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I really like these small electric cars, and I plan to buy one even if only just for fun in the next ten years. They fill a niche between electric scooters/bike

by clnq 3y ago

I really like these small electric cars, and I plan to buy one even if only just for fun in the next ten years. They fill a niche between electric scooters/bikes and regular cars. In most cities, an electric scooter is usually enough for me. But they don't work well in rain, snow, or ice as they have no protection from the elements. A small car with a roof does. Also, if the car can pull 10+ km of range out of thin air through solar power every day, that's just a cherry on top. The only letdown I have with these cars is their appearance. Why do they often seem so rough around the edges? The Microlino 2.0 is the only EV micro car I've come across with a somewhat attractive design. In comparison, the TWIZY, AMI, and Squad models just seem plasticky, uncomfortable, and cheaply crafted. Even many electric golf carts boast a more polished look, not to mention a much better suspension. Is it that the target demographic demands cheapness? What about people who have the means for a premium car but like the practicality (the T-shirt and shorts in-the-office guys as opposed to suit and tie, so to speak)? I'd gladly pay a design premium, even if it's just to make these cars on par (pun intended) with golf carts in elegance, which is not a tall ask.

ilyt 3y ago
> But they don't work well in rain, snow, or ice as they have no protection from the elements. That's honestly lesser problem than the fact 2 wheeled vehicles on ice are fucking scary to drive
- clnq 3y ago
  E-scooters are reasonably stable when there's a small amount of ice so long as you don't use solid tyres. They are more stable than road bikes and city bikes because they have a wider area of contact with the ground. For more comfort, you can under-inflate the pneumatic tyres or buy studded tyres. Also, you feel steadier on them than on a bike because you always have one foot as a third point of contact if you need it, and you feel somewhat more in control than with a car as the inertia is lower. The battery life and dirt/sleet are more frustrating. Don't knock it till you try it. Though be careful for the first time if you do try it, use common sense — drive slower and don't turn as sharply, dress appropriately as you'll be caked in mud. But otherwise it's doable and quite fun.
  - ilyt 3y ago
    I've driven a bicycle in winter and yeah nah, I'd rather just take public transport. It's not just traction but the fact everyone else got shitty traction too, so there is a good chance than most of the agility of small bike/bicycle is negated by just slipping. At least with bicycle like 95% of my route is not on actual road sharing it with cars, can't do that on bike.
danielnoiz 3y ago
I realy want the nobe cars 100 gt[1] to be a real thing, but I don't think it will ever really be produced. Seems like a great upgrade from the golf cart style small ev that would be perfect for a commute like mine, 20 miles one way partially on the highway. [1] https://nobecars.com/ https://nobecars.com/
- clnq 3y ago
  Thanks for sharing that, it looks like a very standout design.

by clnq 3y ago

ilyt 3y ago

> But they don't work well in rain, snow, or ice as they have no protection from the elements. That's honestly lesser problem than the fact 2 wheeled vehicles on ice are fucking scary to drive

clnq 3y ago
E-scooters are reasonably stable when there's a small amount of ice so long as you don't use solid tyres. They are more stable than road bikes and city bikes because they have a wider area of contact with the ground. For more comfort, you can under-inflate the pneumatic tyres or buy studded tyres. Also, you feel steadier on them than on a bike because you always have one foot as a third point of contact if you need it, and you feel somewhat more in control than with a car as the inertia is lower. The battery life and dirt/sleet are more frustrating. Don't knock it till you try it. Though be careful for the first time if you do try it, use common sense — drive slower and don't turn as sharply, dress appropriately as you'll be caked in mud. But otherwise it's doable and quite fun.
- ilyt 3y ago
  I've driven a bicycle in winter and yeah nah, I'd rather just take public transport. It's not just traction but the fact everyone else got shitty traction too, so there is a good chance than most of the agility of small bike/bicycle is negated by just slipping. At least with bicycle like 95% of my route is not on actual road sharing it with cars, can't do that on bike.

danielnoiz 3y ago

I realy want the nobe cars 100 gt[1] to be a real thing, but I don't think it will ever really be produced. Seems like a great upgrade from the golf cart style small ev that would be perfect for a commute like mine, 20 miles one way partially on the highway. [1] https://nobecars.com/ https://nobecars.com/

clnq 3y ago
Thanks for sharing that, it looks like a very standout design.