3 ms·

Can somebody give a reason why velomobiles are so low to the ground? Would they become much less aerodynamic if made with about about half a meter more ground c

• Pxtl 14y ago
  Several reasons: 1) unlike a bike, they can't bank into turns. Unlike a car, they're narrow. So at speed, a taller vehicle would be vulnerable to tipping. Being low to the ground allows them to sport a better ratio of base-width vs. centre of gravity, which is crucial to prevent tipping. 2) wind. Lightweight enclosed vehicles are incredibly vulnerable to wind. Again, tipping becomes a concern. They make taller enclosed 2-wheelers, but they're designed for time trials on tracks and are inappropriate for use outdoors because they get blown over. It's probably possible to design a vehicle with a wider base and an elevated frame, and only enclose the driver/gearing compartment, but it would be very challenging. These vehicles seem very cool and, more importantly, very efficient... but I'd never ride one on roads that include automobile traffic.