Electrical Banana

Alright, I’ve gotten enough flak from people telling me my velomobile looks like a banana. Well, I think the crown now has to go to the new Tripod velomobile from Columbia Cycle Works in Portland, Oregon. It actually kind of reminds me of the Myers Motors NmG.

Tripod Velomobile - Columbia Cycle Works

I haven’t found any detailed specs on this yet, but it includes a 500-watt hub motor electric assist with a charger actually installed in the velo with a retractable cord, so you can charge conveniently wherever you are. The shell is a “composite reinforced polymer material” – so, not fiberglass? There is also a hefty-looking pair of headlights as well as a blinking tail light. One interesting production choice that could be seen as either a pro or a con is that they do not include a battery for the assist – the system is set up to handle common lead-acid batteries or more powerful lithium-ion batteries though.

From a first impression I’d be concerned about how far your feet come out beneath the shell when pedaling (visible in the video on their site). The extra exposure seems like it could result in wet and/or cold feet in driving rain or low temperatures. A matter of taste is the use of panniers instead of an enclosed cargo area. Personally, a major selling point of velomobiles for me was to get away from panniers. Overall it looks like a pretty solid and well-designed vehicle though. I like the disc brakes and gas struts on the hatch.

The most exciting points (for me) are that it is a new addition to the extremely limited lineup of velomobiles that are made in the U.S. and at a price of only $3,850 (at this writing) it is the least expensive velomobile I have ever seen.

I’m happy to see that Columbia Cycle Works will be attending the Left Coast Velomobile Gathering this coming weekend, so I’ll be able to get a closer look in person soon. If you’re able to make it, this is the best opportunity to see, and even test ride, a wide range of velomobiles all in one place. So far it looks like the LCVMG will have at least 17 different models in attendance. If you’re on the East Coast, check out the Niagara Velomobile Happening.