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With the synergistic combination of aerodynamic fairing and power assist, the velomobile can become a whole new breed of highly efficient, assisted human-power vehicle, one that has the ability to efficiently cover the distances many people travel on a daily basis. Refined aerodynamic fairings (not all velomobiles have improved aerodynamics) can significantly reduce the amount of power required at the speeds attained on level terrain, making the job of both human and power-assist easier. Power assist can help the cyclist surmount hills and accelerate through cross-traffic, and can lend a judicious amount of power at those times when a person is unable to, or chooses not to, pedal. The extra weight of the fairing is compensated for by the presence of the assist on uphills and when accelerating, and the power required of the rider and assist is reduced at speed by the presence of the aerodynamic fairing. This synergistic alliance of technologies creates a mode of transport that is conserving of resources, is neighborhood friendly, and has substantial health and monetary advantages for its users. Cycles configured as velomobiles with human/assist hybrid power will not reach the speeds of a motorcycle or car, but can exceed the average speeds of, and be less fatiguing than, an ordinary bicycle, while sharing much of the weather-resistance and some of the security advantages of cars. Assisted-velomobile qualities will greatly expand the effective range of the cycle-commuter, will reduce the obstacle posed by hills, will extend the riding season, and will reduce strain and sweat when cycling to work or formal engagements. Visibility, and thus safety, will increase. These crucial advantages will increase the number of persons who choose to use this low-impact transportation option, and concurrently will increase the number of occasions and days when the velomobile becomes for them the vehicle of choice. _________________________________________________ Our calculations show that the money needed to buy a single gallon of gas at $4/gallon would buy enough electricity to power a fully-electric Lightfoot velomobile for more than 1000 miles; therefore, we are justified in claiming that an electrically-assisted Lightfoot velo "gets 1000 miles per gallon". This kind of efficiency in an easy-to-pedal assisted velomobile, combined with utilitarian and all-weather qualities, place the designed-for-practicality velomobile in the position of being a very viable "second car" for the neighborhood transportation needs of many families, and even a primary local transport for health-, environment- and budget-conscious persons. _________________________________________________ Lightfoot Cycles has focused on providing power assists that encourage people to continue pedaling, but which provide a boost at any moment it is needed. Both our electric and gas assist systems are intuitive to use. When they are integrated into the chain-drive transmission, the end result is a feeling for the rider of being very powerful, rather than the feeling that one is pointlessly struggling to keep up with a motor much more powerful than oneself. With chain-drive systems, conserving battery power is not a hardship, and the incentive to pedal remains high.Even simpler, and lower cost, are the direct-drive hub-motor electric systems. We are developing additional options for
long-range engine assist as well. Our
very small gas
engine assist can be used in the form of our Power
Pusher trailer to propel almost any of our
velomobile vehicles over distances greater than the
range of an electric assist. |
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Call us at 406 821-4750
8-6 Monday - Friday Mtn Time • Email:
info@lightfootcycles.com
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