BugE - Gas Savers

MetroMPG · 02-08-2007, 12:53 PM

http://www.blueskydsn.com/BugE_Concept.html

Matt Timion · 02-08-2007, 01:48 PM

I like this.

MetroMPG · 02-11-2007, 11:25 AM

This thing has been getting a lot of good buzz. It's on ABG and was discussed favourably on the EVDL this week.

Sort of a "lite" version of the Corbin Sparrow / Myers Motors NMG.

By being a motorcycle in the eyes of the law, it avoids the NEV speed restrictions.

omgwtfbyobbq · 02-11-2007, 12:03 PM

Very clean, and easy entry/driving too. I wonder how far/fast a low slung enclosed version would go.

cfg83 · 02-11-2007, 01:00 PM

Hello -

Reminds me of a modern post WWII Messerschmitt. The price-point is decent. How many projected build hours are required? ..... Ok, found it here :

http://www.blueskydsn.com/BugE_FAQ.htm

Quote:

Can I sell them?
Sure! Buy a kit and then sell assembled BugE's
You should be able to make about $500 for 20-40 hours labor.

Soooooo, assume double that for a first time build. 80 hours labor is very decent for a kit.

CarloSW2

MetroMPG · 02-11-2007, 03:07 PM

Comments from the builder, posted on the EVDL

Rstb88 · 02-26-2007, 07:50 PM

I've been looking at this for sometime, and considering m y options. The 3000$ is for the kit which doesn't include all of the parts, the 4000$ is a fully assemble BugE being sent to you minus the batteries. Batteries aren't included cause of shipping cost, could you imagine the charge of getting those sent over not to mention the hazardous material that it would be considered. I'm considering getting it fr the summer when gas around here will breech 3$ not much for some state but TN doesn't have a high standard of living that can compensate for such a price.

MetroMPG · 02-27-2007, 06:18 AM

Yeah, I thought 3K was too good to be true.

Well, if you do get one, let us know. A few folks on the EVDL also piped up and said "I'm getting one!".

MetroMPG · 03-09-2007, 07:44 AM

http://www.eugeneweekly.com/2007/03/...erstory.html#1

MetroMPG · 03-09-2007, 07:45 AM

Also, couple of new videos posted on YouTube:

Silveredwings · 03-10-2007, 06:28 AM

Cool.

Snax · 03-10-2007, 08:54 PM

Yeah, this thing has got me having that 'now you tell me' feeling after having purchased a car for EV conversion. I probably would have placed an order for the BugE instead, but the MR2 is now nearly fully gutted of ICE components.

I'm really on the fence about this one now. Do I complete the MR2 or do I order a BugE? My only consolation is that it will likely take as long to get a BugE as it will take me to finish the MR2.

Oh well, at least the MR2 will have room for another person.

cfg83 · 03-11-2007, 03:23 AM

Snax -

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snax

Yeah, this thing has got me having that 'now you tell me' feeling after having purchased a car for EV conversion. I probably would have placed an order for the BugE instead, but the MR2 is now nearly fully gutted of ICE components.

I'm really on the fence about this one now. Do I complete the MR2 or do I order a BugE? My only consolation is that it will likely take as long to get a BugE as it will take me to finish the MR2.

Oh well, at least the MR2 will have room for another person.

I vote MR2. Those cars look way cool.

CarloSW2

Rstb88 · 03-11-2007, 06:50 PM

I am dead set on getting one of these things. I'm just having problems getting my credit line started. I'm hoping to be able to get a loan from the bank this summer to get one. I wouldn't be able to use it to get to work cause I would need to be able to go 50mph for more than 10miles. But, I do a lot of traveling within the city I live in since we use my car over my mothers Ford Taurus(16.6mpg) regardless of what I do.

MetroMPG · 03-11-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snax

Yeah, this thing has got me having that 'now you tell me' feeling after having purchased a car for EV conversion. I probably would have placed an order for the BugE instead, but the MR2 is now nearly fully gutted of ICE components.

Snax - are you on the EVDL too? Someone basically wrote the same thing this week (about deciding between an MR2 and BugE).

I vote for the BugE. Cheaper, more efficient, more unique, easier to park, store, cheaper to insure (?), possibly a better "investment" in terms of depreciation & ability to re-sell later.

Plus, you can add a rear seat to it if you want to carry a passenger. (Think I read that on the web site).

Plus, he's in your neck of the woods - support a local business!

The Toecutter · 03-12-2007, 03:05 AM

Finish the MR2. Want to dramatically improve range and slightly improve top speed? Aeromod the hell out of it.

MR2s already have excellent aero, but there's plenty to improve upon too.

Rstb88 · 03-12-2007, 07:48 PM

It said on one page you can add a motorcycle ***** seat to it, but it said that it would have to either be a child or a 100pound driver and passangercause 200lbs max to carry effectively. It also dramatically increases the ability of the BugE to tip over. If you go to FAQ read over the driving notes made on the first test run, If I get one I will be using some Roman ingenuity to reinforce that thing cause it sounds flimsy, chassis and overhanging. The owners manual is also extremely informative and on the same page and free(abreviated version)

MetroMPG · 04-12-2007, 01:40 PM

The builder has added a "media" page to his site.

http://blueskydsn.com/BugE_in_Media.html

He's got some more short but sweet YouTube clips up.

this one's great:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKoi9aQO6Co

trebuchet03 · 04-12-2007, 01:47 PM

Looks purty cool

Not for me though -- I'd rather pedal if I'm going on a short trip :P

If only I could afford a GoOne3 - hybrid human-electric :P

Rstb88 · 05-27-2007, 06:04 PM

The creator of the BugE has actually decided that the 2/10hp motor was insufficient and got too hot under "wot" conditions. he has switched to a 3/17hp motor. The website says the mileage varies only slightly enough to not need to change the mileage on he site. But also has an increased speed ad acceleration. unfortunately there is no further mention of the rear enclosure.

MetroMPG · 05-27-2007, 09:35 PM

Where are you getting BugE updates? I'd love to see a blog on his site... Tesla has spoiled all other "normal" corporate web sites

usedgeo · 05-28-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Where are you getting BugE updates? I'd love to see a blog on his site... Tesla has spoiled all other "normal" corporate web sites

There is a bit of info under testing notes but maybe that is not the answer to your question. A Blog would be nice.

When I told my wife I was going to buy one that was too much. She said the airplane project would have to go first. So I bought a bicycle. Have not ordered the Phoenix motor yet. That is my alternative.

http://blueskydsn.com/BugE_Test_Notes.html

Rstb88 · 06-02-2007, 11:26 PM

Ya it would be more convenient with a blog but unfortunately he has not made one yet. I think go under data and on the left there are some more pages. I make it a daily habit to check for updates. From what it looks like the fairing flexes to much and they are trying to fix it. There are so many opportunities to enhance this vehicle. Easily convert to lithium ion or nimh for better range and weight. But its made with a steel boxed frame, and I hate that

Snax · 06-02-2007, 11:41 PM

So build one using your own frame design. Mark emphasizes the kit nature of these things and the opportunities for owners to customize and improve upon the design. If you don't want the frame, I don't think he'll charge you for it.

MetroMPG · 08-16-2007, 07:16 AM

This is funny:

[quote]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...82933746657081

Rick Rae · 08-16-2007, 01:07 PM

Is it just my imagination, or does the price go higher the deeper you dig? The first number I saw on the site was $3,000. Then the $4,000 figure was mentioned. But on the Kit Information page, the basic frame/body kit alone is listed at $3,300. Then if you want a motor so the thing will actually move

you need the Power Kit at $1,154. Then if you want brakes so the thing will actually stop

you need the Lighting & Control Kit at $325. So at that point we're at $4,779. Plus shipping. Plus batteries. Plus builder-supplied stuff ("Local fasteners & misc parts"). Plus assembly.

Am I missing something?

Rick

Telco · 08-17-2007, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snax

Yeah, this thing has got me having that 'now you tell me' feeling after having purchased a car for EV conversion. I probably would have placed an order for the BugE instead, but the MR2 is now nearly fully gutted of ICE components.

I'm really on the fence about this one now. Do I complete the MR2 or do I order a BugE? My only consolation is that it will likely take as long to get a BugE as it will take me to finish the MR2.

Oh well, at least the MR2 will have room for another person.

I vote MR2 as well. Why? Mud puddles. With the MR2 you will arrive at your destination mud-free, but in an open passenger compartment vehicle like the BugE you'd have to be dodging puddles. Not an issue on a motorbike, but a 3 wheeled vehicle isn't going to have the same room to maneuver. Not to mention you can build the car to go at highway speeds, and would have the room to add enough battery capacity to have a 100 mile per day range, or better. Then there's cargo, you'd be able to stop off at the store for a bag of groceries on the way home from work. Might be hard to do that with no cargo area.

MetroMPG · 08-17-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telco

and would have the room to add enough battery capacity to have a 100 mile per day range, or better.

Not with lead!

Agreed about the weather protection of the BugE though. Better than a motorcycle, worse than a car.

As for the carrying capacity, did you see the YouTube vid on that issue? It's pretty surprising how much stuff he got in its cargo compartment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-aU2xO2U3Y

SquareCat · 06-01-2008, 01:48 PM

I just got a Bug E kit and would be interested in finding others who have already built one. Can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks!

Snax · 06-01-2008, 02:37 PM

http://visforvoltage.org/ may have other owners on it.

You can also look to the EVDL mailing list.

As far as I know, you are the first BugE owner to pop up on this forum.

And for what it's worth, I have abandoned the MR2 conversion. It just didn't seem practical to spend so much time and effort on a 2 seater that wasn't in great shape to begin with.

I have now ordered a 50cc 2-stroke bike conversion kit and will likely get by on that for awhile, but I'm now leaning heavily toward the BugE again when finances permit.