If the price was $3000 for the one with the electric pedal assist then it would be practical as hell. But $9000 for something like this is just insane.
It's almost purely about production volume. The most successful velo manufactures are only producing ~100 a year (or less). Those who buy a velo have no problem waiting for 6-9 months for their velo. With an audience like that you can afford production volumes that low.
plaid13 You are lucky when you get a normal bike with pedal assist for 3000 *lol* These are handmade, many with full carbon chassis and you can pay 9000 for a good racing bike, too. And you would be slower. But well, americans are used to get cheap cars with bad build quality in a protected economy.
Ah, no. The average e-bike cost now is sub $2,000 to $1,500 for "normal" diamond frame e-bike.~$3,000 if you get one that uses something proprietary like a Bosch or Shimano STEPS mid drive. and up to $5,000 if you go for a "boutique" e-bike.
Zero electric motorcycles cost about 10k Euro. They are long range and not low speed like some cheap electric motorcycles. Velomobile is very expensive for what it gives. As a bicycle, maybe considerable but as a commuting vehicle, very expensive.
"really popular in Germany and the Netherlands" I lived on the Dutch side of the Germany/Netherlands border (Maastricht) and I have never seen one of these. They're cool though.
Darris Hawks They are very rare in germany, too and not well known at all. But in contrast to 99% of other countrys there are SOME, we got some very good manufacturers and you may have seen one or two in your life. I own a very fast one.
Well, I used to ride a velomobile, and I can say for sure, that most car drivers are so flabbergasted by the sight of a velomobile, that they stop or slow down for velomobile. Just to take good look.
I live in The Netherlands and have seen many! Especially in The Netherlands this is popular! We have bicycle roads everywhere, so it's perfect for Velomobiles ;)
During the 1970s it was manditory for all new motorcycles to have beepers that sounded whenever the turn signals were turned on. Very similar to this, I think it's a good idea.
There are too many distracted drivers on the road for this thing. It seems like everyone in the US drives a truck or large SUV, so WHEN you’re hit you’ll be trapped in this fiberglass coffin very low to the ground... at least on a bike I have a chance of being thrown on the hood or away from the vehicle... or maybe I’m just being claustrophobic
Nah this thing is awsome. There is storage behind the seat for lunch. There is blinkers that beep when turning. And if a truck runs you over you can just scream with ur stupid little blinkers buzzing
9000$ ? no wonder have not seen any of these yet , i could buy 20 bikes for that price or a lightly used car , i seriously would love to own one , but the price is just Wayyy over the top
Orrrrr... idk, a brand new motorcycle?? You know, the thing that's just like a bicycle but with fairings, you don't have to pedal, and, oh ya, it has a fucking engine in it.. but ya, this price point totally makes sense
For the money, it should really have an electric assist. The fairing and low cross section make it about 3 times easier than on a regular bike to maintain a cruising speed over 35kph, you can do that on the flat with no assist. Starts and hills are harder because you can't stand on the pedals, that's where an assist would be handy. Bear in mind this is designed for solo use, it's replacing single occupancy car journeys where you haul around a load of extra mass to seat people who aren't there and haul luggage you didn't bring. You don't use a backhoe when you need a spoon.
@@haxorman4302 His point is that electric motor would make this vehicle a far more attractive proposition for the market it aims to reach. I'm a lot like the guy in the video: I live in a very similar suburb, have a 15-mile-commute to my office, and find that having a several thousand pound vehicle that I mainly use for hauling myself back and forth along that route is inefficient and wasteful. The one difference is that my home is on top of a very steep hill which means I need to work myself up a 20% slope at the end of the day. Maybe I could do it with enough time but I'm sure I'd end up getting a motorized 'assist' from the queue of infuriated drivers stuck behind me long before that.
Yes, they are somewhat popular here in the Netherlands ( and by somewhat I mean I saw 3 of them in the last 10 years ) but here they can only be used on bike lanes and due to the low profile it can be very dangerous. That is why they typically have a "miner" flag on them...
What he's saying is, "They give me more space than if I were on a regular bike," which is legitimate. It's probably 80% "WTF am I seeing?" but the point stands.
For safety: The manufacturer should install a large pole with a neon flag and light on top to enable drivers to have a better chance of seeing it. Nice concept though, and the electric assist sounds like a great idea for commuters.
That's what I was thinking and that little flip top could have a larger totally enclosed version like a fighter plane canopy. Pedal assist would make this very fun. I have bad knees and would have a hard time pedaling and probably getting in and out. Also I'm 6' 2" and 280lbs (not fat) so it would be a tight fit. Maybe they will make a XXL 😊 but I did kayak alot over the last 25 years, until one winter night I returned from a long paddle and my legs had frozen and I couldnt get out for a while. I wondered why my knees had stopped hurting haha it was because they were numb. We are living in an awesome time, like in the early 1900s when cars were just coming out. Batteries are about to become much more efficient when the solid state takes off. That will probably make combustion engines retire as main form of transport. Those new electric cars that push to get 200 mile range from a lithium battery will get 600 mile range on the same size batteries. And no more fear of a burning exploding lithium battery, also no hazardous waste when the battery reaches its end. Very exciting, I look forward to it, hope they make a conversion kit that I can afford for my 33 year old Jeep. That is my feeling of freedom.
NO NO NO! We most definitely DONT want to invite licensing, registration, insurance! It's what makes BIKE technology TRUE FREEDOM! If you want to go over 25- get a car.
A guy in my area has been riding/driving one of these for years now. Rain or shine, pretty sure I've seen him out in dead winter snow. Seems to work for him.
To date there have been no recoded deaths of a Velo driver in an accident involving a Velomobile and another vehicle. They are very impact resistant. Here is a few more examples with pictures: www.velomobiles.co.uk/2012/09/velomobile-crash-safety/ on this one scroll down to the March 9th entry tadpolerider2.wordpress.com/tag/velomobiles/ This one was side swiped by a pick-up at highway speed (75mph) in Texas. www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=113466
I've done some research on velomobiles over the last months and some models are really interesting. This video explains most of its potential advantages. Speed could be easily added to them. Some commuters who use velomobiles report an average speed on flat terrain that approaches the speed of motored vehicles on an urban environment (50 km/h, or 31 mph.) Also, to those who notice the price, nothing detains them from creating their own velomobile. There are some open source models online.
I can lock my tadpole trike at a rack, you didn't address how you keep it safe when it's in the parking lot, and you're in the office? the fact that it can be picked up and put in the back of a pickup is an issue for a 9000 bike
@@viewer54322 you joke, but with my trike I do that, I ride it in Walmart, Home Depot and everywhere else, and if anyone gives me a hard time I say wheelchair.
@@ihoppoet No size difference than the electric scooters that some stores like walmart provide. Imagining a big floppy orange triangle flag slapping the store manager as you pedal away after saying wheelchair. Approve.
My latest car cost 1/3 of his velomobile: a 20 years old, bright red Miata, a blast to drive down the freeway with the top down, still getting 30+ mpg. For local one-person drives in nice weather, I have a Chinese-made scooter that looks like a Vespa, goes 30mph, and gets anywhere in town on a single charge. I guess I am not only cheap, but too lazy to depend on pedaling to get anywhere, but I appreciate people who do! More power to the early adopters!
Beyond all the jesters below ,I do believe this market (All weather ,short range commuter) can be substantial. Though hazardous probably no more than a cycle and the risks offset by a rise in cardiac fitness. Parking can be facilitated by councils long term with dedicated spaces containing 4 velos where one car sat. A secure locking point is mandatory
Kirsten Dirksen. Of course! Get or make whatever 2 or 3 wheel conveyance you want and make a body by covering to the extent of streamlining and weather protection you from easy to work with thin .050" or so polycarbonate plastic such as Lexan brand (NOT plexiglass! ). You can cut it with any normal saw except reciprocating and if thin enough, with tin snips. Most of it can be assembled with cable ties. Glue later if you want once the design is settled.
stueygewy Many people don't have any problem to pay 10.000 $ of unnessesary extras for their car or to buy a home cinema or pay that much for some years in a fitness studio or for some piece of furniture.
a proper bike starts at around 1200$ add carbon fairingg, special wheels, special steering, spexiglas screen, extra leds, braking symtem = a few grand but thanks for you opinion phil! @@unclephil4112
@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.
for those who think 9k for such a vehicle is expensive, these are made out of carbon fibre and the components in them are very high quality, a well mentained one has unlimited lifetime, also don't forghet that a car is far far far more expensive, if you can go to work with something like this you are going to save a ton of money since they don't need insurace, depriciacion is really low, fuel is 0 and taxes are 0. a velomobile has to be the most efficient and cheap way to move around
Don't knock it till you try it. I have a car, a Jeep, and a motorcycle and all 3 have been mostly sitting around ever since I started cycling. It just makes you feel good. You are happy and energized when you get to and from work instead of being pissed off and worn out. As far as safety: I bike in the city and even here you have to do some real dangerous crap to have close calls. It's a lot safer than you think.
I guess if they became a lot more popular they could halve in price. $9000, compared to my $1700 carbon bike and a raincoat, would be a very hard sell. I have some ski goggles for really cold days. Okay, I admit it. I want one.
I'm a mountainbiker so i don't really care, about bad weather and mud of course, and unlike people on the road, mud for us is being covered all the way.
Good point. It's either an expensive bike or a cheap car depending on your point of view. And BTW, fairings aren't hokey. A velomobile is a fairing taken to an extreme. The comments here highlight my issue with the USA. Essentially it's a fear-based culture. Here, it's fear of change and new things. Fear of "the other" is a different dicussion. Fear is why the US is the only major nation not Metric, and why they still have one dollar banknotes.
Nice video. I'm already a user, as I commute in a 2-wheel velomobile, a Lightning F40. Performance pretty much the same as your velo, but lighter and narrower. Fun ride. My commute is about 14-15 miles each way, though in the past week the weather's been great and I've had 4 days where I travelled nearly 60 miles per day. In the 6 months I've been using mine for commuting, I've gone from 155 lbs. to 145 lbs., which is about right for me.
I talked to a man that had one. He says he's able to pass most bicycles on bike paths. Probably that sleek "fuselage" cuts down on the wind resistance, and that's enough to make the difference. BUT...I wouldn't want one without a significant battery assist (like an E-bike) and enough of a battery assist to get to between 80 and 100 miles.
"People respect me, they give me the whole lane" at the exact moment people are squeezing past. I'm calling bullshit on this one. Plus, it may well keep you a bit warmer in the winter but it'll be hot as hell in the summer.
I don't that you have grasped the point of this means of transportation (zero emissions, yet still a fast mode of transport, it's not about saving money, rather; not contributing to climate change).
As a fellow velomobile owner (over 10k miles now) I would agree with the safety angle, part of its that these things are not small, they are the size of a refrigerator and unusual .. people do give them room. The exception to this is being low to the ground which plays a roll in parking lots more than streets. Where people will back out without seeing you (though in certain places they will do the same thing when I'm driving my 13'6" high 25 tonne motor home too so it might not be the bikes fault )
0:30 No, they are not! I live in Germany and I have never seen one. Maybe on the northern flats or in the Rhine valley but in the hilly region of northern Bavaria? Nope. The Netherlands might be another matter, though. I would consider this if it came at a reasonable price. But I am not paying nine grand to see the cyclists pass me on any serious uphill. I do believe you, though, when you say that you are highly visible. People will stare at you like you are from another planet :) BTW: I commute to work on a bicycle in ANY weather, and I do flinch when I hear the price...
There are only like 3,000-5,000 in Europe and America combined, depending on who you listen to. So it's not surprising that you haven't seen one. Though comparatively, they are wildly popular in Europe compared to America. Velomobiel.nl who makes the popular Quest, Mango, Strada and now Quatrovelo models have only sold a little under 1,400 in the last 17 years. Their best year was 2013 when they sold 165. I want to acknowledge and thank them for being so transparent about their sales, it's a rare thing to see in a business these days. Here is the link to their data for those who want to see. en.velomobiel.nl/orderboek/index.php#productie
I own one and I see some of them from time to time in northern germany. There's certain regions that are perfect for these things. On certain distances you can save time and money if you use them. Maintaining a car paying for fuel and insurance is A LOT more expensive. And you are a lot faster than by bike. People just always underestimate how expensive their car REALLY is...
Awesome video & story. I have the same Mango Sport RE velomobile in Australia and I love it! It's so nice to see it from the outside - something I never see :) Also, I love your description of your garage as a 'transportation toolbox' - well put. Currently in the USA (and here in Australia) the only tool we have is a big hammer - not so good for delicate work! :)
The longer you watch this, the funnier it gets. So I have to give it a thumbs-up just for the laughs. And good for Mr. Mosca to be able to tool about town in complete safety. But I wouldn't give myself similar odds. But pedal cars are great--my favorite was one I called the Sherry Car, a steel-bodied '50s Chevy given to me in '65 when I was five by a big girl named Sherry in a trailer park in Coalinga, California. And Sherry was probably only a couple of years older than me, but she had outgrown it and it was very kind of her to give it to me.
Let me start off by saying that I love bikes, most of the videos I upload on my own channel are dedicated to bikes and I ride my bike all year round even when it is -20F (Although it's not as fun then lol). I just don't understand how he thinks this thing is more visible than a regular bike. A regular bike is twice as tall and just as wide and most commuters add bright colors and lights as well. I've never ridden a velomobile but I have ridden a three wheeled recumbent and I would be very leary of having one on the road especially with out a 10 foot flag. They are technically faster aerodynamically speaking on a flat road but with a little extra fitness you can get any decent bike to travel close to those speeds even while wearing street clothes plus most people have to climb hills on their commute so the average time it takes to get to your destination will likely not be any shorter in one of these. Plus regular bikes are a lot cheaper.
I agree. Also, if my only concern with biking is commuting cheaply. I'd opt for an electric bike. I actually do have an electric bike. I just bought one of those electric bike kits online that converts any cheap bike into an electric one. It'll go 30mph w/o me pedaling. It even has the potential to go faster if I used a beefier battery. It was also way way cheaper than this thing.
I know a commuter who switched to the VM to avoid bumper to bumper car traffic on the high way. He rides 88 km everyday (55 miles) and he gets a great work out. He can shower at work.
Get a small motorcycle, 500cc or under, not a race-rocket, wear a white helmet and a Fonzie jacket, and put a small fairing on the front of the bike, and to everyone you look like a cop. Boy do people ever see you.
And with that mindset you will never get anywhere weirdos get shit done, mess with social norms generally have a fucking good life coz we don't give a flying fuck and fuck e bikes man bunch of pussys that can't ride a bike lol
Wtf are you talking about? I too live in Chicago, edgewater neighborhood, and I bike to work 5 days a week. There are many bikers, skaters, walkers commuting to and from work, school, etc. every day. Maybe you should get out more! You probably don't even live in Chicago... you're more than likely sitting on your fat ass somewhere out in the burbs.
“Really popular” is a relative term. I see one of these about once a week in the Netherlands, and even after 19 years I still have a good laugh at how ridiculous they look. People won’t take you all too seriously after they see you drive up in one of these
He is confusing butthole clenching fear with respect. If you kill someone with a car you are going to prison. Anyone sitting in a car cannot see something that low to the ground when they are close to it. So they maintain a bloody long distance, and this guy has confused that with respect. Also they let him have a whole lane because he is driving in the middle of the road and they cannot overtake because of how wide this thing is. His tricycle also reminds me of Steve Urkels car. ie: The most unsafe, impractical, eyesore means of engineering a solution.
Great idea! E bikes are 20 mph and Velomobiles 30 mph which is close to the speed limit. I'm guessing that 30 mph could be done with 100W since it's so aerodynamic. It saves space too.
@Stephen Mosca I used the same excuse with my wife and she allowed me to buy a ONYX RCR, its not as fancy as your velomobile but its a start. Im happy, less stress of being stuck in rushhour traffic and I can charge at home on wind/solar and steal energy from my work. I cant wait to get a velo and plaster it with PV or tow a rear trough CSP system paired with thermopiles.
Gonna buy one! I live in Poland (albo known as Coaland), so it has to fully enclosed to proteck me from smog. (I'll install some fan and HEPA filter on air intake, of course.) Can someone recommend any?
I'm an avid cyclist, and 8500 is a lot for that thing, it's just a recumbent bike with a shell really. And also my car which is in great condition is less than that
The issue is safety and practicality. In a place like Florida where you're driving 3-5 miles to the grocery store and probably 10-30 miles to work with 90+ degree weather and random rain you really need something fully enclosed, with air conditioning, and good impact resistance. Elio motors is trying to introduce a new car, similar to this but motorized, estimated 84mpg. Smart Car does a decent job at a local commuter car, just a little on the expensive side.
The man in the video (Stephen Mosca) may or may not remember me... He sold me a Go-One3 back in ~2006 and delivered it to me personally in New Hartford, CT. Stephen is a great guy! He brought along his Go-One3 with a Bionx power assist. I added a Currie USPD power-assist to mine shortly after Stephen delivered it. I live in mountain and big pick-up territory and the roads are also less than ideal. The Go-One3 didn't work out for me. I contacted Stephen and he bought it back from me as he had another customer interested in a used Go-One3. As it turned out, when Stephen was in a position with the new customer to close the deal, I was away on business in Arizona. With my blessing, Stephen came up to my place from New Jersey and removed the power system I installed and took the Go-One3 back with him to sell to his new customer. I got most of my money back. Stephen is a first rate guy to do business with! I have nothing but respect for him and what he's accomplished in the velomobile world! Stephen: Just so you know, I'm still active in the velomobile game! I went with the Tripod that was formerly made in Portland, Oregon. It has a higher seated position and the kind of ground clearance needed for our very poor, hilly roads. I've modified it heavily and added a lot of accessories. It uses a 8Fun Bafang BBS02 drive train that runs through a 7 speed rear cassette/derailleur conventional bicycle power train. It can't touch the Go-One3 in speed and handling, but with a 20mph cruising speed, worked out best for me in my territory. The gearing enables me to climb the steepest of hills with ease. I wish you nothing but continued success! - Charlie B.
$8500 is a lot for these but think about it like this : They only cost this because they are not being mass produced and priced at a consumer´s range. Also it seems far superior to a bicycle just for the the aerodynamic feature of its shape. But I do agree on that $8500 is a lot for one of these right now. I wish they could be mass produced so their price would halve.
I understand your being sarcastic, thats ok..the problem is that he rides on narrow two lane roads. He will have several cars stuck behind him that cant pass..Im sorry but thats rude
well I guess you dont live in a small beach town with narrow roads. There are bike paths out in the country that have absolutely no auto traffic...why dont people go there instead?
This is one of a few awesome and cool bikes ever created and I agree with you about the commuting issues wasting fuel and oil and money to many people drive that only drive in town from home to work or from home to a friend or family or for groceries when they could of taken a bike or town bus or walk if they live close to a store. If you really look at it sooner or later it’s really going to be to expensive for anyone to afford a car cause sooner or later we will use all the fossil fuel and have to consider bikes electrical vehicles etc... to get around. The velombiles is one reason and my inspiration to build a pedal car and possibly make a business of my own doing it
Park on the side walk and there is a ring at the back where a chain lock will fit through. The chance that a VM gets stolen is low. Most thieves don't know what to do with it.
Over a million people die in car crashes every year. If you're trying to maximise safety, moving as many people from cars to these things as is practical is what you should be aiming for
I have the HP Velotechnik Gekko 26" without the vehicle capsule. 2 years ago I ppaid$2600 for it. 27 speed I recall, 38 lbs trike. Fantastic Trike on the pavement, not for off-road. Have to change tires to Fat ones.
AdamProGamingTR What is TL? Are you using the Indian number system? Their money is in Rupees, or that high would be Crore Rupees, or something like that.
It seems like a good idea for a quiet area, part of my journey to work would work well with this, but the first half would be absolutely insanely scary on some fast, winding country roads. If it was a slower, residential or just more empty area, I'd definitely want one. Not for that price, though...
The purchase price is as expensive as a car, but the operating costs are very low: no gas, insurance costs. Only every 8800 miles the chain needs to be replace, for example. The tires last 3000 miles. And you save mony on going to the gym.
As he talks about going 28mph theres a bike catching up to him. So how fast is that bike going? Also that bonnet is hilarious He is the only retired soldier that retained his military weight. Drew Carey eventually got back to his but he had surgery. This guy didnt! What a trooper. .
2:53 As he's bragging about how fast he goes you can clearly see a person right behind him, gaining ground on him quickly, casually pedaling on a comfort bike. xDDD
I live in the Netherlands and have travelled to Germany... no they're not popular here haha. It's rare to see one. People just use normal bikes or one of those bikes where you lay down (ligfiets). But no, these things definitely aren't used much anymore
This a joke right? I mean I ride a fixed gear bike and I think the fixed gear is easier than this. Also, imagine trying to climb a long hill on this. Although I do like this it is pretty cool I would buy one used.
The only thing I’ve ever seen that is innovative, truly useful, and affordable? Those adjustable eyeglasses that let you dial in your vision with hydraulics (mineral oil). No way I could make my nine mile ride into the Chicago Loop without a trip to the ER in this thing. Would like to see crash tests into opening car doors or curbside cutoffs by CTA busses.
If the price was $3000 for the one with the electric pedal assist then it would be practical as hell. But $9000 for something like this is just insane.
It's almost purely about production volume. The most successful velo manufactures are only producing ~100 a year (or less).
Those who buy a velo have no problem waiting for 6-9 months for their velo. With an audience like that you can afford production volumes that low.
plaid13 You are lucky when you get a normal bike with pedal assist for 3000 *lol* These are handmade, many with full carbon chassis and you can pay 9000 for a good racing bike, too. And you would be slower.
But well, americans are used to get cheap cars with bad build quality in a protected economy.
Ah, no. The average e-bike cost now is sub $2,000 to $1,500 for "normal" diamond frame e-bike.~$3,000 if you get one that uses something proprietary like a Bosch or Shimano STEPS mid drive. and up to $5,000 if you go for a "boutique" e-bike.
Zero electric motorcycles cost about 10k Euro. They are long range and not low speed like some cheap electric motorcycles.
Velomobile is very expensive for what it gives. As a bicycle, maybe considerable but as a commuting vehicle, very expensive.
if you think it's too expensive you can't afford it
"really popular in Germany and the Netherlands"
I lived on the Dutch side of the Germany/Netherlands border (Maastricht) and I have never seen one of these.
They're cool though.
Darris Hawks They are very rare in germany, too and not well known at all. But in contrast to 99% of other countrys there are SOME, we got some very good manufacturers and you may have seen one or two in your life.
I own a very fast one.
Right, because only 1700 velomobiles are present in the Netherlands, out of 22.000.000 normal bicycles.
That "people in the cars respect you and they see you as one of them" was also BS.
Well, I used to ride a velomobile, and I can say for sure, that most car drivers are so flabbergasted by the sight of a velomobile, that they stop or slow down for velomobile. Just to take good look.
I live in The Netherlands and have seen many! Especially in The Netherlands this is popular! We have bicycle roads everywhere, so it's perfect for Velomobiles ;)
The turn signal sound is irritatating, like a cheap car alarm.
Of course, so you won't forget to turn it off.
alarm clock lol
And the signal lights are really small for day time to see
What did you want a train horn?
During the 1970s it was manditory for all new motorcycles to have beepers that sounded whenever the turn signals were turned on. Very similar to this, I think it's a good idea.
I don't buy the safety 'angle'
I think it is low enough for F150 to drive over it. :)
Yeah, he should wear a helmet.
It's not unsafe
There are too many distracted drivers on the road for this thing. It seems like everyone in the US drives a truck or large SUV, so WHEN you’re hit you’ll be trapped in this fiberglass coffin very low to the ground... at least on a bike I have a chance of being thrown on the hood or away from the vehicle... or maybe I’m just being claustrophobic
Nah this thing is awsome. There is storage behind the seat for lunch. There is blinkers that beep when turning. And if a truck runs you over you can just scream with ur stupid little blinkers buzzing
9000$ ? no wonder have not seen any of these yet , i could buy 20 bikes for that price or a lightly used car , i seriously would love to own one , but the price is just Wayyy over the top
Golden Sim haha the 20 bikes wouldn’t be that great that’s around the price of a good racing bike
Orrrrr... idk, a brand new motorcycle?? You know, the thing that's just like a bicycle but with fairings, you don't have to pedal, and, oh ya, it has a fucking engine in it.. but ya, this price point totally makes sense
joonyer2009 lol a motorcycle won’t keep you healthy and is twice as dangerous
@@BurnedJello ,yeah when gas hits 5 a gallon be happy with that motorcycle.
Build your own.....only $499.
i love how he says the cars respect him and give him the whole lane as evey car behind him is speeding by
For the money, it should really have an electric assist. The fairing and low cross section make it about 3 times easier than on a regular bike to maintain a cruising speed over 35kph, you can do that on the flat with no assist. Starts and hills are harder because you can't stand on the pedals, that's where an assist would be handy.
Bear in mind this is designed for solo use, it's replacing single occupancy car journeys where you haul around a load of extra mass to seat people who aren't there and haul luggage you didn't bring. You don't use a backhoe when you need a spoon.
Jacob Humphreys reclined positions are easier for pedaling, in low gear it'll go up hills just fine (slowly but surely)
@@haxorman4302 His point is that electric motor would make this vehicle a far more attractive proposition for the market it aims to reach. I'm a lot like the guy in the video: I live in a very similar suburb, have a 15-mile-commute to my office, and find that having a several thousand pound vehicle that I mainly use for hauling myself back and forth along that route is inefficient and wasteful. The one difference is that my home is on top of a very steep hill which means I need to work myself up a 20% slope at the end of the day. Maybe I could do it with enough time but I'm sure I'd end up getting a motorized 'assist' from the queue of infuriated drivers stuck behind me long before that.
Yes, they are somewhat popular here in the Netherlands ( and by somewhat I mean I saw 3 of them in the last 10 years ) but here they can only be used on bike lanes and due to the low profile it can be very dangerous. That is why they typically have a "miner" flag on them...
wrong
you can use them anywhere you like except highways
@@bishplis7226 Wrong. Look up can vs may. Ability vs rights vs privilege.
Come to los Angeles with that thing and see how much respect you get !!!
Luis Gonzalez lol right?! It’d be hilarious if it weren’t so clearly tragic ultimately
Uvuvwevwevwe Onyetenyevwe Ugwemuhwem Osas Count me in.
Your comment is just retarded
No one is going to steal an egg that ain't cool😂
Or any large metropolitan cities like San Antonio! 🙃
🤔@2:24 “they respect me in a very weird way”. Bless his heart.
This guys out of his mind.
😂
"never fight crazy" i guess it includes dont start shit with people riding a banana to work!
What he's saying is, "They give me more space than if I were on a regular bike," which is legitimate. It's probably 80% "WTF am I seeing?" but the point stands.
In 'Jersey, "Get the f#*k outta the f#*kin' way you f#*kin' mook!" IS respect.
dude is a little corny, but i love his ride and his enthusiasm
ConsecDesign His kids must be so embarrassed...I would never do that to my kids
For safety: The manufacturer should install a large pole with a neon flag and light on top to enable drivers to have a better chance of seeing it. Nice concept though, and the electric assist sounds like a great idea for commuters.
Yes and then they would give you a huge cock shaped helmet to put on
why cant you see a 3 meter big bright colored banana??????
it even has lights!!!
bishplis it sits very low.
@@gordonmculloch4904 It doesn't sit lower than the average child of about 6 and is much easier to see.
I'd want to motorize it, use solar to keep it charged, I wouldn't mind having to insure and register it.
The Orca VM is motorized.
That's what I was thinking and that little flip top could have a larger totally enclosed version like a fighter plane canopy. Pedal assist would make this very fun. I have bad knees and would have a hard time pedaling and probably getting in and out. Also I'm 6' 2" and 280lbs (not fat) so it would be a tight fit. Maybe they will make a XXL 😊 but I did kayak alot over the last 25 years, until one winter night I returned from a long paddle and my legs had frozen and I couldnt get out for a while. I wondered why my knees had stopped hurting haha it was because they were numb. We are living in an awesome time, like in the early 1900s when cars were just coming out. Batteries are about to become much more efficient when the solid state takes off. That will probably make combustion engines retire as main form of transport. Those new electric cars that push to get 200 mile range from a lithium battery will get 600 mile range on the same size batteries. And no more fear of a burning exploding lithium battery, also no hazardous waste when the battery reaches its end. Very exciting, I look forward to it, hope they make a conversion kit that I can afford for my 33 year old Jeep. That is my feeling of freedom.
NO NO NO! We most definitely DONT want to invite licensing, registration, insurance!
It's what makes BIKE technology TRUE FREEDOM! If you want to go over 25- get a car.
What you're describing is basically the Aptera (which is a car, not a bike)
A guy in my area has been riding/driving one of these for years now. Rain or shine, pretty sure I've seen him out in dead winter snow. Seems to work for him.
It'll seem like a bad idea when you get hit by a over medicated housewife in a SUV.
I'd say that the person in the car is the bad idea.
SLarson Yeah that definitely seems like a reason to tax cars, and invest less in roads for cars, instead of blaming the victim who was hit by a car.
+SLarson Indeed, in the Netherlands (the country where those bikes are built) it is said they are hardly visible due to their height.
+SLarson Hit by a truck and walked away with only scrates and bruising... i59.tinypic.com/250j7es.jpg
To date there have been no recoded deaths of a Velo driver in an accident involving a Velomobile and another vehicle. They are very impact resistant.
Here is a few more examples with pictures:
www.velomobiles.co.uk/2012/09/velomobile-crash-safety/
on this one scroll down to the March 9th entry
tadpolerider2.wordpress.com/tag/velomobiles/
This one was side swiped by a pick-up at highway speed (75mph) in Texas.
www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=113466
This guy need to be their ambassador. ‘Cause he sold me this bike to me! I love his narrative
I've done some research on velomobiles over the last months and some models are really interesting. This video explains most of its potential advantages. Speed could be easily added to them. Some commuters who use velomobiles report an average speed on flat terrain that approaches the speed of motored vehicles on an urban environment (50 km/h, or 31 mph.) Also, to those who notice the price, nothing detains them from creating their own velomobile. There are some open source models online.
I can lock my tadpole trike at a rack, you didn't address how you keep it safe when it's in the parking lot, and you're in the office? the fact that it can be picked up and put in the back of a pickup is an issue for a 9000 bike
Arrives at work, presses handicap door opener assist button, velomobile drives through door and cruises into my cubicle. Promptly gets fired.
@@viewer54322 you joke, but with my trike I do that, I ride it in Walmart, Home Depot and everywhere else, and if anyone gives me a hard time I say wheelchair.
@@ihoppoet No size difference than the electric scooters that some stores like walmart provide. Imagining a big floppy orange triangle flag slapping the store manager as you pedal away after saying wheelchair. Approve.
My latest car cost 1/3 of his velomobile: a 20 years old, bright red Miata, a blast to drive down the freeway with the top down, still getting 30+ mpg. For local one-person drives in nice weather, I have a Chinese-made scooter that looks like a Vespa, goes 30mph, and gets anywhere in town on a single charge. I guess I am not only cheap, but too lazy to depend on pedaling to get anywhere, but I appreciate people who do! More power to the early adopters!
Beyond all the jesters below ,I do believe this market (All weather ,short range commuter) can be substantial. Though hazardous probably no more than a cycle and the risks offset by a rise in cardiac fitness. Parking can be facilitated by councils long term with dedicated spaces containing 4 velos where one car sat. A secure locking point is mandatory
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.
Kirsten Dirksen. Of course! Get or make whatever 2 or 3 wheel conveyance you want and make a body by covering to the extent of streamlining and weather protection you from easy to work with thin .050" or so polycarbonate plastic such as Lexan brand (NOT plexiglass! ).
You can cut it with any normal saw except reciprocating and if thin enough, with tin snips. Most of it can be assembled with cable ties. Glue later if you want once the design is settled.
The man has to be laughing quite a lot these days. And being asked "i want one, where did you buy yours ?"
Im making one that will be 400 dolars, but no pedals and a gas motor.
You're delusional if you think that is safe like a car haha but it's neat.
@@TrueHelpTV well, it will be safer than a motorcycle, and that's really what it is.
This video made my day. Word for word it could have been an Onion News Network report.
Everything looks nice and exciting except for the $8,500 price-tag....
stueygewy Many people don't have any problem to pay 10.000 $ of unnessesary extras for their car or to buy a home cinema or pay that much for some years in a fitness studio or for some piece of furniture.
Sirion
People spending money frivolously is not an excuse to spend money frivolously. Parts and labor for this thing probably cost $500 maximum.
a top end bicycle can go to $30.000..average bicycle cost $1500....medium bike cost $3000-$4000 so the price is resonable
better than a car
a proper bike starts at around 1200$
add carbon fairingg, special wheels, special steering, spexiglas screen, extra leds, braking symtem = a few grand
but thanks for you opinion phil! @@unclephil4112
Imagine being the cool kid but your dad drives this?
If by “cool” you mean not some overweight couch potato then, yes I can imagine.
No cool kids dad does this
The "Cooler Kid".
And so what Nick
viewer54322 then you will have to get even cooler and manage the way home without an adult
imagine San Francisco... the burn
@@hoekie3652 I can't imagine a worse misunderstanding of this post than yours.
@@savnet_sinnit is a good point)…how do u deal with hills
"Most visible thing on the road" shows turn signal the size of a pen light
its a 10 foot banana with lights, are you fucking blind
bishplis he sits too low. Needs some reflective stuff and bigger lights
simply the best mod of cycling, 30 mph and will het you there dry and comfortable.
@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.
for those who think 9k for such a vehicle is expensive, these are made out of carbon fibre and the components in them are very high quality, a well mentained one has unlimited lifetime, also don't forghet that a car is far far far more expensive, if you can go to work with something like this you are going to save a ton of money since they don't need insurace, depriciacion is really low, fuel is 0 and taxes are 0. a velomobile has to be the most efficient and cheap way to move around
It does have a brake light... as well as blinkers for turning.
Don't knock it till you try it. I have a car, a Jeep, and a motorcycle and all 3 have been mostly sitting around ever since I started cycling. It just makes you feel good. You are happy and energized when you get to and from work instead of being pissed off and worn out.
As far as safety: I bike in the city and even here you have to do some real dangerous crap to have close calls. It's a lot safer than you think.
I guess if they became a lot more popular they could halve in price. $9000, compared to my $1700 carbon bike and a raincoat, would be a very hard sell. I have some ski goggles for really cold days. Okay, I admit it. I want one.
Just add some brackets and a plexiglass shell to a cheap ass bike?
I'm a mountainbiker so i don't really care, about bad weather and mud of course, and unlike people on the road, mud for us is being covered all the way.
but you cant keep up with him on you whateverthefuck bike
Good point. It's either an expensive bike or a cheap car depending on your point of view. And BTW, fairings aren't hokey. A velomobile is a fairing taken to an extreme. The comments here highlight my issue with the USA. Essentially it's a fear-based culture. Here, it's fear of change and new things. Fear of "the other" is a different dicussion. Fear is why the US is the only major nation not Metric, and why they still have one dollar banknotes.
Nice video. I'm already a user, as I commute in a 2-wheel velomobile, a Lightning F40. Performance pretty much the same as your velo, but lighter and narrower. Fun ride. My commute is about 14-15 miles each way, though in the past week the weather's been great and I've had 4 days where I travelled nearly 60 miles per day. In the 6 months I've been using mine for commuting, I've gone from 155 lbs. to 145 lbs., which is about right for me.
I talked to a man that had one. He says he's able to pass most bicycles on bike paths. Probably that sleek "fuselage" cuts down on the wind resistance, and that's enough to make the difference. BUT...I wouldn't want one without a significant battery assist (like an E-bike) and enough of a battery assist to get to between 80 and 100 miles.
Burns fat, not oil. What's not to like?
But I really need my calories to live
Dangerous
-Ah vilable- majority of Americans have excess.
@@lauriemashek5419 Most Americans do NOT have 8500$ to drop on a glorified bicycle, no.
go back to your safespace yank @@jacobhenderson1732
"People respect me, they give me the whole lane" at the exact moment people are squeezing past.
I'm calling bullshit on this one.
Plus, it may well keep you a bit warmer in the winter but it'll be hot as hell in the summer.
I can hear it now, "Ah, what was that bump we just ran over?"
M. Beal
Oh nooo lol 🤣👌
I brought a good working used car for $950.
How much are repairs and fuel costs?
With the $8,050 saved, I can operate the car for 11 years.
I care. Can I have a cookie?
Coni Glione Imagine being this guy
I don't that you have grasped the point of this means of transportation (zero emissions, yet still a fast mode of transport, it's not about saving money, rather; not contributing to climate change).
did he really tried to tell us that we cant pick up a back of a dodge caravan ?
I was surprised as well. Always thought i could lift it with ease.
Salespeople.
🙄😖
So repugnant.
As a fellow velomobile owner (over 10k miles now) I would agree with the safety angle, part of its that these things are not small, they are the size of a refrigerator and unusual .. people do give them room. The exception to this is being low to the ground which plays a roll in parking lots more than streets. Where people will back out without seeing you (though in certain places they will do the same thing when I'm driving my 13'6" high 25 tonne motor home too so it might not be the bikes fault )
0:30 No, they are not! I live in Germany and I have never seen one. Maybe on the northern flats or in the Rhine valley but in the hilly region of northern Bavaria? Nope. The Netherlands might be another matter, though.
I would consider this if it came at a reasonable price. But I am not paying nine grand to see the cyclists pass me on any serious uphill.
I do believe you, though, when you say that you are highly visible. People will stare at you like you are from another planet :) BTW: I commute to work on a bicycle in ANY weather, and I do flinch when I hear the price...
Me too I have never seen one in Holland either so where he got his data from I don't know
***** I have never seen one ever in the UK am sure they are here
Maybe he meant in comparison to the US. I'm from those northern flatlands of Germany and I've never seen one either.
There are only like 3,000-5,000 in Europe and America combined, depending on who you listen to. So it's not surprising that you haven't seen one. Though comparatively, they are wildly popular in Europe compared to America.
Velomobiel.nl who makes the popular Quest, Mango, Strada and now Quatrovelo models have only sold a little under 1,400 in the last 17 years. Their best year was 2013 when they sold 165.
I want to acknowledge and thank them for being so transparent about their sales, it's a rare thing to see in a business these days.
Here is the link to their data for those who want to see.
en.velomobiel.nl/orderboek/index.php#productie
I own one and I see some of them from time to time in northern germany.
There's certain regions that are perfect for these things.
On certain distances you can save time and money if you use them. Maintaining a car paying for fuel and insurance is A LOT more expensive. And you are a lot faster than by bike.
People just always underestimate how expensive their car REALLY is...
I loved that fair companies now show not just tiny house but things like this too. So inspiring.
I work in Netherlands and Germany never ever seen one ever so where are they popular exactly as I have only seen them in USA youtubes
Oh.
Nice
I'm going to Google it. Aha ha. Ha .
youre in australia, fuck off
IN EUROPE THERE ARE PLENTY
yeah for 9k I would expect an electric assist for quick starts and hills, curved solar cells fitted into the shell, the works
Awesome video & story. I have the same Mango Sport RE velomobile in Australia and I love it! It's so nice to see it from the outside - something I never see :)
Also, I love your description of your garage as a 'transportation toolbox' - well put. Currently in the USA (and here in Australia) the only tool we have is a big hammer - not so good for delicate work! :)
Popular in the Netherlands? I have never seen one, everyone just uses regular bicycles.
The longer you watch this, the funnier it gets. So I have to give it a thumbs-up just for the laughs. And good for Mr. Mosca to be able to tool about town in complete safety. But I wouldn't give myself similar odds. But pedal cars are great--my favorite was one I called the Sherry Car, a steel-bodied '50s Chevy given to me in '65 when I was five by a big girl named Sherry in a trailer park in Coalinga, California. And Sherry was probably only a couple of years older than me, but she had outgrown it and it was very kind of her to give it to me.
My favourite is the BioHybrid. It looked great and it was taller so you got seen in traffic. Plus you could carry a passenger.
Was he humming yellow submarine? Haha
Mike Hawk yes! I thought I noticed that too
Let me start off by saying that I love bikes, most of the videos I upload on my own channel are dedicated to bikes and I ride my bike all year round even when it is -20F (Although it's not as fun then lol). I just don't understand how he thinks this thing is more visible than a regular bike. A regular bike is twice as tall and just as wide and most commuters add bright colors and lights as well. I've never ridden a velomobile but I have ridden a three wheeled recumbent and I would be very leary of having one on the road especially with out a 10 foot flag. They are technically faster aerodynamically speaking on a flat road but with a little extra fitness you can get any decent bike to travel close to those speeds even while wearing street clothes plus most people have to climb hills on their commute so the average time it takes to get to your destination will likely not be any shorter in one of these. Plus regular bikes are a lot cheaper.
I agree. Also, if my only concern with biking is commuting cheaply. I'd opt for an electric bike. I actually do have an electric bike. I just bought one of those electric bike kits online that converts any cheap bike into an electric one. It'll go 30mph w/o me pedaling. It even has the potential to go faster if I used a beefier battery. It was also way way cheaper than this thing.
A VM is bought by fans who want to achieve high speed without electric help.
I know a commuter who switched to the VM to avoid bumper to bumper car traffic on the high way. He rides 88 km everyday (55 miles) and he gets a great work out. He can shower at work.
I have respect for another harsh winter rider. Do you use a fat bike for the snow?
For $8500, I rather buy a used car or an electric moped/bike than go through the hassle of riding one of these toys looking like a weirdo.
Get a small motorcycle, 500cc or under, not a race-rocket, wear a white helmet and a Fonzie jacket, and put a small fairing on the front of the bike, and to everyone you look like a cop. Boy do people ever see you.
lol
You good get a sportster cheaper than that...
And with that mindset you will never get anywhere weirdos get shit done, mess with social norms generally have a fucking good life coz we don't give a flying fuck and fuck e bikes man bunch of pussys that can't ride a bike lol
You can also just not buy one. Instead you’re a fucking troll.
I live in chicago and everyone is chubby and lazy everyone drives everywhere even to pick up there kids from school 2 blocks away this is a great idea
For picking up small kids, I would suggest a cargo bike, aka "Bakfiets", in Dutch.
Wtf are you talking about? I too live in Chicago, edgewater neighborhood, and I bike to work 5 days a week. There are many bikers, skaters, walkers commuting to and from work, school, etc. every day. Maybe you should get out more! You probably don't even live in Chicago... you're more than likely sitting on your fat ass somewhere out in the burbs.
I can’t believe you that dumb. Please go out more and explore Chicago.
sllabnkcoc preach
Shawn Caney thats what the motor vehicle is for, hello!
Things like that make the day a little cooler. This is sweet.
*Note he is in the business of selling these things, so a salesman might lie a little bit to get a sale.
Here are the lies:
-0:28
-0:41
-0:45
-1:42
-1:51
-2:08
-2:46
-5:28
-5:48
-6:08
-6:29
-7:21
-7:24
-7:37
-7:47
-7:57
-8:16
-9:01
-9:05
“Really popular” is a relative term.
I see one of these about once a week in the Netherlands, and even after 19 years I still have a good laugh at how ridiculous they look.
People won’t take you all too seriously after they see you drive up in one of these
To be fair, it does look very practical (outside the price tag), but it’s just too silly looking
I so love the idea of a velomobile!
That is really cool. :)
this is a great invention dont care what anyones says,the only problem that i can say about it is the cost of one,its too much for the average person
"They respect me" lol idk who these people are who "respect" that little mobile
John Hughes I can't express in words how GAY that dildo on wheels really is...and that horn is super manly and respectable lmbo
He is confusing butthole clenching fear with respect. If you kill someone with a car you are going to prison. Anyone sitting in a car cannot see something that low to the ground when they are close to it. So they maintain a bloody long distance, and this guy has confused that with respect. Also they let him have a whole lane because he is driving in the middle of the road and they cannot overtake because of how wide this thing is.
His tricycle also reminds me of Steve Urkels car. ie: The most unsafe, impractical, eyesore means of engineering a solution.
YO YOU NEED TO GET A LICENSE BEFORE YOU KILL PEOPLE @@martisbvk
Great idea! E bikes are 20 mph and Velomobiles 30 mph which is close to the speed limit. I'm guessing that 30 mph could be done with 100W since it's so aerodynamic. It saves space too.
should be 1k at best.
@Stephen Mosca I used the same excuse with my wife and she allowed me to buy a ONYX RCR, its not as fancy as your velomobile but its a start. Im happy, less stress of being stuck in rushhour traffic and I can charge at home on wind/solar and steal energy from my work. I cant wait to get a velo and plaster it with PV or tow a rear trough CSP system paired with thermopiles.
The Adam's family "It" car. 😁
I alternate between an electric unicycle and electric skateboard for primary transportation to run short distance errands. It’s awesome.
I never saw one of them in the Netherlands where i lived for a while.
I had one of these as a kid.....it had a bell with a string that went cling clang....and had ladders on the side...I pretended I was a fireman.
Gonna buy one! I live in Poland (albo known as Coaland), so it has to fully enclosed to proteck me from smog. (I'll install some fan and HEPA filter on air intake, of course.) Can someone recommend any?
I'm an avid cyclist, and 8500 is a lot for that thing, it's just a recumbent bike with a shell really. And also my car which is in great condition is less than that
$9,000? Man he must be high.
Of course he's high, everything is amazing.
A beauty, the bonnet is a nice touch.
8:03
*Talking to chickens* : Thanks ladies, thank you very much.
The issue is safety and practicality. In a place like Florida where you're driving 3-5 miles to the grocery store and probably 10-30 miles to work with 90+ degree weather and random rain you really need something fully enclosed, with air conditioning, and good impact resistance. Elio motors is trying to introduce a new car, similar to this but motorized, estimated 84mpg. Smart Car does a decent job at a local commuter car, just a little on the expensive side.
I'll just stick with normal bikes instead. I don't feel like paying 10,000 for a awkward bicycle in a shell. It's an interesting vehicle though
Most visible bike on the planet? It’s 2 feet tall!! I’m pretty sure the guy sitting up straight on his mountain bike and helmet, is MUCH more visible
The man in the video (Stephen Mosca) may or may not remember me... He sold me a Go-One3 back in ~2006 and delivered it to me personally in New Hartford, CT. Stephen is a great guy! He brought along his Go-One3 with a Bionx power assist. I added a Currie USPD power-assist to mine shortly after Stephen delivered it. I live in mountain and big pick-up territory and the roads are also less than ideal. The Go-One3 didn't work out for me. I contacted Stephen and he bought it back from me as he had another customer interested in a used Go-One3. As it turned out, when Stephen was in a position with the new customer to close the deal, I was away on business in Arizona. With my blessing, Stephen came up to my place from New Jersey and removed the power system I installed and took the Go-One3 back with him to sell to his new customer. I got most of my money back. Stephen is a first rate guy to do business with! I have nothing but respect for him and what he's accomplished in the velomobile world!
Stephen: Just so you know, I'm still active in the velomobile game! I went with the Tripod that was formerly made in Portland, Oregon. It has a higher seated position and the kind of ground clearance needed for our very poor, hilly roads. I've modified it heavily and added a lot of accessories. It uses a 8Fun Bafang BBS02 drive train that runs through a 7 speed rear cassette/derailleur conventional bicycle power train. It can't touch the Go-One3 in speed and handling, but with a 20mph cruising speed, worked out best for me in my territory. The gearing enables me to climb the steepest of hills with ease. I wish you nothing but continued success! - Charlie B.
I’m a little nervous because there’s that one road rage guy that will try to take me out . Or a DUI driver
Buys an eco friendly, no emission vehicle. Has 6 kids.
better than 6 kids and 6 suv's
bishplis or 6 kids, and 1 suv like a normal person
First legit criticism I have seen on this vid.
Probably makes them walk
The anti-children people are the worst environmentalists.
$8500 is a lot for these but think about it like this : They only cost this because they are not being mass produced and priced at a consumer´s range. Also it seems far superior to a bicycle just for the the aerodynamic feature of its shape. But I do agree on that $8500 is a lot for one of these right now. I wish they could be mass produced so their price would halve.
These things block traffic, we have one here in our town....most annoying thing to be stuck behind, he had no care for anyone else
Robert b your city needs bike lanes which would make it much less of an issue. Where do cyclists ride?
is your steering wheel broken robert?
I understand your being sarcastic, thats ok..the problem is that he rides on narrow two lane roads. He will have several cars stuck behind him that cant pass..Im sorry but thats rude
Robert b Ive passed bikers and skaters on a narrow 2 lane road
well I guess you dont live in a small beach town with narrow roads. There are bike paths out in the country that have absolutely no auto traffic...why dont people go there instead?
This is one of a few awesome and cool bikes ever created and I agree with you about the commuting issues wasting fuel and oil and money to many people drive that only drive in town from home to work or from home to a friend or family or for groceries when they could of taken a bike or town bus or walk if they live close to a store. If you really look at it sooner or later it’s really going to be to expensive for anyone to afford a car cause sooner or later we will use all the fossil fuel and have to consider bikes electrical vehicles etc... to get around. The velombiles is one reason and my inspiration to build a pedal car and possibly make a business of my own doing it
Where do you park at work? how are some ways to prevent theft?
+DreamWave Dave I am building mine so that it fits into the elevator. Also regular bike locks work amazingly
+Jeff Bishop awesome. Good stuff. 👍🏽🚲😎
Park on the side walk and there is a ring at the back where a chain lock will fit through. The chance that a VM gets stolen is low. Most thieves don't know what to do with it.
Nice design! Impressed with the sharp turns.
There’s a fine line between being eco conscious and being safe, and this car is a potential casket
Probably safer than a regular bike since you will not tip over as easily.
Over a million people die in car crashes every year. If you're trying to maximise safety, moving as many people from cars to these things as is practical is what you should be aiming for
I have the HP Velotechnik Gekko 26" without the vehicle capsule. 2 years ago I ppaid$2600 for it. 27 speed I recall, 38 lbs trike. Fantastic Trike on the pavement, not for off-road. Have to change tires to Fat ones.
welp i cant buy this because $9000 means 49.980.0000 TL in our country so icant
AdamProGamingTR
What is TL? Are you using the Indian number system? Their money is in Rupees, or that high would be Crore Rupees, or something like that.
turkish lire, is your google broken? @@buddyclem7328
It seems like a good idea for a quiet area, part of my journey to work would work well with this, but the first half would be absolutely insanely scary on some fast, winding country roads. If it was a slower, residential or just more empty area, I'd definitely want one. Not for that price, though...
Can you drive on the side walk??
NOT LEGALLY in most states. Cops can hastle you too !
it not legal where i am, but most cyclist do it still
Well done, Marine! I love it. Semper Fi
Great idea, but unfortunately also expensive like a car.
The purchase price is as expensive as a car, but the operating costs are very low: no gas, insurance costs. Only every 8800 miles the chain needs to be replace, for example. The tires last 3000 miles. And you save mony on going to the gym.
an 3rd hand broken girls car from the 80 yeah, not a new 40k suv
Mardiff V. Or or, and hear me out here, a bike and a coat.
his humming combined with that ringing and that turning sound is absolutely horrific
I see a Truck ..and then I see volomobile in space .😂
As he talks about going 28mph theres a bike catching up to him. So how fast is that bike going?
Also that bonnet is hilarious
He is the only retired soldier that retained his military weight. Drew Carey eventually got back to his but he had surgery. This guy didnt! What a trooper. .
That's dope
2:53 As he's bragging about how fast he goes you can clearly see a person right behind him, gaining ground on him quickly, casually pedaling on a comfort bike. xDDD
Yeah, the guy is delusional in so many things
I live in the Netherlands and have travelled to Germany... no they're not popular here haha. It's rare to see one. People just use normal bikes or one of those bikes where you lay down (ligfiets). But no, these things definitely aren't used much anymore
20MPH on this is very average. 20MPH on a regular bicycle and you're very well trained and/or have an expensive race bike.
Small town with not a lot of traffic is a great idea but in a very hectic place forget about it
Everything that uses energy burns calories. Cars burn calories, Teslas burn calories, power plants burn calories
You could make one yourself for less than 9,000. It might not be as light, but you could add a little pedal assist motor and batteries.
This a joke right? I mean I ride a fixed gear bike and I think the fixed gear is easier than this. Also, imagine trying to climb a long hill on this. Although I do like this it is pretty cool I would buy one used.
nobody cares with fixie kids think
you ride a fixie up a hile
cmon why would i assume you know how to turn on a faucet?
I usually get about half way up a hill on my bike and just start walking
The only thing I’ve ever seen that is innovative, truly useful, and affordable? Those adjustable eyeglasses that let you dial in your vision with hydraulics (mineral oil). No way I could make my nine mile ride into the Chicago Loop without a trip to the ER in this thing. Would like to see crash tests into opening car doors or curbside cutoffs by CTA busses.