Velomobile

Fourteen years ago we first heard about the Elf, a pedal/electric velomobile that could be charged via a rooftop solar panel. Well, there's a new version on the way that'll be cushier, more powerful, and able to seat a second passenger.

Fully-enclosed velomobiles may offer weather protection and an aerodynamic advantage over bicycles, but their three wheels do add weight and rolling resistance. The outrigger-equipped Manta ebike, however, takes a unique alternative approach.

We frequently hear about ebikes that are designed to replace cars, but they're still basically bicycles. The Elecy, however, is a pedal-electric vehicle that's much more car-like than most, offering full weather protection and seating for two.

The Frikar was certainly one of the most compelling pedal-electric vehicles to come our way in the past several years. And although its maker went bankrupt last year, the bike is now set to ride again – as the TwoZero Classic.

Norwegian company Podbike has just stated that it is filing for bankruptcy, only a few months after announcing the availability of its Frikar pedal-electric quadcycle to buyers in Austria and Belgium. It was already being sold in Norway and Germany.

There are times when a car is more of a vehicle than you need, but even a three-wheeled velomobile is just a little too … little. That's where the pedal-electric Acticycle comes in, with its four wheels, two seats, and top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph).

Perhaps you like the idea of commuting by bike, but are put off by the thought of hunching over the handlebars in the wind and the rain. If so, the semi-enclosed VeMoo recumbent e-trike may be just what you're looking for.

Electric micro-cars make a lot of sense for quietly and cleanly navigating packed inner-city environs. As do ebikes or velomobiles. A French startup has combined all three for the Karbikes pedal-assist quadricycle.

The pedal-electric, semi-enclosed, bicycle/car-hybrid thingies are now coming thick and fast. One of the latest to hit our radar is the Hopper, which has already been turning heads on streets around Germany.

Pedal-powered "velocars" certainly are fun, eco-friendly and even practical, but they can also be tippy. Canadian builder Wally Swarchuk has addressed that problem in his one-off Tilt4orce, which uses a clever tilting system to lean into turns.

When it comes to electric vehicles, there's definitely a gap between small, simple ebikes and larger, costlier electric cars. The new-and-improved Veemo velomobile is intended to firmly fill that niche – and I recently got to try it out for myself.

Within just the past week, we've told you about the VM45, Quadvelo and Velocity electric-assist quadcycles. If you'd like something a little less pedal-car-like, however, you might want to check out the Indimob e-trike.