LockH
1 PW
So "bikes" doesn't include trikes, despite the obvious advantages. Interesting.
tigcross said:...on the next version I'll be taking steps to makes sure that the front fairing doesn't give the appearance of something that might cause injury. A forward moving break-away system like you mention is something I am considering.
I agree John, almost all velomobiles present an even greater danger to the rider than the Electrom– on the Electrom the fairing is flexible and would crumple, but on a velomobile the fuselage is rigid and would not crumple, and would therefore do more damage. But what it comes down to is appearance: if it looks dangerous, it's a problem, whether it is actually dangerous or not.It is funny how I get a visual impression of decapitation potential from the Electrom but not from heads out velomobiles like Quest.
Yes, it was the same for me, I never even considered it until someone pointed it out. While riding the Electrom one does not feel endangered by the windscreen at all.Another impression I have is just from the shape - from side view your windshield actually curves downward and looks pointed - free association makes it look like a "knife pointed at your throat". It is weird though because I didn't get any of these impressions in person or while riding it.
Constructive criticism is always welcome. Yes, I've come to a similar conclusion, The windscreen as it is has the rounded shape because that was the windscreen I had on hand when building it. It doesn't need nearly that much height except where the rider's knees rise and fall when pedaling. The whole front area could be much lower. This would have the added benefit of improving frontal visibility. I considered making it out of fiberglass, but I feel that in order for less imaginative future buyers to accept it as a legitimate vehicle they will need to see something that they can relate to, like a clear windscreen. I also like the fact that the blown Polycarbonate windscreens are very light and soft. ironically it looks like hard & sharp glass that would cut your head off, but in fact it's very flexible. That said I have shortened it up and lowered the front in my design for the next version,I don't want to criticise "your baby", but the one thing I would change is that windshield - it looks much higher and longer than necessary and generally sort of "bulbous and in the way". Does it need to be clear? Maybe a fiberglass would be cheaper,
I'm hoping to get it to market for around $2500Nice! How much is the frame kit?