Velomobile: no gas, burns calories, secure like a car

Most Americans have never seen one before. When Stephen Mosca takes his out on the street, he says he's treated like a mini Mini Cooper.

A velomobile guarantees you protection from rain, sun and even cold, but you still need to pedal. Because underneath the aerodynamic shell that gives it the sleek look of a minicar lies a recumbent bicycle.

The fairing (shell) not only helps protect drivers against the elements (and even collisions to some extent), but it gives it an aerodynamic advantages making it one of the fastest bicycles on the road.

Mosca bought his first velomobile about ten years ago when he was looking for something that would protect him on his daily commute. Today, he pedals the 15 miles to work in a full business suit with his briefcase and morning coffee tucked in alongside.

Original story here: http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/velomobile-no-gas-burns-calories-secure-...
Stephen's company here: http://www.go-one.us/

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• velomobile
• bike
• minicar
• bicycle car
• human powered vehicle
• HPV
• recumbent bicycle
• tricycle
• velocar
• people powered vehicles
• sustainable transportation
• alternative transportation
• maywood
• new jersey
• backyard chickens
• weight loss
• fitness
• Under Cover Cycling
• stephen mosca

[hbourj]

Don't never buy à velomobile. It causes an no-oil addiction, burns fat and gives a lot of pleasure in comfort. In Europe a velomobile us 20 % cheaper than in USA. I am French, I own an electric-assisted automobile. There are nearly 100 automobiles in France and 400 in Netherland.

[kirstendirksen]

@hbourj It would make sense velomobiles would be cheaper in Europe given economies of scale and the higher demand for them there. I'm assuming you meant 100 velomobiles in France and 400 in the Netherlands.

[c33r0k33]

Kirsten,

What are the chances you might be able to interview the ROAM project ride? Just curious.

[kirstendirksen]

@c33r0k33 I hadn't heard of it.. am new to velomobiles. See it now ROAM is Roll Over America. I'd love to cover it. Not sure I'll be in any of those locations, but perhaps if someone could shoot for me I could edit. Are you involved?

[kirstendirksen]

It is possible to make a DIY velomobile for much cheaper. I've seen some built from trikes as a base, plus a shell-- and one for as little as $1500.

[gulibuf]

hey how much is it?



[kirstendirksen]

@gulibuf About 7-10K. Though if demand rises that price will go down since some of that is due to lack of economies of scale because of such a small market.

[TreyAraujo]

1:36 I love how he's singing "Yellow Submarine" (a LOT of velomobiles are yellow, mine included) :D

[therichesthobo1]

Where do you put it when you go to work? i know someone would want to steal it if you left it in the parking lot.

[krzykid6969]

... yah fuck this guy ima keep driving my 5.4L navigator to get the paper from the end on my driveway.

[Chriswaterguy]

I want one.

[palmvictory]

Do you only put together the Mango, or do you do the Quest as well?

[bluemoondiadochi]

if velomobiles had cockpit sides on which you could rest your elbow while driving (like on car windows) and a beer holder, it'd be instant boom!

[TheParsonsRS]

Is it hard to petal?

[Pixouf]

@kirstendirksen

When you get in or get out, you have to place your feet only between the wheels, on the black parts inside the velomobile. If you continue to stand up with your feet on the side of the seat, you'll break it !!!

Read the instruction book ;)

[Pixouf]

@hbourj 

[Pixouf]

@kirstendirksen

You mean probably "velomobiles" and not "automobiles" ;)

[RicJak1234567]

@ChrisLuxembourg

Try finding a bank that will loan you 10g for a velomobile. They will laugh you right out. But shit they will give you 35g every day of the week for a sport/utility?? Go figure