Velocars and other interesting vehicles.

GoldenMotor.com

moto-klasika

Member
Jan 12, 2013
584
18
18
Bern (more) and Belgrade (less)
Kai,
Never end to wonderful information from you!
Quite magnificient "velocar", indeed... There are some facts from thier web-site:

technical information:
  • the 8rad is equipped with an independent wheel suspension, carrying 160kg/axle at sag 40%, equals 2 drivers + 480kg load.
  • two drivers pedal independently with a 3x7x5 gear system.
  • axle 1 and 2 steer, 3 includes powertrain with a differential. breaks on axle 1,2,4. weight approx. 100kg.
  • lights are solar powered, the 8rad fits german 'stvzo' (road traffic licensing regulations)
I supposed that it must be heavier then 100 kg?
... and, hardly belived that it could be propelled just by two drivers, even empty?

Great machine!
 

plycar

Member
Aug 11, 2014
60
6
6
Thuringia, Germany
Last edited:

Intrepid Wheelwoman

New Member
Oct 29, 2011
2,830
62
0
Hauraki District, New Zealand
Zoran, those band brakes take a bit of tinkering to setup properly and the braking effect is what could be called 'gradual' rather than instant. Seriously if you're looking for a good brake look somewhere else. They are useful as a parking brake though.
 

Mike B

New Member
Mar 23, 2011
2,256
7
0
Central CA
I agree. I had one on a scooter and they don't even work as good as a caliper (rim) brake. When I removed it to do some maintainance, I couldn't get it to work properly when I re-installed it. It would always drag. Finally just tossed it.

Junk.
 

Ludwig II

Well-Known Member
Jul 17, 2012
5,071
783
113
UK
I remember the old tales about Austin 7 band brakes working better in reverse than forwards, since they tightened themselves on to the drum; is that what's happening with the band brakes in use now, they're trying to slacken themselves off instead?
 
Last edited:

moto-klasika

Member
Jan 12, 2013
584
18
18
Bern (more) and Belgrade (less)
I remember the old tales about Austin 7 band brakes working better in reverse than forwards, since they tightened themselves on to the drum; is that what's happening with the band brakes in use now, they're trying to slacken themselves off instead?
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Ludwig,
There is a lot of truth in your words: all band-brakes work better in one direction and worse in another, working as simple servo in proper direction! Maybe, people used them in opposite way to have softer braking without blockade of wheels and their skidding because of narrow tyres? From some people experience, blockade of wheels could happens on light vehicle and smooth surface (wet asphalt?). That is experience of some of my friends that like to build replicas of early automobiles...[/FONT]



[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]However, band-brakes are mostly not-so-good in one direction and even worse in another... But all automobiles from pioneer era up to twenties, had inefficient brakes, and some were quite fast![/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]
If I had time (in front of me) and some spare money - I should give them a chance, just because of veteran image! (and, to try something odd!). Probably that I would make them by myself, in a style of large pulleys on rear wheels and proper belts that should be tensioned. For front wheels: off-the-shelf Chinese junk.

For me, simplest solution and not so expensive, should be to buy in Belgrade new or second-hand TOMOS moped wheels of 18", complete with axles, bearings, brakes and tyres (rear with sprockets)... [/FONT]