Velomobile Development
CGI’s main business is the development of a complete product line for use in the printing industry (www.controlsgroupinc.com). To support our products we have brought together a team of talented computer software/hardware engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers whose job it is to keep CGI at the top of its field.
Manufacturing our products requires qualified individuals with expertise in sheet metal design and fabrication, CNC machining, and all forms of welding. With this in mind, we looked for a platform that would showcase these skills while providing help to those of us that want freedom from the dependence on foreign oil. The following Velomobile was developed to accomplish this goal.
“A velomobile or bicycle car is a human-powered vehicle, enclosed for aerodynamic advantage and protection from weather and collisions.”1
Developing our new Velomobile has given our staff of professionals the opportunity to explore new materials and expand our knowledge of metal working and product development.
Many commercially available Velomobiles are imported from European countries that have a history of bicycle usage for daily transportation. Many of these enclosed vehicles have a high degree of sophistication and often utilize composite structures to a great extent.
The CGI team wanted to explore the use of aluminum as an alternative to composites, whereas aluminum is readily recycled and abundant in the United States. We believe our use of an all aluminum Monocoque body allows for a vehicle that will stand up to the riggers of daily use in all whether conditions while still remaining light enough to be a practical HPV.
We continue to explore different materials and forming techniques for each component of the vehicle’s structure depending on its function. The load bearing components are fashioned from aluminum, stainless steel, and chrome-moly into a functional and secure structure.
The use of nylon fabrics and thermo formed Lexan panels help create a lightweight aerodynamic enclosure that affords the rider protection from the environment while at the same time providing significant vehicle damage protection. Composites often fracture on impact resulting in costly repairs.
The first generation vehicle shown here is in daily use as transportation by one of our designers. We continue to gain important design expertise as the miles add up and presently are engaged in the design and construction of our next generation vehicle.
The experience gained by the team, here at CGI, during the development of this road vehicle has proved invaluable and we would like to make it available to others. We encourage you to contact us with your comments and special requirements as they relate to HPV’s of all types.
We actively support fellow bike riders and are offer out help in completing special projects. One-off machining, waterjet cutting, metal forming and welding, or simply need to discuss your idea, just let us know.
Should you wish to explore purchasing a velomoble or be kept informed as to the progress of the next generation vehicle please email us at RickAtwater@earthlink.net.
For additional pictures of generation one HPV, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/b52_bent/
1Frederik Van De Walle.
The Velomobile as a Vehicle for more
Sustainable Transportation