GinzVelo Tricycle Can Go 120 MPH, Aims To Provice Safer Cycling

Sep 11, 2015 03:51 PM EDT | John Nassivera

Those wondering if a tricycle would ever be able to travel as fast as a car may soon see that idea become a reality.

Inventor and former design student Peter Ginzburg, from Virginia, has unveiled the GinzVelo, a futuristic pod-like vehicle aimed at giving cyclists a safer and more comfortable way of traveling, according to the Daily Mail.

The high-tech tricycle's safety comes from the fiberglass pod that pulls over the driver to shield them from different elements of traffic, including the weather and other drivers.

Twenty-six-year-old Ginzburg, who built small motorcycles and go-karts when he was a kid, said that he came up with the idea for the GinzVelo after his experiences of getting rained on and almost getting hit by cars while biking at Penn State University, the Daily Mail reported. He added that he wants people to be able to ride the bike without any government oversight.

Aerodynamics was a major factor when coming up with the vehicle's design, as Ginzburg asked himself "what would happen if a shark married a spaceship and had offspring?"

"The design evolved from there. It was a very silly design process," he said, adding that the bike is also made from foam core and aluminum.

The GinzVelo, which has been in development for four years, comes with a wide range of lights, including LED headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals. Owners would have the option of pedaling the bike, but its 500-watt battery lets it go up to 120 mph for 100 miles on a single charge.

Ginzburg says that while anyone can ride the GinzVelo, it is more aimed towards people weighing less than 205 lbs, as well as those with back or leg issues since the bike is a low-impact vehicle, the Daily Mail noted. He added that he is working with wounded veterans to give those with disabilities greater access to the bike.

Making traveling more convenient for those living in cities and suburbs is also a major focus, Ginzburg said.

"Most people live five to 10 miles from work and travel alone. Many would prefer to bike to work and get exercise if they were comfortable, safe, dry and could conquer hills while carrying a backpack," he said.

"We have designed the GinzVelo to meet those needs while looking stylish and unique."

Ginzburg is currently looking to raise around $50,000 on Kickstarter to get production started for the GinzVelo. If the campaign is successful, he will be able to start selling the bike in October for $6,900.

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