In an era when environmental consciousness and innovative mobility solutions are pushing the boundaries of transportation, the Quadvelo emerges as an interesting middle ground between the traditional car and the modern ebike.
For many who wish to reduce their carbon footprint, completely giving up the comforts of a car might seem like a big leap. This is where the Quadvelo steps in – designed as a four-wheeled alternative to ebikes, offering a more substantial form and increased capabilities.
Specifications and Features
Manufactured by the Belgian firm Eurocircuits, the Quadvelo features a powder-coated 7075 aluminum alloy frame. This sturdy frame is enclosed in a sleek fiberglass body. Customers can opt for removable doors, one on each side, making it adaptable to varying weather conditions.
Storage isn’t an issue with the Quadvelo. A rear hatch opens to reveal a cargo area spacious enough to fit an optional child seat. Moreover, the windows are fabricated from scratch-resistant polycarbonate, which ensures longevity while retaining clarity.
On the road, the Quadvelo uses four 20-inch wheels fortified with puncture-resistant tires, ensuring reliability during rides. Safety and control are enhanced with front and rear 90-mm Sturmey Archer drum brakes, although a more advanced Tektro hydraulic disc brake system is available as an upgrade. Ride comfort is elevated with the integration of coil spring shocks in the front and elastomer shocks at the back.
Driving the Quadvelo is a 9-speed rear-derailleur drivetrain that is power-assisted by a Sachs RS 925 motor, located in the front. This motor magnifies the driver’s pedaling efforts by delivering an impressive 112 Nm (83 lb ft) of torque. The electric-assist enables the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 25 km/h (16 mph). Furthermore, its 48V/17-Ah lithium battery promises a commendable range of 75 km (47 miles), with an optional second battery available to double this distance.
Notably, the Quadvelo comes equipped with a touchscreen display, dual side mirrors for enhanced visibility, an adjustable-position mesh seat for optimal comfort, a windshield-defogging fan, and a full lighting system – complete with front and rear turn indicators.
Dimensions and Availability
Weighing in at 95 kg (209 lb), the Quadvelo has dimensions of 250 cm x 84 cm x 133 cm (98.4 in x 33 in x 52.3 in). It can comfortably support a combined driver and cargo weight of 200 kg (441 lb).
The journey to bring the Quadvelo to life spanned nearly seven years, culminating in its recent debut into limited serial production. A full production model is on the horizon, priced at a starting rate of €9,900 (approximately US$10,838). Potential buyers should note, however, that the Quadvelo is currently exclusive to EU countries.
For those exploring similar options, other enclosed pedal-electric four-wheelers such as the CityQ, Podbike, DryCycle, and PodRide offer intriguing alternatives. Another vehicle that potential buyers might consider is the sleeker VM45, which we covered a few days ago.
In conclusion, as the transport landscape evolves, the Quadvelo stands out as a promising hybrid solution, combining the best of cars and ebikes for the environmentally conscious consumer.
Source: Quadvelo
