Through Julien sureau
Published on
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Martin, he no longer goes unnoticed at all Market of national interest (Min) from Rezé, near Nantes (Loire-Atlantique). Since May 2021, the sales manager at Provinces Bio abandoned the car for the bike in order to travel the 40 kilometers round trip between his home in Saint-Jean-de-Boiseau and his office.
A rather special three-wheeler, scarlet red and bobsleigh shaped. Nantes news went to discover the beast on the spot, Friday, November 19, 2021.
“From afar, you can see me”
The velomobile of Martin Eboko, 41, is a real amusement park. LED lights, sequential indicators, horn, electric assistance… The vehicle looks like an extraterrestrial in the dark alleys of the Min, transferred since early 2019 from the island of Nantes to the outskirts. “From a distance, you can see me,” smiles the employee of the fruit and vegetable wholesaler.
It must be said that Martin went all out not to blend in with the crowd. Bought used 5000 euros in 2020, his velomobile required a year of work to be perfected.
“My neighbor already had a velomobile and he works at Airbus. Thanks to him, I was able to repair and improve my vehicle. I made parts with a 3D printer, mirrors for example. I wanted something that was not ordinary, ”he says.
2000 kilometers already covered
From now on, the Boiséen swallows the kilometers on the handlebars of his bike, nearly 2000 in seven and a half months. The 38 kg baby remains fragile and requires regular maintenance. “I do a service every 250 kilometers and I have to re-inflate the tires every three days,” he explains, while ensuring that the equipment is reliable and stable, even in the corners.
I feel safer than my boss who uses a conventional bike … This morning the fog was quite thick, but I could see enough. In roundabouts, I have to be more careful positioning myself inside. I use cycle lanes and especially secondary roads.
Strong and rather sporty, Martin trusts his calves rather than the electric battery for the moment. “I stay in mode 1 when there are five. When I arrive at work, I don’t have the feeling of having cycled, I am in great shape to start the day. “
New from 15,000 euros
Part recumbent bike, part racing car, the velomobile appeared in the 1980s in northern European countries. The vehicle, a tricycle or a recumbent quadricycle, is protected by an aerodynamic shell.
A new model, depending on the options, can cost between 15,000 and 18,000 euros.
According to the Vélomobile Club de France, which has around sixty members, “the velomobile is the revolution in muscular movement, more comfortable, faster and less tiring than all other bikes. “” It is replacing more and more cars; which makes it possible to reduce our fuel consumption and to maintain the planet ”, the association welcomes.
In France, 500 velomobiles are said to be in circulation.
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A “chest” for shopping “
On the way home, he can even afford a few detours to traders. In his car, capable of reaching 45 km / h, Martin has built a small storage space. “I can bring back up to 20 kilos of shopping, he breathes. It is a means of locomotion which allows me to combine the useful with the pleasant. ”
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