Enclosed two wheelers do solve the problems of, its too hot, too cold, to wet, and more. Yet the price point isn't sufficient to get me or many others out of cars let alone off of motorcycles.
Twenty four thousand is definitely out there but even twelve thousand will price it beyond the means of many. Many used bikes if not cars will fall under that price and unless gas is just astronomical it becomes a bit hard to justify its purchase. Its a great idea, don't get me wrong. However compared to existing transportation options its very pricey.
Safety wise, with good use of LED lighting one could make it stand out very well in traffic without blinding other drivers because its a bit diminutive for my liking.
I wouldn't be so sure. Working in GBP that bike would cost me £7K. Say I had it three years, I'm looking at it costing £2.3K a year. Given that with my current commuter bike (a BMW R1100RT) I already have an annual cost of £1250 in fuel alone. That's before considering all the other costs you get with owning a bike.
Add to this that this is considerably more comfortable, more weatherproof, and not a 10 year old like mine it seems a fair price.
I don't think that's a fair comparison. You're speaking about a 1100cc 90hp machine and comparing it with a small electric motor.
My commuter bike is a 250cc with 28hp. It has 9 years, carbed. Inside the city (less than 100kph) it gets about 3.2L / 100km and 280km per tank. It's cheap as fuck to fix and the bike itself was like 1K (used, around 3-4K new, it's shinny).
Maybe, maybe not. I don't think it will ever be cheaper than a commuter bike. More convenient of course, but not cheaper.
On most countries/states is also competing with small cars because you can't legally lane split. Right now I've got a loaner and it's a 4 seater, a Seat Mii. It consumes just a bit more than my bike and it's very small and cheap (around 6-7K new, cars are expensive around here).
Twenty four thousand is definitely out there but even twelve thousand will price it beyond the means of many. Many used bikes if not cars will fall under that price and unless gas is just astronomical it becomes a bit hard to justify its purchase. Its a great idea, don't get me wrong. However compared to existing transportation options its very pricey.
Safety wise, with good use of LED lighting one could make it stand out very well in traffic without blinding other drivers because its a bit diminutive for my liking.