User:Zedvelo

Velomobile models

This is a list of velomobile models for sale, things to come in next years and lots of DIY projects.

DIY velomobiles: - SL, made of blue foam, we don’t know much about it expect that it used to have an alfine 8 speed that was replaced by a shimano derailleur - SL tour

Production velomobiles: This will be a translated version of the french wikipedia article talking about the different velomobile models:

History of disappeared brands and models

A Versatile.
From bicycle and recumbent bikes from the 1920s to current models: the Alleweder, Quest, Mango, Mulsane, and Versatile ... One of the first European velomobiles, was relayed in the media by the French "Omni Bike" Alois Sito.  Invented by him in 1924, a two-seat, two-wheel drive with combined drive became known on both sides of the Atlantic.

Velocar and recumbent bikes
The history of velomobile begins in the 1920s and 30s with Charles Mochet9 and his precursor vélocar10, and the first recumbent bikes11.  From the start, the search for stability and protection joined to obtaining higher speeds thanks to better penetration in the air (important from 15 km / h).

In the late 1920s, French inventor and entrepreneur Charles Mochet (1880-1934) developed and implemented serial production of Velocar velomobile in his factory.

This two-wheeled four-wheeled velomobile weighed, depending on the model, between 35 and 40 kg, was equipped with a three or five-speed bicycle-type shift system and chain drives independent of the driver and passenger  .  In total from 1928 to 1944 about 6000 "Velokar" velomobiles of different models were produced.  Velomobiles were actively used by the French during the German occupation during the Second World War.  On the "Velokar" with equal success went to both men and women.  The velomobile was often the only vehicle in the family.  Several dozen "Velokar" kept in museums and private collections.

The Cyclecars [edit |  change code]

A two-seater, the Fantom.
Sweden and Finland: DIY plans12

Pilot CB101 by Ulf Cronberg: 42 kg, quite popular, built by many.
Fantom: 100,000 drawing plans sold!  difficult to build, even more difficult to roll.  Dozen of documented constructions.
There have been a few hundred velomobiles used in Scandinavia.

Current brands and models [edit |  change code]
2017-en.wp-orange-source.svg
This section does not cite its sources enough (July 2019).
In chronological order of appearance of the marks.  "Velomobile brand" category

The guide to the different models below is also a technical guide and a help with the purchase.  One of the peculiarities of velomobile manufacturers is that a model may have been designed by one manufacturer, and then be manufactured, in the same or different versions, by others.  Also the presentation of brands and models is based mainly on the models, mentioning the manufacturer (s).

Leitra [edit |  change code]
Main article: Leitra.

Leitra
Appearing before the others, in the 1980s in Denmark, the Leitra brand is the first to have manufactured modern velomobiles, intended for regular use as a daily traveling vehicle.

In the years 2005-2010, a modernized version was produced by Bike Revolution / Steintrike under the name of Advanced Leitra.  Bike Revolution / Steintrike also produced another velomobile based on a Leitra body: the Thunderstorm.

Leitra also offers profiled hulls to adapt to the front of trikes, called Wildcat, with a reduced weight, which almost transforms them into a velomobile.  In France, Vélovergne manufactures them under license.

One of the peculiarities of the brand is to make its velomobiles à la carte, by adapting its dimensions to the size of the pilot.

Windcheetah [edit |  change code]
This velomobile was produced in Norfolk for racing and hiking from 198513. It is no longer in production.

Alleweder [edit |  change code]
Main article: Alleweder.

Alleweder
The age (since 1991) and the different versions of the Alleweder14,15 (in French: "tout temps") make it one of the best-selling velomobiles.  Up to the A5 version, these are not the most aesthetically attractive nor the most aerodynamic velomobiles, but they are practical, handy, adapted to the city and very robust (riveted aluminum bodywork).

Their price is competitive, and they are available in kit, which allowed the first generations of velomobilists to access the velomobile with a reduced investment.

The A2 and A3 versions are no longer sold, there are reasonable prices on occasion in the Netherlands or Germany.  The A4 / A5 (aluminum body), A6 and A7 (fiber and plastic body) succeed them.  In 2011 the A5 was no longer sold, while a prototype appeared, the A8, made of aluminum, more geared towards sporting performance, with a profile close to that of a Waw.  The A8 was not put into production.

The A4 A4 weighs 34 kg, it is available as a kit for € 2,900 and fully assembled for € 4,000.

Velomobiel.nl [edit |  change code]
The Velomobiel brand, located in the Netherlands, the country of bicycles, is one of the most important on the velomobile market.  It is chaired by Ymte Sijbrandij.

It designs the Quest models (appeared in 2000), Mango released in 2002, Strada appeared in 2009, DF appeared in 2014. The Mango model was sold to Sinner in the Netherlands, which manufactures and sells it.

Thanks to their aesthetic and aerodynamic shell, these models exert a strong attraction on velomobilists.  To meet demand, part of the manufacturing is done in Romania.

The Quest  
This outdoor velomobile head for everyday use has good aerodynamics, thanks to the complete integration of the front wheels in the body and its long, very streamlined hull (which can accommodate a good volume of luggage) tested in the wind tunnel.  It is one of the most widespread models.  Its weight, originally 38 kg, has been reduced to 34 kg.  It is sold from € 6,250.  It is suitable for tall, even very tall people.

Since 2011, a carbon version (€ 1,000 more) saves another 3 kg, and an XS version (at the same price) of a reduced and even lighter size is suitable for people under 1.78 m.  The XS version can also be made with a carbon fiber structure.</ref></ref></ref>

Strada.
The Mango [edit |  change code]
The Mango, which appeared in 2002, was the second model from velomobiel.nl.  It is more manageable, shorter, cheaper, more pleasant in town.  It is a versatile velomobile.  It is now manufactured and sold by Sinner.

The Sinner Groningen Garage Recumbent brand has evolved the Mango.  The Mango + is announced at 32.5 kg and sold from € 5,490.  The Mango Sport weighs only 27.5 kg and is sold for € 5,950.  A fully equipped version, called Mango Sport Red Edition, is sold for € 7,290 with complete and quality equipment.

A set of improvements was made in 2014. They make this velomobile more efficient (transmission efficiency) and more stable (steering precision).

The Strada [edit |  change code]
The Strada is located, in length, between the Quest and the Mango.  It looks a lot technically like the Mango (Accessibility, wheels on the outside of the body).  It appeared in 2009. It is given for 35 kg and its base price is € 5,850.  There is a lighter carbon version for an additional € 1,000.

The DF [edit |  change code]
The DF was designed in late 2013 by Daniel Fenn, hence its name.  There are similarities with the Beyss Go-One Evo-K from the same designer.  At that time, Daniel Fenn was employed at Velomobiel.  In collaboration with Ymte Sijbrandij, it has since its independence under the brand Intercitybike.nl, 100 m from Velomobiel.nl16.

The objective is to make a velomobile very fast but usable on a daily basis: (just) sufficient ground clearance, easy access, comfortable and light rear single-arm suspension, ease of maintenance, general comfort.

To save weight and increase rigidity, the maximum number of elements is made of carbon, and the shell is molded in one piece.  Two hatches are provided, one above the crankset and the other at the rear derailleur for mechanical accessibility.  However, the pilot entry hole is really narrow.  An XL version (larger) is provided for tall people.  The weight is announced at 23.5 kg.  Its minimum price is € 8,150.  At the end of 2014, around twenty units were manufactured for more than 110 ordered.

Quattro [edit |  change code]
It is the only four-wheel velomobile.  Designed on the basis of the Quest, it brings more stability when cornering, more comfort, a higher carrying capacity (luggage or child).  The disadvantages are weight and rolling resistance which adversely affect performance.

JV & Fenioux cycles [edit |  change code]
The company born in Le Mans (72) in 2009 now based in Chasnais (85) since July 2016, considered as a French specialist in velomobile [ref.  necessary].

Le Mans [edit |  change code]
Velomobile which aims for performance by combining a minimum of wind resistance and maximum stability

Mulsanne [edit |  change code]
Versatile velomobile geared towards daily utility or leisure use.  It is designed to meet practical requirements: easy access on board, comfort (visibility, ventilation, etc.), loading, and the safety requirements imposed by city and countryside traffic (passive safety and lighting)

Flevobike Technology [edit |  change code]
The Flevobike Technology brand, which designs and manufactures recumbent bikes in the Netherlands, started the development of a velomobile, the Versatile in 2000-2001.  the first prototypes were released in 2002. Computer-aided design and production made it possible to refine and develop very versatile models in small series.

With a rather high price, the Versatile is an aerodynamic velomobile, practical, reliable and well equipped, but rather heavy.  It is no longer in production.

The Orca, on the same basis, was launched at the end of 2011 at a price of € 7,850, richly equipped with a Rolhoff gear change in the hub (14 speeds) as standard.  These two models are controlled by two joysticks.  It weighs 39.5 kg.

Cyclodine [edit |  change code]
Ecodyne or Cyclodyne designed by Alan Carpenter and built by Cyclodynamics in Colorado (United States).  14 Ecodynes from 1979 to 1985. Heavy 45 kg, front-wheel drive, $ 3,600, it did not meet commercial success.

Birkenstock [edit |  change code]
Since 1996, Birkenstock has built its fast bikes in Switzerland.  The Butterfly sees its fairing pivot completely on the front.  It no longer seems to be manufactured.

Photo by Daniel Couque for ADV
Convertible.
Leiba [edit |  change code]
Eduard Ganske and Wasili Gess, from Kyrgyzstan, have lived in Germany since 1987. They have been developing their Leiba Classic since 2000. Inspired by Cab-bike, they design a closed, practical and large velomobile, well designed for insertion into traffic with  a ventilated anti-fog windshield;  completed with a sliding panel for the summer, it opens widely.  Visibility is good through Lexan, a thermoplastic polycarbonate resin, resistant to scratches.  The total weight is 35 kg.  Fully suspended and electrically assisted, it is controlled by two joysticks.  Competitive price, from € 5,000.

Another model, the Leiba X-Stream is closer to other velomobiles, that is to say low and streamlined.  It also closes entirely.  It weighs 32.5 kg for € 5,500.

Beyss Go-One [edit |  change code]

The Go-one3
The Go-One3 was produced in Germany by Beyss, which also produces the hulls of velomobiel.nl velomobiles.  It succeeded Go-One.  The rear wheel protrudes from the body, it does not allow luggage to be carried behind the seat, but its weight is reduced (30 kg).

These velomobiles have their glass upper part in two parts, and their very rounded shape.  In this version, they close completely and protect from the weather, on the other hand, to drive in summer in hot weather, you must leave the upper part foldable (too bulky and rigid to be stored inside the vehicle).  This folding part can be replaced by a flexible canvas closure, cheaper, useful in bad weather and which can be stored in the velomobile.  The price was around 5,000 euros excluding options.

The Go-One Evo-R continues this alluring series.  Its front is identical to the Go-One3, but in addition it has a tail that includes the rear wheel and can carry 30 liters of luggage.  It offers a large choice of glass versions, more or less light (without glass roof, from 23 to 25 kg), for prices from € 7,000 (in kit) to € 10,000.

The Go One Evo-K was designed by Daniel Fenn (Before the Velomobile Strada DF, see above).  It is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, while being light and efficient.  Its accessibility is difficult (narrow hole).  With carbon elements, it is clearly oriented towards sports performance.  It weighs 24 kg and costs € 7,800.  It is also available in a Kit (900 € less), or with a honeycomb structure with a price increased to 11,000 euros and a weight reduced to 19 kg.

Cab-Bike [edit |  change code]

Cab-Bike Cabin
Main article: Cab-Bike.
The Cab-Bike was made in Germany.  Its production ceased in 2013. The Cabin version makes it a fully bodied vehicle, with a large interior volume, appreciable for luggage.  It is accessible (wide opening on the top).  Its finish is of quality with a Rohloff gear change in the hub (14 speeds) as standard.  The glass openings are adjustable.  The advertised weight is 35 kg.  The base price was € 5,995.

The Cabrio version has a lower head and lighter body (32 kg).  Its price started at € 5,495.

Katanga WAW [edit |  change code]

Waw
In 2003, in Belgium around Dries Callebaut, on a project by Frederik Van De Walle, the WAW was developed.  It is an accomplished, aerodynamic velomobile, with a solid aramid hull (trade name: Kevlar) and fiberglass.  The weight is contained (30 kg).  Over 80 were sold. Bion-X electric assistance was optional.  Only the front wheels have suspension.

In 2007, Brecht Vandeputte, architect and designer launched the Bries on the same basis: modular, with 16 and 20 "wheels. It did not meet commercial success.

The brand changed owners again in 2012. The Waw is now produced by Katanga in Brno in the Czech Republic, which has shortened delivery times and improved manufacturing quality.  The weight, reduced to 28 kg in the standard version, can in the carbon version drop below 24 kg.  It is available from € 6,300.

This velomobile offers qualities as well sporting (aerodynamic performances), as for a daily use, with a good protection against the bad weather (complete closing), facilities of transport and maintenance (nose and rear removable, which facilitates the  access to mechanical elements and makes the machine shorter to load it in a car) and a good capacity for carrying luggage.  The indirect steering by two levers gives good stability at high speed.

Daniel Couque's achievements [edit |  change code]
In France, from 2005, Daniel Couque launched the ADV (association for the development of velomobile) and careened a dozen recumbent tricycles.  He designed several prototypes of constant pedaling velomobiles, the Fitness-Car.

Milan [edit |  change code]

Milan SL
The Milan is a velomobile made in Germany (Chez Byess like the Go-One) and dedicated to speed.  In its competition version, it recently broke a distance record in 24 hours: 1,219 km, an overall average of more than 50 km / h.  It is apparently with the Go-One Evo Ks the most efficient velomobile sold today.

It is sold in two versions, the milan GT MK2 (from € 7,850 for 32.5 kg) and the milan SL (up to € 10,000 in stripped carbon version of 18 kg).  The latter, smaller, thanks to its size and much lower weight, better performance than its big brother, at the cost of removing suspensions.  It is possible with each model to ride fully bodied or head outside, the knee hatch is also removable for riding in the open air, all these combinations allow to prioritize performance or comfort making it a velomobile typed sport but can be used for  daily.  Its stability at high speed is also appreciated.

Tri-Sled [edit |  change code]
The Tri-Sled brand, in Australia, produces Avatar velomobiles, dedicated to speed on the road.

It also produces various versions of complete frames and velomobiles for velomobile competitions between schools, very popular in Australia HPV Pedal-Prix.  For this use, in 2011 came out the Aquila, fully bodied and largely glazed.

For daily use, the Sorcerer IV is replaced by the Rotovélo, the first velomobile whose hull is mass-produced by rotational molding, for a contained price.

Rainforest Design [edit |  change code]
Rainforest Design, in British Columbia (Canada), manufactures kayaks (Nimbus brand) and velomobiles.

Borealis [edit |  change code]
The Borealis bodywork, sold in Canada, transforms a Trice QnT trike (from the English brand Ice) into a velomobile.  It offers the advantage of being removable, to find yourself in a trike in summer.  A Kevlar version is lighter, otherwise the set is announced at 36 kg.

Aurora [edit |  change code]
The Aurora is one of the few velomobiles with a single front wheel and two rear wheels.  All three wheels have brakes.  The weight is announced at 36 kg and the price at 6,800 Canadian dollars.  Pedaling drives the right rear wheel.  Electric assistance is optional.

Ocean Cycle  change code]
In Cornwall (Great Britain), this manufacturer equips Ice brand trikes with its complete Challenger bodywork, fully equipped and aesthetic.

Velomtek [edit |  change code]

Vélomtek VX2.
Located in Quebec (Canada), the Vélomtek company manufactures the VX2 model.  This delta-type velomobile includes two rear wheel drive and a front wheel motor as standard for pedal assistance.

Its modular construction consists of a tricycle with aluminum chassis and an aerodynamic body made of composite materials.  It allows easy access, complete protection to the elements (with the visor), a secure luggage space at the back.  The weight is around 55 kg.

Preproduction velomobiles: