How Organic Transit's ELF Solar-Trike Hybrid Was Born

A little background on this ultra-efficient little urban commuter vehicle.

It's been a while since we posted about Organic Transit's ELF—the solar-pedal hybrid which so impressed Lloyd when he visited their factory. It's also been a while since we looked in on Kirsten Dirksen and Fair Companies, the folks whose videos on tiny houses, off-grid living, and all things sustainably simple we've posted on so often.

So it was a happy surprise to see that Fair Companies had visited Organic Transit (although I'm a little mad they didn't call in for a beer while they were in town).

From its ultra-lightweight construction to its relative protection when hit by a car, much of the video below covers ground already discussed in other posts about the ELF. Still, I always love seeing this vehicle in action. And it's nice to hear a bit more on Rob's background in designing human-powered vehicles since the seventies.

© Organic Transit

Even as someone who now (sometimes) drives a plug-in hybrid minivan, I'm a firm believer in the idea that the world would be a better place if we all had access to lighter, ultra-efficient vehicles that met the majority of our daily needs.

Bike share schemes like the one that launched Monday here in Durham—and which I'm about to go test out now—get us part of the way there. But it sure would be nice if there was a communal ELF on every neighborhood street corner too...

Anyhow, check it out. All of these people do very good work.