What is it?
   A velomobile is a fully-faired recumbent tricycle.  The shell, or fairing, provides protection from the elements, aerodynamic advantage and storage space.  Two-wheeled versions are called streamliners.

Can I buy the shell and make my own? 
    Yes.  We offer complete velomobile kits with

Will it fit my trike?
   Yes.  Our new do-it-yourself kit will fit most tadpole trikes. 

How fast does it go?
   10 miles in 28 minutes pedal-only (21.4 mph) and just over 28 mph in a sprint at the Human Power Challenge, 2009.  20 miles in 50 minutes with electric assist (24 mph).  So far, our downhill speed record is around 40 mph.

Does it have a motor?
  We're proud to offer BionX motors for our velomobiles.  These are the lightest, most sophisticated hub motors on the market.  Contact us for pricing.  We plan to test Ecospeed, Phoenix and Stokemonkey motors in the future. 

How much does it weigh?
 80 lbs in the pedal-only version with canopy.  Open-cockpit velos weigh 65-70 lbs.

How much does it cost?
   Prices start at $3600 for the open-cockpit Path8 version.  Dealer prices are available.

How do I get one?
   Order directly from us.  Contact taylor@velocityvelos.com .  Dealer locations will be posted as they become available.

How long does it take to get mine?
   Build time is estimated at eight weeks. 

Did you invent it?
   Velomobiles are not a new idea, but this particular design is our own.  The fairing was designed by Mark Murphy of Blue Sky Design and the trikes come from Terra Trike in Michigan.*  We figured out how to combine the two into a sleek, practical vehicle.

Where can I ride it?
   Legally, they are bicycles, and are legal to ride anywhere you can ride a bike.  This should also be true for e-assist models as long as the motor is within the limits for an electric-assist bicycle. 

What are the limits for an e-assist bicycle?
   The US federal regulations say that the motor can go up to 20 mph on flat ground without pedaling.  Anything faster is considered a moped and has additional requirements to be street legal.  Check your state and local governments for other regulations.  State laws may overrule federal ones in this case.

Is it comfortable?
  Yes, very.  Recumbent riding removes the stress from your lower back and the numbing pressure on your hands and crotch.  It's like cruising around in a lawn chair.  When I ride it to an outdoor event, I set the parking brake and watch from inside the velo.
  
What's it made of?
   The fairing is made of fiberglass and ABS plastic and the canopy is acrylic.  The trike frames are chro-moly steel.

How does it steer?   
  Handlebars turn the front wheels using steering linkage mounted just above the trike frame.

Does it get hot?
   The canopy can be propped slightly open while riding, providing ample ventilation with minimal loss of aerodynamic efficiency.

Does it fog up?
   Fogging, especially in cold, humid weather is the biggest problem with fully enclosed velomobiles.  We use an anti-fog solution on the inside of the canopy, which helps a great deal.  We're experimenting with mounting a fan in the dashboard.

Does it come with a flag?
   We will carry a flag on our Accessories page.  For now, it will be a Terra Trike flag but we'll get our own eventually.

Where are they made?
   Cottage Grove, Oregon, USA.

How many gears does it have?
   8 in the Path8 model, 24 in the Cruiser and 27 in the Tour
 
How far does it go?
   As far as you can pedal it.  Our current record is 40 miles on one ride and we will improve upon that.  
   The range of the electric assist is dependent upon both the battery and the motor, although you can still pedal if the battery runs out.  Our Crystalyte system went 20 miles on a 48V 10Ah lead-acid battery with pedaling and had plenty of juice left.  We rode 35 miles in one day with the the Bionx unit and had about 20% of its battery left.  Pedaling without using the motor is not much harder than pedaling a pedal-only model.  With the Bionx, you can even charge the battery as you pedal.   

How much assembly is required?  
   None.  We ship them ready to ride.  All you have to do is adjust the seat, perform a basic safety check (tire pressure, etc.) and go.


Velocity Velos is solely responsible for warranty issues.  Terra Trike warranties do not apply to Velocity Velos velomobiles.