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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: GM0406 on January 23, 2009, 09:08:23 PM

Title: My Toad!!
Post by: GM0406 on January 23, 2009, 09:08:23 PM
When I purchase the '04 from the previous owner, he told me they didn't need a toad because they had and on baord one in the back bay.  Bill T.
Title: Re: My Toad!!
Post by: cody on January 24, 2009, 05:14:57 AM
I've seen a few palmers and they are pretty cool, one of the few rigs that will actually work outside for handicappers, i have a power chair and it is pretty good but I still get stuck in any soft sand or loose materail, palmers will go almost anywhere and I"ve seen them in 2 person, 3 person and other configurations.
Title: Re: My Toad!!
Post by: jackhartjr on January 24, 2009, 07:06:01 AM
I think I know the answer to this already, (NO) however...can it be tagged?
Jack
Title: Re: My Toad!!
Post by: cody on January 24, 2009, 07:15:19 AM
I really don't know if they can be tagged or not but was very impressed, I've seen them with lights.  They are electric.    http://www.palmerind.com/index_02.php    Check out the accessory page lol.
Title: Re: My Toad!!
Post by: PADoug on January 24, 2009, 08:46:00 AM
Well, I do NOT want to shamelessly promote another business here. I will however, state that I am in the midst of writing an article on electric assisted bikes for another magazine. The owner of the shop is quite up to speed on such vehicles. In a nutshell (for Pennsylvania).

If a vehicle is primarily pedal powered, even if 4 wheels, it can have electric assist up to 750watts (1 hp)
The law gets a little screwy here. It allows for pure electric scooters or gas scooters(3 wheels or less) up to 1 hp/50 cc with registration but no motorcycle license. Pure electric liquid fuel with 4-wheels/25 mph is classified as an NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle) PA is one of the few states which expressly prohibits their use except in campgrounds/private property. The Zap Xebra and WildFire vehicles get around this by staying with three wheels, hence motorcycles.

I've tested electric assisted bikes and scooters, and while not great for the hills/traffic of PA, are okay for short runs to the grocery store if your routes are safe and the journey is close. Last Saturday I was on two of them in the sub-10 degree snowy weather, on a steep hill and riding through a back ally, and was suitably impressed. PM me if you want me to put you in contact with the dealer. He knows his vehicles, and IS concerned about folks who have trouble lifting weight etc.. (For example, he may try to sell you a bike with two smaller battery packs. They may not offer as good performance as a single large battery, but are easier to unload for shipping/moving.)

HTH

Doug
Title: Did "His Toad" Go With Your Coach?
Post by: HB of CJ on January 25, 2009, 04:14:15 PM
I'm curious; did his super cool electric trike go with the Bus Conversion you purchased....or did he just show it to you when you discussed the toad?

That gadget looks darn near perfect for the required duty...putting around during the day making short necessary or uncessary trips during great weather.

Awhile back I had the opportunity to purchase a mint condition Honda Reflex 195cc motorbike...kinda a street legal trials or woods bike.  Darn. HB of CJ
Title: Re: My Toad!!
Post by: GM0406 on January 26, 2009, 10:54:09 AM
This Palmer has a lot of uses.  It won first prize in our 4th of July Parade here this year.  She was pulling tow trailers and a wagon loaded with grandchildren.  And she spent the rest of the afternoon pulling granchildren on roller skates around the block as our street is closed for the day on the 4 th.  Bill T.