![The-bike-[velomobile]-that-could-let-you-pedal-as-fast-as-a-CAR](http://csglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-bike-velomobile-that-could-let-you-pedal-as-fast-as-a-CAR.jpg)
Human-powered velomobiles are meant to be a quirky alternative to cars.
But because these pedal-powered machines can’t go as fast, these vehicles have up until now been relegated to the travelling on the side of the road.
Now Minneapolis-based inventor Rich Kronfield has created an electric-assist ‘Raht Racer’ velomobile that he claims can travel at up to 100mph (160km/h).
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‘The Raht Racer is a power biking vehicle that uses state of the art pedal-electric hybrid technology to amplify pedal power, enabling the rider’s legs to propel the vehicle up to highway speeds, giving the rider the feeling of super strength,’ Mr Kronfield says.
‘On a bicycle, your pedals are the accelerator.
Same with the Raht Racer, only multiplied a hundred times.’
The Raht Racer’s pedals are connected to a unique flywheel generator rather than of directly driving the wheels, as in a traditional velomobile.
The pedals power a 20-kWh electric motor, which sits in the rear wheel hub.
The body of the two-seater Raht Racer is made from carbon fiber and includes a roll cage, headlights, seat lights, air bags and a trunk.
During pedaling, a 2-kWh li-ion battery pack also gets charged to help extend the 570lb (259kg) velomobiles range.
When activated in throttle mode, using just battery power, it has a range of approximately 50 miles (80 km) and a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
Mr Kronfield has created a prototype and is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to create a commercial mode.
The Raht Racer’s pedals are connected to a unique flywheel generator rather than of directly driving the wheels, as in a traditional velomobile.
The pedals powers a 20-kWh electric motor, which sits in the rear wheel hub.
It senses the torque being applied to the pedals, and then amplifies it so that most people can maintain a cruising speed of around 30 mph (48 km/h).
During pedaling, a 2-kWh li-ion battery pack also gets charged to help extend the 570lb (259kg) velomobiles range.
When activated in throttle mode, using just battery power, it has a range of approximately 50 miles (80 km) and a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).
See also: Connected Bicycles Tell Cars: Don’t Run Me Over
![The-bike-[velomobile]-that-could-let-you-pedal-as-fast-as-a...](http://csglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-bike-velomobile-that-could-let-you-pedal-as-fast-as-a....jpg)
It is estimated the price of the Raht Racer will start at $35,000 if the campaign is successful.
