New Tech, New Problems

The ELF electric bike-car, a pioneering three-wheeled EV, is making a comeback. Nearly a thousand units were sold between 2013 and 2019 before bankruptcy halted production. Original inventor Rob Cotter has repurchased the rights and aims to revive production under the new company, Environmental Transit Authority, with plans to price the new models between $7,500 and $12,000.

This resurgence of the ELF fits into a broader trend of increasing e-bike and e-scooter usage. New research shows e-bike injuries in the U.S. doubled annually from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022. E-scooter injuries rose 45% in the same period. Older riders, riskier behaviors, and inadequate infrastructure are key factors. As these climate-friendly vehicles become more popular, experts call for enhanced safety measures and updated regulations to address the rising injury rates.