Urban Transport

New vehicle brings Italian flair to the world of velomobiles

New vehicle brings Italian flair to the world of velomobiles
The Barbagallo X01 in its native Italy
The Barbagallo X01 in its native Italy
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The Barbagallo X01 in its native Italy
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The Barbagallo X01 in its native Italy
Plans also call for a four-wheeled version of the Barbagallo X01
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Plans also call for a four-wheeled version of the Barbagallo X01

Perhaps you like the idea of cruising down the road sitting in something sleek and Italian, yet you're not really a "car person." Well, if that's the case, then the Barbagallo X01 might be for you. The single-seat vehicle uses a brushless electric motor to augment the rider's pedalling power, occupying a niche somewhere between bicycle and electric car.

Created by architect/industrial designer Giorgio R. G. Barbagallo, the X01 features a wooden monocoque body wrapped in carbon fiber.

Its polycarbonate hinged upper shell has a 120-watt SunPower solar panel built into the roof, to help charge the vehicle's 48V/30Ah lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack. One full charge (from an outlet, not the panel) takes a claimed four hours and should be good for a range of 70 km (43 miles). The battery can be removed for charging.

The X01's top motor-assisted speed is 25 km/h (16 mph).

Plans also call for a four-wheeled version of the Barbagallo X01
Plans also call for a four-wheeled version of the Barbagallo X01

Some of its other features include a full LED lighting system, front and rear coil/hydraulic suspension, a small cargo compartment, along with front and rear hydraulic disc braking. The vehicle's total weight – presumably in its current three-wheeled prototype form – is 55 kg (121 lb). Plans also call for a four-wheeled version to be manufactured (see image above).

If you're interested in getting one, you'll have to wait for a bit, as it's currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign. Different pledge levels are available, which will go towards the starting retail price of €15,000 (about US$15,969). Delivery isn't expected until June 2019.

In the meantime, you can watch the prototype in action, in the video below.

Sources: Barbagallobikecars, Indiegogo

Barbagallo X01 - the new life's style trasportation

11 comments
11 comments
JoelTaylor
Ya, way too much. If you compare it to other velomobiles, a fully carbon velomobile is ~$13,000. If you simply look at price you can get an electric motorcycle from a number of manufactures for that price, including some like the Arcimoto that carries two and has an option for full enclosure for complete weather protection.
Johannes
Italian flair? Not sure if Barbagallo promoted the design that way or if New Atlas thinks that if it's from Italy it must be well-designed. This looks like it was made by school students.
An Arcimoto is quite basic, but still packs more thoughtful design than this.
watersworm
Waow 15.000€ for a electric bike (trike) ??? Oh yes, for carrying only one person !
michael_dowling
A top speed of 16mph? Stay in the bike lane!
SteveO
A top speed of 16mph? Get out of the bike lane and stay on the sidewalk!
StWils
For that much money you can buy a small and very efficient car which will run well and last more than long enough for battery technology to mature a lot more. And along the way someone else will design a velomobile at an attractive price & feature set. Next!
McDesign
Yes, that is "Sweet Home, Alabama".
Leonard Foster Jr
You can get a Elf or Bug E for far less and more cargo/people and speed
JimFox
Pointless. Italian ego- stroking?
Mike Giles
No.....................I don't think so.
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