If you’re itching to get behind the wheel, but not old enough for a full driving license, take a look at the PodRide – a four-wheeled electric cycle with full fabric bodywork to keep you dry and warm in all weathers. The 250W motor has a top speed limited to 25 km/h, which means the PodRide is classed as a bicycle and can be operated on cycle paths and by those without a driving license or under 16.
Mikael Kjellman is a sports enthusiast and design engineer who who finds the the weather in Sweden to be a challenge when cycling. Kjellman looked at exising velomobiles, but found their low-slung shape left him feeling exposed when cycling alongside cars. The PodRide has a seat height similar to that of a small car, which allows for easy access and good visibility in traffic. The full bodywork and an electric heater keeps the driver warm and dry, and air suspension delivers a comfortable ride. There’s even a small boot that will take a couple of bags of shopping.
According to Kjellman. the PodRide is great fun to drive, but the main motive behind the project are the environmental benefits that these vehicles could bring if they were made more popular. Based on the average European electricity mix, the PodRide produces carbon emissions of 7g/km compared to the average car’s 140g/km or electric car’s 70g/km.
Small and lightweight velomobiles like the PodRide are good for health (both rider and pedestrians), cheap to run, good for the environment, easy to park and fun to drive. These vehicles require no new or advanced technology and would be relatively cheap if mass-produced. If only for the reduced road danger that would result from their widespread uptake in urban centres, these vehicles have the potential to have a positive and transformative effect.
Following a successful crowd funding campaign earlier this year, Kjellman is developing a kit aimed at home builders.
Cycle insurance for electric bikes
Cycle insurance from the ETA covers electric bicycles as standard. As well as protection against theft (with no devaluation), we cover your battery and quick release components.
Provided your electric bicycle weighs less than 60 kg and has an output not exceeding 250W, you can get fully comprehensive cycle insurance from the ETA that includes £5 m third party cover, accidental damage and battery cover as standard.
On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. How much excess you will be charged is just one of the things that varies wildly between providers. Another is so called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use this term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, they devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it.
ETA cycle insurance has a low standard excess of 5% (minimum £25) and offers a new-for-old for life – however old the bike, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model.
For over 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. We never devalue bikes no matter their age, allow you to buy your replacement bike wherever you like, replace stolen quick release components and handle claims in-house.
The Good Shopping Guide voted us ethical in Britain.
Diana
Just checking – this is legal in UK, not just Sweden? For use on roads and cycle paths? Any idea of price? And difficulty of the build?
Mark Dunn
I this bike totally human powered? Is this legal in the UK? I would think 8 mph would be the limit in the UK.
Ralph
UK speed limit for electric bike or tricycle is 15.5mph . Not sure of the status of a quadricycle, probably counts as a bicycle.
Diana
Mark – “electric cycle .. The 250W motor” so it may be possible for driver to pedal (like existing electric bikes) but not mentioned in article and it would be hard work, don’t think I could do 8mph!
Checked the UK law – a child would have to be over 14 and I think article writer should have made that clear. (saying under 16 implies no lower limit which I think is case in Sweden)
250W motor means no vehicle emissions tax. Electric bikes can go on cycle paths and are subject to normal bike rules and laws.
Top speed is 25kph – 15.5mph – in UK.
Electric bikes can have 3 or 4 wheels and there is no legal weight limit.They have to have manufacturer’s plates showing maximum assisted cut-off speed, as well as manufacturer name, battery voltage and maximum continuous rated power.
The kit bike will need a certificate of compliance from a testing house – no idea what cost/ pffaff is involved in that.
VFR800
In most European countries there is no lower age limit so anyone can legally ride a pedelec – here in Britain we have decided, for reasons not altogether clear, that those under 14 cannot be trusted.