Comparison KIDIGO Double vs Rolly Toys rollyKid-X

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.

Appearance is usually described based on which vehicle inspired the design and construction of the velomobile.

— Kart(bodyless). Karts are called four-wheeled racing cars that do not have a body. Accordingly, in velomobiles of this type, the basis of the design is a special frame on which the driver's seat is installed. Cards are simple in design and handling, yet quite durable and reliable and can even be used for universal purposes (see above), which makes this type of design very popular.

— Automobile. Models that mimic ordinary cars. Usually, such a similarity is rather arbitrary. The basis of the design is the body, the role of the seat is played by a part of this body, made in the form of a platform, and the pedals are located under the "hood". For a number of reasons, this appearance is used mainly in children's velomobiles and is not typical for other destinations.

— SUV. Models imitating off-road vehicles (in addition to SUVs, they are also called jeeps). In design and practical features, they are similar to the cars described above, differing from them only in their characteristic design with the corresponding wheels (see "Wheel type"), imitation of roll bars (not to be confused with real roll bars — see below), additional headlights and other "off-road" accessories.

— ATV. Quad bikes are called cars on four wheels, on which the driver sits astride, li...ke on a motorcycle. Velomobiles in this design also have an appropriate design — only the pedals play the role of footboards. ATVs are found mainly among children's models, less often among teenagers.

— Trike. In this case, a trike means a rather peculiar kind of three-wheeled vehicles: the driver is reclining in them, the pedals are placed in front and the drive from them is brought to the front wheel (in models of the younger age category — directly, as in tricycles, in older ones — through a chain drive) , and there is no steering wheel as such — the rotation of the front wheel is carried out due to the effort of the legs. Thanks to this, trikes develop balance control well. On the other hand, non-standard control can cause certain difficulties, so such machines are relatively rare.

— Tricycle. Design based on a three-wheeled motorcycle — one wheel in front, two in the back. The layout of tricycles is more traditional than that of the trikes described above: they have a motorcycle steering wheel, and the rider's position is a classic sitting position.

— Special equipment. Models that copy various specialized equipment that does not belong to the categories described above. The most popular option is a variety of tractors and bulldozers, but other varieties can be found, such as fire trucks or combines. Some of these models, in fact, are classic cards, only in a specific coloring and with tractor wheels (see "Wheel type"), others have an original design, more reminiscent of real tractors or other equipment. Another feature of the "special equipment" is the extensive use of trailers (see below) and various additional equipment — excavator buckets, bulldozer blades, etc. This gives the little driver additional features for games (in fact, the purpose of this type of velomobiles is mainly for children).

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 adjust the position of the steering wheel of the velomobile.

This adjustment can be done in different ways: in some models, the length of the steering column changes, in others — tilt, and in some places these possibilities can even be combined. Anyway, this function provides additional features for adjusting the velomobile to the height and physique of a particular rider (for more details on the features of any such adjustment, see "Adjustable Seat").

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 presence of a safety arc in the design of the velomobile.

Such an arc is usually installed in the back of the velomobile, behind the seat. Its task is to protect the head and neck of the rider when the car rolls over. Note that safety arcs are also sold separately, and many models without this feature allow the installation of purchased fixtures; however, it is usually easier to immediately purchase a velomobile with an arc in the kit.