The message is getting through: pedal power is the future. But many people are still reluctant to commit themselves to a mode of transport that leaves them exposed to the elements, and fully-enclosed HPVs have a reputation for being 'for enthusiasts only'. No longer!
The Zampano is a velomobile designed with practicality and straightforwardness in mind. It doesn't look home-made, it doesn't need an assistant to help you get in, and it's not so heavy that you can't use it in hilly areas.
The manufacturers stress that while the vehicle shown here is a three-wheeled prototype, the production machine will be a four-wheeler. Unfortunately, pictures of the final version were not ready as we went to press. However, the bodywork and general appearance of the machine are otherwise very similar.
With four wheels you can expect easy-going handling characteristics: this is very much a machine aimed at the ordinary person in the street who wants a predictable, dependable and, above all, reliable machine. Getting inside is as easy as anything: just lift the canopy. The bodywork hinges right back, and with a wheel in each corner the vehicle is extremely stable as you get in.
The Zampano is built around a fully-suspended aluminium chassis. Transmission is via hub-gears, with a choice of seven or twelve speeds plus reverse. There are drum-brakes fitted in each wheel, and there's an additional parking brake. The clam-shell glass-fibre canopy is easily removed on warm days, and for in-between weather you have the option of just taking off the top part of the fairing. The interior is well ventilated, and has 120 litres of luggage capacity. Overall weight is around 30kg (22kg if you remove the fairing). The overall length is 210cm, and the height is 132cm. A 12V lighting system, indicators, horn, mirror and a hand-operated windscreen wiper are fitted as standard.
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