Here you can compare traditional means of personal transport alongside a WeatherVelo...

[1] average traffic speed across London is 16.9mph (27km/h). During peak periods in central London this slows to 10mph (16km/h) = same speed as horse-drawn carriages 100 years ago. Source: Automobile Association, 2008; from TfL.

[2] fossil fuelled cars are especially inefficient for short journeys, while the engine has not warmed up to optimum operating temperature. WeatherVelos have limited range, but 68% of all trips are under 5 miles (8km). Source: Cyclists’ Touring Club, U.K.

[3] average work trip distance for inner London is 5.3 miles (8.6 km), and for outer London is 7 miles (11.3km).
Source: Demographia, using data from 2001 Census.

[4] smaller battery gives range of up to 20 miles, larger battery up to 40 miles (exact figures to be confirmed). Either battery can be charged overnight at home, or even during the day at work to maximise range for each journey. For example: commuter travelling 12 miles to work could opt for the smaller (cheaper) battery and charge the battery during the day, ready for the return trip home.

[5] range for WeatherVelo PRIME is yet to be confirmed, but will exceed range for MODE. On-board charger enables extended range through use of the expanding network of charging bays (for UK, see www.ev-network.org.uk and www.elektromotive.com/html/network.php and www.sourcelondon.net).

[6] but in practice 58% of car trips are under 5 miles (8km). Source: Cyclists’ Touring Club, U.K.

[7] similar schemes operate in Milan (Italy), Stockholm (Sweden), Singapore, Riga (Latvia), Valletta (Malta), Durham (England) and Znojmo (Czech Republic). Central parts of Rome (Italy) and Lisbon (Portugal) prohibit petrol/diesel vehicles. 

Other comparisons:

  • road presence better than a bike or scooter, due to bodywork (which is brightly coloured for visibility)

  • eyeline equivalent to a car (unlike low recumbents)

  • cars can carry several people, but 91% of car commuting is single occupancy!
    • Source: Liftshare UK / Green Thing Ltd

  • seven times more efficient than a single-occupancy car (explained below)

    Typical hatchback car weighs 1000kg. Average person/rider weighs 75kg. Total weight = 1075kg. So for single-occupancy (common during commutes and errands): 75/1075 = only 7% of the energy expended is being used to move the person. 93% of the energy is just being used to move the car itself.

    WeatherVelo weighs approximately 75kg (less for MODE, more for PRIME), including battery. Average person/rider weighs 75kg. Total weight = 150kg. So 75/150 = 50% of the energy is being used to move the person. This is 7 times more efficient than a small car (combustion or electric), and the person gets light exercise too. Compared to a large car the benefit is even greater.