LET'S TALK ABOUT SHIPPING

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The ELF is an awkward configuration in that it's dimensions are 49" wide X 61" high X 107" long. The width is from the front fenders; however, the fenders can be removed!  Also the ELF is very light at 170 pounds and ideally should be shipped in an enclosed truck so the winds don't make it jump around, scratching, cracking and possibly pulling it lose from the straps.  I have known of owners shipping their ELFs in the open truck bed.  In this scenario, it's not advisable to travel over 50 mph. 

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(Note)  The shortage of shippers has caused erratic service conditions.  If possible it's best to make your own pickup.

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It's quite easy  to rent an enclosed truck from Penske, U Haul (6x12') and lift the back end of the ELF into cargo area because most trucks provide ramps for two wheels.  So one must support that back third wheel while loading.  This is the reason a typical car moving truck doesn't work, along with it being open.  a small enclosed cargo trailer works well too. 

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Lastly, some open pickup beds are wide enough.  It's the wheel welds that's usually the problem.  If need be, you can unbolt the front fenders to accommodate the width.  It's wise not to travel any faster than 50-55 mph in an open truck.  Also load your ELF rear end first so front window won't blow out.

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The simplest method is to just hire a shipper who HAS HANDLED ELFS!  I recommend Jody Gladstone who I used at Organic transit.  He WAS PROPERLY INSURED AND LICENSED.   Jody is out of South Carolina near the North Carolina border and ships all over the U.S.   MY RECENT CONVERSATION YIELDED THE FOLLOWING information:

Jody Gladstone         cell (803) 517-9563           email  jodygladstone@hotmail.com

Estimated pricing: $1.50 - $2..50 /mile depending on route and other

items in shipment.  UPDATED AS OF 11/8/21

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Here's a shipper who will go anywhere for the money: 

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BillieJo Transportation - Brian.  410 708 6836 Email: billiejotransportation@gmail.com -out of Maryland.   Enclosed trailer   Pricing .85-90 cents/mile; W. Coast more like $1.25/mile. 

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Another shipper who runs up and down the E. Coast is Churchtown Services, Chadd Mowrey out of Beverly Hills,  FL.     (610) 823-8062; chaddmowrey@gmail.com

 

This shipper is is out of OH and averages $1.25-$1.35 per mile.  His main route preference is middle of the U.S. and up to New England.  you can contact him directly or use him on U-Ship where you can purchase cargo insurance.   Paul Lockhart   (315) 271-1681  Email: palock76@yahoo.com 

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 U-Ship offers inexpensive transportation services by independent truckers.  By the way, there's a shortage of truck drivers these days.  You must sign into their website, input your needs, ask questions online and then start receiving bids.  Not until you accept a bid, do you get to talk to the shipper.  There is a modest fee.  Caveats are to make sure they are properly insured for liability AND also the cost of the cargo.  A lowboy enclosed truck or one with a lift are ideal.  Most of these shippers transport cars so they are not a good fit because these trucks are open and can't accommodate the 3rd wheel.  Here's what I've used in my bids:

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        ELF Moped 170 lb. Trike

       49"W x 61"H x 107"L; 170 lbs. trike rolls easily

        enclosed Trailer, Signed B/L confirming recipient’s acceptance of delivery,

        no more than one off-load.

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BIKE ROAD ASSISTANCE AND INSURANCE

 

Better World Club
Your best bike assist option is probably the Better World Club. Not only the company an eco-minded auto club, it also offers 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance service for bicycles for up to 2 calls/year with a 30 mile range.  The plan cost is $39.95 ($17 for additional cyclists on your policy). Note: Service providers do not deliver new equipment, but they will dispatch a service provider with commonly available tools upon request. So some level of mechanical skill is required, unless you just want a ride home.  Other Benefits include discounts for car rentals and hotels and BWC offers free routing maps with turn by turn directions.  https://www.betterworldclub.com/roadside-assistance/bicycle-roadside-assistance/


Spoke Bicycle Insurance
If you’re hoping to insure your bike and get roadside assistance as a bonus, Spoke Bicycle Assistance is a good option. The insurance includes vandalism/theft, transit damage crash damage or a collision with another rider. Deductibles typically less than Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance. With this coverage, you can get nationwide 24-hour emergency service with up to 35 miles of transportation per breakdown–all for only $10 a year per bicycle.

https://www.spokeinsurance.com/

 

BACK TO TOP

ALTERNATIVE ELF BATTERY REPLACEMENTS  (original suitcase batteries not available at this time)

--GRIN TECHNOLOGIES, VANCOUVER, CA  

48V 16.5 AH DOWNTUBE BATTERY   https://ebikes.ca/shop/electric-bicycle-parts/batteries/48v-16-5ah-downtube-battery.html

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--CALIBIKE, CORONA, CA

48v 20 AH TRIANGE PACK BATTERY    https://calibike.com/product/48v20t-electric-bicycle-ebike-48v-20ah-lithium-triangle-pack-battery-and-charger-1-yr-warranty/?fbclid=IwAR2IO2PgyOQntJvGIWsE6woNbbaxfaEITMRmR_URwXOJJ_vVac6d5WEoyXU

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--SOL-MOBIL, WINSTON-SALEM, NC  (RESELLER FOR GRIN)  https://www.sol-mobil.com/elf-sbs50-to-pp45-battery-adapter/%C2%A0 PLUS YOU WILL NEED THE  ADAPTERS TO CONNECT THE BATTERY WIRES TO THE SB 50 OR SBS 50 ANDERSON PLUGS, DEPENDING ON THE YEAR OF YOUR ELF.      https://www.sol-mobil.com/elf-sbs50-to-pp45-battery-adapter/ 

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--LITE SPEED BIKES, Jersey City, NJ

https://litespeedbikes.mybigcommerce.com/52v-26-5ah-elf-drop-in/?fbclid=IwAR1jbBNQwH3D0Al7Y-ETj0PoJqCjfdCzvLWbg2SCU9zO7lMD67R492K5_oo   Note:  I think they will include the proper adaptor if you ask for it.

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OR you can refurbish the battery:

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--Hi-C Battery , Denver, CO - https://HiCbattery.com       They can rebuild  and increase your ELF battery's capacity to 20Ah.  Price is around $750.  

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PLUGS AND ADAPTERS

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Plugs for the older ELFs (1st generation) are Anderson SB50.  Color could be either gray or black.  Plugs for the newer versions 1.5, 1.7, 1.8 and 1.9 use the black Anderson SBS50 plugs

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The adapters for the Grin battery replacement uses the smaller PP45 adapter.

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You therefore need an adapter so you can make all plugs acceptable – Anderson PP45 to either the Anderson SB50 (older units) or to SBS50 (newer units).  And it looks like this.  You can purchase this already made from Sol-Mobil.com or you can create yourself.

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AND LASTLY-------

 

 

 

One more aspect of the Grin battery is that it can come (optional I think) with a locking base plate for added security purposes.  If you have this setup, then for charging your battery into a wall socket, you will need an additional adapter which would be an Anderson PP45 to XLR adapter to accomplish charging.

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RECALLED PART ON FIRST VERSION ELFS - Dampening Suspension System aka Antlers

Version 1.0   AA002-AA157, AA217, AA219, AA220 and AA222)

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This part was originally made with aluminum.  When many units started failing by breaking right at the connection point of the front wheels, Organic Transit had them made out of steel.  Organic Transit informed the owners and sent out upgraded versions free of charge.                   Click below to see the Antler

 

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