Velomobiles

Avatar Velomobile
	Sorcerer Series IV Velomobile

What is a velomobile?

A velomobile is a form of personal human-powered transportation which provides weather protection and aerodynamic advantage through the use of a full or partial fairing. Tri-Sled's velomobile models are recumbent tricycles which lower the rider's centre of gravity and allow for maximum aerodynamic performance.

Why would you want to ride one?

Velomobiles offer a range of benefits over other forms of transportation.

Comfort

Recumbent seating

The comfort of velomobiles starts with the seat. The recumbent position relaxes the upper body and alleviates common cycling pressure points on the back, neck, shoulders, wrists and knees. This format also offers a small cardiovascular advantage and allows the rider to stay in the vehicle for longer.

Ventilation

During riding, Tri-Sled's velomobiles keep a stream of air flowing over the body, while protecting the rider from the elements. In our head- out Sorcerer Series IV velomobile the upper body is ventilated through the open hatch. In Tri-Sled's fully enclosed Avatar velomobile, we have engineered cross-flow ventilation from the rear to front wheels.

Weather protection

Weather protection equates to comfort and convenience. One of the major advantages of velomobiles is that they protect the rider from wind and rain. In our head-in Avatar model, the rider can do away with raincoats and wind protection clothing. The only special 'gear' you require is cycling shoes (although even these aren't mandatory) and a helmet!

Safety

Road presence

One of the key principles of safety is having a body of area that is visible to other road users. Cyclists achieve this through bright clothing or panniers, flags, or lights. Velomobiles have a large coloured surface area covering the rider that achieves this aim. The unusual nature of the vehicle also adds to its road presence, attracting attention from other road users.

Closing speed

Unlike other cycling formats, velomobiles are able to sit with, or just behind, normal suburban and urban traffic. This means that the closing speed between automobile drivers and velomobiles is much slower than other cycling formats. This gives drivers extra time to notice, judge, and plan for velomobiles.

Speed

They go fast!

Velomobiles offer a significant speed improvement over all other bicycle formats. Check out our speed bike page if you don't believe us! The level of speed improvement velomobiles offer depends on their weight and aerodynamic profile. Tri-Sled's Avatar model, with its small frontal area and completely enclosed wheels and rider, is arguably the fastest street-legal velomobile available on the market today. The Sorcerer Series IV velomobile is a compromise between speed and practicality, although it still offers a significant speed advantage over other cycling formats.

Savings

Energy

Aside from the energy required to manufacture your Australian made Tri- Sled velomobile, the rest of the journey is powered by you! Velomobiles are all about maximising the potential for your own engine to run as efficiently as possible.

Money

Velomobiles cost virtually nothing to 'run', except for the cost of satisfying the energy requirements of your own body.

What would you use one for?

Commuting

Velomobiles allow you to travel further and faster with less energy. They protect you from harsh weather conditions and are designed around a 'jump in and go' philosophy.

Racing

There are many events around Australia where velomobiles can be raced. These events are often known as 'human powered vehicle' races. Tri-Sled builds slightly different versions of our velomobiles specifically for these events. Check out our racing page for further information.

Fun

There's no doubt about it, velomobiles can be a lot of fun to ride! What's more exciting than going fast with the power of your own body!?

Fitness

Yes, that's right, you still have to pedal! Regular velomobile riding strengthens and tones your lower body and improves your core strength.