Off Topic » Electric BMW Isetta clone

Here is a vehicle style out of the past. A modern clone of the 1958 BMW Isseta (photos attached). I wouldn't have thought that any manufacturer could make something like this any more in this safety-first age Kind of cute, though: https://electricmotorcycles.news/the-microlino-story/

In the late 1950s, Columbus Ohio had a TV clown for a kiddie show, "Flippo". His "gag" or "promo" car was the Izetta. Even now it does not have less collision protection than the RS!

Fred Waring, of blender fame, had an Isetta.

Obviously the Isetta was the inspiration for the blender.

Steve Urkel loved his Isetta. It’s easy to understand why the repop doesn’t use the 236cc split-single stroker that came on the original. It is a great platform for an electric vehicle, but the four wheels mean that it will have a great deal of trouble getting approved for sale in the US. The safety requirements for autos are Draconian here (though three-wheeled cars like the Morgan or the Slingshot need only meet motorcycle safety requirements). The originals got over 75 miles per gallon (US...or 3L/Km), but for the stated mission of urban “running-about” the all-electric vehicle is an even more sensible option. Still, I think I’d be happier with the new Honda C125 Super Cub...even if it means I can only haul one case of beer.

Zitat von Blackshirt im Beitrag #5

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Considering the upgrade from the 50cc original, the price looks pretty reasonable. It is supposed to be about the same price as the Grom ABS and less than the Monkey. Though it is $200 more than the Yamaha Zuma 125, it makes up for it with full-sized wheels, ABS, keyless ignition, enclosed chain, and a semi-auto 4-speed. Compared to the Vespa 150 Primavera, the Super Cub is even more of a value. The price may have grown by an order of magnitude, but the new Cub may prove to be as relevant to current times as was the original.