Urban Transport

Pedal-electric VM45 velomobile lets riders cruise at almost 30 mph

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Currently known as the VM45, the vehicle will likely be sold under a different (and catchier) name
Katanga
Katanga president Stephane Boving with the VM45
Katanga
The underside of the VM45 – every part of its shell is curved, to boost stiffness
Katanga
Currently known as the VM45, the vehicle will likely be sold under a different (and catchier) name
Katanga
The VM45 has a 350-liter (92-gal) cargo compartment
Katanga
A hinged top hatch is utilized for getting in and out of the cockpit
Katanga
The VM45, all opened up
Katanga
The VM45's lighting system includes head- and tail lights, turn indicators, a brake light and a license plate light
Katanga
View gallery - 7 images

Although cargo ebikes are often referred to as replacements for cars, they usually can't match an automobile's urban cruising speed, among other things. The VM45 four-wheeled velomobile comes very close however, with a top electric-assist speed of 45 km/h (28 mph).

So first of all, just what is a velomobile?

Well, it's typically a recumbent tricycle – or in cases like this, a quadcycle – covered in a full aerodynamic shell. That streamlined body makes the vehicle faster than an upright bicycle (on the flats, at least) plus it provides a decent amount of cargo space along with protection from inclement weather.

Katanga president Stephane Boving with the VM45
Katanga

The VM45 is made by Czech mobility company Katanga, which builds the popular WAW velomobile and produces parts for the Velove Armadillo four-wheeler. It has been in the works since January 2021.

The vehicle's body/shell is made of a composite material consisting of aramid and carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix. A side-opening lockable hatch on top provides access to the cockpit, with a smaller downward-opening hatch in the rear providing access to the 350-liter (92-gal) cargo compartment.

A hinged top hatch is utilized for getting in and out of the cockpit
Katanga

The VM45's chain-drive drivetrain incorporates a 7-speed, auto-shifting, 750-watt Valeo motor/gearbox, which is claimed to augment the rider's pedaling power up to the previously mentioned 45 km/h – it also has a reverse gear. Its motor is powered by a 48V/1,240-Wh lithium-ion battery, which should reportedly be good for a range of up to 255 km (158 miles) in Eco assist mode.

Front and rear DNM coil-spring shocks provide 45 and 60 mm of travel, respectively. Stopping power is provided by 90-mm Sturmey-Archer drum brakes in front and 160-mm disc brakes in the back – the latter double as parking brakes.

Other features include a full front and rear lighting system (including turn indicators), an electric motorcycle horn, and dual side mirrors. The whole thing tips the scales at a claimed 79 kg (174 lb) – battery included – and rolls on four 20-inch 47-mm-wide spoked bicycle wheels. It can support a maximum rider/cargo weight of 121 kg (267 lb).

The VM45's lighting system includes head- and tail lights, turn indicators, a brake light and a license plate light
Katanga

Katanga president Stephane Boving tells us that due to its relatively powerful motor and high top speed, the VM45 is legally considered a "light on-road quad" (not an ebike) in Europe. This means that the homologation process could take at least a year. For that reason, no preorders are being taken at this time.

That said, Boving states that he may offer a version with a 250-watt motor and a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), which could be on the market much sooner. He may also offer a model with no motor at all, leaving motor choice/installation up to the buyer. Rough estimates put the pricing of the non-motorized model at about €11,000 (US$12,108), with the motorized version going for €13,000 ($14,310).

For now, though, you can see the prototype in action in the video below – skip ahead to the 4:50 mark if you're the impatient type.

Source: Katanga

View gallery - 7 images
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13 comments
brent_j
The price is ridiculous, IMO. And how would climate control work? It looks like the rider would be sweltering within seconds sealed into the quad like that.
Nobody
174 pounds should be fun to pedal. Reminds me of the photo I saw 30 years ago of a mountain bike with a concrete frame for those who really wanted a workout.
Brian Sheehan Sr.
Considering the price of high end e-bikes, it’s not the price that’s ridiculous. It’s the fact that anyone south of Northern Europe isn’t going to be able to handle that thing on any day above 70°f. If they brought it to the USA, you’d be reading and article in the news the next day about someone running one off the road on purpose. They can’t be bothered with sharing the road with normal bikes and do stupid crap around them. Imagine something the same average speed that takes the entire lane.
Magnetron
Sinclair C5?
Peter Forte
There's also the question about manoeuvrability, considerably less so than a cargo cycle, which it is intended to replace.
jerryd
With 4wheels this in most of the US is a car or NEV with either high costs or big restrictions of not being able to use, cross an over 40mpg road. So check your local laws before buying any light EV.
mattlass
And when T- Boned by an SUV in an intersection, it doubles as your casket, recouping the exorbitant initial expense by defraying the cost of internment. Win-win, maybe.
madsci
$11K without a motor, is that really an option?
Garrulinae
Excuse my ignorance, but why...?

What does this do that the typical cargo scooters don't do? Such as the e-trikes used by Australia Post?
Trevor James
$12,000?!?! Is that a joke ? that has to be a joke!!! hahaha