
The Sparrow's spherical reinforced composite body provides a strong and light-weight protective shell over the stable three-wheeled chassis. Rear storage compartment is approximately 6.5 c.f. with separate lockable hatch. The driver's compartment is fully equipped, just like a regular car, with operator indicators and controls. The dashboard contains LED displays of current battery status and other real time operating conditions. Standard features are power windows, parking brake, seat belt, directional signals and 4-way flashing hazard lights, hydraulic disc brakes, rear view and side mirrors, windshield wiper and washer. The Sparrow includes the usual creature comforts, too AM/FM radio and CD player, heater, vents, adjustable tilt steering wheel, sun visor and a ergonomic adjustable driver's seat with a built- in headrest.
Footprint: 57 in. (144.78 cm) tall, 100 in. (254 cm) long, and 50 in. (127 cm) wide: weighs 1600 lbs (720 k).
Powered by thirteen rechargeable 12-volt batteries (156 volts), the Sparrow has a top speed of 70 mph. The on-board battery charger plugs into any household 110-volt or 220-volt outlet, recharges in 2 to 6 hours and has a range of 40-60 miles. In most states, the Sparrow is registered as a motorcycle and can enjoy the benefits of parking in motorcycle spaces, legal use of commuter lanes, and lower registration and insurance costs.
Classified as a zero emissions vehicle (ZEV), the clean-air, electric Sparrow allows the commuter to maintain freedom, independence and solitude while putting an end to fume-filled cities by greatly reducing traffic congestion, pollution, and parking problems and is eligible for ZEV incentive programs.
Who Drives the Sparrow? Urban professionals, college students, motorcycle enthusiasts, retirees. No tech-savy person would haul around a high-powered desktop to check email when there are laptops, hand-held PDAs and cell phones. So why do so many of us commute in SUVs and other oversize, inefficient, multi-passenger vehicles, suffering freeway gridlock, parking hassles and astronomical gasoline prices when all we're hauling to work is ourselves? (*from Tech BIOS)
Suggested retail price for the Sparrow: $14,900.
Year | 1999 | Emissions | None |
Power | 110-volt electrical | Recharge | 6 Hours |
Transmission | N/A | Top Speed | 70mph |