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I have been a proponent of the EV concept for many years. Before that, and still am, a proponent of cycling. If you look at my account photo (an ’03 Windcheetah ClubSport) you can see where my transition to an Aptera is seamless and logical. Cycling is good for my health, not only physically but mentally too. But my ClubSport is vastly limited for traveling beyond the city limits.

I drive a small ICE pickup and loathe that it emits poison into the environment.

Several years ago, I crashed my motorcycle at high speed (I was tossed about 75ft) resulting in a C3-4 incomplete quadriplegia diagnosis. I languished in a couple of ICUs for nearly three months. I nearly died at least three times, including the accident. Because of the impact of the crash, prolonged ventilator use, and a coma (my, now deceased, former ex-wife was told that I went without oxygen for a little over four minutes) to expect brain trauma. I also wasn’t supposed to be able to walk. With a few modifications (crutches, leg brace) I can. The Aptera, correction, MY Aptera, is a statement that is part irony, and defiance of the life forces trying to keep me down.

I live more than half the USA continent from were I was born and raised. I used the airlines and friends and family to travel about. The airlines squeezed the seats and getting into and out makes flying severely difficult to impossible. Using the pickup is not only loathsome but uncomfortable as I lowered it to ease getting in and out. I’m selling it soon to help pay for my Aptera.

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A standard circular steering wheel. I use a steering knob that appears to be a possible issue because the optimal placement is at the 10 o’clock position.

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Maybe I should clarify. The device is called a left foot “gas” pedal. I called it “accelerator” because well… I used the forum because e-mails have gone unanswered. If a left foot pedal won’t work, I’ll have to cancel my order. I may need to cancel if my questions are ignored. I’m not buying something I can’t use.

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Now, THAT’S an intriguing answer. One of my tricycles, aka trikes, has a joystick. They’re called Windcheetah and were handmade in England. The last owner somehow messed up and for some reason nobody bought the business. He just went silent and left buyers hanging. The trikes are hands down the best and the joystick action is phenomenal after you adapt to it. I’m not engineering enough to figure out how Aptera would incorporate a joystick on a left or right side. I have some thoughts based on my trike. I’d absolutely love it.

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No, vehicles do not come with this option. I’ve had to add them. I didn’t add links because I’ve received replies that links are ignored due to the possibilities that they contain a virus. Besides a simple search will take you right to the various options on Amazon.

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I didn’t think about whether Aptera followed the forum or not. I emailed first because I didn’t think anyone in the forum would know. How could they? My first email was replied to with “great questions….”, and something about addressing them in either FAQ or forum. I waited and occasionally searched. I emailed a few months later and got a basic (as it turns out) form reply that the staff was looking into it. I finally asked here because I had no other alternative. I won’t go into details about my life but I think this vehicle is an amazing idea and it would put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. (I’m not like the dreaded Tesla fan boys. I’ve never said a word to anyone about Aptera. If I’m unable to get one, I won’t be considered full of hot air.) And speaking of money, it’s a tremendous amount for me. My anxiety levels are a bit high.