Originally published February 26 2006
Human-powered egg-shaped vehicles provide alternative transportation
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The vehicles are called velomobiles, and consist of fully enclosed recumbent three-wheel bicycles covered in an egg-shaped carbon fiber or fiberglass monocoque chassis. The velomobiles also have full suspension and integrated lighting.
It's January and very cold in most of the northern hemisphere, but some innovative and persistent cyclists have found a way to keep pedaling even in the foulest weather.
The human-powered vehicles they employ are called velomobiles -- fully enclosed recumbent bicycles that usually have three wheels, a chair-like seat and a standard bicycle drivetrain.
These vaguely egg-shaped vehicles may never become a common sight on the world's roadways, but with increasing gas prices and never-ending gridlock, short-distance commuters are starting to take them more seriously.
Their origins can be traced back to early 20th-century France, but modern velomobiles bear almost no resemblance to those pioneering designs with their steel-tube frames and wooden bodywork.
Contemporary machines have carbon fiber or fiberglass monocoque chassis, full suspension and integrated lighting.
Electric power-assist systems driven by rechargeable batteries are increasingly popular and will continue to be a design focus for these vehicles, which can weigh 65 pounds and up.
Velomobile riders are capable of cruising at speeds of around 30 mph on flat ground thanks to the aerodynamics of these vehicles, but they often find that other factors tend to slow them down.
"Riding a velomobile isn't for the reclusive," says Mary Arneson, owner of Velomobiling.net.
In Europe, the vehicle's primary market, the average velomobile costs between 4,000 and 6,000 euros (about $5,000 to $7,000).
Many sell advertising on the highly visible vehicles, and some have been successful enough to pay for their machines two or three times over.
Now, a Texas firm called VelomobileUSA is tooling up to produce copies of the Dutch Alleweder that will sell for approximately $5,000 to $6,000 and eliminate import tariffs for American customers.
The company may be jumping into the market at just the right time.
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