Urban Transport

German quad-bike gives riders an electric boost

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Production has begun on an initial small batch of Pedilios – the prototype debuted about a year ago
With a powder-coated steel frame and a carbon fiber cabin, the current Pedilio prototype tips the scales at about 68 kg (150 lb) and has a maximum payload capacity of 130 kg (287 lb)
Some of the Pedilio's standard features include independent suspension on all four of the 20-inch wheels, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, and a full lighting system with turn indicators
Production has begun on an initial small batch of Pedilios – the prototype debuted about a year ago
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Although velomobiles could generally be defined as recumbent tricycles enclosed in an aerodynamic shell, we're seeing an increasing number of more stability-oriented four-wheeled variants. One of the latest is the Pedilio, which could ultimately go as fast as 28 mph.

Created by German inventor Thomas Viebach, the single-passenger vehicle incorporates a 21-speed pedal-drive drivetrain going to its right rear wheel, along with a hub motor in its left rear wheel – the latter augments the rider's pedalling power.

Plans call for there to be two versions of this setup. One will incorporate a 250-watt motor to take riders up to a top electric-assist speed of 16 mph (25 km/h), while the other will have a 500-watt motor and a 28-mph (45-km/h) top speed. The second configuration will cause the Pedilio to be classified as a light motor vehicle (in Europe, at least), with riders requiring a driver's license.

Motor power is provided by a lithium-ion battery pack. In the 500-watt version of the velomobile, this provides a reported range of about 60 km (37 miles) per charge. A regenerative braking system helps boost that range, while rooftop solar panels allow for some battery-charging while the vehicle is parked. Additionally, buyers will be able to double the range by opting for a second battery.

Some of the Pedilio's standard features include independent suspension on all four of the 20-inch wheels, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, and a full lighting system with turn indicators

With a powder-coated steel frame and a carbon fiber cabin, the current prototype tips the scales at about 68 kg (150 lb) and has a maximum payload capacity of 130 kg (287 lb). Some of its other features include independent suspension on all four of the 20-inch wheels, front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, and a full lighting system with turn indicators.

Viebach has started building an initial batch of 10 Pedilios, which will be used to obtain real-world feedback from their users. Once they're ready to go, these vehicles should sell for approximately €9,250 (about US$10,382). If you want to see one of them up-close and personal, some of the first examples should be on display next month at Germany's Spezi specialty bike show.

In the meantime, you can check out Thomas ripping around in the snow, in the video below.

Source: Pedilio

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9 comments
Bob Stuart
Three points define a plane. A trike can be as stable as a quad, but it has to be wider or lower. The quad often gives a smoother ride, but it is heavier and less streamlined on average. If powered, it may be highly regulated.
MarylandUSA
Yaba daba doo!
Jose Gros-Aymerich
This 'Pedilio' reminds the Spanish 'Evovelo', presented here months ago. Beautiful products,'sustainable economy' initiatives, if it were not the announced cost, a bit a remake of: 'Audi A2' case, that with full aluminum body, no A/C for economy, had a purchase cost much higher than ordinary cars of its time, 'to save'. GlobalSources is offering electric quadricycles at $2000 or less. Hard concurrency!
Jose Gros-Aymerich
To Paul Stregevsky: Baba-Yagá too? Aufwiedersehen! Gesund +
Douglas Bennett Rogers
These things are always better if they tilt, as the mass needed to resist shear is eliminated. That's why a bicycle is light.
JoelTaylor
@Douglas Bennett Rogers - Tilting on anything besides one or two tandem wheels (can't forget the Unicycles and Dicycles out there) has it's own problems and is not as light as you think.
Bicycles can also be heavy (50-60 lbs for a dutch style bike made of steel for example, I should know I own two), it's a trade off.
As for the Pedilio, I know he showed it off last year (2018) at SPEZI and I think the year before (2017) as a prototype.
rude.dawg
Meanwhile, back in the real world... a brand new MT-07 will only set you back less than $7000. To spend "approximately €9,250 (about US$10,382)" on this thing, you need to be very, very dedicated... and rich.
JoelTaylor
@rude.dawg - a MT-07 ( I assume you mean the Yamaha MT-07 motorcycle) is not all weather and has near zero cargo capacity. Let's face it, you're not going to be throwing a set of saddle bags/panniers on that bike. The Pedilio is also aimed at older riders who want stability, cargo capacity and safety over speed
It i s true that there is a heck of a lot of competition in the sub $10k transportation market.
Fletcher
You can get a Podride for under $3,000 which is almost the exact same thing only better built.
https://newatlas.com/podride-cycle-car/42696/