Corbin to build Sparrows again

[Richard230]

According to an article in the October issue of Motorcycle Consumer News, Corbin will be manufacturing their electric Sparrow, that they were selling during the 1990's. The article says that production stopped in 2003, but R&D continued. The new Sparrow will have technological improvements such as Li-ion batteries and a BMS that will result in longer battery life and vehicle range.  It appears that the chassis will remain about the same as before.

"Corbin will create 100 hand-built Sparrows in 2017 in Hollister, Calif.  The 100 Beta Sparrows will display an exclusive number, which will also be the individual VIN" 

There was no mention of the vehicle's cost.

[Shinysideup]

Also, no mention of range. I really wanted to buy one of these for commuting when they first came out, but the lead-acid batteries gave a range of only around 30 miles: a non-starter. With lithium density, they should make a dandy city/short commute vehicle. IIRC, they could back into the curb and stick out no further than a motorcycle.

[Richard230]

However, you don't want to be in a Sparrow when it gets hit by a soccer mom's big SUV as she is checking her schedule on her smart phone while driving.   

[Shinysideup]

However, you don't want to be in a Sparrow when it gets hit by a soccer mom's big SUV as she is checking her schedule on her smart phone while driving.   

Well, THAT's the situation we've spent all those years on motorcycles learning how to avoid!