MICROCAR

The MicroCar is one of our oldest models, steadily refined over the years.� The MicroCar holds two riders, each of whom selects their own gears, chooses their own pedaling cadence, and adjusts their own seating.� It has a substantial amount of cargo space and can carry child passengers.

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The front end design provides a tight turning radius (20' outside) and permits the use of suspension front forks.�

If desired, the standard high clearance frame and large diameter drive wheels can be combined with fat tires and suspension forks to provide surprisingly agile and capable rough-road and off-road performance.

MicroCar HBB 2008 with optional front suspension forks
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The MicroCar is similar to the Lightfoot Duo, but has some important differences.� Because of its wider stance, the MicroCar's balance makes it more suited for use by a single rider.� It is also more suited to the use of power assist.� It is a little heavier, and does not knock down as compactly as does the Duo for ease of transport.� The MicroCar has a compound-gear transmission, which provides a wider range of gear ratios than does the Duo; thus, the MicroCar has very low gear choices (as low as 9 gear inches) to climb even very steep hills.
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MicroCar 2003

With its car-like layout (wheels to the outside of the riders), the MicroCar is stable� with a single rider and can be ridden extensively solo.� If empty, a large solo rider can tip it if careless in a fast hard right turn, but it takes very little leaning of the solo rider's upper body into the turn, or the placement of cargo weight on the right side of the vehicle, to create the stability needed for normal solo riding.� Riding the MicroCar solo on level terrain is surprisingly easy; a single rider can maintain perhaps 75% the speed that they would achieve on a mountain bike.

2007 MicroCar, no options

The MicroCar is designed first and foremost to be efficient and easy to pedal under leg power alone, but two micro-power assist systems are optionally available, and can add further capability.� Assist is used by those who want help accelerating across busy cross streets, climbing problematic hills or crossing distances that are too challenging for pedal power alone.� The mechanically simple electric assist system's batteries and motor provide quiet power around the neighborhood and local streets, but have limited range (generally less than 20 miles), and must be plugged in and recharged frequently.� Gas Engine assist provides unlimited assist over long distances on highways and back roads.� The electric assist takes up perhaps 10% of the cargo area; the gas assist takes up 40% (requires a raised cargo box, if one is desired).� Both assists have a powerful standard range of gears, and extra-torque gearing can be added for very heavy loads in steep and rugged conditions.� All of our power systems allow the rider to pedal effectively with or without the assist, or even to use the assist when not pedaling.

The MicroCar comes standard with the fabric Cargo Pod; this lightweight, zippered container keeps cargo dry and contained, and can hold over four full large kraft-paper bags of groceries.�

The weather proof, hard-sided Action Packer tote box fits perfectly in the cargo area.� Either cargo carrier fits under the bench seat.��
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On these two-person bikes a child seat can be custom built to carry a single child passenger in a standard infant or toddler-size kiddy carrier.�

A third passenger seat (same as the standard rider seat) placed in the cargo area behind the two front seats can be used to accommodate a single large child or petite adult passenger agile enough to climb aboard; this is custom fitted.

A custom bolt-on Bench Seat for small children is also available; the standard width fits two children and fits between the wheels, the wide version spans the wheels and fits three children.

Spoke guards are very strongly recommended for any child passenger seats installations.
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The MicroCar accommodates an optional fabric canopy (now 10" longer in front than the one shown below).�

Bill S., AZ

"Many, many thanks to all...Our new MicroCar...is truly a work of art and ingenuity.� It is simply awesome (and) loved by all who see it.� We couldn't be happier." -- Bill S., AZ

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Characteristics of Lightfoot four-wheeler's

Lightfoot four-wheeler's are long-wheelbase recumbents.� Large rear wheels help provide a smooth ride, and define the dimensions of a large cargo area.� Small front wheels reduce vehicle length and provide sharper steering.� Each rider can adjust their seat and handlebars in multiple dimensions for best ergonomic fit.�� Any kind of wheel and tire can be chosen depending upon riding style and conditions.

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The first Lightfoot design priority is safety; thus we give all control of steering and braking to a single person; the captain/pilot.� Both riders shift their own gears, by means of grip shifters located on each person's handlebars. The handlebars provide a sturdy handhold for both riders, and attachment points for water-bottles, lights and fairings.

Our second priority is comfort; our highly adjustable Century seat can be ridden for hours, days in a row without discomfort.� The widely adjustable seat and handlebars allow a very wide range of riders to tune in their preferred position.

All Lightfoot four-wheelers are designed with Ackerman steering, a refinement which keeps the front wheels properly aligned with each other even through a sharp turn; this improves rolling efficiency, cornering safety and front tire life.

Like all Lightfoot cycles, the MicroCar is handcrafted in our Montana, USA shop.� They are carefully built and carefully assembled.� They are engineered to be maintainable for a very long time, and come with a lifetime frame warranty.

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Comparisons

To compare the Lightfoot to other four-wheeled vehicles on the market, see the Quad Comparison page.

"At low speeds the steering is light and easy for maneuvering in tight quarters. �I was impressed by the tight turning radius for a vehicle the size of the Microcar with linkage steering. �At road speeds the steering seems to stiffen up allowing the vehicle to track rail straight without requiring much�attention�from the rider. Moderate pressure on the handlebars in one direction or the other smoothly steers around curves. �To me it reminds me of old cars without power steering but without the heavy feel. �I was also very impressed by the way the vehicle rides over bumpy roads." -- David B., MT

Using a Lightfoot quad on the road.

We have never heard of an instance of a Lightfoot quad being treated as anything but a bicycle in the US, specifically; a "double" or "tandem" bicycle.� If you are concerned, check your local municipal and state codes.� International regulations vary.

"I am loving my MicroCar...it is turning a lot of heads." -- Clem S., FL

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New:� Our all-weather Rainshadow winter shell, presently under development, is being configured to fit a HBB (high-bottom bracket) version of the MicroCar for use in rainy and snowy regions.

The HBB configuration raises the pedals approximately 7 inches, and is suggested only for agile and athletic persons who absolutely require the winter shell, since the lower, more relaxed standard pedal position is preferred by the majority of riders.

Many all-weather riders will alternatively find the fabric canopy� top to be adequate protection from rain and sun, and will appreciate its simplicity, quick installation, lighter weight and much lower aerodynamic drag compared to the shell.

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