The loophole for on-road small vehicles
grows larger
Several manufacturers have found a way
around the on-road restrictions that have
been hampering small vehicle market devel-
opment—and for that matter development
of the much-needed urban mobility market.
The answer, build a three-wheeler, and pres-
to it becomes a motorcycle for regulatory
purposes. Of the various ventures out there
at the present time, the Arcimoto, Inc., based
in Eugene, Oregon, may be the most interest-
ing for those of us inside the gated communi-
ty. The reason becomes fairly obvious from
the photo below: it has an open-air design,
feature most of us balmy climes really enjoy.
Arcimoto has dubbed its vehicle as an FUV—
that is, a Fun Utility Vehicle.
The open-air feature is one distinguishing
feature of the Arcimoto compared to some of
its three-wheel competition. Otherwise, it is
electric powered whereas most of the other
three-wheelers are gas-powered. The vehicle
has a unique drive train, called FutureDrive
that combines two electric motors, a custom
dual-motor direct drive gearbox and vehicle
power electronics.
Summary of Arcimoto features
Thanks to my colleague Marc Cesare for the
following:
The Arcimoto FUV is a three-wheeled vehicle
powered by a 67 hp electric motor and a 12
or 20 kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of
70 or 130 miles and a top speed of 80 mph. As
a three-wheeler, most states classify the FUV
as a motorcycle or similar vehicle. Therefore, it
does need the same safety requirements as a
full-sized, highway capable vehicle.
The FUV can seat two passengers, one be-
hind the other, and features regenerative
braking, hy-
draulic brakes,
a windshield
with wiper
and defrost,
and heated
seats and hand
grips. Addi-
tional options
include full
HVAC, soft
or hard shell The three-wheeled Arcimoto FUV
doors, rear
cargo box, bluetooth speakers and racks for
golf clubs, bikes, surfboards, etc. The target
price for the base model is $11,900 with a fully
decked out model reaching the $19,000 range.
It is this combination of price point, size,
electric powertrain and ability to travel pub-
lic roads that makes the Arcimoto FUV an
intriguing alternative to golf cars, PTVs and
LSVs. Moreover, as the company moves
to volume production, its marketing plan
will, in fact, make gated communities a key
target. To read Marc’s full blog article to
go https://www.smallvehicleresource.com/
blog/2018/10/31/arcimoto-fuv-ptv-threat/ .
Another feature which is also intriguing is a
flexible body design, which can be extended
to accommodate light cargo of various sorts.
And, yes, it can be used on the golf course.
Another important aspect of the vehicle is
that it can be hard-body-enclosed. This is
a feature I’ve always advocated in the PTV
space. If you want to pre-order the Arcimoto
FUV one, go to their website, at https://www.
arcimoto.com/ .
By the way, I would look forward to getting
your thoughts on the vehicle. See my contact
information attached to this article. Is this a
contender for use in your gated community?
Can it give the current crop of PTVs, LSVs, and
golf cars a run for the money?
Contact Steve at [email protected].
Or check out our website at www.smallvehicleresource.
com, where you will find an extensive database of vehi-
cle models and can make side-by-side comparisons of
vehicles based on a full set of specifications.
DECEMBER 2018
21