businessweek.com — In a world where the price of oil is trending towards infinity ,Jory Squibb decided he’d build his own fuel-miser. The vehicle, christened MOONBEAM, gets 80-85 mpg around town and under economy run conditions (max 40 mph) delivers 105 mpg. the entire project took 1000 hours (a year of 20 hour weeks) to complete.
Sep 20, 2006 View in Crawl 4
ah802Sep 21, 2006
I believe the guy has the right idea... A small fuel efficient motor and personal enclosure allows for an extended driving season. Safety is an issue... but could be overcome with airbag technology both inside & out. This guy might be driving long after SUV's have been turned into cans... don't dis him for trying.Get a shafty bike, style a carbon fiber shell... put in some of Dean Kamen's invention & gyro's and you'll have something, trick is to keep it under 10G's.
a8ksh4Sep 21, 2006
I don't expect he'd have any trouble w/ the dmv. I belive he could just use the plate and registration from one of the scooters he modified. Might encounter a little confustion at the insurance co, although they do insure trikes. Very cool project.
satansbanjoSep 21, 2006
For that much you could buy a BMW! I know what I'd prefer
coolmosSep 21, 2006
Better get a trike.<a class="user" href="http://www.dutchtriker.nl/">http://www.dutchtriker.nl/</a>Offtopic, i know. But if i had 1000 hours to spare i'd build a trike, not a 'moonbeam'. It wouldn't be 100mpg though....
spankypooSep 21, 2006
So, it's basically a DIY BMW Isetta:<a class="user" href="http://www.bmwworld.com/models/vintage/isetta.htm">http://www.bmwworld.com/models/vintage/isetta.htm</a>
Closed AccountSep 21, 2006
I understand people's individual safety concerns, but why shouldn't I be allowed to buy one of these for myself? How can the NHTSA justify calling any car truly unsafe when I can legally go drive on an engine and two wheels? The bottom line is, regulations both keep our MPG low, and keep the barriers of entry to the auto business very high. Regulators get to 'look out for you' and existing automakers make it just a little more difficult for anyone else to get into the business. Competition and innovation take it in the shorts.A great example is the Tango at commutercars.com. It passes NHRA and SCCA safety regulations, but we can only be allowed to buy it as a kit. There is no question I'd rather have that rollcage in a crash than my full-size with airbags.I'm so tired of electric car / oil company conspiracy theories, the real problem is our ridiculous regulatory environment.
Closed AccountSep 21, 2006
Just try and get it licensed and insured.Chances are you won't be able to do either.
tucker8235Sep 21, 2006
Did you see the picture of his teenage daughter in it?
sensibledriverSep 21, 2006
<a class="user" href="http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6omtd/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dsc01937m.jpg">http://mysite.verizon.net/vze6omtd/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dsc01937m.jpg</a>I'd hit it...Good on him, btw...free thinknig and experimentation are what makes this country great, or something...
twangoSep 21, 2006
@DaveVSome people ride a bicycle to work every day. This has an engine in it. Suddenly the sky is falling? Get real.