondors electric motorcycle you could buy a decent gas scooter with actual cargo space under the seat. 

In addition it would have greater range and nearly as quiet as the Sondors.

Typical scooters get around 60-80 mpg. 300cc and up models can maintain highway speeds. 

No deposit and no wait time. 

 

Edited by podwerkz

Nothing to see here. 

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9 hours ago, podwerkz said:

For about the same money, or less, than the $5000 Sondors electric motorcycle you could buy a decent gas scooter with actual cargo space under the seat. 

In addition it would have greater range and nearly as quiet as the Sondors.

Typical scooters get around 60-80 mpg. 300cc and up models can maintain highway speeds. 

No deposit and no wait time. 

 

Maybe true, but they usually have very small tires and wheels. My friend had a couple Vespa's first the smaller one and then the larger one for "Highway" use. He stopped riding the bigger one when he converted and purchased all of his 4 wheelers to Hybrid models.  The mopeds/scooters still require oil changes and changing that size tire is a real pain. Now renting one in San Francisco for sight seeing was a great thing to do in the 80's and again in Hawaii in the 90's. 

Will be interesting to see how much they will price the Elio "Electric". 

I've been told for about $1000 I can add electric to my recumbent trike and may do that before spending any money on a Sondor's or more money on the Elio. 

A coworker has a small scooter he rides every day to work (about 2 blocks) and loves the 80mpg. Found out yesterday it was over 15 years old and was ridden by his daughter first, when she was 14 or so and all through her high school and college years. She is now a CRNA like her Dad. (found out yesterday they were related after working at the facility for over 3 months). 

 

Rod

 

White 2000/2010Volvo VNL 770 with 7' Drom box with opposing doors,  JOST slider hitch. 600 HP Cummins Signature 18 Speed three pedal auto shift.

1999 Isuzu VehiCross retired to a sticks and bricks garage. Brought out of storage the summer of 2022

2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport S Two door hard top.

2007 Honda GL 1800

2013 Space Craft Mfg S420 Custom built Toyhauler

The Gold Volvo is still running and being emptied in July. 

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Rod, scooter owners are like everyone else. They rarely tell fuel mileage without putting their thumbs on the scale a bit. ;):rolleyes: I never got 80 mpg with my last three scooters Aero 105/Elite 150. and  usually around 50-60mpg.

Here's a survey of scooter owners and they say what I experienced too: https://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/honda/helix

Elite 150: https://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/honda/elite_150

Aero 50 only got 73.4 mpg: https://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/honda/nb50_aero

I am a vehicle enthusiast and starting with a Vespa sold by Sears in the 60s as the Allstate scooter, had a reserve tank in 1975 when I bought it used. It was a three speed shifted with left hand grip. I like scooters because after a rain you can go through puddles and not get wet. I also had a Honda Aero 105cc, a Honda Elite 150cc. and a Honda Helix 250cc. I love them around town but prefer more power and cruise speeds for highway use regularly. If I were to get another it would be the 400cc -650cc Yamaha and Honda bigger biked.

Edited by RV_

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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I'm getting about 70 mpg on mine, still breaking it in.

150cc.

My first two scooters were also 150cc and typically got around 70 mpg. 

These are not highway-capable...short bursts up to about 50 mph are do-able but pinning it at full throttle is not a recipe for long engine life...but they do fine around town at 30-45 mph and as a campground-getaround carry-all or intown grocery getter.

Short commutes to/from work (or the beer store!) are where these are the most practical. Although mine is rated for 330 pounds, it only has seating for one person. Mine will physically fit lengthwise in the space where my class 2 e-bike used to go. It will carry more, go faster, and no worries about charging it for half a day when on the road....just gas and go.

Certainly 300-650 cc scooters are faster, heavier, bigger, more comfortable, more expensive, and use more gas. But you can cruise at 70 mph or higher if you need to.

 

 

 

 

Edited by podwerkz

Nothing to see here. 

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Yep I could go 70 on "Felix the Helix" but it was still too light for highway use regularly. It strained on the highway.zfz6vrbl.jpg

I also owned two GoldWings, a Silverwing, a matched set of 1975 Norton Commandos, the last year they were made, one for my wife and one mine, We had Kawasaki 500 2-stroke, a water buffalo (First water cooled bike a Suzuki 500) my Triumph Daytona 500, Motoguzzi, Yamaha 750, and even a Honda 305 dream. I owned a 1996 Harley Electra-glide Classic (States Blue) when we went full time in 1997 and no way for it to safely be taken with the Ram 1 ton and 36 foot HitchHiker fiver. That was my last big bike. I got the 150 and Helix 250 scooters after we came off the road. There were many others but those are the highlights.

Here is a pic of our two Nortons under our USAF Academy on-base quarters carport in 1978 sitting in front of our AMC Pacer X! Yes I have pics of most of the 300 or so vehicles we've built and/or owned in our 49 years of marriage. Lynn was a good sport once she realized we doubled or tripled out money with each one. She quit riding after the Norton and her got sandblasted on I-25 in the Springs the next year, so her bicentennial "Captain America" paint job was damaged and I painted it to match her Vetter fairing and saddle bags which we rarely mounted.

vYGRQWkl.jpg

Here is me in 1971 on my Triumph Daytona 500 just before we married and her 1966 Mustang is in the background. It was a 3 on the floor and a 289 with dual cherry bombs I put on, and a black leather interior. The factory A/C was under dash!

46Tjkotl.jpg

I put a Harley trunk on my Elite 150 scooter and it worked great so it was my Honda Davidson. Enough pics if you want to see more just PM me, but family photos are boring to all but me. I fondly remember every detail of every car, truck, van, MG Midget MkII and Spitfire, Little REd express truck,  Porsche 911 Targa, BMW 525i, several big Mercedes, Troopers, Subaru Brats/wagons/two Foresters, VW Bugs, Beetle/Karmann Ghia/Thing convertibles, 1978 Dodge Little Rd Express Truck, VW campers, Popups etc It wasn't a business, they were my toys. In a month or three I'd want a new toy and took my profits and built another. One last one, and I bought this from another enthusiast like me already built, all I added were chrome reverse wheels and Goodrich off road tires. It was a 1978 Subaru Brat that had the camper shell glassed to the body with a wing on top and a custom Corvette Burgundy paint job. I bought it in 1980 and sold it in 1981 but only have one pic of it! No flaws or cracks it held together like it came that way.

422om3Kl.jpg

 

It's been a great life and once this COVID is over much more to come. We are adding another Tesla to mine for Lynn and getting rid of our last gasser, the 2019 Subaru Forester. Combined with the battery yard machines, Battery 60 volt snow blower and 25" battery mower, battery tools/blowers/shop vacs/hedge and string trimmers, lights edgers and well everything including 1/2 impact wrenches and even my 18volt 4.5" angle grinder has more power than my plug in Hitachi 4.5" angle grinder. I'm about to sell. If someone told me before I owned them that the battery mower and tools would be more powerful than the plug ins I would not have believed it. Now I do. No more air hoses or long extension cords. It took more time to set up and then put up hoses and cords than the jobs take at home.

Now I can't wait for the new electrics coming out to see what toys I want next. 😎

 

Edited by RV_

RV/Derek
http://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.
Retired AF 1971-1998


When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius

 

“Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire

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