Generally I vote against naming cars after insects. I mean, VW made it work once...and I don't think it's gonna happen again. Nonetheless, the BugE is a pretty fascinating little three-wheeled vehicle.

In terms of shedding weight, you couldn't drop much more from the BugE without it ceasing to exist, which allows for a 30-mile range on a tiny lead acid battery. Overall, the BugE's most fantastic feature is the price....only $3,000 unassembled...or $4,000 assembled.

The car / scooter vehicle thingy made its in-the-flesh debut at the recent San Diego Alt Car Expo. It looks like it'd be a fun drive, and the windshield would provide some much-appreciated protection from the elements. But no one's proposing that this little guy is going to replace the traditional role of the American automobile.

But for city commuters with an eye for the weird....the BugE might be a perfect fit.

Via AutoBlogGreen

Comments (12)

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Woah.
written by CollegeStudent , October 27, 2007

This would be amazing to have on large college campuses, and in most cities where everything's within short driving distance!

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written by Brian LeBars , October 27, 2007

Looks like a great solution for a short commute or jaunt to the store. Where can you get one?

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written by Brian LeBars , October 27, 2007

http://greenmortgagegroup.com/

Or

http://blog.brianlebars.com/

Would love for you to visit.

London should be filled with BugEs
written by weee recycling , October 29, 2007

At a cost of $3,000 and congestion charging at $16 a day it would pay for itself within a year easily...

Bug E rocks Eugene, OR!
written by Lillian Karabaic , October 29, 2007

I'm from Eugene, OR, where this vehicle was created and can often be seen cruising around on the street. It is quite the site to be seen and very pleasant and quiet.

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written by Stephanie Baker , October 29, 2007

I feel so dissapointed. I live in Eugene, OR and haven't noticed any of these...

bring em' on!
written by Matt Dirksen , October 30, 2007

Now... if cities could add a thinner "half lane" stripe on their roads and highways, then two of these things could be in a single lane of traffic. Reducing the density of traffic (by getting the massive single driver SUV's off the highway) would go a long-long way to helping cities with their traffic woes. Obviously building more bike lanes, requiring bike lockers/showers for businesses, and improving public transportation would all be necessary.

and next will come mods?
written by Penina , October 31, 2007

Has anyone seen where a commuter could stash their stuff on this thing? I can't tell from the photos, but it looks like there is zero storage.

On a side note, other than the neurotic need to be ultra-uber-infra-armored-car safe, families with children (and their coats, diapers, kid-snacks, etc.) are still going to need something a tad roomier.

Bug Names
written by josh , November 01, 2007

Don't forget the Vespa. It did at least as well as the VW did. Not all bug names are in English. In India they transport the whole family on them too. So there's your solution to all the kids you breeders like to have.

Electric Scooter Outlet
written by Scooter Man , April 21, 2008

Thanks for sharing this information!

I believe that scooters are one answer to the growing problem of pollution and global warming! They are perfect for commuting within a city, or for any short trip.

I also have a website about scooters that you may wish to check out. Feel free to visit at: http://www.electricscooteroutlet.com

Thanks again!

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written by rick O shay , August 09, 2008

i order one today. will take a month or so to get.. planning to work on it this winter. by spring on the road. i use about 20 gallons a week in gas. should take a dent out of my summer driving.and the first snow. i will wave at you-all riding the so-list bus and giving the thumb ups for trick and ride and say only one seat man!

Carrying Cargo
written by BugE Builder , September 04, 2008

The BugE has a small "trunk" in the front with a capacity of about 4 grocery bags. Most builders add a set of hooks to the back of the seat to allow them to fasten a back pack behind the seat with some bungee cords. One builder has added a hard-shelled motorcycle case on top of the rear fender. Another has added a pair of hard-shelled motorcycle saddlebags on either side of the rear fender. You need to be careful about how much you load in the motorcycle cases, though. As the BugE is designed, they shouldn't be loaded heavily because the fiber-reinforced-plastic (FRP) fender is cantilevered out behind the vehicle's frame.

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