Born from two passionate advocates of pedal-powered mobility, the new velomobile impresses with its speed and its fun, intuitive ride. We tested it in a preview.
The name evokes a light wind, a breeze. It is a name that fits perfectly, because the new trike, built in-house by engineer Marco Ruga and specialist orthopaedic technician Gionata Scrofani, weighs just 31 kilograms, has a carbon fibre body, and is equipped for road use, capable of reaching 55 km/h.
The two recumbent tricycle enthusiasts wanted to bring the characteristics of this type of mobility — comfort and aerodynamics — to a vehicle suited to the road and to everyday use. "It's not an entirely new concept. Trikes are already a well-known reality in other countries such as France and the Netherlands," says Ruga. "What was missing, however, was an Italian company capable of producing and marketing the first velomobile for extra-urban routes." Zephyrus is indeed ideal for journeys of between 5 and 10 kilometres.
"A kind of second car," says Ruga. "I use it for my commute to work." This gave rise to the idea of launching Dream Cycle, the division dedicated to pedal-powered vehicles within Gionata's company, Orthotecnica of Gallarate.
Zephyrus is entirely hand-built, design included, starting from a typical recumbent bicycle. The carbon fibre body is fitted with LED lighting and the appropriate road signals, while inside the seat is adjustable, as are the gears and consequently the speed. Once aboard, you close the capote and, gripping the handlebar, you start pedalling. Both the gears and the brakes are operated from the handlebar grips (just like a normal bicycle), while the accessories include a kilometre counter with built-in navigation and a courtesy light (also LED).
"I like to call it the Formula One of pedal power," says Marco Ruga, who has covered more than 10,000 kilometres on the prototype, taking part in and winning various competitions. "The fun element when riding this type of vehicle is enormously important. It's a bit like a pedal car for adults."
What is striking is the speed reached after just a few pedal strokes. Even without being a trained cyclist. The ride is fun and intuitive, while comfort and stability in corners are not lacking. "The teardrop shape is everything. Indeed, thanks to its remarkable aerodynamics, once you reach 30 kilometres per hour it almost feels as though you're being pushed from behind." In practice, it's like always drafting in someone's slipstream.
The first vehicles are already on sale, while it is also possible to purchase the bodyshell alone, to customise your own velomobile. "The next step will be electrification, to allow pedalling even on gradients steeper than 2–3 per cent," concludes Gionata.
