A Vancouver start-up aims to bring a new option to clean urban travel: an “electric-assist” pedal tricycle with a hard shell.
A buffing-up of an old idea—enclosed recumbent bikes called velomobiles have been around for decades—the Veemo looks more like a small, three-wheeled car, complete with roof, bumper, front and side windows, and a lockable cargo space. Its maker, Vancouver start-up VeloMetro, describes it as “a sophisticated, enclosed, electric-assist, smartphone-connected vehicle.”
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CEO John Stonier calls it “active transportation without perspiration” for business people looking for a quick zip across town, without needing a shower and change of clothes at their destination. Neither car nor bike, the Veemo requires neither driver’s licence nor helmet to operate, which Stonier says should appeal to Canadians under 25 who don’t have driver’s licences and don’t want to own a (traditional) vehicle.
VeloMetro is seeking financing to unveil the Veemo in a ride-sharing rental model on the University of British Columbia campus this fall.
