Podride – the all-weather four-wheeled personal e-bike

Podride velomobile (2)

From the country that gave the world the adjustable wrench, three-point seatbelt and GPS, now comes the Podride, an all-weather, four-wheeled bicycle, fully-enclosed by a fabric body, and with an electric motor. The brain-child of Swedish designer Mikael Kjellman, Podride was developed a year ago as a prototype personal transport.

This four-wheeled bicycle – also called a velomobile, quad bike or quadracycle – has a fully enclosed waterproof body with a recumbent seating position that places the rider the same height as a typical saloon car. The Podride is powered by the rider, using 14-speed bicycle gearing, or with the 250-watt electric e-bike motor, and steering uses a pair of tillers.

There is a small storage space in the rear, and the Podride even has a manual windshield wiper. Headlights and turn signals are also included in the design. Kjellman says the top speed of the Podride is 25 km/h, as governed by Swedish law, and range is approximately 60 km on battery power.

Designed to tackle the snow and ice of Sweden, the Podride rolls on 20-inch wheels, and has a turning radius of only 1.75 metres. Weighing 70 kg, and with a wheelbase of 880 mm, this velomobile is meant for use on both public roads and bicycle paths.

Kjellman says that if the Podride – currently seeking crowdfunding – reaches mass production, the price would be between 2,000 to 3,000 euro (RM8,900 to RM13,400). What do you think? The Podride wouldn’t be very practical in Malaysian weather, but there might be some specialised applications for it. Leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions.

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Mohan K Ramanujam

Coming with diverse and extensive experience in heavy engineering, Mohan enjoys making anything with wheels go fast, especially motorcycles. His weapon of choice is the Desmoquattro engine, and he has a penchant for anything with a dash of Italian design. Strangely enough, he insists he's a slow rider.

 

Comments

  • alldisc on Apr 18, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Zero emission. Good for California. Or Shanghai.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Look like a shoe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
  • Awesome for some variety show shenanigans.

    A plan for convertible as well?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • nabill (Member) on Apr 18, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    Still safer than p2!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
  • sani saad on Apr 18, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    I’m really like this.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Lola 1321 on Jun 10, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    I want one

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Roy songer on Aug 12, 2016 at 5:17 am

    How do I buy one

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Jennifer on Dec 19, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    This can be for people who medically can’t drive. In a way they can. Like my husband that has seizures.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Nakata on May 06, 2018 at 2:06 am

    I suggest that podride can handle people with load 200kg when use it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Just Jamie on Apr 30, 2019 at 11:56 pm

    Could this thing tow one of those “Midget BUSHTREKKA” bicycle tent trailers?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Danielle Laplante on Apr 20, 2022 at 8:13 pm

    I have been waiting for this epod to come to market for FIVE YEARS, like what is the problem. they cant settle on a price, I’m going to give up on this because it seems it will never be available to the public, honestly i have been looking for this ride for over five years
    .. Will, they ever go on sale in
    Canada, will tbhey ever sell anywhere

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Danielle Laplante on Apr 20, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    Too bad they can’t get it together to actually sell them
    Someone please help them learn how to market these , im giving up ive been on their list for 5 years , looking elsewhere now they cant get it together too bhad

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Dave BHerry on Apr 20, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    Too bad they can’t get it together to actually sell them
    Someone please help them learn how to market these , im giving up ive been on their list for 5 years , looking elsewhere now they cant get it together too bhad

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Dave BHerry on Apr 20, 2022 at 8:19 pm

    Too bad they can’t get it together to actually sell them
    Someone please help them learn how to market these , im giving up ive been on their list for 5 years , looking elsewhere now they cant get it together too bhad

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Danielle Laplante on Apr 20, 2022 at 8:21 pm

    shop elsewhere you cant buy one

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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