Hase is going to present a new E-trike on basis of their Kettwiesel. The KLIMAX 2K will cost around 5600 Euro and will be shown on the EuroBike 2010 (see Press Release, currently only in German). I personally feel that e-bikes go beyond the subject of BentBlog.de, therefore Idid not report much about them yet . However, this one has something special: a foldable fairing made of a textile fabric. And as the KLIMAX bases on the Kettwiesel, the fairing should fit the pedal-only trike as well.
The fairing is a cooperation of Marec Hase (the face behind Hase-bikes) and Johann Oost. It can be assembled in less than a minute and it is adjusted right to the riders size. The fabric is made of a light, waterproof and robust Ripstop-quality textile. If you don’t need it, you can fold it to a small size and store it in a special bag.
Due to a plug connection technique, the fairing can be mounted without any tools and it is designed to make use of its aerodynamic features to keep the rider’s face dry as well.
I am looking forward to testing this fairing. I am especially keen on learning how much water from below the fairing will drop on you. It looks like an interesting approach to weather protection.
At first i didnt think much of this idea, because it completely forgot the other important parts of a proper velomobile. Like not getting wet from below, a completely protected chain and carrying cargo resting at the bottom of the velomobile. And this design looks like the cover can be catched by the wind in picture 5.
It should be possible to extend this design with a lightweight bottom. Either from some soft fabric, or perhaps carbon fiber which is always attached. Then you just drive with it open on sunny days, and when you need it you put on this cover.
This could make a good touring “velomobile” because it has no bottom, it must be much more offroad capable. And it will keep you dry from bad weather while still allowing you to get fresh air to ventilate your legs from under the cover.
I would like something below too. No need for monococque stiff design though, more of the same material would be fine. Make it just as easy to take off and to mount as the top and that’s it.