The traditional bicycle gets high marks for simplicity and utility, but for the commuter it's lacking in a few key areas. If you've ever asked yourself "What if a bicycle had"
- ...some weather protection
- ...a little extra power boost when you needed it
- ..."real vehicle" features like turnsignals
It's a Go-One velomobile, made in Germany by Beyss and available in kits or fully-built. Fully-assembled, it runs about $17,000, and that's not even including the hybrid system. Blame that on the high price of hand production, coupled with a steep euro/dollar exchange rate.
This particular design stands apart from a lot of the other velomobiles you see in the market: much nicer fit and finish (ahhh those Germans) and a shape that doesn't look tubby or awkwardly sawed-off. The look is no accident: designer Michael Goretzky was part of the original Smart Car design team.
This is the most convincing commuter vehicle I've seen so far. With more development time and (sorry to say it) a low-cost Chinese production line, this would make a tempting $5k supplement to a car.
Posted in Labels: commuting, velomobiles Posted by Sherwood at 5:05 AM
However, it doesn't hold any luggage. I've got a Flevobike Versatile, without assist, which holds all my daily commute stuff: extra shirt and suit, briefcase etc. It will also transport me and my camping stuff easily. The Go-one isn't able to do that, and so wasn't on my list in a serious way. If you want to bring luggage, you have to install a rack and hang panniers off it.
"However, it doesn't hold any luggage. I've got a Flevobike Versatile, without assist, which holds all my daily commute stuff: extra shirt and suit, briefcase etc. The Go-one isn't able to do that, and so wasn't on my list in a serious way. If you want to bring luggage, you have to install a rack and hang panniers off it."
So it CAN carry luggage, just like any regular bicycle with a rack. You're contradicting yourself a little bit ;-) . Besides that, you can stow away some small items inside the Go-One3 as well. All tadpole configured velomobiles, including the Versatile, have limitations on luggage shape and dimensions, because of the intruding rear wheel, fender and suspension inside the narrow cabine space behind the seat.