bülk distance velomobile lets rider pedal out of cities in any weather

Bülk Distance velomobile for long-distance travels

Velomobile World releases Bülk Distance, a human-powered vehicle that lets the rider pedal out of the cities in any weather. Building on the previous Bülk MK1, the design of the recent velomobile is closer to the ground compared to the other models, and it also needs more space to turn because of its larger turning radius, so it can’t make tight turns so easily. The Bülk Distance velomobile, then, is ideal for long-distance travels, especially away from cities and on roads where there aren’t many corners. In terms of size, its body is longer and narrower than the previous models, which allows the air to flow more easily around it, reducing the drag and making it stable during cruising.

For the exterior design of the Bülk Distance velomobile, the team uses computer simulations to design the shell so that it can move through the air with less resistance, no matter which direction the wind comes from. They also shape the bottom of the vehicle in a way that creates downforce to push the human-powered vehicle gently to the ground, keeping it stable regardless of the cruising speed. The body of the vehicle is also symmetrical on both sides for balance, and the front wheels hide under the frame, which can help with the aerodynamics as well as allowing for easy repair and maintenance, especially if the owner uses tubeless tires for the recent model.

all images courtesy of Velomobile World

removable top shell for open-air cruising

For the Bülk Distance velomobile, the cockpit has a wide opening so the rider can enter and exit with ease, and since the vehicle is ideal for long-distance travels, the seating has soft cushioning for extended reclining positions. The top shell is removable. When it’s raining or during extreme weather conditions, the rider can pop it back in place to shield themselves, but if it’s sunny or they feel like riding with the wind, they can just detach it before cruising. The team designs the rear hatch to be larger so the repair person can easily maintain the chain, derailleur, and gears.

The model can also be fitted with either an e-bike motor or just a regular pedal crank, switching between being a human-powered vehicle or an electric-assist velomobile. The latter is more ideal for long-distance travel, too. Since the frame’s shape focuses on the aerodynamics, it can weather strong winds when the rider wants to cruise fast. The design was created with help from Prof. Dr. Eric Helter, an expert in aerodynamics who has worked on high-performance cars like the Porsche GT3, KTM, and Lamborghini race cars. So far, the vehicle weighs around 25 kilos, and riders can configure their Bülk Distance velomobile.

Velomobile World releases Bülk Distance that lets the rider pedal out of the cities in any weather