Trike/C5/velomobile design
Printed From: BHPC Forum
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Forum Name: Building
Forum Description: Anything to do with building HPVs
URL: https://forum.bhpc.org.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=5235
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 3:18am
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Topic: Trike/C5/velomobile design
Posted By: jimbo.007
Subject: Trike/C5/velomobile design
Date Posted: 13 January 2016 at 8:01pm
| I am looking at designing and building my own trike or velomobile type vehicle to manufacture and sell in the UK and Europe. I have contacted TUV and have been told that nobody in the UK can test them and it has to be tested in Germany and a possible fee in the region of £5000, but they were not sure as I dont think they fully understood, is this the case. I would be very grateful for any help in assisting with my project. |
Replies:
Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 13 January 2016 at 8:59pm
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??? tested for what? What specifications can they test against? The only criterion I'm aware of is headlights i.e bicycle lights have to have beam that is cut so it doesn't blind oncoming drivers/cyclists, there are loads of those. Maybe they mean an "E" mark, but again what is the standard? Put it this way i've never seen nor heard of a German or Dutch manufacture saying they have TUV approval. I honestly think something has been lost in translation, you could try other manufacturers although they might be reluctant to talk to a potential competitor.
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Posted By: jimbo.007
Date Posted: 13 January 2016 at 9:15pm
| Ok, many thanks will get to the bottom of it eventually before I go into production, would be nice to have something designed and manufactured in this country instead of China. Any idea on what would be the ultimate velomobile that hasnt been done yet as I am sure theres a gap in the market. |
Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 14 January 2016 at 12:54am
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I think bicycles have to have two separate brakes and reflectors to be legally sold as a complete unit for road use?? And a bell (or other warning device?) There is a British Standard - BS 6102Bicycles were tested against that for a Kitemark scheme at the test house here in Hemel Hempstead when I worked there but I left in 1996 - Testing wasn't compulsory... Like a lot of kitemarks it was mainly used as a marketing tool. Vastly over-rated as a sign of quality to be honest!! I don't know if there is a current Kitemark scheme for bicycles but someone at BSI will be able to advise on the current status... ------------- |
Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 14 January 2016 at 12:59am
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Of course with BSI involved it's not exactly straight-forward... http://www.bsieducation.org/Education/14-19/bicycles/bicycles-standards.shtml" rel="nofollow - http://www.bsieducation.org/Education/14-19/bicycles/bicycles-standards.shtml ------------- |
Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 14 January 2016 at 1:04am
I think you'll find a lot come from Europe (the Netherlands in particular). As an all-round machine you will do very well to beat a Quest (not biased here, oh no....) Velomobiles have to be orange though. It is the law. ------------- |
jimbo.007 wrote:Posted By: atlas_shrugged
Date Posted: 14 January 2016 at 12:17pm
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Hi Jimbo Agreed with your ideas. I would recommend joining the BHPC and coming along to our races because you will meet some very experienced designer/builders as well as being able to try out a huge variety of HPV machines. IMHO Any machine that sells must be able to be used on a normal journey (road / cycle path). A trike/velomobile may be the best for year round usage. 3 wheel Velomobiles have these disadvantages: Price, poor turning circle, no reverse, slow uphill, not visible by blind car drivers, limited braking going down mountains, difficult to replace damaged body work, blowouts on rear wheel are dicy, reduced visibility in towns (because low down). Trikes are being made in the UK have a look at ICE and the Windcheetah. I would recommend also having a look at streamliners and the current fastest one in the UK is the Beano. Also have a look at the Ratracers. These machines are a sight to behold. Liverpool Univ have the Arion1 which holds the UK record set at Battle Mountain. Also in the UK is Ristretto which held the World Hour record. Apologies for anything wrong/left out. Let me know and I will edit. |
Posted By: Neil F
Date Posted: 15 January 2016 at 1:46pm
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Jimbo, I'm far from an expert in thsi but they may be looking to test in accordance with ISO 4210:2014 Safety requirements for bicycles. However, the ISO website states that: "The ISO 4210 does not apply to specialized types of bicycle, such as delivery bicycles, recumbent bicycles, tandems, BMX bicycles, and bicycles designed and equipped for use in severe applications such as sanctioned competition events, stunting, or aerobatic manoeuvres." IMHO, if you are looking to sell commercially it might be a good idea to be aware of these regs where applicable (lights, brakes, etc) event though they don't look directly applicable. I would strongly second atlas_shrugged comment that it is well worthwhile comming to a BHPC event and reading "So You Want to Build an HPV" if you haven't already. |
Posted By: firedfromthecircus
Date Posted: 17 January 2016 at 6:01pm
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Not sure if CEN standards would apply? Lots of reading here to find out. http://standards.cen.eu/dyn/www/f?p=204:105:0:::::
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