Velomobiles – Alternative Cars You Pedal
Filed Under: green automotive technology on October 13, 2010
When most people think of alternative cars, they think of electric vehicles or cars that run on various fuel alternatives. Few would think of an enclosed, recumbent bicycle (called velomobiles).
These alternative vehicles are in a strange no-mans land between bicycles and cars, having elements of both. They are often faster than the average pedal bicycle, since the recumbent position allows for better aerodynamics and much more efficient power transfer from legs to wheels (on the order of 3x or more energy savings). Velomobiles add to this a 3- or 4-wheeled design for stability and a molded body for even better aerodynamics.
These alternative vehicles are gaining popularity fast, especially in Europe, and for good reason. Normal cyclists can maintain about 25mph without concerted effort in a velo and most models available on the market have not only carbon fiber bodies, but generators or batteries for lighting/signaling, and a covered top for all-weather riding.
Comparisons of bicycles and a velomobile show that a rider using a regular bicycle in good condition and with good options can achieve 20.5km/h on an average ride while a racing bicycle setup would increase this to 27km/h, but a standard velomobile would achieve 28km/h and a very good velo would get 34km/h (all on flat roads). Read the source for this thesis here.
While the bicycle is generally considered a good alternative transportation mode for short distances (less than 5 miles), a velomobile can easily increase that distance by 3 or 4 times. The average commute distance in the U.S. is only half that (8-10 miles) or 20 miles round trip.
So these alternatives are an interesting option for many urban dwellers.
Safety, of course, becomes the next large issue. Technically, under the law in most areas, a velomobile is a bicycle. Therefore it is treated like a pedestrian on most roads. Because the vehicle can maintain higher speeds, though, and is more visible due to its bodywork, it could be safer than riding a bicycle in traffic. It sits lower, however, which may negate that. The addition of signal lights and other visibility features are a plus.
Most velo models do not come with safety cages or seat belts and their disadvantage over a non-human-powered vehicle is in their takeoff speed, typically close to a 20-second 0-60mph versus the average car at 12-13 seconds. Given all of that, at low speeds in urban environments, the velomobile is still a good alternative for many.
Cost is another concern, as the average price for one of these vehicles is in the $5,000USD range.
All in all, they are another great option for the urban commuter who can’t afford the expense of a car (or doesn’t want it) and would prefer an alternative for short-distance travel.
All photos courtesy of Versatile.
