Bluevelo Velomobiles
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 10.18.06
Given TreeHugger's penchant for bicycles (have an hour to kill? Type "bicycle" into the search field and have at it), tricycles, quadcycles and other human-powered alternatives to internal combustion, it's a wonder that we haven't featured more velomobiles. With three wheels, a protective canopy, additional storage space and power assistance, they're sort of a bicycle-car hybrid (bicycar? carycle? Okay, velomobile is better) that look like they'd fill in admirably for the traditional carbon-spewing, gas-hogging four-wheelers in many situations. Bluevelo, Canada's first velomobile dealer, thinks so, too, and have a handful of models and options to fit various styles and riding needs; the two pictured above are the sleek Go-One3 (left) and the rag-top Versatile (right). Based in Ontario (with representatives in Toronto and Wasaga Beach), their velomobiles come with a variety of configurable options, including an electric drive-train assist, suspension, lighting and even an electric horn. For those within a stone's throw of Toronto, Bluevelo offers test rides, daily and weekly rentals; they have a physical space and showroom coming soon. ::Bluevelo via ::Hippyshopper
Anyone with first-hand experience using any of these in winter weather?
I'm cautiously optimistic given that bluevelo is located in Toronto, but the lack of ground-clearance could be a problem after some snow fall. Perhaps that's adjustable?
I don't own a velomobile but have looked into them extensively as a possible vehicle for 95% of my needs. Ground clearance does not seem to be adjustable on any I have looked at. However, there are several models (based in Europe)that have more ground clearance than the ones pictured. Do websearch for Velomobile and and you will find a lot of commercial sites for them.
A company south of Missoula Montana, Lightfoot, is coming out with a velomobile this next year.
http://www.lightfootcycles.com/velo_proj.htm
It looks to be less expensive than all of the offerings at bluevelo (to be fair their velos are built in Europe and shipping and additional taxes add to cost)
It is called the Stormy Weather Velomobile and one can find many other photos of it on the net (besides on the Lightfoot site)
don't know about the VERSATILE, but the Go-One is mucho denaro, like 10,000 USD.
But "Bluevelo" doesn't have prices listed, so, who knows what their price is.
I have looked into velomobiles as a car replacement too. The best designed and priced one I found was the Leitra velomobile www.leitra.dk/
at about 5-6,000 USD
I too am considering a velo. I like the looks and functionality of the Mango, which bluevelo will sell, and the Stormy Weather, mentioned in my previous post. One can find a review on the Mango, and other velos, at http://www.velomobiling.net
Lil' Hugger:
Some prices can be found at this address: http://www.bluevelo.com/Inventory.html
Cool!
I am a big fan of velomobiles as well and hope to see them gain more ground in the North American market. The styling of these is particularly nice and I like the fact that electric assist is an option.
I've tried using more conventional bikes and trikes for commuting, about 5,000 miles a year. Cost is a serious deterrent for many people, including me, and the high-tech European stuff is hard to justify. Even worse, in my experience, is the damage to drive trains caused by road salt in winter. I've seen my freewheels, sprockets, bearings, and chains eaten up by corrosion literally in weeks. Maintenance (cleaning and oiling) can be required every few hours, sometimes every hour or two after storms. Some of us are willing to do this in the name of experimentation or hobby, but the average citizen will not take this on to replace a motor vehicle.
I just bought a velomobile and live in Seattle. In order to deal with those hills it does have electric assist. I just rode in my first major rains tonight. And it was pretty windy! Still, I stayed dry and it probably took me longer to get home via the Burke Gillman trail than it would have to waded through the traffic on Mercer, I-5, and on to Lake City and Wedgwood. So far so good.
Bryan
As for Jan 2008, I have learned that the Go-One ( the white one in the picture) have a McPherson front suspension and a carbon trailing arm in the back. Ground clearance can be adjusted in the front & rear wheels. And the front wheels are within their own wells, just as in any car. While the rear wheel is exposed, only a minuscule portion of the drivetrain is, and wheels can be protected with aerodynamic caps that should keep away dirt & salt.
And when it's summer time, the rear section of the canopy can be dismounted to enjoy air. Cool!