What is a velomobile?
A velomobile is a "human-powered vehicle" or HPV, also known as a bike-car, or a
pedal car. It is a fully-faired recumbent trike, or enclosed recumbent trike. The
name "velomobile" is a French word meaning bike-mobile or bike-car. It is the common
name used in Europe and is becoming the term most often used in the USA, as well.
Velomobiles are very practical vehicles. Their enclosed shell makes them more functional
than a conventional bike, protecting the rider in most weather conditions, thus greatly
increasing the amount of time one can ride during the year. Velomobiles also have
plenty of cargo capacity, so they can be used for running errands or commuting to
work.
Velomobiles with an aerodynamic shape are considerably faster than a regular speed-bike.
Adding e-assist (electric motor) makes it easier to climb hills and go farther. This
directly benefits those commuting to work, as it decreases the exertion required
to get to one's job.
A velomobile is an enclosed bicycle, a human powered vehicle with a shell. Some velomobiles
have small motors that work along with the pedaling bicyclist. With an aerodynamic
body and three to four wheels, velomobiles often do not visually resemble bicycles,
but the body, or fairing, is generally built over recumbent tricycle frames.
The attributes of comfortable seats and secure storage space combined with the vehicle's
small size make velomobiles ideal for city travel. While velomobiles built for speed
can have only two wheels, most velomobiles are built for urban use, with three or
four wheels that bring stability to the vehicle. With headlights, tail lights and
turning signals, velomobiles are safe for street use, ensuring visibility to other
drivers. There are two body types for velomobiles, ones that are fully enclosed and
those that leave the driver's head out in the open.
Velomobiles have the benefits of both automobiles and the classic bicycle. Like gas
and electric vehicles, the aerodynamic shell of a velomobile protects the driver
from inclement weather. Some velomobiles have small motors which enable the driver
to climb hills more easily and take breaks from peddling. Like bicycles, the velomobile
is peddled and independent of expendable power systems. They provide exercise to
the driver and a down to earth experience when traveling. Like bicycles, maintaining
a velomobile is relatively inexpensive.
Velomobiles are more practical for street use than bicycles, providing protection
from weather, a more relaxed seat position, cargo space, and increased efficiency
and speed. Velomobiles are better than cars, with minimal maintenance cost, no harmful
exhaust, less parking space required, a built in exercise plan, and a better view
of nature and the world all around.
Recumbent trikes
Catrike:
Catrike Dash
Catrike Villager
Catrike Trail
Catrike Pocket
Catrike Road
Catrike Speed
Catrike Expedition
Catrike 700
Greenspeed:
Greenspeed GT1
Greenspeed GT3 Series II
Greenspeed GTO
HP Velotechnik:
HP Velotechnik Gekko
HP Velo Scorpion
ICE:
ICE Adventure
ICE Sprint
ICE Vortex
KMX:
KMX Tornado
KMX Typhoon
KMX Cobra
KMX Viper
KMX Venom
TerraTrike:
TerraTrike Rover
TerraTrike Rambler
TerraTrike Path
TerraTrike Cruiser
TerraTrike Tour
TerraTrike Sport
TerraTrike Sportster
TerraTrike Zoomer
Trident:
Trident Spike
Trident Stowaway 1
Trident Stowaway 2
Trident Chameleon
Velomobiles
Alleweder
go-one Evolution
go-one Evo R
go-one Evo K
go-one 3
Cab Bike
WAW
LEIBA classic
LEIBA brise
LEIBA x-stream
Leitra
Ped-3
Milan
Sunrider
Aquila
Avatar
Quest
Strada
Mango
Glyde
Pterovelo
Velocity
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