Karbikes: The Future Of Urban Transport Is Pedal-Powered
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Weather protection on bikes is a solved problem, theres panchos and various types of covering that doesnt cost >10x more than a new motorbike.
Sure, but a pancho is a "solution" like a soft-top is a solution on a car. Normies want an enclosed space with a door that you close behind you, and honestly I see where they're coming from.
On cost, that's another matter, this model is obviously too expensive.
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Weather protection. That's the crucial benefit over cargo bikes. Otherwise this is basically a cargo bike, they've just taken it to its logical conclusion.
The problem with these fabric cabins is they add to wind resistance. You tend to get more wind in bad weather.
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The future of urban transport is changing the infrastructure to focus on safety for all rather than having cars go fast.
Sure, but we live in a world where these will coexist with standard cars, just as bikes often do now.
I don't see how these 'carbikes' by Kubi focus on safety at all. They go from 25-35km/hr top speed and are as heavy as a petrol scooter / light motorbike, yet require and encourage no helmet and have very little in the way of safety features inbuilt (headlights, indicators, horn. End of list). They proudly state you don't even need a licence to drive one (as you generally do for a motorbike).
So while they reduce top speed and weight of a car, they also lose 90% of the safety features and discourage any PPE you'd see a scooter/motorbike rider wear.
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I'd love to be wrong
So I have good news for you
but I don't think this format will ever find a market.
pedal power input isn't worth the extra weight of the drive train
There are many countries where "having pedals" is the precondition for using the bike lanes. And then using the bike lanes gives you lots of advantage during heavy traffic in the cities.
There's your market.
This doesn't really respond to my point though - a cargo bike is superior in every regard, and has pedals.
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The ability to pedal enables exercise and gives you accurate longitudinal position control for parking. A servo generator as a forward-backward interface complicates nothing compared to a car-like interface. If it doesn't have that now, it will because it's an old invention and the natural solution for all pedal-electrics to evolve to.
Fairing in velomobiles reduces wind resistance a lot compared to unfaired recumbent trikes of the same size. I believe this with doors on has the same drag as a regular bicyclist. Doesn't even matter because electricity is cheap. Rain coat can't stop the weather from hurting my face.
Fairing in velomobiles
Doesn't increase width and height
I believe this with doors on has the same drag as a regular bicyclist
I believe that's incorrect
Doesn't even matter because electricity is cheap.
So don't bother with pedals.
Rain coat can't stop the weather from hurting my face.
If the weather is bad enough to "hurt" I don't think you'd be riding around on one of these either.
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Sure, but a pancho is a "solution" like a soft-top is a solution on a car. Normies want an enclosed space with a door that you close behind you, and honestly I see where they're coming from.
On cost, that's another matter, this model is obviously too expensive.
I should get a rain poncho at some point. Would ideally want one that works for cycling and walking, if it's airy then it doesn't need to be expensive goretex either so it would be more comfortable than a coat and cost less.
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I should get a rain poncho at some point. Would ideally want one that works for cycling and walking, if it's airy then it doesn't need to be expensive goretex either so it would be more comfortable than a coat and cost less.
I got a cheap one for like 16 bucks that goes onto the handlebars: 10/10 would recommend!
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I got a cheap one for like 16 bucks that goes onto the handlebars: 10/10 would recommend!
Dont those block your mirrors? Are you worried you might not be able to bail? I have a 2 piece I got for 6 bucks, but its hot and inconvenient enough I rarely use the pants unless theres a literal typhoon.
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Dont those block your mirrors? Are you worried you might not be able to bail? I have a 2 piece I got for 6 bucks, but its hot and inconvenient enough I rarely use the pants unless theres a literal typhoon.
Most bikes don't have mirrors
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Most bikes don't have mirrors
Sorry, I thought we were talking about the motorbikes/motor scooters, the thing in OP is an electric bike, but priced 5x more than high-end electric scooters.
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Sorry, I thought we were talking about the motorbikes/motor scooters, the thing in OP is an electric bike, but priced 5x more than high-end electric scooters.
I suppose its a bit difficult to say what the karbike is more similar to. But as its pedal assist I would have thought closer to an ebike than an emoped.
Though it costs more than both combined.
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Oh hey, I had one of these when I was 6. It was navy blue and made in the 60 or 70s.
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The ability to pedal enables exercise and gives you accurate longitudinal position control for parking. A servo generator as a forward-backward interface complicates nothing compared to a car-like interface. If it doesn't have that now, it will because it's an old invention and the natural solution for all pedal-electrics to evolve to.
Fairing in velomobiles reduces wind resistance a lot compared to unfaired recumbent trikes of the same size. I believe this with doors on has the same drag as a regular bicyclist. Doesn't even matter because electricity is cheap. Rain coat can't stop the weather from hurting my face.
Weather doesnt really hurt until you get to what, 70 mph?
And if youre going that fast, wear a proper helmet.
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This just looks like a golf cart with pedals. I guess it would work in a place like Palm Springs where there is golf cart infrastructure.
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Weather doesnt really hurt until you get to what, 70 mph?
And if youre going that fast, wear a proper helmet.
When it's cold enough, or just raining freezing cold water, biking hurts.
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