Velomobiles (enclosed HPV's), and HPGEV's

A Velomobile is an enclosed 3 or 4-wheel Human Powered Vehicle (HPV). Using many parts similar to what would be found on a comparable quality bicycle, additional or different parts found on a velomobile include a different type of frame, of course, a smooth outer shell, and commonly a windshield. Some are completely enclosed and weatherproof (like a small car), some have signals, headlights and taillights, windshield wipers, horn, brake light system, and a small parking brake device. Also, some of the more expensive ones may have some type of shock-absorbing suspension, good ventilation system, and even a small interior, electric / solar electric, or human-powered transmission-connected/driven cooling fan.

Velomobiles can be quite expensive, ranging between $3,000 and $10,000. Some may have electric assist as an option. This simply depends on the customer.

The aerodynamics and weather protection are the main advantages for the certain type of customer interested in purchasing one of these cool, useful machines.

Human-Powered-Generator Electric Vehicles (HPGEV's)

Some small companies have been recently working on enclosed, rechargeable, electric-motor-driven machines in which 100% of the pedaling effort drives a generator, helping to extend the charge time / vehicle range.  The accelerator may be hand-operated or other circuit designs may have a multiple speed range hand-operated shifter, and pedaling speeds can be used as the accelerator source.  

One of these vehicles is shown in the video section, below. This high-quality vehicle has a lot of potential for the near future market. Also, check out the website for this 3-wheeled vehicle which has good acceleration and can reach speeds of 70mph, thus being capable of keeping up with normal traffic in all weather conditions. The vehicle is planned to be a street-legal, massed produced machine in the near future if more funds are gathered.

Also, refer to the article entitled: "Some important crankset and other technical info!"  in the previous section.