Trying Out An ELF, A Solar Battery Assisted Bicycle

Charlene Minor drives an ELF in her job as sustainability coordinator for the Town of Davidson. ELF stands for Electric, Light and Fun -- three words that describe the three-wheeled vehicles made by Organic Transit in Durham. These sleek, recumbent bicycles -- the kind you sit down to ride - come with pedals, handlebars and hand-brakes, as on any bicycle. But the ELF also has a lightweight shell with solar panels on top to charge a battery that gives you a little extra boost when you need it.