In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, there has been a noticeable void between compact e-bikes and larger, more expensive electric cars. This gap is partly filled by cargo bikes, but they won’t protect you from the weather. Then there are the velomobiles, but these are more for longer journeys between urban areas than for stop-and-go traffic in the middle of cities with lots of cars around. So lately I’ve also been publishing articles quite often about some kind of pedal cars for one cyclist, or if you want a driver and possibly one passenger. They are very easy to get on, offer a high enough seating position and therefore a good view around, and also more or less protection from the elements. The Veemo SE velomobile is offering a unique blend of comfort, efficiency, and affordability. Originally developed by Vancouver-based startup VeloMetro in 2016, the Veemo faced a setback when the company went bankrupt. However, Canadian company Envo Drive Systems stepped in and acquired the rights to this innovative micro-electric vehicle, bringing it back to life with a fresh perspective.

Envo Drive Systems boasts an extensive lineup of micro-electric mobility solutions, including ebikes, e-trikes, an electric snowbike, an e-ATV, and even a water bike. With this diversified portfolio, Envo believes it has the experience and resources to transform the Veemo SE into a successful commercial product.

 

Design and Comfort

Velomobiles, essentially recumbent tricycles enclosed within a streamlined shell, offer reduced wind drag and protection from the elements. The Veemo SE is nowhere near as aerodynamic as conventional velomobiles and therefore needs electric propulsion as standard, but focuses on comfort, rain protection, and visibility with its relatively tall stance of 150 cm / 59″. One of the target markets for the Veemo SE includes seniors seeking a more comfortable and stable alternative to traditional ebikes.

The final market-ready Veemo SE will feature a house-brand geared rear hub motor with either 250, 500, or 750 watts, providing a top assisted speed of 32 km/h (20 mph) in North America or 25 km/h (16 mph) in the UK and possibly EU. Riders can choose from five assistance levels and utilize a throttle mode for quick starts. The 48-V/15-Ah LG lithium battery, offering a reported range of up to 200 km (124 miles), enhances the Veemo’s practicality for daily commuting.

 

Ride Experience

Riders who had a chance to ride the prototypes commented that Veemo SE showcased smooth and comfortable ride and provided stability and ease of acceleration on flat roads. They said the motor efficiently assisted in climbing hills, and the semi-recumbent riding position allowed for a clear view of the surroundings. Maneuverability was a surprising feature, with the ability to reverse the Veemo by walking it backward.

Envo’s founder and CEO, Ali Kazemkhani, emphasized the collaborative journey in making micro-electric mobility accessible and affordable. The Veemo can be preordered with a $250 deposit, and shipping is expected to commence in April, with a retail price of $6,199.

Veemo SE is 89 cm / 35″ wide which is a bit more than the width of a normal velomobile. This is probably due to the desire to make the Veemo SE stable enough, as a tricycle with such a high and very upright seating position is usually prone to tipping over. The solution of many inventors is then a design with four wheels, which adds significantly to the stability. Either way, 89 cm / 35″ should still be small enough to allow the Veemo to ride on cycle paths.

Below in the article you will find some photos and two videos. The first one shows the current form of Veemo, the second one shows the first version that went bankrupt. You can see that ENVO has gone its own way. Even their other products are quite simple and price oriented. The new Veemo SE is thus much simpler than its predecessor, which can only be a good thing in the end.

As I have already written, many similar projects are currently in the development phase or in the production of the first units. And although the interest is quite high there have been many projects that have failed. So we can only hope that ENVO manages to get Veemo production up and running, and that the price doesn’t rise too much. Every vehicle like this will further help the development of sustainable micro mobility.

Read more about other similar vehicles we can call Light Electrically Assisted Vehicles or LEAVs which is a name one of the readers of RECUMBENT.news suggested and I quite like it!

 

Veemo SE Technical Details

  • Motor Power: 250, 500, or 750 watts
  • Top Assisted Speed: 20 mph (32 km/h) in North America and 25 km/h (16 mph) in UK and EU
  • Battery: 48-V/15-Ah LG lithium
  • Range: Up to 200 km (124 miles)
  • Cargo Space: 60 liters
  • Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear)
  • Weight: 61 kg (135 lb)
  • Dimensions (HxLxW): 150 cm / 60″ x 200 cm / 79″ x 89 cm / 3″