Personally I'd prefer an electric 2 seater looking similar to this- good visibility and driving position, simple construction- with modern materials, the weight could be easily better than halved. This layout would never date, [we seem incapable today of boning down stuff to the essentials]:
FORD, [prototytpe], year
1896, 1050cc [64 cu. in] 2-cylinder gasoline/alcohol engine,
'hit and miss' governor, 3 BHP, 2-speed, rear-engine and drive to both rear wheels, leather-belt clutch. No weather protection, but neither has a bicycle. Weight 500lb, max speed 20mph, [fast enough for most cities]. Faults:
No brakes, no reverse gear! Sales: 3, Cost new: $200
Surviving machine, 1 : Ford Museum, Dearborn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MGLGQYonsg&feature=related [This is a replica.]
