Raht Racer velomobile may let riders pedal "as fast as a car"

<!DOCTYPE html> <html data-environment="production"> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/","20150703214628","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1435959988"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <title>Raht Racer velomobile may let riders pedal "as fast as a car"</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="robots" content="index, follow"> <meta name="description" content="Human-powered velomobiles can't go as fast as automobiles, meaning that they often have to be ridden along the edge of the road. The electric-assist Raht Racer, however, amplifies the rider's pedaling power, reportedly allowing them to move <em>as fast</em> as the cars around them. "> <meta name="keywords" content="Velomobile, Kickstarter, Electric Vehicles, Pedal-assisted, Human-Powered"> <meta name="news_keywords" content="Velomobile, Kickstarter, Electric Vehicles, Pedal-assisted, Human-Powered"> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@gizmag"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Raht Racer velomobile may let riders pedal "as fast as a car""/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Human-powered velomobiles can't go as fast as automobiles, meaning that they often have to be ridden along the edge of the road. The electric-assist Raht Racer, however, amplifies the rider's pedaling power, reportedly allowing them to move <em>as fast</em> as the cars around them. "/> <meta name="twitter:image:src" content="http://images.gizmag.com/hero/raht-racer.JPG"/> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="gizmag.com"/> <meta property="og:type" content="website"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/raht-racer.JPG"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Raht Racer velomobile may let riders pedal "as fast as a car""/> <meta property="og:description" content="Human-powered velomobiles can't go as fast as automobiles, meaning that they often have to be ridden along the edge of the road. The electric-assist Raht Racer, however, amplifies the rider's pedaling power, reportedly allowing them to move <em>as fast</em> as the cars around them. "/> <meta property="og:url" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/"/> <link rel="canonical" content="http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/"> <link rel="image_src" content="http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_lrg/raht-racer.JPG"> <link rel="alternate" media="handheld" content=""> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://production-assetsbucket-wvksza8x3q2f.s3.amazonaws.com/ico/favicon.feae52afa635.ico"/> <link href="//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628cs_/http://production-assetsbucket-wvksza8x3q2f.s3.amazonaws.com/COMPILED/public.731a7b908a80.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"/> <script type="application/javascript" src="//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628js_/http://production-assetsbucket-wvksza8x3q2f.s3.amazonaws.com/COMPILED/public.e59df7bcf015.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; (function() { var gads = document.createElement("script"); gads.async = true; gads.type = "text/javascript"; var useSSL = "https:" == document.location.protocol; gads.src = (useSSL ? "https:" : "http:") + "//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js"; var node = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; node.parentNode.insertBefore(gads, node); })(); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { gpt_pushdown = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/pushdown', [[728,90], [970,90], [970,250]], 'pushdown') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_skyscraper = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/UrbanTransport_Skyscraper_Right_160x600', [160,600], 'skyscraper_right') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_bottom_inc = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/bottom_include', [1,1], 'bottom_include') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_islandtr = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/UrbanTransport_IslandTop_Right_300x250', [[300,250], [336,280], [300,600], [300,1050]], 'island_top_right') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_islandbr = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/UrbanTransport_IslandBottom_Right_300x250', [[300,250], [336,280], [300,600]], 'island_bottom_right') .addService(googletag.pubads()); gpt_hmpg_fllwr = googletag.defineSlot('/1007667/Article_300x600_Follower', [[300,250], [300,600]], 'article_follower') .addService(googletag.pubads()); stacksocial = googletag.defineSlot('/7346874/GZM-300x250', [300,250], 'stacksocial') .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().setTargeting('pt', 'a'); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.pubads().set('page_url','https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/'); googletag.enableServices(); }); </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628js_/http://a.postrelease.com/serve/load.js?async=true"></script> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=10"/><script type="text/javascript">window.NREUM||(NREUM={}),__nr_require=function(e,n,t){function r(t){if(!n[t]){var o=n[t]={exports:{}};e[t][0].call(o.exports,function(n){var o=e[t][1][n];return r(o?o:n)},o,o.exports)}return n[t].exports}if("function"==typeof __nr_require)return __nr_require;for(var o=0;o<t.length;o++)r(t[o]);return r}({QJf3ax:[function(e,n){function t(e){function n(n,t,a){e&&e(n,t,a),a||(a={});for(var u=c(n),f=u.length,s=i(a,o,r),p=0;f>p;p++)u[p].apply(s,t);return s}function a(e,n){f[e]=c(e).concat(n)}function c(e){return f[e]||[]}function u(){return t(n)}var f={};return{on:a,emit:n,create:u,listeners:c,_events:f}}function r(){return{}}var o="nr@context",i=e("gos");n.exports=t()},{gos:"7eSDFh"}],ee:[function(e,n){n.exports=e("QJf3ax")},{}],3:[function(e,n){function t(e){return function(){r(e,[(new Date).getTime()].concat(i(arguments)))}}var r=e("handle"),o=e(1),i=e(2);"undefined"==typeof window.newrelic&&(newrelic=window.NREUM);var a=["setPageViewName","addPageAction","setCustomAttribute","finished","addToTrace","inlineHit","noticeError"];o(a,function(e,n){window.NREUM[n]=t("api-"+n)}),n.exports=window.NREUM},{1:12,2:13,handle:"D5DuLP"}],"7eSDFh":[function(e,n){function t(e,n,t){if(r.call(e,n))return e[n];var o=t();if(Object.defineProperty&&Object.keys)try{return Object.defineProperty(e,n,{value:o,writable:!0,enumerable:!1}),o}catch(i){}return e[n]=o,o}var r=Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty;n.exports=t},{}],gos:[function(e,n){n.exports=e("7eSDFh")},{}],handle:[function(e,n){n.exports=e("D5DuLP")},{}],D5DuLP:[function(e,n){function t(e,n,t){return r.listeners(e).length?r.emit(e,n,t):(o[e]||(o[e]=[]),void o[e].push(n))}var r=e("ee").create(),o={};n.exports=t,t.ee=r,r.q=o},{ee:"QJf3ax"}],id:[function(e,n){n.exports=e("XL7HBI")},{}],XL7HBI:[function(e,n){function t(e){var n=typeof e;return!e||"object"!==n&&"function"!==n?-1:e===window?0:i(e,o,function(){return r++})}var r=1,o="nr@id",i=e("gos");n.exports=t},{gos:"7eSDFh"}],G9z0Bl:[function(e,n){function t(){var e=d.info=NREUM.info,n=f.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];if(e&&e.licenseKey&&e.applicationID&&n){c(p,function(n,t){n in e||(e[n]=t)});var t="https"===s.split(":")[0]||e.sslForHttp;d.proto=t?"https://":"http://",a("mark",["onload",i()]);var r=f.createElement("script");r.src=d.proto+e.agent,n.parentNode.insertBefore(r,n)}}function r(){"complete"===f.readyState&&o()}function o(){a("mark",["domContent",i()])}function i(){return(new Date).getTime()}var a=e("handle"),c=e(1),u=(e(2),window),f=u.document,s=(""+location).split("?")[0],p={beacon:"bam.nr-data.net",errorBeacon:"bam.nr-data.net",agent:"js-agent.newrelic.com/nr-632.min.js"},d=n.exports={offset:i(),origin:s,features:{}};f.addEventListener?(f.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded",o,!1),u.addEventListener("load",t,!1)):(f.attachEvent("onreadystatechange",r),u.attachEvent("onload",t)),a("mark",["firstbyte",i()])},{1:12,2:3,handle:"D5DuLP"}],loader:[function(e,n){n.exports=e("G9z0Bl")},{}],12:[function(e,n){function t(e,n){var t=[],o="",i=0;for(o in e)r.call(e,o)&&(t[i]=n(o,e[o]),i+=1);return t}var r=Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty;n.exports=t},{}],13:[function(e,n){function t(e,n,t){n||(n=0),"undefined"==typeof t&&(t=e?e.length:0);for(var r=-1,o=t-n||0,i=Array(0>o?0:o);++r<o;)i[r]=e[n+r];return i}n.exports=t},{}]},{},["G9z0Bl"]);</script><script type="text/javascript">window.NREUM||(NREUM={});NREUM.info={"beacon":"bam.nr-data.net","queueTime":1,"licenseKey":"2798a8ea7c","agent":"js-agent.newrelic.com/nr-632.min.js","transactionName":"Y1BUNxcHV0IEUENYXVoacBYLBU1YCl0YXEdYQV8WFwoDXBBfQ1hEXVBB","applicationID":"12753935","errorBeacon":"bam.nr-data.net","applicationTime":47}</script> </head> <body>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-2235360-4']); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 1, 'Section', 'Urban Transport', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 2, 'Writer', 'Ben Coxworth', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 3, 'View', 'Article', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 5, 'ArticleID', '36222', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar', 4, 'PPV_test3', '1', 3 ]); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageLoadTime']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://' : 'http://') + 'stats.g.doubleclick.net/dc.js'; (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(ga); })(); </script> <div id="fb-root"></div> <script> (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3&appId=38456013908"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); </script> <script>!function(d,s,id) { var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https'; if(!d.getElementById(id)) { js=d.createElement(s); js.id=id; js.async=true; js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js'; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs); } }(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');</script> <div class="ad ad-block"> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <div class="ad-inner" id="pushdown"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("pushdown"); }); </script> </div> </div> <div class="ad-skin"> <div class="container header-container"> <a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/" class="logo"></a>  <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/search/" class="header-search"> <input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-1607124478120364:cf1bgg5f284"/> <input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:11"/> <input type="hidden" name="ie" value="ISO-8859-1"/> <input type="text" name="q" class="input-inline header-search-input"/> <button name="sa">Search</button> </form> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628js_/http://www.google.com/cse/brand?form=cse-search-box-top&lang=en"></script> </div>  <div class="top-stories-container container"> <ul class="top-stories sprite"> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/pictorial-2015-goodwood-festival-of-speed-auction/38149/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/2015-goodwood-festival-of-speed-auction-preview.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/pictorial-2015-goodwood-festival-of-speed-auction/38149/">Pictorial: 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/slidenjoy-additional-portable-laptop-screens/38268/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/slidenjoy-extra-laptop-screens.jpeg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/slidenjoy-additional-portable-laptop-screens/38268/">Sliden'Joy gives your laptop two additional portable screens</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/horex-vr6-motorcycle-2015/38210/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/horex-vr6-motorcycle.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/horex-vr6-motorcycle-2015/38210/">Horex to bounce back to life with new VR6 motorcycle</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/nintendo-wii-u-review-2015/38298/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/should-you-buy-a-wii-u.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/nintendo-wii-u-review-2015/38298/">Why the Wii U still matters in 2015</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/solar-impulse-2-records-longest-solo-flight/38264/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/solar-impulse-2-records.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/solar-impulse-2-records-longest-solo-flight/38264/">Solar Impulse 2 breaks three records en route to Hawaii</a> </div> </li> </ul> <a class="more-top-stories" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/top-stories/">more top stories »</a> </div> <div class="container"> <div id="content" class="narrow_content"> <div class="article-top" data-article="36222"> <a class="label" href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/urbantransport/"> — Urban Transport </a> <h1>Raht Racer velomobile may let riders pedal "as fast as a car"</h1> <div class="clearfix"> <span class="pull-left"> By <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/" rel="author">Ben Coxworth</a> - February 23, 2015 </span> <a class="picture-count" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures"> 11 Pictures </a> </div> </div> <div class="inline-item"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/raht-racer.JPG" data-at2x="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/raht-racer@2x.JPG" alt="The prototype Raht Racer – Raht standing for Recumbent Human Automobile Transit " class="hero-img"/> </a> <div class="caption caption--hero"> <p> The prototype Raht Racer – Raht standing for Recumbent Human Automobile Transit </p> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures" class="gallery-link">Image Gallery</a> (11 images) </div> </div> <div class="article-body"> <p>With their sleek shells providing both protection from the elements and an aerodynamic advantage over bicycles, human-powered <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/velomobile/" target="_blank">velomobiles</a> do offer an intriguing alternative to cars. Unfortunately, though, they can't go as fast as automobiles, meaning that they often still have to be ridden along the side of the road. Minneapolis-based inventor Rich Kronfield wants to change that, with his Raht Racer. It's an electric-assist velomobile that amplifies the rider's pedaling power, reportedly allowing them to move <em>as fast</em> as the cars around them.</p> <ul class="thumbnails"> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures#1"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/raht-racer-0.jpg" title="Instead of directly driving the wheels, the Raht Racer's pedals are connected to a unique flywheel generator that powers the vehicle's 20-kWh electric motor " alt="Instead of directly driving the wheels, the Raht Racer's pedals are connected to a unique flywheel generator that powers the vehicle's 20-kWh electric motor "/> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures#2"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/raht-racer-1.jpg" title="As with regular pedal-assist electric bicycles, the Raht racer senses the torque being applied to the pedals by the rider, then uses the motor to amplify it" alt="As with regular pedal-assist electric bicycles, the Raht racer senses the torque being applied to the pedals by the rider, then uses the motor to amplify it"/> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures#3"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/raht-racer-2.JPG" title="Pedaling power is amplified to the point that an average adult should be easily able to maintain a cruising speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h) " alt="Pedaling power is amplified to the point that an average adult should be easily able to maintain a cruising speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h) "/> </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures#4"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/raht-racer-3.JPG" title="Some of the pedaling power is also used to charge the 9.2-kWh li-ion battery pack, helping to extend its range " alt="Some of the pedaling power is also used to charge the 9.2-kWh li-ion battery pack, helping to extend its range "/> </a> </li> </ul> <p>Most velomobiles consist of a recumbent tricycle body, enclosed by a full aerodynamic fairing. Some of them also have an electric-assist motor, although the top speed possible with these is usually limited to around 20 mph (32 km/h) – any faster, and they'd have to be registered and insured as motor vehicles.</p> <p>Kronfield apparently thinks that would OK, though, given that users would still save all the money they'd otherwise be spending on gas.</p> <p><div class="inline-item"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures#2" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/raht-racer-0.jpg" alt=""> </a> </div> </p> <p>Instead of directly driving the wheels, the Raht Racer's pedals are connected to a unique flywheel generator that powers the vehicle's 20-kWh electric motor (located in the rear wheel hub). As with regular pedal-assist electric bicycles, this system senses the torque being applied to the pedals by the rider, then uses the motor to amplify it. In the case of the Raht Racer, however, it's supposedly amplified to the point that an average adult should be easily able to maintain a cruising speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h) – or over.</p> <p>Some of the pedaling power is also used to charge the 9.2-kWh li-ion battery pack, helping to extend its range. That battery gets its <em>full</em> charge from a wall outlet, between rides. If used in throttle-only mode, in which the rider does no pedaling, it has a range of approximately 50 miles (80 km). Full-out, throttle mode will take the vehicle to a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).</p> <p><div class="inline-item"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/pictures#3" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/raht-racer-1.jpg" alt=""> </a> </div> </p> <p>The two-seater Raht Racer itself has a carbon fiber body with an aluminum roll cage, and includes features such as headlights, tail lights, seat belts, air bag, trunk space and full suspension. The current prototype tips the scales at 570 lb (259 kg) so yep, it's a good thing that it's not purely human-powered.</p> <p>It all sounds pretty intriguing, and it will be interesting to see if the Raht Racer lives up to the hype. If you want one, though, you'd better plan on it saving you a lot of gas – its estimated price is between US$35,000 and $45,000. Should you still be interested, Rich and his team are currently raising production funds, on Kickstarter. A pledge of $250 or more will get you on the waiting list.</p> <p>You can see the vehicle in action, in the following video.</p> <p>Sources: <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.rahtmobile.com/" target="_blank">RahtMobile</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1255345767/raht-racer-worlds-first-highway-speed-bike" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a></p><div class="inline-item js-article-video"> <iframe src="//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628if_/http://player.vimeo.com/video/115131642" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> </div>  <div class="page-section"> <ul class="list-ui list-ui--horizontal share-bar"> <li> <div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/" data-send="false" data-layout="box_count" data-show-faces="false" data-share="true"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> _ga.trackFacebook(); </script> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="gizmag" data-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/">Tweet</a> </li> <li> <div class="g-plusone" data-size="tall" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/"></div> </li> <li> <iframe style="overflow: hidden; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628if_/http://badge.stumbleupon.com/badge/embed/5/?url=http%3A//www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/" width="50" height="60" id="iframe-stmblpn-widget-1" name="iframe-stmblpn-widget-1"></iframe> </li> <li> <div class="pin-it-button" data-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/" data-image="http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_lrg/raht-racer.JPG" data-description="Human-powered velomobiles can't go as fast as automobiles, meaning that they often have to be ridden along the edge of the road. The electric-assist Raht Racer, however, amplifies the rider's pedaling power, reportedly allowing them to move <em>as fast</em> as the cars around them. "></div> </li> <li> <script type="IN/Share" data-counter="top"></script> </li> <li class="js-share-reddit"> <script type="text/javascript"> reddit_newwindow='1' </script> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="ad "> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <script async src="//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628js_/http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script> <ins class="adsbygoogle ad-article-bottom" style="" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1607124478120364" data-ad-slot="6055296962"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div>  <div class="page-section"> <div class="OUTBRAIN" data-src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/" data-widget-id="AR_1" data-ob-template="Gizmag"></div> <script type="text/javascript" async="async" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628js_/http://widgets.outbrain.com/outbrain.js"></script> </div>  <div class="page-section media"> <p class="h2 title-standout">About the Author</p> <a class="media__right" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/CACHE/images/avatars/127.3447568347cb.jpg" alt="Ben Coxworth"/> </a> <p>An experienced freelance writer, videographer and television producer, Ben's interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatical when it comes to human-powered transportation, film-making gear, environmentally-friendly technologies and anything that's designed to go underwater. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he spends a lot of time going over the handlebars of his mountain bike, hanging out in off-leash parks, and wishing the Pacific Ocean wasn't so far away.</p> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/author/ben-coxworth/"> All articles by Ben Coxworth </a> </div>  <div class="page-section"> <p class="h2 title-standout">Tags</span> <ul class="list-ui list-ui--horizontal article-tags"> <li>» <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/velomobile/" rel="tag">Velomobile</a></li> <li>» <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/kickstarter/" rel="tag">Kickstarter</a></li> <li>» <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/electric%2Bvehicle/" rel="tag">Electric Vehicles</a></li> <li>» <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/pedal-assisted/" rel="tag">Pedal-assisted</a></li> <li>» <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/human-powered/" rel="tag">Human-Powered</a></li> </ul> </div>  <div class="page-section"> <p class="h2 title-standout">22 Comments</p> <ul class="list-ui list-ui--vertical word-wrap"> <li> <p>Some of these people did not read the part about this Velomobile being a pedal assisted motorcycle, rather than a power assisted bicycle. To carry two adults and some cargo you cannot build it as a moped. Maybe a bicycle if both people are pedaling and you have a Mountain Tamer extra low gear, so that you can climb hills close to walking speed.</p> <p>I am building one as a moped, limited to 30mph and about 400lbs total combined weight. Being limited to only 2 HP it will climb our 8% grade hills at only about 20 mph. But to get a license it will have to be inspected. I figure that the controller can be set to shut down at just over 1500 watts. Other wise it would be hard to find a motor of the right size.</p> <p>Mopeds in the state of Washington are limited to 2 “brake horsepower', that's motor out put after the gear losses. We are thinking of using a hub motor for cruising on flat land only. But the power will have to be switched between the motors. And the whole system will need a speed detector for the controller. We will not use a pedal powered generator because fly wheels weigh too much. Yet it would be good to find out just how much distance it could add; A lot more on flat land.</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://commutercycling.blogspot.com/2010/10/secrets-of-motor-pedal-hybrid-design.html" rel="nofollow">http://commutercycling.blogspot.com/2010/10/secrets-of-motor-pedal-hybrid-design.html</a></p> <span class="strong">Nohj Yesdnil</span> </li> <li> <p>One more real vehicle, put side-by-side with this fantasy: Tesla Model 3 - <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/205252-tesla-targets-march-2016-for-35k-tesla-model-3-unveiling" rel="nofollow">http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/205252-tesla-targets-march-2016-for-35k-tesla-model-3-unveiling</a></p> <span class="strong">TomGearing</span> </li> <li> <p>259 kg traveling at 160 kph??? On a mixed use cycle/pedestrian path? No way. This should not be classed as a velomobile. It needs to be registered and restricted to driving on the road with cars. </p> <span class="strong">joeblake</span> </li> <li> <p>will take a good e-bike over this any day. You sit higher and can use your feet for balance if running on the motor. </p> <span class="strong">Rehab</span> </li> <li> <p>this is not very new, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.twike.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.twike.com/</a> or <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.veloschmitt.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.veloschmitt.com/</a></p> <span class="strong">Robert Bulthuis</span> </li> <li> <p>Idea, great. Price, uuurrrrkkkkk!</p> <span class="strong">MadMaxx</span> </li> <li> <p>This looks like a cool concept.. <em>looks at price</em>... nevermind. </p> <p>I don't really expect something like this to be cheap but at $40k it costs more than Chevy Volt or Nissan Leaf and doesn't come with the $7,500 tax incentive that a regular vehicle would have. </p> <p>Outrider USA makes decent Y config hybrid trikes for about $10k. They are smaller (</p> <span class="strong">Daishi</span> </li> <li> <p>This is the perfect vehicle. I hate it when they come out with nice concepts that can only do 25 or 35mph. Being highway ready is awesome! Finally a solution for when I can't ride my motorcycle or bicycle in the winter or on rainy days. If or when you make a $10k version, let me know, I'd love to own one!</p> <span class="strong">Vadim Romanovich</span> </li> <li> <p>I already have one of these, a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://velomobiel.nl/" rel="nofollow">Velomobiel.nl</a> Quest with electric motor. I've had it up to 65 mph, but it was a little scary. I've since improved the rear shock. 1. Make the wheels aerodynamic taking them into the body. 2. The weight that you propose is absurdly too much. 3. The color black is highly dangerous. Luminous paint would help. 4. It should be much better lit up with very big LED's, EL wires. I recommend an LED covered fishing rod high enough to be seen from an 18 wheeler cab. </p> <span class="strong">TogetherinParis</span> </li> <li> <p>This vehicle has several contradictions: 1 - the mass / weight is excessive, 2 - the fairing aerodynamic advantage in part only at the front, while it is a problem with the side wind 3 - the pedal assisted bicycle is a contradiction, because then you always travel motor 4 - on the contrary this architecture vehicle is suitable for a city car "we say sporty" (in the forms) 5 - the front wheels is better carenarle with fender 6 - the lights are brought out of the bodywork like of insect antenna 7 - I we would see a vehicle or hybrid electric propulsion and not to pedals 8 - There is an intrinsic defect configuration front-tricycle: there is a danger of rollover</p> <span class="strong">Germano Pecoraro</span> </li> <li> <p>I think this is an amazing accomplishment for an "out-of-his-garage" inventor to achieve - wow! And so much is right on this - in particular his original vision: a year-round commuting electric vehicle in which you can also get some exercise. The estimated price is very high, something that I think could be made more realistic with a little creativity and the right partners (anyone at Zero listening?) </p> <p>Two thots: it really needs to have at least limited (and controlled) tilting, so that it will lean into corners a bit. Secondly, Mr. Kronfield needs the right partners in this. I'll reiterate Zero motorcycles... if he was able incorporate their drive-train technology and manufacturing efficiencies, the price <em>surely</em> wouldn't be that much more than a fully-loaded SR. And think of the performance numbers he'd get! Likely close to double the range, and top speeds wouldn't be an issue at all! And keeping the trike configuration, registration remains in the motorcycle realm. It would be a frickin' thing of beauty! Then, add a few practicalities, such as a set of voluminous-yet-sleek panniers, and he's got gold!</p> <p>(Note to Mr. Pecoraro above: the front-trike layout is far more stable than a rear-trike design for rollover stability! Add in a tilting chassis, and this sucker would rock! Look up the European "Tripendo" cycle to see what I'm talking about!)</p> <span class="strong">MzunguMkubwa</span> </li> <li> <p>Why would anyone in such a vehicle WANT to go as fast as a car? All it takes is one good hit and both vehicle and rider are toast. </p> <p>Something like this might be OK out on the salt flats, but in the real world, it's just an accident or death waiting to happen.</p> <p>But experimenting is fun and a great way to learn new lessons...keep at it!</p> <span class="strong">JonathanPDX</span> </li> <li> <p>In California, an electric-assisted tricycle can't have a motor more powerful than 750 watts and can't go faster than 20 mph on flat ground with a 170 lb rider on electric power alone. If it exceeds those limits, it is classified as an electric motorcycle. As such, you'd need a motorcycle drivers license, motorcycle insurance, and you can't ride it on bike trails or in bike lanes, by law.</p> <p>There already are electric-assisted velomobiles that qualify as bicycles, some with suspension and shocks, selling for $6000 to $8000. There are electric motorcycles, without rain protection of course. Recharging the battery by drawing some of the pedaling power seems like a stupid idea, just making it harder to ride, losing some of the energy captured by the inefficiencies inherent in any system like that. Regenerative braking has been analysed by an engineer and shown not to be worthwhile for bicycles: <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.ecospeed.com/regenbraking.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.ecospeed.com/regenbraking.pdf</a> . There is a European trike (delta, not tadpole configuration) with electric assist, with 2 seats, selling for about 26,000 euros, called the Twike, in production for many years. SmartCar (<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://smartusa.com/" rel="nofollow">smartusa.com</a>) makes a real 2-person electric car that sells for about US$15,000 and up, and it has the safety features of a road car.</p> <p>This vehicle isn't a car and it isn't a lightweight electric bicycle. It just doesn't seem to fit a useful niche to me, except as an expensive toy with bragging rights.</p> <span class="strong">overbyte</span> </li> <li> <p>Ridiculously high priced gimmick. For the same money I can buy a couple decent motorcycles that get up to 60mpg and have a range of up to 300 miles. Electric vehicles need a better energy storage technology to be viable.</p> <span class="strong">David Earnest</span> </li> <li> <p>Weight: 36 kg; hub motor size 250 watts; top speed 35+ km/h (without power assist); average speed over 200 km 18 km/h (including hill climbing - 7% gradient); range - as long as the sun shines the solar panels charge the battery. Cost roughly $AUD 6,500.</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/saxeharp/trike/P2190002_zps1a0aa0a0.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/saxeharp/trike/P2190002_zps1a0aa0a0.jpg</a></p> <span class="strong">joeblake</span> </li> <li> <p>The price is ridiculous. For $ 6800 you can soon get an Elio trike with a similar layout but with an ICE <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.eliomotors.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.eliomotors.com/</a> For half the price you can get the Twike which has been in production for many years and perfected along the way. They also have a new model on the way.</p> <p>To succeed this Raht needs a price below $ 10000 and more focus on lightness and efficiency than speed. A max speed of 65 mph will suffice. </p> <span class="strong">Cas Tuyn</span> </li> <li> <p>overbyte; thank you very much for the link <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.ecospeed.com/regenbraking.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.ecospeed.com/regenbraking.pdf</a></p> <p>I have suspected this for some time but lacked the ability to calculate the efficiency percentages.</p> <p>I'm currently building a "racing" bike with a 800 Watt/hour lithium ion polymer battery powering a brushless hub motor, aiming for 40 MPH (64 KPH) to speed. Regen was an option now firmly rejected.</p> <p>Cheers.</p> <span class="strong">Pat Pending</span> </li> <li> <p>I'd rather have a second-hand 911 and a gym membership</p> <span class="strong">mommus</span> </li> <li> <p>A step in the right direction, and attractively packaged, but I agree with some of the criticisms above. For an electric vehicle of this weight, you may as well do away with the pretense of 'electrically-assisted' human-powered propulsion. It won't work without the motor, so it would be simpler to build it as an ultralight, very aerodynamic electric car, using current velomobile and electric motorcycle technology. The wheels could do with fairing in somehow, and turning it into a tilting 'tadpole' trike would allow the track to be narrowed, improving manoevrability and aerodynamics, which would have the bonus of extending battery life. Battery charging <em>can</em> be done from renewable sources, so it's potentially 'green' in that sense. </p> <span class="strong">Alexander Lowe</span> </li> <li> <p>Hello, Maybe we shall keep what we have now (if we have)? But, if I must spent 45,000 $$$ on some vehicle, I would buy good Mercedes Diesel and enjoy driving it everywhere, with a company - to the end of my life! If I am not obliged to spent such money on any vehicle, but I have it - I would know what to do with it! In any case, we could buy a lot of gasoline for that money for entire of our lives, even if we are young. BTW, article is full of #*ç&%@¢ , like this:</p> <p>"... Raht Racer's pedals are connected to a unique flywheel generator that powers the vehicle's 20-kWh electric motor .... senses the torque being applied to the pedals by the rider, then uses the motor to amplify it .... average adult should be easily able to maintain a cruising speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h) – or over ... pedaling power is also used to charge the 9.2-kWh li-ion battery pack, helping to extend its range ... The current prototype tips the scales at 570 lb (259 kg) ... If you want one, though, you'd better plan on it saving you a lot of gas ... " Using pedals to propel generator that should propel electric-motor? The worst possible system of hybrid power. And, motor has 20 Kilowatts! And, to charge batterers in the same time? All that in vehicle of 260 kg? It would be easier to design and construct "perpetum mobile"! </p> <p>Somebody could says that their only goal is to collect 250 $$$ for a few thousand times and then go bankrupt? Beside, such vehicle if ever produced for the market - must be registered: not as moped but as 3-wheel motorcycle (or heavy three-wheeler in Europe) Zoran P.S.: Yes – it is perfect, but there are no perfect things in real life!</p> <span class="strong">moto-klasika</span> </li> <li> <p>Absolutely great, but ridiculous price. IF I truly wanted similar could get engineer to make what I design for half this. WHY they charge so much for carbon fibre is beyond me. It is expensive, but not THAT expensive that you need to charge $20k for the body. Surely can't be more than $15-25k for electric motor/battery pack/brakes/wheels/suspension. So $20k for CARBON body, don't ppl realise it's a 30+yr old product should be cheap as hell by now. Rant over ;-)</p> <p>The concept if someone actually did similar using cheap/strong/light composites </p> <span class="strong">PaulYak</span> </li> <li> <p>Very cool...! I would love to have one of these... It is just what the doctor ordered some exercise but not to much exercise... Unfortunately I could never afford one of these Raht Mobiles... I was in a bad accident at work some 15yrs. ago and had left me flat broke.. I looked into other means of transportation, and I can't drive a car, so I'm faced with a crazy cab rides of $30.00 to $60.00 in cost just to go buy food at our local supermarket which isn't so local...! Maybe I'll hit the lottery or power ball, till then, I keep on looking for other means of transport ...! </p> <span class="strong">Zachary Mohrmann</span> </li> </ul> </div>  <div class="page-section"> <a name="comment-form"></a> <p class="h2 title-standout">Post a Comment</p> <div data-article="36222"> <form class="login-form js-login-form" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/login/" method="post"> <p class="strong">Login with your Gizmag account:</p> <p class="js-login-error"></p> <input type="hidden" name="csrfmiddlewaretoken" value="6P2H2htcMDh5tR7gqzL3BvWyjkfjoWrN"/> <input type="hidden" name="next" value="/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/"> <tr><th><label for="id_email">Email:</label></th><td><input id="id_email" maxlength="254" name="email" type="email"/></td></tr> <tr><th><label for="id_password">Password:</label></th><td><input id="id_password" name="password" type="password"/></td></tr> <button class="btn-lg btn-lg pull-right">Log In</button> <div class="pull-left"> <a class="small" href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/register/">Register here</a><br/> <a class="small" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/password-reset/recover/">Forgotten your password?</a> </div> </form> <p class="strong">Login with Facebook:</p> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/login/facebook?next=/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/" class="facebook-login-button" rel="nofollow"></a> </div> </div> <div class="page-section"> <p class="h2 title-standout">Related Articles</p> <ul class="list-ui list-ui--vertical related-articles"> <li class="media"> <a class="media__left" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/pedalist-velomobile-kickstarter/37108/" title="Pedalist velomobile hits Kickstarter"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-related/pedalist-velomobile.jpg" alt="Pedalist velomobile hits Kickstarter"/> </a> <a class="h3 title-link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/pedalist-velomobile-kickstarter/37108/"> Pedalist velomobile hits Kickstarter </a> <p class="related-article__date"> April 21, 2015 </p> </li> <li class="media"> <a class="media__left" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/e-fox-velomobile/29531/" title="e-fox velomobile wants to be your next "car""> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-related/e-fox-4.jpg" alt="e-fox velomobile wants to be your next "car""/> </a> <a class="h3 title-link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/e-fox-velomobile/29531/"> e-fox velomobile wants to be your next "car" </a> <p class="related-article__date"> October 24, 2013 </p> </li> <li class="media"> <a class="media__left" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/future-people-hpv-naias-2015/35636/" title="The Future People push the boundaries of human-powered transport"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-related/zeppelin-11.jpg" alt="The Future People push the boundaries of human-powered transport"/> </a> <a class="h3 title-link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/future-people-hpv-naias-2015/35636/"> The Future People push the boundaries of human-powered transport </a> <p class="related-article__date"> January 17, 2015 </p> </li> <li class="media"> <a class="media__left" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/veloschmitt-1950s-messerschmitt-e-velomobile/31942/" title="Veloschmitt reinvents the 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 as a two-person e-velomobile "> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-related/veloschmitt.JPG" alt="Veloschmitt reinvents the 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 as a two-person e-velomobile "/> </a> <a class="h3 title-link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/veloschmitt-1950s-messerschmitt-e-velomobile/31942/"> Veloschmitt reinvents the 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 as a two-person e-velomobile </a> <p class="related-article__date"> May 8, 2014 </p> </li> <li class="media"> <a class="media__left" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/elf-pedal-solar-velomobile/25285/" title="ELF velomobile is powered by you and the Sun"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-related/elfvelomobile.jpg" alt="ELF velomobile is powered by you and the Sun"/> </a> <a class="h3 title-link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/elf-pedal-solar-velomobile/25285/"> ELF velomobile is powered by you and the Sun </a> <p class="related-article__date"> December 3, 2012 </p> </li> <li class="media"> <a class="media__left" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/scorpion-fs-folding-e-assist-trike/24527/" title="Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec folding electric trike goes up to 28 mph (45 km/h)"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-related/hpvelos-pedelec.jpg" alt="Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec folding electric trike goes up to 28 mph (45 km/h)"/> </a> <a class="h3 title-link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/scorpion-fs-folding-e-assist-trike/24527/"> Scorpion fs 26 S-Pedelec folding electric trike goes up to 28 mph (45 km/h) </a> <p class="related-article__date"> October 15, 2012 </p> </li> </ul> </div>  <div class="page-section"> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/search/" name="cse-search-box-bottom"> <p class="h2 title-standout">Looking for something? Search our articles</p> <input type="hidden" name="cx" value="partner-pub-1607124478120364:bqw4wo-1udf"/> <input type="hidden" name="cof" value="FORID:11"/> <input type="hidden" name="ie" value="ISO-8859-1"/> <input type="text" name="q" size="10" class="content-search-input input-inline"/> <input type="submit" name="sa" value="Search"/> </form> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628js_/http://www.google.com/cse/brand?form=cse-search-box-bottom&lang=en"></script> </div> <div id="subscribe_modal_container" class="jqmWindow"> <div class="modal_close"> <a href="#" class="modal_close_button close_modal"> </a> </div> <div class="modal_inner"> <div id="modal_title"></div> <div class="modal_content"> <p class="title">Over 160,000 people receive our email newsletter</p> <p class="note_normal">See the stories that matter in your inbox every morning</p> <form id="subscribe_modal" name="subscribe_modal" action=""> <label>Your Email</label><br> <input name="email" type="text" id="modal_email" size="425"> <center id="modal_result"></center> <div class="modal_buttons"> <input class="big" type="submit" value="Subscribe"/> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="right_cols"> <div class="ad "> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <div class="ad-inner" id="island_top_right"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("island_top_right"); }); </script> </div> </div> <div id="right_col_a"> <div id="right_col_b"> <div class="ad "> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <div class="ad-inner" id="skyscraper_right"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("skyscraper_right"); }); </script> </div> </div> <div class="ad"> <span class="title">Sections</span> <ul class="dots" id="sections_list"> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/features/" class="features_reviews_list">Features</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/reviews/" class="features_reviews_list">Reviews</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/aircraft/">Aircraft</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/architecture/">Architecture</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/aroundthehome/">Around The Home</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/automotive/">Automotive</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/bicycles/">Bicycles</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/children/">Children</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/computers/">Computers</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/digital-cameras/">Digital Cameras</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/electronics/">Electronics</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/environment/">Environment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/games/">Games</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/goodthinking/">Good Thinking</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/health/">Health and Wellbeing</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/destinations/">Holiday Destinations</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/homeentertainment/">Home Entertainment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/remarkablepeople/">Inventors and Remarkable People</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/laptops/">Laptops</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/marine/">Marine</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/medical/">Medical</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/military/">Military</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/mobiletechnology/">Mobile Technology</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/motorcycles/">Motorcycles</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/music/">Music</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/outdoors/">Outdoors</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/pets/">Pets</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/robotics/">Robotics</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/science/">Science</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/space/">Space</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/sports/">Sports</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/telecommunications/">Telecommunications</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/urbantransport/">Urban Transport</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/wearableelectronics/">Wearable Electronics</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <span class="h3">Recently popular articles in Urban Transport</span> <ul class="sprite vertical-sprite"> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/bultaco-brinco-e-bike/38137/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/bultaco-brinco.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/bultaco-brinco-e-bike/38137/">Bultaco puts its motorcycle know-how into a 2,000-watt electric bike</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/lexus-hoverboard/38176/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/lexus-hoverboard.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/lexus-hoverboard/38176/">Lexus has developed a hoverboard ... seriously</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/moto-pogo-one-wheeled-self-balancing-scooter/38090/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/moto-pogo.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/moto-pogo-one-wheeled-self-balancing-scooter/38090/">Moto Pogo enters the one-wheeled electric scooter marketplace</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/homebuilt-electric-z-kart/18200/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/z-kart.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/homebuilt-electric-z-kart/18200/">The homebuilt electric Z-Kart - who needs a Tesla Roadster?</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/hovertrax-urban-mobility/27368/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/hovertrax.jpeg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/hovertrax-urban-mobility/27368/">Hovertrax works like a pared-down Segway</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/raht-racer.JPG"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/raht-racer-velomobile/36222/">Raht Racer velomobile may let riders pedal "as fast as a car"</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/solowheel-gyro-stabilized-electric-unicycle/17900/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/solowheel-12.JPG"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/solowheel-gyro-stabilized-electric-unicycle/17900/">Solowheel: self-balancing last mile transport for the upstanding commuter</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/walking-bicycle/32342/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/walking-bicycle-club.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/walking-bicycle/32342/">The Walking Bicycle strolls along at 15 mph</a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/veloschmitt-1950s-messerschmitt-e-velomobile/31942/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/veloschmitt.JPG"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/veloschmitt-1950s-messerschmitt-e-velomobile/31942/">Veloschmitt reinvents the 1955 Messerschmitt KR200 as a two-person e-velomobile </a> </div> </li> <li> <a class="sprite__img" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/velological-worlds-lightest-e-bike-drive/31976/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero-popular/velospeeder.jpg"> </a> <div class="sprite__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/velological-worlds-lightest-e-bike-drive/31976/">Velogical shrinks the rim drive to "world's lightest" e-bike drive</a> </div> </li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> <div class="ad "> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <div class="ad-inner" id="island_bottom_right"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("island_bottom_right"); }); </script> </div> </div> <div class="ad stacksocial"> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <div class="ad-inner" id="stacksocial"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("stacksocial"); }); </script> </div> </div> <div class="ad js-ad-follower"> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <div class="ad-inner" id="article_follower"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("article_follower"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="clear_left"></div> </div> </div>  <div class="subscribe"> <div class="container"> <form class="js-subscribe-form"> <p class="h2">Subscribe to Gizmag's email newsletter</p> <input type="text" name="email" class="content-search-input input-inline" placeholder="Enter Your Email Address ..."/> <button>Subscribe</button> <p class="js-subscribe-error"></p> </form> </div> </div>  <div class="footer"> <div class="container"> <ul class="highlights highlights-horizontal"> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/pictures-2015-paris-air-show/38085/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/2015-paris-air-show-pictures@2x.JPG"> </a> <div class="highlight__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/pictures-2015-paris-air-show/38085/">In pictures: Paris Air Show 2015</a> </div> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/state-of-the-game-the-worlds-tallest-buildings/38145/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/worlds-tallest-buildings@2x.jpg"> </a> <div class="highlight__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/state-of-the-game-the-worlds-tallest-buildings/38145/">State of the Game: The world's tallest buildings, now and in 2020</a> </div> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/photos-expo-2015-milan-guide/37796/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/expo2015@2x.jpg"> </a> <div class="highlight__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/photos-expo-2015-milan-guide/37796/">In Pictures: A walk through World Expo 2015</a> </div> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/lexus-hoverboard/38176/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/lexus-hoverboard@2x.jpg"> </a> <div class="highlight__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/lexus-hoverboard/38176/">Lexus has developed a hoverboard ... seriously</a> </div> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/galaxy-s6-active-review/38191/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/galaxy-s6-active-review@2x.jpg"> </a> <div class="highlight__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/galaxy-s6-active-review/38191/">Samsung Galaxy S6 Active review: The ideal complement to the GS6</a> </div> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/camera-sensor-size-guide/26684/"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/camera-sensor-size@2x.jpg"> </a> <div class="highlight__title"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/camera-sensor-size-guide/26684/">Camera sensor size: Why does it matter and exactly how big are they?</a> </div> </li> </ul> <div class="footer__copyright">All content copyright © Gizmag 2003 - 2015</div> </div> </div>  <div class="bottom-index"> <div class="container bottom-index__inner"> <ul> <li><a href="#top">Top</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/">Home</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/about/">About</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/contact/">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/privacy/">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/termsofuse/">Terms & Conditions</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://www.gizmag.com/advertise/" class="brighter">Advertise</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="ad hide ad-bottom-include"> <div class="ad-label">Advertisement</div> <div class="ad-inner" id="bottom_include"> <script type="text/javascript"> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("bottom_include"); }); </script> </div> </div>  <script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628js_/http://static.getclicky.com/js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript">clicky.init(110681);</script> <noscript><p><img alt="Clicky" width="1" height="1" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628im_/http://in.getclicky.com/110681ns.gif"/></p></noscript>  <script type="text/javascript"> (function() { var nstrack = document.createElement("script"), el_nstrack = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; nstrack.async = true; nstrack.src = "https://web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://track.netshelter.net/async/js/sites/gizmag.com-async.js"; el_nstrack.parentNode.insertBefore(nstrack, el_nstrack); })(); </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _sf_async_config={uid:4159,domain:"gizmag.com"}; _sf_async_config.authors = "Ben Coxworth"; _sf_async_config.sections = "Urban Transport"; (function(){ function loadChartbeat() { window._sf_endpt=(new Date()).getTime(); var e = document.createElement('script'); e.setAttribute('language', 'javascript'); e.setAttribute('type', 'text/javascript'); e.setAttribute('src', '//web.archive.org/web/20150703214628/http://static.chartbeat.com/js/chartbeat_pub.js'); document.body.appendChild(e); } var oldonload = window.onload; window.onload = (typeof window.onload != 'function') ? loadChartbeat : function() { oldonload(); loadChartbeat(); }; })(); </script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Raht Racer velomobile may let riders pedal "as fast as a car"