Tales of the Green Lender

Andrew Sturtevant likes to practice what he preaches. When it comes to treading lightly on the planet, he’s there.

Andrew puts the pedal to the metal, literally, in his 40-mile round trip daily commute by traveling in his Velomobile, a power assisted bicycle.

Facts About the Velomobile
image

  • Manufacturer: Aerorider – Netherlands - www.aerorider.com

  • The Velomobile is legally a power-assisted bicycle, according to national and state Department of Transportation Standards. It features a small engine and extra tire in the rear, making the Velo a “tri-bryd” vehicle with three sources of power: 1) Pedal 2) Electric and 3) Gas.

  • Electric Motor: The Velomobile is built as a Human/Electric hybrid. This means the vehicle is legally a bicycle by DOT standards, but there is a 600-watt electric motor, limited to 20 mph, on board to assist the rider. Electric power comes from two 36-volt 13.5 Amp Hour batteries.

  • Gas Motor: In 2008 Andrew added an eight-pound 32 cc gas motor that gets about 200 mpg. The motor is a four-stroke Subaru Robin micro engine and transfers the energy by HTD belt drive. The engine kit came from Golden Eagle Bike engines in Michigan, and is available to mount on almost any standard bicycle. Web address is www.bikeengines.com.

  • Bicycle: The drive train, wheels, brakes, chains and gears are all standard bicycle parts that can be maintained at any local bike shop. The front disc brakes are made by Magura. The rear wheel contains a Shimano Nexus 8 gear internal hub with drum brake.

  • Miscellaneous Specifications:

    • Drag Coefficient of .13, which means only 13% of energy (pedal, electric or gas) is used to cut through the air. A normal bike has a coefficient of about .83

    • Range is 40 miles without gas, 150+- miles with gas depending upon terrain.

    • Average speed for daily 40 mile commute is about 24 mph

    • Weight is about 200 pounds with batteries

    • Body is made of carbon fiber composites surrounding an aluminum frame.

    • Suspension on all three tires.

    • Headlight, blinkers, horn, ventilation fans and wiper came standard on the Velomobile.

    • Sponsor: Franklin Savings Bank is a sponsor of the Velomobile.

    If you wish to see it up close or ask the owner more detailed questions, please feel free to call Andrew Sturtevant here at the bank’s Loan Center 778-2900.