2023-07-01 15:00:00
Residing in Alsace, Luc Alexis exercises a professional scientific activity. This guides its choices for more virtuous mobility and the search for efficiency. He is delighted to have spent since Christmas on the WAW velomobile in Katanga.
« If there are cool things out there… »
Some testimonials call more than others to properly present the person who answers our questions. Often because his story, his personality or his activities give a particular meaning to his remarks.
This is the case of Luc Alexis who does not wish to put himself forward, but does not hesitate to share his experience as soon as he can lead motorists to adopt other means of getting around with satisfaction: “ If there are cool things out there, and we can help promote them, then we have to do it. Especially if it’s an opportunity to question your own mobility ».
Labels are not for him: I never had the fiber of an environmental activist brandishing a ‘Let’s change the world’ sign. But I want in my choices to stay in motion. In my forties, to move forward in life, what choices do I have to make? ».
The chemist’s point of view
Decarbonization, it is through his scientific soul that he thinks about it: ” We chemists are busy transforming matter. Regarding the non-renewable, what I see is what we consume there, which definitely goes up in smoke without being replaced. Local pollution, I feel it perfectly in a velomobile where I am more at ground level, at the level of the exhaust pipes ».
Luc Alexis is often in reflection, questioning mode: “ I read a lot about the impact of oil on geopolitics and on people”. His global approach pushes him into a philosophy of “If we can do better, then let’s do it!” “. And for his own mobility in particular, it gives: “ If I can do with less, then let’s go! ».
The trike experience
With such sensitivity, our interlocutor used a trike, that is to say a recumbent tricycle, for about ten years: “ I didn’t suddenly change my mobility habits. I went there gradually. Some take the plunge directly. I was already cycling to my place of work. With the trike, you’re lying down, it’s more fun, and you’re quieter than with an upright bike. Using it was a way to keep myself in shape, without wasting time. Rather than listening to music in my car, I took the air and arrived at my place of work better awake ».
With all the same limits: I took the trike several times a week. But not every day, because morally it’s still mentally difficult. It had no power assist. I was working at 80% then. Then there was the Covid, and more than three round trips to make per week, partly teleworking ».
Why an electric velomobile?
With the trike, regular needs were not covered: ” Driving alone was becoming more and more unbearable for me, especially in areas where it is possible to do otherwise. I researched the times when I was in this situation, abandoning the trike. There were mainly three: when it was raining; in the evening when I went to my association meetings about tens of kilometers from my home; and to bring back one or two shopping bags ».
Why a velomobile? ” It’s been tickling me for quite a while, ever since I felt the trike was too ‘in between’. There are quite a few hills where I live. Heavier than a normal bike and without assistance, the hills were difficult to climb with the trike, and there was no question of getting into a dancer. I did have protection against the rain – a veltop – but not effective in the event of a storm. ».
Luc Alexis also wanted to check a specific point: “ I was told about the energy efficiency of velomobiles. It’s my scientific side, I wanted to see what aerodynamics brings. With the choice of covering the same distance with less energy, or going further with the same amount ».
Katanga WAW at 9,000 euros
The adopted Alsatian took some time to find his ideal machine: ” I had in mind the experience of someone close to me who used the velomobile about fifteen years ago. It took me a while to get over it. I regularly watch the ads ».
He wanted a second-hand model: “ New, and without options, you have to count 8,000 to 10,000 euros for the model I was hoping for. The prices are the big downside, due to the fact that they are manufactured in small series by hand. I had also been advised to go through the occasion to discover the velomobile. If in use, I identified that another model would suit me better, I knew I could resell mine relatively easily. Second-hand prices are holding up well ».
It was a little before Christmas that the movement rushed: ” I found on the site recyclebent.com what I was looking for. With options like rear suspension and power assist. Built in 2018, and low mileage, I touched this Katanga WAW at 9,000 euros. New, with all the options, I would certainly have had to go out in the 14,000 euros ».
The car stays in the garage
Since Christmas, Luc Alexis has been able to get a clear idea of his velomobile: “ I have already traveled about 3,000 km, and have only taken the car twice in 6 months. My wife also uses it on occasion, with enthusiasm, which is helped by the fact that we are about the same size. It is therefore not necessary to change the settings ».
Among the anecdotes to share: I used to take my car to go to my association meetings which start around 8:00 p.m. I tended to swallow a coffee then. With the velomobile, I no longer need it. Thanks to the electric assistance, I practice moderate exercise, and I arrive in good shape, without sweating, without having to take a shower”.
He has already understood why those who ride regularly with such a machine “don’t think about moving on ».
Velomobile and weather
What if it rains? ” Normally, I’m head outside. But behind me, I have a roof that goes up in minutes with 2 screws. I can ride in huge puddles and stay dry thanks to the shell. In case of heavy rain, I’m a little wet on the chest, nothing too bad. This is mainly due to the fact that to avoid fogging, I have to open the visor a little. It was worse with the trike where I found myself in these conditions with soaked feet after a few minutes ».
Without a windscreen wiper, the headlights of oncoming cars can interfere with it. The velomobile also protects its driver from the cold: “ The hull is a very effective windbreaker, but also protects from the sun. Moreover human warmth stays a little inside. It’s perfect for winter. I don’t know how it will be in the heart of summer, however. ».
The hull of the Katanga WAW is a bit special: “ On most velomobiles, it forms a whole. On the WAW, the nose and the rear are removable to access the mechanics. That’s why I have a partition behind the seat that reduces the space available for carrying groceries. However, on both sides of the rear wheel, I can fit a large backpack or a shopping bag. In some velomobile models, there is even a small place to carry a child ».
Dynamism of the velomobile
It didn’t take long for Luc Alexis to be convinced of the efficiency of his electrically assisted velomobile: ” The energy gain linked to aerodynamics is stunning and real. Without waiting to reach the end of the battery, I put in recharge after 100 kilometers in general. The real autonomy, of course variable according to the conditions, must be around 130-150 km ».
The dynamism of the velomobile often leads those who come to meet it when it stops in a parking lot to ask it: ” It must be electric to drive so fast. I’m a little embarrassed to answer. Yes, it is electrically assisted, but the motor typically inhibits around 25 km/h. Then it’s the aerodynamics that takes over and you feel that it’s spinning. We climb easily to 45 km / h and more, but there, the electric motor has been idle for a long time ».
The velomobilist loves the sympathy capital produced by his machine: “ Motorists honk behind me then give me a thumbs up once they have passed me. Since I don’t have a bubble and I’m in direct contact with the outside world, children say thank you when I stop to let them cross. With this vehicle, we rediscover human ties ».
Visibility by other users
A second question is often asked of our interlocutor: “ It’s about the fear of not being seen by other road users. It’s true that I’m not going to have fun going up a line of cars on the right. If the first turns, it risks I overturning. So I usually stay in line, as if I were in a car. The hulls are very colorful, in yellow, red, orange or green. There is a brake light behind and turn signals. Frankly, the one who does not see us is that he is on his smartphone ».
Why not put a flag? ” I had one on the trike. The velomobile was not equipped with it when I bought it. Anyway, in many cases, it is not very useful. For example, it is not in the field of vision of motorists who are next to me. What I fear the most, like other road users, are large SUVs that overtake at breakneck speed. Depending on the use, I also have access to cycle paths ».
Satisfaction
Luc Alexis is delighted with his purchase: “ It is a type of vehicle that needs to be better known, more developed. The farthest I have gone with, replacing the car, is about thirty kilometers from my home, on a weekend. “. A good choice : ” Mentally, the velomobile suits me. I feel good to take it if I’m going somewhere alone ».
Different models exist: With a carbon shell, without suspension or other equipment that would constitute a dead weight, the sportsmen do not exceed 30 kg. With electric assistance and rear suspension, mine is necessarily heavier. It is a model that I would describe as utility ».
To get to know the velomobile better, our friendly witness recommends surfing the site velomobile-france.com.
Cleanrider and I thank Luc Alexis very much for his responsiveness, his availability, his sympathy, and his very interesting testimony.
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