The Pedalist is an electric-assist velomobile developed by San Diego-based company Virtue Cycles. The peculiar but brilliant vehicle caught the attention at Interbike in Las Vegas but is now planning to attract dollars over at Kickstarter.
This tadpole-like trike is powered by a 750-Watt motor and will run on a 48-volt 32-amp lithium-ion battery pack. Its motor-only range will be around 80 km, with an electronically limited top speed of 32 km/h in the US. In addition to this throttle mode, users will be able to use the motor to augment their pedaling.
The Pedalist is an example of a vehicle that is human-powered but uses technology to augment the limitations of human energy, making for a wholesome and fun transportation experience.
What's Driving This Trend
- Electric-assist Velomobiles
- The Pedalist exemplifies the trend of human-powered vehicles that leverage technology for enhanced performance.
- Alternative Transportation
- The Pedalist contributes to the trend of exploring alternative transportation methods for eco-friendly commuting.
- Personal Mobility Solutions
- The Pedalist aligns with the trend of developing personal mobility solutions that prioritize convenience and efficiency.
Who This Affects Most
- Electric Vehicle
- The electric-assist velomobile trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the electric vehicle industry to expand beyond cars and motorcycles.
- Bicycle Manufacturing
- The growing popularity of electrically assisted velomobiles creates opportunities for bicycle manufacturers to integrate motor technology into their product offerings.
- Sustainable Transportation
- The rise of alternative transportation trends, such as electric-assist velomobiles, drives innovation in the sustainable transportation industry to provide greener options for commuters.
