The Elf solar-powered velomobile has been made more powerful and spacious

The American company Organic Transit is preparing to release the third version of the Elf velomobile. It is a hybrid of a bicycle and an electric car with a partially enclosed body that can recharge from the sun. And while the first versions looked like a niche toy for enthusiasts, the new model is clearly targeting a more practical segment.

The original Elf, introduced over a decade ago, combined pedal power with a 750-watt electric motor powered by a battery with a range of about 48 km. A solar panel was mounted on the roof, providing slow recharging while parked.

In the 3.0 version, the vehicle has been significantly upgraded. The solar panel now outputs 200 W, with the potential to increase to 400 W; the battery capacity has nearly doubled, and the range is claimed to be up to 320 km. Full suspension has been added to the front and rear, along with a second passenger seat—it is now a compact two-seater designed for city use.

The design has also changed: the body is now part of the load-bearing structure, which has reduced weight and made the cabin more open. Side doors, electronic anti-theft protection, and even location tracking have been added. Models with no pedals at all have appeared: essentially, this is a lightweight electric vehicle for those who don’t want to or can’t pedal.

The new version of the “Elf” will cost around $7,500.