Zach West is used to answering questions about his unique four-wheeled conveyance, which resembles both a rocket ship and a vintage vehicle.
While parked in front of downtown Bellingham’s Horseshoe Cafe, West said he’s had his Quatravelo for about 10 months. Purchased for the price of an average economy car (about $20,000), the pedal-powered ride was created by Velomobiel.nl, a company based out of the Netherlands.
“It takes a full year to have it built because it’s carbon fiber, and it’s built to your specs and all that,” West said. “I got it for commuting and touring.”
West said the interior has enough space for a kids’ seat (or camping gear), and that the only battery powers the headlights, taillights, blinkers, horn and brake lights. A charger for his phone is included, and he can also plug in a fan or a heater.
Although it might not seem like it, West said the bike has good sight lines, and he’s even able to peer up into semi-truck windows. The fastest speed he’s clocked in at is 71 miles per hour (no, he doesn’t need a license for it and, yes, it’s insured).
“It’s my only form of transportation,” West said. “That, and the bus.”
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