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Three wheel electric trike from Arcimoto.
updated 1 month, 3 weeks ago 15 Members · 27 Posts -
I think this might make a nice spare tire alternative for an Aptera.
https://mashable.com/video/arcimoto-mean-lean-machine-escooter
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I pre-ordered one 2 days ago. But when the price is finally revealed, I might very well cancel.
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Looks like Arcimoto is searching for something to sell in volume to make some revenue. Their “Fun” vehicle is not doing well. Saw some in Key West when down there for a dive trip. A lot on the rental lot and did not see any around town.
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They should keep resources on ramping up production of existing models and not waste them on something which probably has a very limited market (very limited appeal over an e-bike).
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Posted in this forum last week.
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Arcimoto hasn’t been able to ramp up production of their FUV, they’ve only delivered a few hundred over the last couple of years. Don’t know if it’s a lack of demand, bad management or if it really is that hard for a small lightly funded company to scale production. I hope it’s one of the first options and not the third because if it’s the last option that doesn’t bode well for Aptera. The introduction of an e-bike inclines me to believe it’s either demand or bad management. If nobody want the FUV then switching to e-bikes makes sense, if they simply can’t figure out how to build FUVs then switching to a product that will be much much easier to build also would make sense. But if they intend their primary business to be FUVs then they should be focusing on that.
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What is the use-case for an FUV?
I have an e-bike that I ride to work if it isn’t raining and drive my car or work from home if it is (SoCal so that doesn’t happen too much). The FUV has no doors so it can’t replace my car for all-weather commuting. I mean, if I wanted to get wet in the rain the e-bike can handle that 😎
We go to Palm Springs and up to LA or to Utah several times per year. The vehicle needs to carry two people plus luggage. The FUV can’t do that scenario either. Given that and the above, it is basically an $18,000 toy. Which is fine if you need a toy.
Aptera on the other hand could replace my car. It can commute in the rain and carry two people plus luggage a few hundred miles. With only two seats it is more sports car than minivan but it does cover the bases I need covered. The FUV does not.
I think that is the problem Archimoto is facing. They are really competing with things like the Polaris Slingshot for people’s “fun money”. That’s a lot smaller market than Aptera is attempting to address.
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They sell a version as a delivery vehicle, it seems well suited to delivering pizzas in a big city. It also makes sense as an hourly rental vehicle in a resort, I can imagine that if you were on a Caribbean island this would be a fun way to get around. Aside from that I agree there doesn’t seem like it makes a whole lot of sense. It doesn’t have the range to be a motorcycle replacement, if it could go 250 miles instead of 100 then it would compete with a CanAm but with it’s current range you would have to trailer it to get to someplace where it would be fun to ride.
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It seems to be a highly capable, and desirable fast-response emergency vehicle for firefighters,emt’s and such.
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They are already doing agreements with local businesses in Florida and Bahamas for local rental fleets. They seem to have switched their business model from retail sales to commercial rentals and deliveries. They also just announced a agreement with a Australian company for rentals as well. I agree with other comments that they seem to be throwing spaghetti at the walls to see what sticks.
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In my email today from Arcimoto. Looks like I’m at bat again. (3rd time) Still trying to justify the buy though.
“I am excited to share with you that we have started delivery of our FUV in California! Thank you for being an early reservation holder and supporter of Arcimoto. We are ready to start planning for your personal delivery experience. Please give me a call to connect with you regarding order details and answer any questions about customizing your FUV as we can likely complete your build within 120 days!
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Put some doors on that thing.
I’m sure (or hope) that there’s critical mass for this thing in sunny southern CA. But for those who live a little further north in the Great Land of Snow and Ice, this is just a nice little toy for maybe 5 months out of the year.
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He mentioned the doors at 25:30
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They are half doors with not much protection from rain or cold. Which is odd being that they are based on Oregon. Any videos I’ve seen of them on the city streets, the rider is wearing a helmet.
There was alot to like but I disliked some of the choices they have made. No full door option. Top speed too slow, and some crazy finger trigger operated regen mechanism. Why not throttle back for acceleration, throttle forward for regen, throttle neutral to coast. Lastly they are too expensive for what you get. IMHO
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The distant dream is for full hard doors, which they have promised and are working towards. I spoke to one of the employees at a demo ride in Sacramento. He basically said the roll cage frame doesn’t lend itself to anything that works well, and they may have to wait for a second iteration with a different frame to make it work properly.
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I used to have a Gizmo EV years ago that was a similar design that didn’t have the benefit of lithium battery pack; it ran on good old Trojan flooded lead acid batteries. I wish Arcimoto well and believe there is a valid market for their vehicle. I need a bit more so I’m patiently awaiting my Aptera;)
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No value in the activities for me. Rented one in in the Keys on a dive trip. Very disappointing. Not in the same universe as an Aptera
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Not enough range for me, and I don’t like much that it obviously handles more like a 3-wheeled motorcycle than a car (no test drive needed to recognize this).
But I’m curious: in which regard have you been disappointed when you rented it?
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It’s a different beast no doubt, I thought it was quite fun to drive, but the range and the price right now don’t do it for me. I ran the numbers since they are telling me it’s my turn to buy, and with the barest of upgrades (Doors/Trunk/Paint/Etc.) the price is higher than a 250 mile Aptera.
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They must be selling some. Saw one on the road near the Aptera facility in Carlsbad.
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They have a rental facility somewhere in the San Diego area.
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It’s “Kirsten” not “Kristen” and, interestingly, there was another forum thread titled “Kristen Dirksen visits Aptera” (note wrong spelling again) but it seems to have vanished!
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Arcimoto Inc. said Thursday it is undergoing a strategic restructuring with the goal of focusing on operations with immediate revenue-driving programs such as FUV consumer sales, Deliverator fleet sales, and rentals in key markets.
As a result, the company said it is expecting a 32% reduction in payroll expenses, through a combination of temporary furloughs and permanent workforce reductions.
Arcimoto is reducing operational expenses through budget realignment across the company. The plan is designed to support the company’s growth and profitability objectives and improve its operating margin.
Arcimoto shares were halted at $1.45 in midday trading. The stock closed Wednesday up 9%, but is down 81% year to date.
Some long-term projects have been put on hold for the immediate future, the company said. This will allow it to focus on improvements to the FUV, Deliverator and Flatbed, the core products that are driving consumer sales and rentals, as well as fleet sales, respectively.
Arcimoto to Restructure, Cut or Furlough Some Jobs – MarketWatch
The stock price is down to about $1.
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I’m glad I sold 1/4 of my holdings @ $27, I’m well ahead of my original investment and playing with the house’s money.
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Oz, Maybe time to dump the rest. I had the opportunity to test drive at Super Charged event. I didn’t enjoy driving it at all. Felt underpowered and rattled my bones the whole time I drove it. I had more fun riding Costco’s handicapped electric cart.
In my opinion, at best it is an expensive community golf cart for those who live in a temperate climate. You can order doors for it but they won’t protect you from elements since the door only covers about half of the sides.
Steering felt awkward. I was told to make a u turn, was not comfortable to do in traffic and did a left hand turn instead.
They may find a market for delivery services at best.
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