Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Rob: I’ve been an environmentalist forever… I have this understanding of what an efficient vehicle should and can be, and I’ve worked to bring the public’s passions together with the mission of the company.
The idea of a solar-powered vehicle that’s part bike and part car may seem futuristic, but Rob Cotter, CEO and founder of Organic Transit, has already delivered over 800 of them to customers in 15 countries. Known as the “Elf,” this innovative solar-electric bicycle vehicle is redefining transportation. Weighing just 160 pounds yet capable of carrying 550 pounds, the Elf offers a sustainable and affordable alternative to cars.
“What’s amazing is that the Elf gets the equivalent of 1,800 miles per gallon,” Rob explained during today’s episode. “And in sunny parts of the country, many customers have told us they’ve never even needed to plug it in—they’ve powered it entirely by sunlight for years.”
Designed for practicality, the Elf provides all-weather protection and enough room for a passenger and a dozen bags of groceries. Because it’s legally classified as a bicycle, no license, insurance, or registration is required. It’s a solution designed not just for environmentalists but for anyone looking to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
Although Rob and his team achieved remarkable early success, challenges with investors forced the company into a period of rebuilding. Now, Organic Transit is poised for a comeback, raising capital via a regulated crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. Rob shared how crowdfunding aligns perfectly with the company’s mission and values: “The population overall—the retail consumers—have been our biggest advocates. If we had done an equity crowdfunding campaign earlier, it would have been a perfect fit.”
Priced at $7,500 for the base model, the Elf is not only affordable but also pays for itself quickly. Rob shared stories of customers who reported saving $8,000 annually by using the vehicle instead of a car.
In today’s episode, Rob’s passion for creating a sustainable future was contagious. With the Elf’s proven technology and a growing community of supporters, Organic Transit is ready to redefine what vehicles can be. For those interested in supporting this exciting venture, you can learn more and invest at s4g.biz/organic.
tl;dr:
Rob Cotter explained how the Elf’s design combines solar power, practicality, and bike-like efficiency.
Organic Transit delivered 800 Elfs globally before challenges forced the company into rebuilding mode.
The Elf costs $7,500, pays for itself quickly, and doesn’t require insurance or registration.
Organic Transit is now raising capital via crowdfunding to relaunch the Elf.
Rob shared how his environmental vision fuels his passion for creating sustainable transportation solutions.
How to Develop Environmental Vision As a Superpower
Rob’s superpower is his ability to activate environmentalism into actionable, innovative solutions. As Rob explained, “I’ve been an environmentalist forever… I have this understanding of what an efficient vehicle should and can be, and I’ve worked to bring the public’s passions together with the mission of the company.” This unique combination of environmental commitment and technical expertise has allowed him to create groundbreaking solutions like the Elf, which reduces pollution while promoting healthier lifestyles.
Illustrative Story:
Rob shared how decades of experience with innovative vehicles combined with his environmental activism led to the creation of the Elf. He drew inspiration from lightweight designs in bicycles, aircraft, and boats, ultimately reimagining what a vehicle could be. By integrating solar power and practical aerodynamics, he created a vehicle so efficient that some customers in sunny regions have powered their Elfs solely with sunlight for years.
Tips for Developing This Superpower:
Develop expertise in a field that aligns with your values, like Rob’s work with vehicles.
Combine technical skills with a passion for environmental causes to create innovative solutions.
Align your work with the public’s values to build support for your vision.
Reimagine existing paradigms—don’t let traditional boundaries limit your creativity.
Think globally but act locally; start with practical, small-scale solutions that can scale up.
By following Rob’s example and advice, you can make environmental vision a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Rob Cotter (he/him):
CEO/ Founder, Environmental Transit Authority
About Environmental Transit Authority: Organic Transit (OT) designs, builds and distributes the cleanest, most efficient vehicles on the planet. ELF is the cornerstone of the company but there are several vehicles smaller and larger than the ELF currently in the prototype phase. Environmental Transit Authority (ETA) is the parent company and was formed to acquire OT and serve as a platform to offer other sustainable transportation solutions.
Website: organictransit.com
Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/organictransit
Other URL: wefunder.com/organictransit
Biographical Information: Rob Cotter, founder and CEO of Organic Transit, where we design and build solar-powered, enclosed pedal-assist vehicles that combine the practicality of a car with the efficiency of a bicycle. My work is driven by a simple question: why are we using multi-ton vehicles to move 200-pound people? I’ve been building innovative human-powered and solar vehicles for decades. Early in my career, I served as Vice President of the International Human Powered Vehicle Association, where I oversaw cutting-edge designs and races for bicycles now capable of exceeding 90 mph. I also directed the first U.S. solar car race in 1988 and contributed to projects that inspired modern electric vehicles, drones, and hydrofoils. Before launching Organic Transit, I worked with Porsche, led multimedia projects as a creative director, and ran human rights and environmental campaigns with Anita Roddick, combining technical skill with storytelling and advocacy. Other clients: IBM, Lexus/Nexus, and Environmental Advisor to Gov. Jerry Brown. In 2012, I founded Organic Transit and began developing the ELF, a three-wheeled, solar-powered Pod vehicle with an advanced polymer body and lightweight, aircraft aluminum chassis, 1 horsepower, and an efficiency equivalent of 1,800 miles per gallon. Over the years, we delivered 850 vehicles across 15 countries, accumulating over 10 million miles of user experience feedback. Many of our ELFs are still in daily use today, highlighting the durability and versatility of the design. After a challenging period of ownership transitions, I reacquired the company and am now leading a comeback with ELF 3.0, incorporating over a decade of learning and community insights. Our shop is fully solar-powered and off-grid, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. I’m passionate about making safe, practical, and sustainable mobility accessible to everyone, and believe crowdfunding and community engagement are key to scaling this vision. Organic Transit is about building a resilient, green transportation future.
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/rob-cotter
Support Our Sponsors
Our generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today’s advertisers include FundingHope, and RISE Robotics. Learn more about advertising with us here.
Max-Impact Members
(We’re grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)
Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name Here
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don’t miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year. Learn more about sponsoring the event here. Interested in speaking? Apply here. Support our work with a tax-deductible donation here.
Demo Day at SuperGreen Live. Apply now to present at the SuperGreen Live Demo Day session on January 22! The application window is closing soon; apply today at 4sc.fun/sgdemo. The Demo Day session is open to innovators in the field of climate solutions and sustainability who are NOT currently raising under Regulation Crowdfunding.
Live Pitch at SuperGreen Live. Apply now to pitch at the SuperGreen Live—Live Pitch on January 23! The application window closes January 5th; apply today at s4g.biz/sgapply. The Live Pitch is open to innovators in the field of climate solutions and sustainability who ARE currently raising under Regulation Crowdfunding.
Community Event Calendar
Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Join UGLY TALK: Women Tech Founders in San Francisco on January 29, 2026, an energizing in-person gathering of 100 women founders focused on funding strategies and discovering SuperCrowd as a powerful alternative for raising capital.
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.
We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode.
