Also increasing in popularity is the velomobile such as the Go-One3 that I had talked about before. But, there are many other brands and styles of velomobiles from which one has to choose as well.

Some of these pedal-powered recumbent vehicles are even starting to come with electric assist for those who wish to navigate steep hills. Because of the aerodynamic quality of these human-powered vehicles (HPV), the velomobiles can also consistently outpace bicycles at around 25 mph.

And, velomobiles aren’t wussie vehicles either. The Varna Diablo HPV was able to set a record at 81 mph using pedal power alone. Velomobiles are gaining popularity from New Zealand to Oregon to the European Union.

This is because most of these HPV’s come with some sort of covering to keep out the elements and can carry substantial cargo such as groceries. A few of these vehicles even come with windshield wipers and will keep the rider warm in cooler temperatures.

With gas prices soaring, velomobiles are gaining momentum as realistic alternatives to improve fitness and decrease vehicle emissions.

Aquaduct Mobile Filtration Vehicle is designed particular for people in developing nations where attaining clean water is a problem. The rear of the bicycle can be filled with water and as the rider pedals the vehicle, water is drawn through a filter and into a closed receptacle in front next to the handlebars.

Once the rider of the Aquaduct Bike has arrived at their village, the clean water can be taken off and used by the family. In addition, if extra water is needed, the Aquaduct Mobile Filtration Vehicle can be placed out of gear and the pedaller can create clean water while pedaling a stationary bike.

Other finalists of the Innovate or Die competition included MIT Cycling, Multiuse Bike Machine, Velocytraptor Mobile Cinema, Dual Purpose Bicycle and Pedal-Powered Snow Plow

So, the students came up with an ingenious idea to build a exercise bike to power a laptop computer. The pedal-powered laptop computer was designed ergonomically so that the cyclist could both exercise and use the computer at the same time. This multifaceted, multitasking feat, however, would give way to another more ambitious project.

Last week 10 MIT cyclists set a world record (they are submitting to Guinness) by powering a couple of SiCortex SC648 supercomputers over a 20-minute nonstop ride. Inspired also by Google’s “Innovate or Die” contest, the bicycle pedal power was converted to alternating current to run a fusion reaction program on the computers.

The MIT cyclists generated much more power than necessary at 1.2 kw as the low-power SiCortex supercomputers need only about 8 watts to run. The MIT students are hopeful that they will win Google’s contest, while drawing attention to using low tech pedal power to drive high tech supercomputers.

Be that as it may, slackers or those with steep upgrades to travail can also expand the capabilities to this velomobile with a 700-watt electrical assist motor if desired. Powered primarily by granola bars and bottled water, this pedal-power personal transport vehicle is sure to turn heads.

No worries taking it on roadways, bike paths and sidewalks, either as the Go-One3 is considered a legal road vehicle, the same as a fully fared tricycle. The Go-One3 has high visibility, maneuverability and sustainability (as long as the rider has energy or the battery holds out).

This velomobile can also carry quite a bit of luggage on the back for those who wish to take it to work or for a quick trip to the grocery store. The Go-One3 may be purchased as a kit or fully assembled, though Beyss recommends the fully assembled version due to the complexity of the assembly process.