SPOKANE, Wash. — The creator of Spokane’s electric car is working with legislators in Washington State to produce more of the two-seater cars.
Rick Woodbury started working on legislation for the cars in 2008.
“I think the thing is getting the legislation through in Washington and California and hopefully federally to allow it in the carpool lanes with a single occupant. If we can get that designation federally, that would go to all 50 states,” he said.
The cars are about the same size as a motorcycle, and drivers can park perpendicular to curbs, Woodbury said. Perpendicular parking in Washington state is illegal.
Woodbury said he is trying to change that law and is hoping to introduce the perpendicular parking on a bill in October.
He is also planning to do a live demonstration to show how the Tango can maneuver around obstacles better than a motorcycle, making them safer than most vehicles, Woodbury said.
“All of the protection that’s in any other car is in this car,” he said.
Since he makes the cars himself, Woodbury would have to sell a Tango for $220,000 to make a profit, whereas a large company mass producing them would only need to charge $20,000.
Woodbury said he is hoping passing legislation will give companies an incentive to invest in manufacturing the cars.
“They’re not going to do it unless there’s a real, true path forward,” he said.