Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it pedal-powered?
Yes. A velomobile is just like a recumbent tricycle with a shell over it.
2. Does it have a motor?
Yes. Not all velomobiles have motors, but mine has an electric assist unit called a BionX.
3. How does the electric assist work?
The BionX motor actually senses your pedaling effort and boosts it by a proportional amount from 25-300%, depending on the assist level you are using. It also features a throttle that will allow you to use full electric power without pedaling. Federal and Washington state laws* limit power-assisted bicycles to 20 mph, so the BionX stops providing power at about 19 mph.
*Washington State Electric-Assisted Bicycle Law
4. How fast does it go?
The BionX will work up to about 20 mph (see above). Beyond that it’s all me. On flat ground I usually go about 20-25 mph. Downhill I have hit almost 40 mph before getting nervous and hitting the brakes. I have heard of people riding 35 on flats and 60 downhill – I’m working on it.
5. Do you need insurance/license/registration?
A velomobile fits under the legal description of a bicycle and therefore does not require any kind of insurance, license or registration.
Adding an electric motor can complicate the issue due to variations in state law. In Washington at least, because the electric assist is limited to 20 mph (see #3 above), it is defined as an electric-assisted bicycle. A velomobile is not a motor vehicle. See here for more info.
6. Do you stay dry?
Almost entirely. A kayak-style spray skirt can be attached to cover the hatch opening and keep everything from my neck down dry. I also have a detachable roof that keeps my head mostly dry except for some mist on my face. Water does not splash up through the foot-holes because the wheels are to the outside and completely contained in wheel wells.