Velomobiles : improvements, anyone?

Just a quick video asking what improvements would you like to see on velomobiles. Please voice your opinions about these bikes. Leave comments/ feedback

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• velomobile
• ideas
• micro
• car
• suggestions
• recumbent
• bentrider
• bents
• go
• one
• waw
• alleweder
• human
• electric
• hybrid

[gregindc1]

How about a monocote type enclosure for existing trikes. Lightweight construction would keep weight to just a few pounds. The enclosure would allow existing trikes to commute in foul weather and be more aerodynamic/visible. LED lighting could be powered with minimal weight. Cost would be greatly reduces vs. carbon/kevlar enclosures.

[tomcatfranks]

You mean like a body kit? I agree, there's alot of 'open' trikes that could benefit from this kind of kit!

[TheJoggler1]

I own a Mango and drive it to work in downtown Toronto. I'd like to see a velo that's a little higher off the ground to improve visibility in city traffic -- maybe a compromise between the Cabbike and the Mango. I'd also like to see solar panels used to power the lights, horn and electric assist motor.

[tomcatfranks]

Thanks for commenting! The solar panels would be an excellent way to power the electrics without having to replace batteries. My neighbor gave me a couple of those solar powered garden lights, which I'm putting on my home-built velomobile as headlights. I just have to remember to take them out during the day so they can charge up for night-riding. My velo is built taller than normal, so it can been seen easier in traffic. I didn't feel safe sitting too low, and wanted to enter/exit it easily.

[gregindc1]

Yes, but an ultra light body. Lighter than carbon/kevlar. Mono-cote or Super-cote are tough flexible heat shrink plastic used to cover RC model aircraft wings. A lite frame of semi-rigid alum poles with a covering.

[nicklockard]

I would like the following (ambitious):

1. 2 passenger, side-by-side seating on lightweight bench seat (more compact than individual seating.) 2. Shared pedal mechanism...would have to be something unconventional like a reciprocating pedal assembly perhaps.

3. Electric or single cylinder diesel engine (burning biodiesel) for range/speed assist.

4. Range should be 55-85 miles.

5. Top speed should be 55 mph with cruising speed of 45mph.

[rstevewarmorycom]

I think that velomobiles are not going to take off until they

are taller. A major hurdle is feeling safe in larger traffic, and

if one were to put larger wheels on them and stand them

up farther off the ground, and place lighting and cockpit

higher, then with electric assist they would be better

regarded by the unpersuaded public, and without really

affecting their streamlined efficiency. I think the lack of

general public acceptance as transportation stems

from that, & think multipassenger.

[coycoy75basualdo]

They need to use fiber glass instead of carbon fiber!!!!! very very expensive!!!

[LibertaerUeberAlles]

@emforty2

"Why?" I'd say, because they restrict our natural rights regarding freedom of travel. They did it to horse-drawn carriages in the early 1900s, and now they're doing it to us cyclists. Time to put some left-libertarian, geoist thinking to practical use!

I don't have a velomobile yet, but my preference in recumbents and trikes includes a high, upright seating position (>40 degrees). For a VM, shell should open to front or back; not side. And how 'bout replacable body panels?

[emforty2]

first improvement is a change in attitude of our lawmakers with regards to bicycling

more funds allocated for human powered vehicles roadway separate from auto traffic like in the Netherlands

tax the automobile users to pay for it why? because they pollute you have to pay !

[mcdanijr]

I think that there is a lot that can be done in this area. I am a student in Mechanical engineering right now and would love to get into this area of human transportation. I think they should be on type that can be attached to each other end to end. This way a group of people could help pedal but if it is just you on other occations then you wont have to lug the extra weght arround, Just detach and have fun!

[stephmc111]

all wheel drive would be good for winter riding

[pocketmonkey101]

do away with the kammback rear ends and utilise a boat tail for aerodynamic purposes. could use the extra tail for a small trunk or battery storage for electric assist. lighten up as much as possible with a thin carbon fiber base shell using kevlar on the outside for crash durability. the lighter the better and every pound shed will make your customers feel they got their money's worth.