Aushiker

Probably not a serious attempt but interesting still the same that some how has thought to use a petition to try to drive demand for a "comuter" friendly and priced velomobile.

If you are interested in the petition it can be found at Change.org

Andrew

BlazingPedals

Rather than petition bike companies, who are probably not interested in venturing beyond their comfort envelope, I wonder if any small boat or RV companies would be interested in developing a body to go over an existing trike model?

cplager

You mean, something like this?

BlazingPedals

Similar, except that to be a true velo the cockpit area should be sealed off so that wheel spray doesn't get the pilot wet. That one has at least open wheel wells in front.

cplager

It will be interesting to see what they come out with. I do agree that you want the pilot separated from the road crud, so either they'll address that or I imagine individual riders will...

BlazingPedals

Maybe that and other concerns will be addressed in the production model.
1. flimsy-looking around the cockpit area
2. looks like no provision (so far) for a tighter-fitting top
3. too low in front, will hang/hit on every bump
4. accessing rear derailleur and wheel will be pain.

I agree, it's interesting. A good starting point.

fietsbob

Petitioning a company to make things below cost of production? that means someone has to subsidize the costs
outside of the sales margin,.. which is a negative number.

you got people in Canberra Lined up with money for that?

darthvac

I used to think that 8000 dollars was such an expensive amount for a velomobile.

But when you think about it:

You have maybe 3000 dollar or more recumbent frame with better components, sturmey-archer drum breaks and probably hand-built wheels

maybe another 1000 dollars for an aerodynamic shell that is probably made from fiberglass or carbon fiber on a custom mold, probably by hand.

Then there are electronics and rechargeable batteries, probably another 100-500 dollars.

Not to mention the wind tunnel testing or all the engineering hours that probably go into these things. You know, trial and error. Engineering isn't cheap either.

And then these are relatively new companies, so they have to continue to make profits to make it worth their time and to live.

and then they have to ship these things to usa sometimes, so there is another 1000 dollars.

Maybe once everyone begins to see how ridiculously awesome velomobiles are, then there will be a higher demand and maybe lower prices in the future. (with better manufacturing)

I can't wait for my first ride in a velomobile.

Tractortom

Look at the ELF velomobile. Electrically powered with solar array on the roof, comes in at 100 lbs fully loaded, will haul 5 bags of groceries, great commuter trike, all for right around $5000.00 I was really looking at one of these a couple months ago, still waiting to see one in the flesh.

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL

Bobcat22

I just signed that petition.