Adult four-wheeled bicycles

A bicycle with four wheels is usually associated with children, but this is not entirely true. Variants of 4-wheel bicycles for adults began to appear in the mid-19th century, shortly after the invention of two-wheel designs. Even the first cars looked like a four-wheeled bicycle with pedals. This is obviously why bicycles with 4 wheels are called velomobiles.

The peculiarities of the structure of the velomobile are that the brakes and the total load are accentuated on the rear wheel shafts. The handlebars and frame of such a bicycle undergo major changes taking into account many parameters. The principle of operation of the wheels and the brake system remains unchanged, only the number of frames changes from one to two. Velomobiles are often simple two-seater, where one person pedals, and complex, in which both drivers are involved.

The drive mechanism in this design can be in the form of a common shaft with two pedal blocks united by one chain, or be equipped with separate drives for each cyclist.

Adult four-wheeled bicycles are very comfortable for the elderly, as such a construction does not require any effort to maintain balance. If you install one or two child seats in the velomobile, then this will be the safest option than a regular bicycle. For couples, the 4-wheel design can be used as a gym trainer with comfortable lounge chairs. Travel enthusiasts value velomobiles for their ideal carrying capacity and large interior space.

Velomobiles have a number of advantages over bicycles with two wheels. They are as follows:

• these are very stable bicycles;
• they are characterized by a comfortable fit of the cyclist;
• it is possible to transport large loads;
• there are advanced management options;
• you can easily move both on asphalt and on unpaved soil, as well as on grass;
• originality of the design.

The disadvantages include the following points:

• complex structure that is not easy to assemble and repair;
• more often break down due to a complex device;
• velomobiles are quite expensive, and independent production requires a lot of time and money;
• due to its large dimensions, the structure is difficult to lift if necessary during a trip or during storage.

In order to buy a high-quality velomobile that will last a long time, you should take into account the useful advice of experts:

• first, decide for what purpose you need a velomobile;
• first of all, evaluate not the design, but the simplicity and ease of use;
• pay attention to the materials from which the bike is made and their durability;
• it is very important to evaluate the quality of the brakes;
• find out if the velomobile is equipped with additional parts, for example, a safety bar that protects the head and neck in case of emergency;
• explore all the additional features of the model you like and think if there is an urgent need for them, as they greatly affect the overall price of a bicycle with 4 wheels.

There are not so many companies engaged in the production of four-wheeled bicycles, but the quality of their products is at a high level.

• Berg. The velomobiles of this German company have a design in bright colors, are equipped with a solid frame and can withstand a driver weighing 80-100 kg, some models up to 120 kg. They are equipped with different types of chain drives, for example, velomobiles with F drive are budget models, the pedals of which always rotate, even when moving uphill. The AF four-wheel drive allows you to move both forward and backward; pedaling backward means reverse, which acts as a brake.

• TVL Smart. Among the models of this Chinese brand, the Speed ​​Race velomobile is especially popular. It is a single-seater four-wheeled bicycle, made in red and black colors. It is characterized by a not very complex AF drive.

• Contes Engineering. The Athos model of this American company is presented in three versions. They have different wheel radius: BMX, mountain bike and cross. This velomobile is equipped with independent air suspension, disc brakes and LED lights. The model is made in white and blue design.

An adult four-wheeled bicycle is a successful symbiosis of a bicycle and a car. From the first, he borrowed efficiency and environmental friendliness, and from the second - stability and a comfortable fit.

For information on how to make a homemade velomobile, see the next video.