• Flumpkin@slrpnk.net
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    9 months ago

    What I’d really like is an electric car that is a bit larger than a podbike. Or classified as a L7e or motorcycle. Something ultra light (<100kg) and can drive up to 80km (50mph).

    Or alternatively allow bicycles / velomobiles to have pedal assist driving up to 50kmh(30mph) and 500W motors.

    • AMDIsOurLord@lemmy.ml
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      9 months ago

      Something that light at that speed is a fucking death sentence

      Cars are big because they need to crumble, absorb energy, and redirect it

      • Shurimal@kbin.social
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        9 months ago

        Not necessarily. First, ban huge pickups from private use (make them commercial licence only); second, tax heavier than 2000 kg vehicles. If you make small, light vehicles the norm you’ll make roads safer for everyone. Crumple zones etc can be made from composite materials and eg glass fiber is cheap, light and durable.

        Remember that an F1 car is surprisingly small and light, yet the driver can walk away from truly awful high speed crashes. We don’t need to mandate firesuits and neck restraint devices for road traffic, but at city and intercity road speeds (in Europe, typically 50 and 90 km/h) a small light car can be reasonably safe.

        • AMDIsOurLord@lemmy.ml
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          9 months ago

          No, still not safe. Even relatively heavier small vehicles fold like paper in a crash. Also, at least in my country, banning pickups would cripple the local economy and instantly result in riots. Most farmers would just get fucked

          Trying a crash in a light vehicle is up to you, I’ll be sure to remember to bring roses for your grave

        • BurningRiver@beehaw.org
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          9 months ago

          First, ban huge pickups from private use (make them commercial licence only); second, tax heavier than 2000 kg vehicles.

          Two things that would be a non-starter in most of the US. Not saying I disagree with you, it would just never happen here.