Velomobile - a vehicle, which is a hybrid of a car with a bicycle. From a car, he "inherited" the stability and comfortable transportation of passengers, from a bicycle - ease of operation, environmental friendliness and low cost. Its advantages in comparison with the latter are better streamlining, ease of landing and the ability to provide protection from rain.
What does he look like
This type of transport is intended for driving on smooth roads with asphalt surface. It is impossible to take it to bicycles: the seat in it is of an automobile type, equipped with a fairing - either full or partial, has at least three wheels located out of line.
Almost all bicycle models can be used by both children and adults. The seat in them adjusts to the growth and age of the driver thanks to a special adjuster. Designed mainly for adults, models differ from "purely children's" in large dimensions.
The number of accessories and all kinds of bonuses in them is directly related to the cost. Expensive models are equipped with active suspension, a special chain transmission, rubber wheels. Each of them has its own equipment, which can be clarified in the store at the consultant.
About the benefits and safety
What about the safety of cycle cars? This question worries not only the parents of the children who are asking for a purchase, but also adult potential drivers.
Velomobiles (or cycle cars) are much safer than bicycles - we hasten to reassure parents. Comfort and protection against external influences is ensured by the strength of the metal frame and reliable fastening of the wheels. Even if the small driver accelerates the “iron friend” to a decent speed, nothing bad will happen. Inside the structure, it is important to take care of a good fixation of the seat.
Cycling rides for both children and adults are great fun. The driving process itself can bring a huge amount of positive. But this activity is also useful, especially for children whose muscles that are forming need training. In this sense, a cycle car is a great simulator. Riding helps to strengthen immunity, develop good coordination and improve metabolism.
In addition, such a non-standard vehicle works for the image of the owner (especially if it is a teenager or a child).
Note to the men
Is it possible to make a bicycle (adult) with your own hands? Practice shows that this is quite achievable. First, you need to decide on the model, the number of wheels and passenger seats. For example, you want a three-wheeled bicycle - an adult, not a kid. You should immediately decide on the body - it should have the maximum possible width and capacity.
In addition, decide what type of part rotation mechanism you will have.
Of course, assembling such a design with your own hands is not so simple. But having studied some literature on the topic and familiarized with the drawings, you, even with the initial skills, will succeed.
Adult cycle car: device and features
The basis of its design is a completely standard carriage, exactly the same as in road bikes. An asterisk, which is the basis of the structure, is connected to the gearbox located under the driver's seat using a chain. The gearbox is mounted on special brackets designed for it, welded to the frame (specifically - to its side members). The second chain of the gearbox is connected to a multi-speed hub located on the rear wheel.
The seat of the bike is a frame covered in dermantine or mesh fabric (the most comfortable). The material stretched over the frame is fastened with a cord on the back.
On a cycle car, you can install a cabin that provides a flow around. It, like the front wheels, is attached to another main part - the cross member (pipe), which is also located on the frame. The presence of these basic structural details of our vehicle ensures a minimum of basic functions.
When the driver is not alone
Recently, the popularity of single-seat cycle cars has been gradually disappearing - they are being replaced by two-seater and even four-seater models. A bicycle for two adults is no less popular than a single. And the parents, acquiring such a design for their own children, even more so appreciated the advantage of the two-seater model - saving money and effort (it’s easier to keep track of one vehicle with two children than two separate ones). And a couple of people riding together are more interesting.
Manufacturers, having discovered the growing demand for double models, immediately responded by increasing their output.
But a four-seater adult cycle car can be called a real family carriage. After all, he is able to accommodate mom, dad and a couple of children. Than not a car with pedals! It is practical, convenient, durable in use, and only one of the adults can control it.
Bicycle for children and adults: choose a manufacturer
PUKY bicycles can serve as an example of this type of product. During their development, the most stringent innovative safety standards have been taken into account. The design of these cycle mobiles for the anatomical features of the child’s body is calculated and serves to strengthen children's health.
Berg brand bicycles are popular because of their robust construction. The seats in them are equipped with a comfortable fit, providing stability while riding. Among other things, they are extremely reliable and can last 10 years or more. They are easy to manage, on such a bike you can go to conquer any slope.
Smart F1 models get small riders for growth. The seat is adjustable and moves along the frame depending on the height. There is a hand brake for added safety, pneumatic wheels allow you to ride not only on asphalt.
Other models
The Smart Ub model has a rugged construction. The seat is a real chair, equipped with bumpers to support the back. Powerful wheels are not afraid of collisions with stones and obstacles. The seat is also adjustable.
Bicycle cars from the popular manufacturer of sports equipment KETTLER do not need advertising. After all, the motto “True German quality” is well known to everyone. They are designed and produced using patents both for their own inventions and for European ones.
Among adult consumers, adult walking cycle cars MVM enjoy well-deserved popularity. What it is? According to consumer reviews, the BMM Professional cycle mobile is just a powerful tiger! Reseeding from the car to this unit, you will get incomparable pleasure.
Withstands such an adult cycle mobile up to 150 kg of weight, is equipped with two gears - front and rear. There is a flashlight ahead - welcome for a walk at dusk. Both steering wheel and seat are adjustable. The welding of the frame is carried out in an oxygen way, which ensures the strength of any of the seams.
Talk about the price
A legitimate question that interests every buyer is what is the price for a cycle car? An adult (and a children's cycle car) in terms of value can be assigned to one of two price categories. The first includes units of the so-called economy class, costing 10-30 thousand rubles. These low-cost options have only a basic set of features and can, at best, only be equipped with a front spoiler, independent suspension, AF drive and dual-hinge control.
Another thing is the premium class. The price of such cycle cars is in the range of 35-90 thousand rubles. For this money you will get a lot of additional bonuses, listing all of them is not easy. For example, a sports steering wheel or seat, safety arches, disc brakes, mudguards - all the way to the on-board computer.
Bike rental
If you are not ready to purchase yet, but would like to try a bike ride, you can consider a rental option. Of course, a bicycle is an adult double, for example, you are unlikely to find it at the box office, but any city park is usually ready to provide an option for children. For a child, you can even rent a model with a battery-powered motor.
If the idea of having a cycle car with an electric motor in constant possession does not leave you, then it would be most reasonable to purchase a regular adult cycle car and equip it with an engine yourself, since in our country the sale of such equipment is still rare.
Not just a bike
The closest relative of a cycle mobile can be considered an adult tricycle (cargo) bike. They are also used for walking, transporting goods and even for commercial purposes. In a certain sense, it is even more practical than a bicycle, which is still more seen as a means for entertainment and travel.
If you prefer a tricycle to a bicycle, then its selection should also be made depending on the needs. Decide if you need the simplest option for walking (low cost) or if you have to carry a lot of luggage and overcome the rugged terrain. In this case, take care of the presence of a gear shift system with a transmission. Accordingly, the price will be higher.
Possible options
There are many varieties of tricycles, as well as velomobiles. For example, it can be a reclining tricycle with the front wheels (standard or tandem), electric - with a motor, folding - with a movable luggage compartment on hinges.
For older or weakened people, special models with a low frame have been developed to facilitate landing and handling. For lovers of joint walks - tandems, where the duties of pedaling are divided in half. However, due to their considerable size, such bikes are best stored in a garage.
The three-wheeled chopper looks especially stylish - a bike of an unusual shape, however, and its price is rather big.
Tricycles, like velomobiles, can be designed for two passengers. Unlike the tandem, the seats are located next to each other. It is not necessary to maintain consistency, one of the two can pedal. This is a great option for leisurely city walks.