What in the World is a Velomobile?!?!?!?

[@weisenmama]

My Man Roger Recently Bought One & Loves Riding it!!!! I Ride a Trike Too

[@MainelyElectrons]

Cool video, would love to try one out! Not sure how practical it is in Maine, but it sure would be nice to be able to bike to work in the rain without getting soaked! What is the absolute lowest cost of entry option out there? Are they almost all custom?

[@mnveloguy]

I’ve seen used Velomobiles listed as low as $3,000. Average used is probably around $5000. New runs $8500 and up. Send me an email at [e-mail] and I can help you get in contact with some east coast velonauts who might let you take a look and try their bikes.

[@pvt_picklestomp3014]

Now make it cost less than an e-bike.

[@mnveloguy]

Which e-bike are you comparing it to? There have been used Velomobiles listed for $3,000 or so in the US recently. I’ve seen them listed used for even lower prices in the EU. Unlike an e-bike, a velomobile can be comfortably ridden in the winter, rain, and provides very nice protection from the sun in the summer. It doesn’t require a battery, and won’t become obsolete in a few years when the battery runs out, the battery burns up, or some electrical parts goes bad. I know of Velomobiles that have been kn the road for at least a couple decades. Long-term, a velomobile frankly is cheaper and far easier to maintain. Seems like a pretty good deal to me.

[@CORYJOHNM]

So I can put my 80cc 2stroke bike motor on it with a few mods. Im sold. Really want to analyze one for an hour to see how this unibody design is put together. My version.. 24"x3" front tires, 26"x4" rear, 49cc 2stroke with jackshaft.

[@mnveloguy]

Unfortunately, in most places it is illegal to put a gas motor in a bike. It would require insurance and insurances won’t consent to provide coverage for it. We do not build the shell to withstand those types of forces as these are designed for pure human power. The front tires we use are 20” (406). Maximum width is 40mm. Rear tire is either 650B or 700C depending on model limited to 35mm. Velomobile World, the factory that produces these can install 250 watt Bafang e-assist. That is more than enough power. Velomobiles can cruise fast on the flat under the power of an average rider without assist anyway. We just use assist for hill climbing.

[@Timbodacious]

now add a 10kw motor to the rear wheel and make the entire body frame lift up on a hinge to make it easier to get out of lol

[@mnveloguy]

Thanks for watching. If you want that much power, an electric car would be a great choice for you.

[@johnnyc7395]

😂😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️ Wow Man 😂😶‍🌫️ it can crash into a car 😮😂 is their a wide one I'd like to get in shape 😁🤔

[@mnveloguy]

How wide are you looking for? We have some models that can work for riders around 250-260lbs.

[@donaldtank]

Has anyone made one with a belt drive?

[@PsyKeks]

In the prototype of Velotilt there is or was some experimentation with belts.

[@PsyKeks]

​@@mnveloguy Slip? You are aware that bicycle belts have teeth? But yes, they are less efficient. Also often they may only be bent forward, not backward so they can't be routed under the seat as a chain normally is. Only work with gearboxes, that are again less efficient and rare in velomobiles. And then their big advantage does not play as much of a role, when the chain is not wearing out so fast, protected from rain and dirt. Many belts also only come as a closed loop that would barely be installable in a velomobile and the lengths would not be right, but there are splittable belts available, that should be possible to route with open ends and to connect to bogger loops.

[@mnveloguy]

@@PsyKeks correct, but the chances of Velotilt seeing the road or market appear to be low, so I would hesitate to count that one. It seems more of an experimental platform.

[@davu6666]

I don't think it's a good idea to use straps, I think it would be too heavy to move, maybe straps work in motor vehicles, but in a velomobile I don't think it would perform well.

[@d-rot]

​@@mnveloguywhy would a gates belt drive be less efficient than presumably a chain drive? They're better than chains.

[@PitolecheUno-d5z]

Too bad these rigs are expensive

[@mnveloguy]

There is now the 4More which is €5499. It is an outstanding bike at around 60% of the cost of the carbon versions.

[@davidguymon1673]

Or as I'd call it, the woke bike.

[@bonjovi1612]

These were here long before woke and hopefully long after it’s gone

[@bananafoneable]

Do we call it that tho?

[@mnveloguy]

@@bananafoneable I personally call it a velomobile 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mnveloguy]

Thanks for watching.

[@licencetoswill]

why is that? can you explain?

[@KADIAK_023_RUS]

😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰👍👍👍🔥🔥🇷🇺