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Cruising Along in my... Velomobile? Email Print

By Devilstower
01/24/2006 10:42:19 AM EST

We all love the idea of riding a bike to work.  It's the reality that's not as fun.  Not only do you have to deal with the ignorance of drivers who think bicycle is a synonym for speed bump, you have to suffer through cold weather, rain, snow, bugs, and dust. Even if you live close enough to your workplace to consider two-wheeling it, these kind of problems often mean arriving by bike becomes unthinkable for at least part of the year.

But hold on, what if you could peddle your way to work in an enclosed, rain-free vehicle.  A vehicle with a comfortable seat, your iPod tunes playing on the stereo, and maybe even an electrical assist to get you up the tougher slopes?

What if you could drive a velomobile?
     

Velomobiles have been available for years, with a number of models available in Europe.  Even there, the little enclosed bikes can't exactly be called popular -- they're about as rare as recumbent bikes in the US.  However, a lot of the problems with earlier velomobiles, namely weight, low visibility, and poor construction, have been greatly improved in more modern versions.


A Trio of Cab-bike Velomobiles

There are both fully enclosed and semi-enclosed versions, and while the weight can be in the 60-80 lb. range (which would be very high for a bike), a velomobile gains considerably in terms of wind resistance.  Plus, most of them really are recumbent bikes at the core, which gives you a better change to get that weight moving.  If you're still doubtful, most makers offer an optional electric assist.

If you don't like the trapped in an egg look of the fully enclosed machines, there are some very spiffy versions with a more open look.  You'll also find some really innovative bike technology inside these machines, like those from Dutch firm, Flevobike.


The Flevobike Versatile

Up till now, US bikers who wanted to try the velomobile experience were often stuck trying to create their own, buying an older vehicle, or importing one -- often paying two or three times what it cost in Europe.  However, Velomobile USA is now offering both kit versions and ready to ride examples of a couple of popular (if not the prettiest) European velomobiles.


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Poll

Would a velomobile make you more likely to bike to work?
No, I already use my feet / pedals 0%
No, I have good public transportation 0%
No, I'm not interested 0%
No, I live to far away to ride a bike 25%
No, I don't want to look like a doofus 0%
Yes, I think they look cool 75%
Maybe, I'd like to give one a try 0%

Votes: 4
Results | Other Polls
< Your Country Tis A Theirs... | The Triple Crown of Incompetence: Medicare, Iraq and Katrina >
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Cruising Along in my... Velomobile? | 5 comments (5 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)
My favorite (none / 1)
The pedal-electric hybrid AeroRider from Holland.

Heavier than a regular velomobile, but capable of going 50km on the battery alone.  It's a one man electric car!

Unfortunately, you guessed it, this isn't available in the United States.

by Devilstower on 01/24/2006 10:47:28 AM EST

Velomobile availability (none / 0)
Actually, the Aerorider does have a U.S. distributor, with a website at www.zapworld.com/cars/epod. asp. I don't know whether they have sold any yet.

Aerorider image at www.velomobiling.net

livewombat

by livewombat on 01/24/2006 02:38:02 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Dang (none / 0)
It's my boys at Zap.  I actually have stock in those guys (stock worth all of $0.30 a share) and I didn't even know.

Off to Zapworld!

by Devilstower on 01/24/2006 03:30:04 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Some benefits are hidden (none / 0)
I ride a Flevobike Versatile in Orange County, California, USA, since 2005.08.03. It's great fun, and sustainable, which means that I really don't have to worry about limiting my riding, like I have to do on a bicycle. When I first got it, I picked it up in Boston and rode it to Denver in 21 days. Do the math.

The main reason, aesthetics aside, that I chose the Versatile is that maintainance is minimized with two straight, enclosed chainlines. My commute starts in the quite early morning so I really appreciate the dependability of the machine.

But the best benefits are hidden. Imagine smiling every time you ride past a filling station. Imagine laughing as you see the salespersons at the new car dealerships pointing out your vehicle as you fly by. Working your way out of the web of dependence is really quite liberating.

I have some quick links for velomobiling on a text page at http://www.lobosolo.com/vel o

by Elrey on 01/25/2006 09:44:03 AM EST

More on Velomobiles and Alternative Vehicles? (none / 0)
Midwest Velomobile and HPV conference is  June 9-11 2006  http://vine-ave.com

Lazybee45@gmail.com

Post message: IowaVelomobiles@yahoogroups .com
----------
also:

2006 TOUR DE SOL!  
When: May 10 - 14, 2006
Where: Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs, New York (20 miles north
of Albany)
Fomoinfo: www.nesea.org;
www.TourdeSol.org

The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is proud to again offer
the premier event and gathering of alternative fuel vehicles in North
America. Owners, builders, manufacturers, dealers and suppliers of e-bikes,
e-trikes, e-scooters (and their parts & accessories) are invited to bring
their vehicles and/or components and join in the fun. (likewise for any
fuel-cell or hybrid-assisted bikes, trikes and scooters).
-------

May 12 to 14th  Chicago area:

Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois

All alternative fuel vehicles (cng, hydrogen, propane, bio diesel,
veggie oil, steam, etc.) and hybrids of all makes and fuels are welcome to participate as part of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AVF)
Expo which is also being held at the Route 66 Raceway.   http://www.nedra.com

by dick on 01/25/2006 01:49:39 PM EST

Cruising Along in my... Velomobile? | 5 comments (5 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)
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