Bülk MK1, record-breaking velomobile, also suitable for everyday use?
*Author: Jens Buckbesch.
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There has been a lot of philosophizing about what makes a velomobile really suitable for everyday use.
When designing the suitability for everyday use of the Bülk MK1, a clear prioritization was made and a concentration on what really counts:
1. Easy entry and exit
The Bülk MK1 has a very large entry opening that makes entry and exit easy. When getting in, you can sit comfortably on the rear edge to swing your legs into the vehicle. When you get out, you can move your upper body very far forward to support your hands behind you.
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2. Weather protection in all seasons
The Bülk can be driven with various seasonally optimized hoods that protect against rain, snow and storms all year round. Thanks to the standard frame ventilation, drying processes also take place while driving. This also allows condensation to dry out.
In extreme cold, the ventilation can be closed completely, allowing body heat to heat up the interior.
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3. Driving efficiency
As a further development of the world record-setting Milan velomobile, the Bülk MK1 is an extremely aerodynamic vehicle. He has already broken two world records. This gives the user a record-breaking vehicle that can reach very high speeds with extremely little pedaling power. This gives the driver a very long range.
4. Safety
A stable body protects the driver in the event of an accident. Its outer skin made of carbon has safety inserts made of nylon, which prevent it from breaking into sharp edges if it is deformed.
Safety in the event of a frontal crash: The front frame is designed with its Y design so that it cannot move towards the driver. The flat seating position and the coaming with its hold-down devices effectively prevent the driver from sitting up and accelerating the upper body forward. In comparison to velomobiles with a steep seating position, it also prevents the upper body from being accelerated with its face onto a coaming in front of it. At the same time, the flat body angle allows a large part of the energy to be absorbed by the legs.
Safety in the event of a rear collision: In the event of a rear-end collision, the driver's head is effectively protected by the shape of the head rest area and its foam padding.
See and be seen well: A standard high-performance lighting system with daytime running light function ensures good visibility.
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5. Modular adaptability
Another important unique selling point is the modular and tool-free adaptability of the vehicle to different driver sizes. This means that the seat and headrest area can be adjusted to suit drivers of very different heights within seconds. This means a huge advantage for sharing with different drivers or family members. With different hoods and body modules, the vehicle cross-section can even be adapted to different body sizes.
Conclusion: The record-breaking Bülk MK1 velomobile also conquers everyday life with these features and can thus take over a large part of our mobility.
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