Pedalled vehicles known as velocars were a popular mode of urban transportation in France during the 1930s and 1940s. These machines were breaking cycling speed records before being declared ineligible in races by cycling's governing body, the UCI. Inspired by this concept, VeloMetro is building a modern VeloCar™ to meet the demands of 21st century urban residents.
We're building a sophisticated, enclosed, electric-assist, smartphone-connected vehicle, ideal for personal transportation in urban and suburban areas. Our VeloCars are human-powered, but with electric assist to help on hills and over longer distances. The enclosure protects users from inclement weather and the cargo space provides practical functionality for running errands. VeloCars replace automobiles, not bicycles, but they overcome the shortcomings of bicycles with all-weather use, lockable cargo space, and anti-theft provisions.
This healthy, active, and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation will be available to anyone over the age of 18. VeloCars are legally classified as a bicycle, so no driver's licence is required! This will give access to the 50% of young adults under 25 who don't have a driver's licence. Users will have the ability to sign up online and ride within a few minutes using their smartphone, thereby eliminating the need to wait for a key fob or access card to be sent in the mail.
Our sharing service provides a non-car personal transportation alternative and is offered at an attractive price, compared to any conventional car share. Our operating zones are inter-neighbourhood in urban and suburban cores. Our unique vehicle design and uniform VeloCar fleet will position our service as a highly visible consumer brand. Cities love this sustainable transportation option!