FAQs

• How fast does it go?
Our vehicle has a top speed of 50 miles per hour.


• How far does it go on a single charge?
With the batteries fully charged it can go 35 miles with a 30 mile reserve. This means that at 35 miles your batteries will be at 50% charge. From that point you will be able to go another 30 miles but if you consistently go below the 50% charge point your batteries will not last as long.


• Is there room for my groceries?
Yes, there is a storage space large enough for a carry-on bag.


• Can a passenger ride with me?
No, this is a single passenger vehicle. The single passenger design reflects the majority of vehicular use allowing our vehicle to have better size and weight efficiencies.


• How much will it cost to operate?
Small electric vehicles average 1-2 cents per mile with very little maintenance cost like new tires and windshield wipers.


• Do I need a special power outlet to charge it?
To charge the vehicle all you need is a standard 110 volt household wall outlet.


• How long does it take to recharge?
The time it takes to recharge depends on how low your batteries are. If your batteries are completely dead it will take 5-6 hours to recharge.


• Do I need a special driver's license?
In Oregon, all you need is a standard driver's license to operate our vehicle. You do not need a motorcycle endorsement. (Oregon Vehicles Code 807.020 12A) If you are outside the State of Oregon check with your State's Vehicle Codes.


• Will my insurance cover it?
Many insurance agencies cover electric vehicles like ours. Check with your insurance agent to see if they insure enclosed three-wheeled electric vehicles. If, by chance, your current provider does not cover them, we can supply you with a list of insurance companies and agents that do.


• How much does it cost to insure?
It costs between $150 and $300 annually to insure our vehicle depending on your driving record and the coverage you want.


• What are the safety features?
The vehicle design incorporates a rollcage that completely surrounds the driver. The rollcage and the seat belt keep the driver inside a protective shell in the case of an accident. If there is a front-on collision the batteries are designed to be pushed under and around the roll cage keeping them away from the driver and acting as a crumple zone. The vehicle has hydraulic disc brakes for excellent stopping abilities and powerful lighting for good visibility. The batteries are placed low to the ground giving it a low center of gravity making it very stable for hard cornering and on slick surfaces. Our vehicle is classified as a motorcycle and has not been tested to meet car crash standards although it does meet DOT safety requirements for three-wheeled vehicles.


• How stable is it compared to a vehicle with 4 wheels?
The Arcimoto has a wide foot print in the front, comparable to a standard car, and a low center of gravity making it exceptionally stable. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (http://ntlsearch.bts.gov/tris/record/tris/00368303.html) a properly engineered 3-wheeler can be made as stable as a properly engineered 4-wheeler. Of the vehicles tested the best 3-wheeler was more stable than the best 4-wheeler.


• Is there enough power to pull out into traffic?
Our vehicle's acceleration is similar to that of the Prius up to 40 mph.


• How long will the batteries last and are they expensive?
There are many factors to battery life such as: the type of batteries you use, how often you use them, how hard they are used, the percentage of discharged and the frequency of that discharge. The batteries we are using have a manufacturer’s 4 year warranty and cost approximately $2000 to replace the whole pack. If you don't go below the 50% point of discharge on a regular basis your batteries should last much longer than the warranty.


• Where can I get the vehicle serviced?
We recommend having your vehicle serviced at our service shop in Eugene but it can also be serviced by a certified electric vehicle technician in your area.


• Are there recharge stations in my town?
Arcimoto has a public access 110 volt outlet for charging EV’s at our facilities during business hours. More and more cities and businesses are adding public charging stations for EV’s. To search for one near you go to: www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/stations/find_station.php


• Is there a warranty?
There will be a warranty but the terms and length are yet to be decided on.


• How much will they cost?
Our target price is under $15,000 per vehicle. There are many State and Federal tax incentives for businesses and sometimes private vehicle owners, check with your State and ask your accountant.

In the State of Oregon if your business purchases our vehicle(s) you may be eligible for a state tax credit. The tax credit for Alternative Fuel Projects (an alternative fuel vehicle applies) is 35 percent of eligible project costs. So if our production vehicle were to cost $15,000 your business would get a tax credit of up to $5,250 reducing your actual overall cost of $9,750.

Click here to read more about Oregon's Business Energy Tax Credits.

Click here to find if your State has Tax Credits for electric vehicles.


• When will they be available to the public?
Production is scheduled to begin as early as the Spring of 2009. Sign-up for the newsletter to receive updates.


• How do I reserve one?
We will begin accepting reservations once we are closer to production. If you are interested in reserving a vehicle(s) sign-up for our interest list and we will send you a vehicle reservation form once we open it to the public.


• Where are they made?
The vehicle is being designed and built in Eugene, Oregon. We are using local manufacturers and American made parts whenever possible.


• Is financing available?
Financing and leasing options will be available once the vehicles are in full production.