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Haul People and Cargo with Virtue Cycles’ Pedalist “Tadpole” Semi-Enclosed Tricycle

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Virtue Pedalist profile

Commutes by bike are avoided by riders for a variety of reasons. They require special clothing for the elements. There is a lack of cargo carrying capacity on many bikes. You can’t carry passengers if you need to. And, of course, there are always safety concerns. Taking into account many of these and other factors that discourage people from commuting by bike, the people at Virture set out to create a vehicle that would expand the capabilities and ease of use of pedal powered vehicles through the design of a semi-enclosed, electrically assisted tricycle. Learn more about this terrific traffic tadpole after the jump…

Virtue Pedalist head-tail light

The Pedalist’s outer shell is semi-enclosed to help protect riders from the elements in order to negate the need for heavy outer clothing in the wind or rain while also offering protection from the sun. It puts the rider physically high in position and incorporates integrated lights into the front and rear of the vehicle for increased visibility both of the vehicle and from the vehicle.

Virtue Pedalist park

The footprint is designed to be narrow, only 35 inches, to allow the Pedalist to fit in narrow bike lanes and through doorways for easy storage inside, and for creative outdoor parking scenarios when necessary.

Virtue Pedalist lifestyle

The vehicle is designed with two wheels in the front for stability in motion and to support the forward cargo space. Something that distinguishes this design is passenger carrying capability. Need to give a friend a ride or drop a mortified teenager at school? Not a problem! Behind the cyclist is an adult-sized seating compartment. And if you want to take a small child or pet with you, there is space for them in the front cargo hold including attachment mechanisms for a toddler’s childseat.

Virtue Pedalist Interior

Stopping power comes from disc brakes on magnesium wheels. The rider has the option of pedaling unassisted by the electric motor with an 8-speed internally geared hub, but can also opt for pedal assist or throttle settings in case of heavy cargo or intimidating hills, though speed is limited in throttle-only mode to 20mph to adhere to California law. The 750W electric motor and 48V Lithium-Ion battery boasts of a range of 50 plus miles in throttle only mode (and the Kickstarter notes that more batteries can be placed in the front cargo hold if you really want to get crazy).

For $3,999 on the Kickstarter, you can get your own Virtue Pedalist in this early bird offer. If off-white and grey aren’t your colors, you can throw down $8,199 for a pair of Pedalists in the color of your choice.

No word on whether flames are an option at this time.

KickStarter.com

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14 Comments
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Chasejj
Chasejj
8 years ago

(deleted).

JBikes
JBikes
8 years ago

Though I think its kind of neat and would think it fund to own one, non of those reasons are why people are discouraged from riding bikes (except maybe the safety one). They may say that is the reason, but it isn’t.

And, nobody that doesn’t feel safe on a bike will feel safe in this thing.

Big mike
Big mike
8 years ago

I would by one at $2000-$3000, not $4000

T.Ntong
T.Ntong
8 years ago

I’ve been commuting by bike to work for a few years now.
I’ve got to admit that I resorted to my car for heavier rides (i.e. Groceries) & longer distance trips; until a few months ago my wife bought me a used electric Nihola 🙂
I did ride more with its carrying capacity & electric help for longer rides.
I put the $2999 for the non-electric Pedalist version. The plan is to move the motor & battery from my Nihola to the Pedalist.

blitheclyde
blitheclyde
8 years ago

Man, my stable of tweaker bikes could use one of these.

Antoine
Antoine
8 years ago

I think the pricing is impressively good for such a machine. Any velomobile without power assist is much more expensive and less practicable. I think there is a market too. 20mph is really not that bad. Hope it will be a success !!

Blake
Blake
8 years ago

Is tipping an issue with this? Bikes can normally lean in a turn. With three wheels, I don’t think so. Also, have there been crash test done with this? If it isn’t as strong as a car, then I’d probably prefer to be thrown off a bike then being stuck inside that.

eadm
8 years ago

cheaper than a lot of the current road/mtb offerings!

Ford
Ford
8 years ago

have these people ever heard of wind? this wouldn’t last 5 mins in a breeze.
daft idea.

alex
alex
8 years ago

I like it – but it does look a bit cumbersome, and seems that lots of the joys of cycling are lost, ease of movement, wind in the face, etc… and I imagine riding these would annoy the hell out of drivers.

Matt
Matt
8 years ago

Can we get a bike rack on this?

doozer
doozer
8 years ago

This is a good idea in some ways and a terrible idea in others. They intend this to replace a car? So you’ll be driving on roads. Are there no safety features? No seatbelts, airbags? And I share the concern about this tipping over in medium to high cross winds or on uneven roads. I think there are problems that arise when you are in a vehicle that is not a bicycle but nowhere near an automobile. And think of trying to negotiate repairs with your insurer…

Don B
Don B
8 years ago

I had a leaning trike utilizing Noomad system; great when riding lite, terrible when going heavy with my tools (leaning becomes counter productive). I can understand why they’re going with rigid.
I don’t think it’d replace cars totally, but it’d make sense for 2-3 miles urban trips where it’d take longer with car’s traffic & parking.

Vin C
Vin C
8 years ago

Needs to lean like other duel wheel front trikes ie: Drymer. Like the design except will blow over in a heartbeat or tip on a tight turn.

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