Lightfoot Velo...I need one

Velo-cars​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The Lightfoot velo-car designs are large fully-enclosed shells which fit on special Lightfoot cycle models designed specifically as velo platforms. These shells are designed to keep the driver and cargo dry and warm in the very worst weather; extreme cold, blowing snow, and torrential rain. Shell designs feature extreme visibility, easy-to-control ventilation, large cargo volume and overall ease of use. They are simple and utilitarian. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Our present vehicles are the result of years of R&D. Our concepts have evolved and the quality of vehicles has steadily improved over time. Photos on this page show partial views of some of our earlier vehicles, especially the elements that remain part of our latest vehicles. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The refined 2011 descendents of these earlier vehicles have stronger and more durable bodies, easier entry and exit for large persons, greater stability, greater resistance to side winds, better windshield wiper function, improved doors, easier access to cargo areas, less rattle noise from wind and bumps, improved rear hatch/doors and a fuller choice of power assist options. These are agile and maneuverable vehicles. Like the generations of prototypes that preceded them, they remain an absolute delight to use in wet and cold weather. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]2011 VeloBug[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The cute little Bug is visually similar to a scaled-down Rainshadow. It has three wheels, which allows it to fit the definitions of a "bicycle" in even the most restrictive municipalities and states. It is 8" shorter in overall length than the Rainshadow, 6" lower at the roofline, and is noticeably more compact. Very importantly, the rider's center of gravity is 7" lower, making the vehicle much more stable with the same wheel track width, and more resistant to side winds. It is a little more aerodynamic than the older Rainshadow, and a little lighter, which will permit it to travel a bit faster on muscle power alone. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]SPEED[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Most modern velomobiles can be thought of as "sports cars", optimized for speed. The Lightfoot velo-cars, by contrast, can be thought of as "minivans", optimized for utility. These are absolutely not aerodynamically-maximized high-speed fairings. The modest aerodynamics of the tapered, sharp-cornered shell do reduce the drag of the very large frontal area to an extent; however, the primary design goal for this particular shell has been the maximization of user-friendliness, capability and capacity; we have not compromised these qualities to attain speed. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]On a purely muscle-powered VeloBug, persons who cruise at a speed of perhaps 10 mph on a bare trike will not see their speed much affected, except on uphills, where the heavier weight produces slower speeds. Stronger riders, however, who tend to cruise at perhaps 16 mph on a bare trike will find that that same effort will produce 13 mph in the shell, as the large frontal area's aerodynamic drag comes into play with faster air speed, and the increased weight makes itself felt more on uphill grades. It is extremely hard to push any of these velos faster than 15 mph on muscle power alone, because aerodynamic drag increases as the cube of your wind speed -- add 10% to your speed and your air drag increases 30%. The aerodynamic 'wall' for a human pedaling one of these velos may be 15 mph, but for a 300-500 watt electric assist will be around 20 mph. The VeloVan will be 2 mph slower than the Bug and the Pickup another 1 mph slower than that.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]If you want an all-weather, non-cargo, non-passenger vehicle with enhanced aerodynamics, capable of faster-than-ordinary speeds under pedal power alone, then check out the Lightfoot FST models.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Power assist makes this vehicle zip! An electric assist system, for example, which propels a bare cycle at approximately 20 mph (with a fresh battery and moderate pedal input from the rider) on level terrain, will propel a comparable velo-car at that same speed with the same power (motor plus rider) input. The motor will be assisting a greater percentage of the time to hold that speed (perhaps 30% more on-time) and the range of the battery consequently will be reduced by that same percentage. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]A simple, powerful and highly effective reverse is accomplished by pushing back with feet against the ground, through the open bottom of the middle section of the shell.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The shell does not interfere with, and permits the use of, almost all Lightfoot trike options, including: tandemizer hitch, trailer hitches, hub-motor or chain-drive electric assist, child-seat rack, bench seat for child passengers, internal-gear hubs, two-wheel drive (except the Bug), and wheel disks. The shell does not permit use of the hand crank. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]A single right side door is standard. The single door opens on the curb side of the vehicle, where the jackshaft is not, thus providing more room for access to the seat. Not having a door (opening window only) on the left side, means that the shell is stiffer and weighs less.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Carrying a Brompton folding bike[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The velo shells are designed with mounts positioned to effectively use standard bike lights. Two headlights are mounted and protected within a metal "grill" or frame (more compact for 2011). Two (or more) taillights are attached to the rear of the shell. Brake lights are largely superfluous on most human powered vehicles, which, from an automobile driver's viewpoint, are relatively motionless even when under way, and we do not offer them at this time. Turns can be signaled with extended arms, of course, and we have an exterior turn signal system under development. Reflective tape can be mounted anywhere on the shell.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The steeply sloped windshield was designed to shed water quickly. RainX (used on airplane windows) can be sprayed on to maximize water sheeting. The windshield wiper is manually operated, with its easy-operating handle close at hand when needed. The windshield is tempered glass, and if iced over can be scraped clear without damage. We have experienced almost no fogging or freezing; the windshield is far enough from the rider's face that breath tends not to fog, and air movement inside the shell is enough to keep it clear.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The shell reflects sounds from inside and underneath the vehicle. The sound of heavy rain drops or hail on the roof can be loud, though you won't find us objecting.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The shell also blocks out sounds from outside the vehicle. When the doors are shut, even driving over gravel makes enough noise inside the velo to mask the approach of cars. Riders should realize that aural clues normally available on an open bike will be missing, and should take extra care to watch for cars.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]POWER ASSIST[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]We use power assist for a number of reasons. Almost any [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]electric assist[/FONT] on the market will fit the velo-car models and be used for local power assist. In limited instances our mini gas-engine assist can be used for long-distance over-the-road assist power. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The Lightfoot Power Pusher Trailer carries a power assist system and pushes the cycle to which it is attached. This unique machine can add geared electric assist, or even gas-engine assist, to the velomobile, without bringing vibration, noise and exhaust inside the shell, and without taking up cargo area. It also adds the cargo capacity of the trailer to the vehicle's capabilities. For those few states and metropolitan areas that do not allow power assist on a "bicycle", the PPT option can allow you to have a fully-pedal-power "towing" cycle that meets all restrictions, to which you can add power assist when allowed and desired. The PPT is an almost invisible electric assist system.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]PRICING and PURCHASE[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The base vehicles on which the velo shells are built generally have a price slightly higher than that of a similar Lightfoot model, as the velo cycle may have additional mounting brackets and other changes. Velo shells are being quoted at $1800 as of January; this price will almost certainly go up as the year progresses. Electric assist must be purchased separately. Lighting is priced separately.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The base cycle onto which the shell is built is covered by our Satisfaction Guarantee and Lifetime Frame Warranty.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The shell is covered by our Satisfaction Guarantee. Though we expect many years of service from these shells, we do not offer a warranty on the shell, and do not have enough history yet to accurately predict its eventual life expectancy under varying conditions of use and storage. The UV resistant Coroplast body panels can be replaced if damaged, and polycarbonate doors and windows can be very easily detached, used as a template with which to trace a new copy, and replaced when the amount of scratches becomes problematic.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]BODY CONSTRUCTION[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Shell material is polycarbonate side and rear windows, tempered glass windshield and Coroplast body panels. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]These lightweight shells are hand-built; no two are exactly the same, and the designs and methods are continually evolving and improving. Flat panels are cut and bent to shape to create the body. Pieces are fastened together with screws, bolts, zip-ties and rivets. We no longer rely on glue alone for connection, but do reinforce and waterproof some seams with glue. Seams are finish taped as needed. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Panels are usually made of UV-resistant Coroplast (corrugated plastic). A utilitarian material, Coroplast (corrugated plastic) has been our shell material of choice because of its light weight, thickness/stiffness without weight, relative quietness, translucence, low cost, reparability and ease of recycling. Coroplast is polypropylene, and is recycling category #5. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Though we expect years of service from these shells, we do not offer a warranty on the shell, and do not have enough history yet to accurately predict eventual life expectancy under varying conditions of use and storage. Body panels, if damaged or eventually worn out, can be removed and used as a template to cut a replacement piece; this maintenance is very straight-forward and requires only ordinary hand tools.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Available Coroplast colors are: brown, ivory, orange, light blue, olive, purple, black, red, white, yellow, navy, silver, green and natural (translucent). Colors are muted, not brilliant and not glossy. Colors not presently in stock may need to be special-ordered, which can add to the cost.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]little Lightfoot goes a long way[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]​

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Call us at 406 821-4750 8-5 Monday - Friday Mtn Time • Email: info*lightfootcycles.com​

 

Purple. Get the purple.

 

Nah, the yellow one ... people will think you're a Head Start School Bus, they'll all be waiting for the stop sign to pop out the side

Seriously though, that's not a bad looking enclosure and a darn site less expensive than most velos.

 

Purple, I tell ya. They'll think he's Barney the Dinosaur.

"I love you,
You love me.
The velo door's stuck
'n I gotta go pee."

 

Hmmm .... There is that ....

 

Na the green one for me.

 

I like the orange one!

 

I think the olive drab and then add some stars and bars!

Curtis

 

What, no patterns?
Not even a classic two-tone?!

Geeze!

I'd go for either an op-art, pop-art theme or an animal print.

Mondrian, Klee, Pollock... or:
-zebra, cloud leopard, jaguar!

Polkadots!

Lightning/ zig-zag!


The flat panels lend themselves perfectly to displaying creative art.

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All that being said, I'd go for white.
(And then go nuts.)