(03-08-2018, 05:30 AM)DiscjockeyDale Wrote: BIG GRIN!!!! says a lot Ben.
Were you able to sit in it and play with the controls?
yup got to seat in the pilot's seat, and imagine running errands
what I saw was the black "alpha" and learned things have only improved,...
at first I thought all I wanted was the KISS (keep it simple) basics (no heated seats, no radio, etc.) BUT because I've been running errands (like to the bank, etc.) using an electric bike for a while
www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8ZkTGUf95U
I want "bling" comforts!!! for example the other day after reading the newspaper, I opted to walk over to the convention center because wasn't to sure I could find a bike rack (to lock up) AND because its "winter" (it gets windy and bone chilling cold) riding a bike,... yup hate to admit it, but heated seats would be nice (even in Sun Diego)
Also personally I' don't like riding my own bike downtown because there are idiots driving alone in 4000 lb vehicles always seeming on the look out for a parking spot (and not too aware of their surroundings)
as far as my first impressions of the "alpha" it was nicely laid out in terms of driver position, driver visibility (which IMHO is a good thing, because it allows one to spot idiots on the road and avoid them)
also understand "BLUE" now has power steering (useful at low speeds),... via vectoring the two electric motors driving the two front wheels
the signature series also I was told have an improved roll bar structure (its not just bolted on like on the "alpha"), the battery box is also a few inches narrower (making entry/exit easier), there is an improved windscreen (w/ out optical distortions), etc., etc., etc!
so in my own mind, I think the a-team has the right idea, taking their time to release a polished product (as opposed to something just good enough)
the other concept, I learned more about is the business model for "sharing"
www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180214005550/en/HULA-Holdings-Arcimoto-Partner-Create-EV-Oasis
basically by day, the fleet is used for tourist sigh seeing,... and in the evening (when the "tourist" market decays), the fleet is used for stuff like "pizza" delivery, etc.
www.ubereats.com/san_diego/
from my own observations about the pattern around my own "urban" neighborhood, is a GREAT THING!!!
for example the other afternoon I was on my way to the bank, using my bike on a raod that goes thru the center of the park
www.balboapark.org/eat-drink/prado
anyway traffic is always kinda slow (but enjoyable) because there is lots of pleasent architecture and landscaping, but I was behind one of the tourist cars (we have in the area)
www.gocartours.com/locations/san-diego-sightseeing-tours/
and noticed those things really are akin to old soviet ladas (because they "smoke"), most people driving cars might not notice, but since I was on an eBike "cruiser" I noticed the noise and "smoke" pollution
w/ the FUV used for "car sharing" I think in the not too distance future, ownership of cars in "urban" area(s) is indeed going to change
(see you tube video,... starting about 48:50)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX3M8Ka9vUA