Reta, the Renewable Energy Transportation Alternative, has
developed into a full-fledged velo car to allow for the sale of
my motor car. Her newest upgrades include an opening Lexan
canopy treated with Rain-X, polyester velcro-on body sock sides,
and a light bar with headlamps and turn signals.
I rode it with just the sock panels last night and pushed my top speed
up to 31.5 MPH, maybe a 1 MPH improvement. Today I tried riding under
the canopy with my "doors" closed and the inside temperature was about
15 degrees warmer than the outside air. I actually had to open my "windows"
because it was getting so warm! (by pulling the top line of velcro off) I have
the battery plugged into a trickle charger at the moment, so I haven't been
able to try lighting up the night yet.
This project has consumed me for the past few days and still I'm not finished
with her yet. Next I need some bubble mirrors, and maybe an integrated brake
light. Then I think some yellow wheel discs would look really slick. So would a
tailfin. More ideas, anyone? or have I gone too far already? Probably half the
people who see me already think I'm insane.
