Comparison Berg BMW Street Racer vs Berg Buddy

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 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.