INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
The ELF has some unusual configurations that are addressed in these videos. For example, Aligning your ELF, changing the back tire, adjusting the brakes etc. for complicated repairs, I 'd recommend an ELF Samaritan or www.sol-mobil.com.
click here: https://organictransit.com/customer-service-old/instructional-links/ Here's and additional link to a video showing how to adjust the toe-in for the front tires. https://youtu.be/W7Lw-bMxrBw
For the Video on how to adjust your parking brake, here's a replacement suggestion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MS7CCNB?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&fbclid=IwAR0B-747hKWE_k6hztOSSQfjDoM6VoNBoJBTpNZ5sTOONoWAYS5d_sU4Cyw
LET'S TALK ABOUT SHIPPING
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! When fenders are removed, then the width from the outside tire rims is 45.5". 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. it's a good idea to take electrical tape and make 2 or 3 X's with the tape continuing it into the ELF for securing the front and back windows.
(Note) The shortage of shippers has caused erratic service conditions. If possible it's best to make your own pickup.
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.
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.. As an extra precautionj, you can use electrical tape on the front and back windows, making 2 or 3 'X's'. Then wrap the tape into the ELF for securing it.
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.
Here's a shipper who will go anywhere for the money:
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.
Another shipper who runs up and down the E. Coast is Churchtown Services, Chadd Mowrey out of Beverly Hills, FL. 610 823 8063 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
As of Sept. '22 - This shipper is available to transport an ELF From a little West of I81 to the anywhere up and down the east coast. Minimum is around $500-600. Jake Ship East Coast, Ihaulit.com 617-302-6353
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:
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.
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/
WHERE TO FIND YOUR ELF NUMBER - VERSION AND OWNERS MANUAL
The frame on which is seat sets will have your ELF Number etched into it. It will be located either right below the driver's seat or closer to the pedals. THE LAST 3 NUMBERS after the 'AA' will give me the build information. Example: EL2114BAA140 Also the ELF number tells us the Version. This is important to know what generation it is for parts, wiring, design and other pertinent information.
VERSIONs:
Version 1.0 AA002-AA157, AA217, AA219, AA220 and AA222
Version 1.5 AA158-AA216, AA224, AA339, AA345-348, AA350-AA354
Version 1.7 AA340; AA349; AA355-AA530; AA532-AA546; AA548-AA558; AA560-AA585; AA587-AA606
Version 1.8 AA218, AA531, AA547, AA559, AA586; AA608-AA699
Version 1.9 AA700-AA765
OWNERS MANUAL FOR VERSIONS 1.0 AND 1.5
OWNERS MANUAL FOR VERSIONS 1.7, 1.8 AND 1.9 (LAST VERSION BUILT).
RECALLED PART ON FIRST VERSION ELFS - Dampening Suspension System aka ANTLERS
Version 1.0 AA002-AA157, AA217, AA219, AA220 and AA222)
This part was originally made with aluminum. It is a vertical rod connected to the front crossbar down to the two front wheels. When many units started failing by breaking right at the welded connection point of the front wheels, Organic Transit then decided to use steel . They offered a replacement kit to all users of that generation ELF.
Photo below depict inferior aluminum Antlers Photo below good steel Antlers
Vertical rods are silver having black sheathing over steel.
REPAIRING and REPLACEMENT STUFF
Window Sealant
When the sealant starts to fail, this glue is what you use to repair it PLEXUS MA310 Adhesive Kit for $24.26 from United States Plastic Corp.
ALTERNATIVE ELF BATTERY REPLACEMENTS
(original suitcase batteries not available but these battery configurations will work just fine)
--GRIN TECHNOLOGIES, VANCOUVER, CA
48V 16.5 AH DOWNTUBE BATTERY https://ebikes.ca/shop/electric-bicycle-parts/batteries/48v-16-5ah-downtube-battery.html
--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/
--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/
--LITE SPEED BIKES, Jersey City, NJ
https://litespeedbikes.mybigcommerce.com/52v-26-5ah-elf-drop-in/?fbclid=IwAR1jbBNQwH3D0Al7Y-ETj0PoJqCjfdCzvLWbg2SCU9zO7lMD67R492K5_oo Note:They will include the proper adaptor if you ask for it. Be mindful with a 52V battery, the charger should have the ability to adjust the output to 54.6V t match the battery's output. A higher voltage can damage one or more of the other electronic parts in the ELF, like the motor controller.
OR you can refurbish the battery:
--Hi-C Battery , Denver, CO - https://HiCbattery.com They can rebuild and increase your ELF battery's capacity to 20Ah. Price is around $750.
PLUGS AND ADAPTERS
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
The adapters for the Grin battery replacement uses the smaller PP45 adapter.
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.
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.
elf samaritan volunteer repair group
Baltimore area - Tom Gibbs 443-271-7419 tcgibb@gmail.com Strength: Electrical Engineer Weakness: Derailers and some of Nuvinci
Winston Salem area - Chris Hall chris@sol-mobil.com Strength: Older Unit information
Ashland OR - Steven Milton 541 482 2862 srm84444@netzero.net.
Central AL - Marty Robinowich 205 541 6775 Robinow@bellsouth.net
Strengths: Solar panel replacement, Nuvinci, seat repair, brake adjust. Weakness: Controllers and Electrical
Central U.S. Missouri - Forest Stewart 816 863 6562 fstewaart1@gmail.com
Strengths: Bicycle mechanics (spokes, chains, structural) and basic electronics
Weakness: Electrical anything.
Redmond, WA - Todd Rawlings 425 444 3178 Toddr@microsoft.com
Charlotte, NC - Khahn Dam, 704 674 6217 info@metalmaslow.com Can offer replacement windshields, cost effective battery packs around $200, Upgrading wheels to fat tires for better suspension, faster speed upgrades, side doors, custom vinyl graphics. Weakness: Kkahn gets pretty busy from April to October; Fall and winter is when most available to help upgrade/fix an elf. He has a 5x8 utility trailer and can come pick up any ELF within about 3hr drive of Charlotte. NC. (this excludes his busy season of summer)
BIKE SHOPS FAMILIAR WITH THE ELF (NOT VOLUNTEER)
Sacramento, CA -The Electric Bike Shop in Sacramento, CA is another resource for ELF repairs and maintenance. Email: 'Mike@theelectricbikeshop.org' https://www.theelectricbikeshop.org/ 916 594 7945
Bath, ME - Bath Cycle & Ski in Woolrich, ME The owner, Carver Davis, helped design the ELF and has bike parts and knowledge. https://www.bikeman.com/ 800-245-3626 info@bikeman.com