Originally Posted by
CliffordK
You might look at the
Sinclair, but they never quite caught on. I wonder what would happen if it was basically reintroduced today, 30 years later.
It went 15mph and lacked weather protection. That means it offered no advantage over a regular bicycle.
I do think it is natural to combine pedals with a small EV, but it is also a fine line. If the total vehicle weight is less than 50 lbs, then the pedal assist makes a lot of sense. Say you exceed 200 or 300 lbs, then pedal assist becomes much less viable. And, it is apparently hard to keep the weight of a velomobile down.
The electric boost would appeal to people who want to go faster with less exertion in order not to sweat. Pedaling inside a fairing would make for some hot, humid air and so good ventilation and AC might be welcome, in addition to some power-assist. The key is keeping battery weight low to avoid undermining the pedaling advantage of a light vehicle, as you say.
Electronic Assist pedalling makes a lot of sense to essentially force the rider/driver to provide at least some of the power.
It also helps keep the vehicle classified as a bicycle so it can ride in the bike lane, which would be the main appeal as a commuting vehicle, I think.