This is a “tadpole” tricycle enclosed in a 2.6m carbon fibre shell. Heavier than a bicycle or trike, but provides better aerodynamics and weather protection.
This is a non-standard QuestXS, which at one stage had a safety harness and still features a “crumple zone” in the nose.
Entirely pedal powered, it glides along flats and zooms down hill. Uphill is… more challenging, but the gearing is pretty good.
Being inside a shell and being in something so unique gives a sense of safety you don’t get on a normal bike.
Inside the cockpit is warm and dry, and having 12v car style “cigarette lighter” electrics means you can easily keep devices like phone charged.
Lots of room to store a bag, a Bluetooth speaker, tools, clothes etc.
An uncommon ride in the UK so always an attention getter.
Since buying the velomobile, I bought the Intercity Bikes sun hood; which is excellent addition. A new Ventisit neck roll/pillow recently made the ride more comfortable. Experimenting with the foam elbow pads currently.
I have both left and right velomobile bags from Radical Design which sit really well in next to the seat as the angled base means they “fall” outwards against the side of the velomobile. They are excellent though basic tote bags work great too.
Owner: Lance. Bought second hand in late 2023.