Comparison TVL Smart Double vs Berg Choppy

The minimum age from which it is recommended to use a velomobile. Of course, this indicator is rather conditional: children can grow and develop faster than the norm, and it is possible that the car may be quite suitable a few months before the calendar birthday. Nevertheless, it is still not recommended to violate these recommendations: each age category requires the presence of certain skills, as well as compliance with height and physique; therefore, using the velomobile too early can be difficult, inconvenient, and even dangerous.

The age group is to some extent associated with the appointment (see below). So, children's models mainly have a minimum age of 2 to 3 years, the maximum for them is 4 years. The same age is the smallest found among teenage velomobiles, and universal ones belong to groups of 5 years and older.

User group for which the velomobile is designed. This parameter is associated not only with the age category of riders (see above), but also with the set of features provided in the car.

— Children's. The simplest and, usually, inexpensive type of velomobiles. The latter is associated not only with small size (length, usually, does not exceed 110 cm), but also with a rather modest set of additional features. And the maximum load in such models is small - in most cases it does not exceed 50 kg. Note that most of these machines provide a seat adjustment function - it allows you to adjust the seat for a constantly growing child. However, occasionally there are velomobiles without such adjustment.

— Teenage. Transitional class between children's and universal models. In this case, teenagers mean children 8–12 years old, and this type of velomobile is designed for them (although the age group can start from an earlier age, see above for more details). However the maximum load in such models can exceed 100 kg, but such indicators are not so much an intentional step of manufacturers as a “side effect” of large structures, and do not yet mean that the machine is suitable for an adult. The length of most models is about 130 cm, they can use additional features that are not found in children's rooms - in particular, this class includes not only single, but also double models (see "Number of seats").

— Universal. Also, this variety is called "adult...s" - for the reason that both children and adults can ride such machines. Universal models have large sizes, corresponding maximum load indicators and an abundance of adjustments to adjust to riders of different ages and physiques; and the number of seats can reach 4. However, such velomobiles cost accordingly.

The greatest weight that a velomobile is able to carry for a long time without breakage, in other words, the maximum load on the structure that is permissible for normal operation. This load takes into account the weight of the driver, luggage, and in multi-seat models, passengers as well (that is, it is indicated for the car as a whole, and not for a separate seat). This parameter is connected primarily with the purpose and age category (see above): the “older” the velomobile is, the more weight it should normally carry.

Of course, when choosing a machine, one should proceed from the fact that the maximum load indicated in the characteristics should not be lower than that planned in real conditions; but at the same time it is desirable to have also a certain reserve. This is related to two things. Firstly, this parameter is usually given for flat roads; and when driving through pits, potholes and other irregularities, the velomobile may be subjected to off-design loads even with a formally permissible weight. Secondly, most often velomobiles are bought for children; and as children grow up, a margin of weight is simply a must — otherwise the machine will very quickly become unusable.

Also, do not be deceived if, when the maximum load (accidental or intentional) was exceeded, the velomobile did not break down immediately — overload anyway negatively affects reliability and can lead to early breakdown.

The number of seats, nominally provided in the design of the velomobile. Each seat usually has its own seat.

— 1. The most popular option among modern velomobiles; this is due to the very specifics of the use of such machines. This variety may include models of any appearance and purpose (see above).

— 2. Double velomobiles are usually made in the form of karts or tricycles, and the placement of the second place may be different. So, in some models it is installed behind the driver; in this case, the front seat is often made larger, based on an adult, while the back seat is small and intended for a child. Another option is to install seats in one rad. Also note that the second person is not necessarily a passive passenger — both seats can have full duplicated controls, including 2 sets of pedals.

— 4. Quadruple cars among modern velomobiles are rare, but nevertheless, such cars are also produced — in case someone needs to ride in just such a composition. Such models, usually, have two rows of two seats. At the same time, the pedals can only be brought out to the back row, so that those sitting in front can enjoy the ride without expending effort; this design actually turns the velomobile into a cycle rickshaw crew.

The ability to use the pedals of a velomobile to move not only forward, but also backward. Note that the simplest type of drive — to a rigidly fixed driven gear (when the pedals rotate and when the velomobile is idling) — does not provide reverse, this requires certain design tricks. Therefore, if it is important for you to be able to freely ride not only forward, but also backward, you should choose a car in which such an opportunity is directly stated.

Note that most often the movement back is carried out simply by rotating the pedals in the opposite direction, however, some models may include the inclusion of a "reverse gear" with a special lever, usually located on the frame.

The presence of a hand brake in the design of the velomobile.

Unlike the car “handbrake”, which is regularly used as a parking brake, such a brake, usually, can also be used while driving (although there are other options). Its presence is especially important for "high-speed" velomobiles — this version of the brake system is considered more reliable and more convenient than pedals (in particular, because it allows the use of high-performance disc brakes).

The diameter of the front wheel(s) of a velomobile. In fact, this parameter is important, first of all, taking into account the fact that large wheels have a higher cross-country ability than small ones. In addition, data on the dimensions of the front and rear wheels make it possible to evaluate the appearance features (see above): for example, some "special equipment" may have small front wheels and large rear wheels, like in real tractors.

The diameter of the rear wheel(s) of a pedal car. The value of this parameter is the same as the diameter of the front wheel (see the relevant paragraph).

The design of the wheels that the velomobile is equipped with.

— Plastic. The simplest wheels made entirely of plastic — in some cases they do not even have a pronounced tyre. The hardness of such wheels does not allow them to be used on surfaces with serious irregularities, and even on smooth asphalt, the level of vibration and noise is quite high. In addition, such structures are not very durable. Therefore, plastic wheels are found mainly in models for the smallest (see "Purpose").

— Plastic with rubber. A modification of the plastic wheels described above, supplemented by a kind of "mini-tyre" — a strip of rubber in the middle of the rim, where the wheel is in direct contact with the ground. This provides a softer ride and somewhat reduces the vibration experienced by the machine, but otherwise these wheels are completely similar to conventional plastic ones.

— Rubber. In this case, wheels are meant having a solid (not inflatable) rubber tyre. This option is a kind of transition between plastic and inflatable wheels: solid tyres are not as passable and “hardy” as inflatable ones, but they are cheaper, do not require monitoring the level of inflation and are absolutely insensitive to punctures and scratches, while their smoothness is much higher than plastic ones.

— Inflatable. The most advan...ced version found in modern velomobiles: in accordance with the name, such wheels have a rubber tyre filled with air — like on an "adult" bike or a real car. Inflatable wheels are far superior to all the varieties described above in terms of softness, easily “work out” road bumps and are suitable for even the heaviest or fastest velomobiles. Of their shortcomings, in addition to the price, we can mention the need to monitor the pressure inside the tyres and periodically pump up the wheels. In addition, damage to the tube makes the inflatable tyre unusable, so it is recommended to have a repair kit for such a velomobile just in case.