Velomobile or scooter DIY

[Pierrel]

Hi guys,

I'm looking at getting my commute to work cheaper than running my car every day. I've been Thinking of a velomobile or something similar to Allen Jacobs build but with a Cheap 50cc scooter, which by law is limited to 45 kph.

I think they might end up in the same park when it comes to cost. But with the scooter I only have to do minor fabrication. Whereas I have to fabricate the recumbent trike myself. I think the scooter will be more comfortable too, and will be ridden on the better roads compared to some bike roads around here

Problems I've come up with

Will it be too heavy?
Small wheels a disadvantage?
Would like a clutch to disengage engine breaking during downhill rides.
Still have running costs, compared to a Velo.

Has anyone been thinking the same thing maybe?

[MetroMPG]

How far is your daily commute?

[Grant-53]

First check local laws for width of vehicle and seat height. Next consider dealer support for parts and service. Count how many times you will need to stop for traffic or change lanes to make turns. A mountain bike with a motor may be a good option. A velomobile will likely have a low seat height that could be a disadvantage in traffic. Many scooters have 10" wheels and automatic transmissions. Look for something with 12" wheels and a gearbox. An electric scooter will have less range but does not need a transmission.
Any choice should include good lighting and streamlining. See the posts in the Alternative Transportation section.

[Giovanni LiCalsi]

Combine the two and get this.

[Pierrel]

Thanks guys! You make some valid points.
Just recently bought a road bike with the intent to participate in some races this summer. And i figured i could run my bike to work, get a workout and save some money in the same time On my first few rides I've noticed how much wind and weather affects you on a normal bike.

Its about 12 miles one way. Not that far, and i can bike the 12 miles in 45 minutes at the moment. Maybe the best alternative is just to stick with the bike for now.
I've seen some used e-scooters for sale, but i don't like cutting up a 2000 dollar scooter whilst not guaranteed to succeed.

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by Pierrel

i don't like cutting up a 2000 dollar scooter ....

You might be in luck. This reverse trike was on Craigslist @ $1500. I will not send the link since this post will last a lot more than a week and the link would be useless. I grabbed 2 photos of this Honda VL500 with two front wheels . Reverse trike lay out and 20 foot Fish Fairing. (SF Bay Clst.)

[Christopher Jordan]

Originally Posted by Christopher Jordan

20 foot Fish Fairing. (SF Bay Clst.)

Looks wide! (loading very slowly and would not load the first time- frontal viwe; about 5 feet wide.

[Grant-53]

At 12 miles distance, a streamlined bicycle is idea. A mountain bike or road bike can be fitted with a fairing and tail piece.