How About This For My Commute?
 

Aerorider www.aerorider.com

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158350282.jpg

pedal w/ electric assist
or, given the weight, maybe call this electric w/ pedal assist
28 mph top speed
full lighting and turn signals]
enclosed cockpit, luggage compartment

I've enjoyed commuting by bicycle, but when it starts pissing down rain (like, starting now) I wonder how much of a he-man I really will be.

As for safety, I think you paint one of these neon orange and everyone will see you.

Alas, the price is pretty steep, equivalent to about 3 years' commuting costs for me. But if you say it replaces a gym membership too, maybe that gets it down to 1.5 yrs. And it probably retains at least 50% of its value after 2-3 yrs.

http://www.velomobiling.net/modules.php?set_albumName=Aerorider&op=modload&nam e=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

http://www.aerorider.blogspot.com/

I'd roll that!

I like it but 7000 euro?

Berkeley CA -> Portland OR

You'll fit right in.

Berkeley CA -> Portland OR

Heck of a commute, too.

I'd put myself in that thing on the street with a bunch of cars, trucks and SUV only if I were kinda indifferent about continuing on with life.

Yikes!http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158357901.jpg

Here's another one, available as a kit

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158360024.jpg

http://www.go-one.de/ukindex.shtml

Doesn't seem any less safe than a bicycle. Yes it is low, but very eye-catching.

My ride to work is at 5:15 AM so there is basically zero traffic. I ride the busiest street and get passed by maybe four cars on the way.

My ride home is normal hours, so I use the bike lane on the bridge and then head for the quiet side streets. I don't need to mix with traffic much.

Very much unsafer than a bicycle.

Half the height, half the maneuvability, half the visibility to cars, and you probably have 10% of your scanning vision you would have on a bike. You are at the mercy of traffic.

You'd be lucky to not get squashed in the first few weeks/months.

Someone should photoshop one of those contraptions into the wheelwell of that monster truck! ;)

I'd feel very unsafe sharing the road in that thing. It's so small and low, I think you could easily be overlooked.

Do recumbent bicycles have a higher accident rate than conventional bicycles, then?

These velomobiles are essentially enclosed recumbents.

Seems a really good quality rainsuit might be an alternative- then you can ride your bicycle. I have some EMS brand rain gear that is breathable and works great when I'm on the bike and it's raining.

It does look cool, although I'm wondering how serious they can be if they don't even have clipless pedals (I realize these are easily replaced).

Any hills in your commute (like if you're going from Portland to Beaverton)? Don't know how recumbent-type bikes like to climb, even with electric assist.

I seem to recall that most people who ride in PDX do so rain or shine.

Yeah but they are Real Men. I am just a pansy Californian.

How about this one - more basic, but the kit price is a lot cheaper. $2500-2800 they say. Riveted aluminium monocope, like an old airplane.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1158372806.jpg

No significant hills.

John - look here. Pretty cool stuff.

http://www.lightningbikes.com/

How are you going to carry your lunch and laptop? I like the first one better.

Re: How About This For My Commute?
 

Put some noisey pipes on it

Let's see...28 mph on the Interstate that I go to work on would take 2 hours. If I even arrived in one piece in that little turd.

Seems interesting but I don't know how practical really. . . I'd probably just stick to the bicycle and deal with the rain. Hell, I used to bike-commute every day when I lived in Chicago (including those 0-degree days!) for grad. school. You learn to deal with it. Plus I really enjoyed the "what-are-you-insane?" looks from people huddled in the bus stops. I knew I was more hardcore than them. :)