A Vancouver company is testing the waters with a new alternative for commuters worried about overcrowded transit and carbon emissions.

VeloMetro unveiled the world害羞草研究所檚 first electric-assisted 害羞草研究所渧elomobile害羞草研究所� service at the University of British Columbia today. The vehicle, which rolls on three wheels, is intended to resemble a cross between two popular modes of transportation: a bicycle and a car.

The company害羞草研究所檚 CEO, Kody Baker, said the service will begin at UBC害羞草研究所檚 main campus, with plans to expand across the province.

害羞草研究所淲e saw an opportunity to create a fun and affordable active transportation alternative that fits people害羞草研究所檚 urban needs,害羞草研究所� he said.

害羞草研究所淲e have big plans to expand our fleet and offer the velomobile-sharing service across Metro Vancouver, our province, and eventually throughout the Pacific Northwest and the world.害羞草研究所�

Outfitted with familiar bicycle handlebars, pedals and hand brakes, Veemo velomobiles will also work like caresharing and bikesharing programs that already exist, with no keys required and registration through a smartphone app and operation on a pay-per-minute system.

Since it害羞草研究所檚 legally classified as an electric bicycle, users do not need a driver害羞草研究所檚 license and are able to sign up online within minutes. They can then access the velomobile without having to wait for motor vehicle driver record checks.

Tuesday害羞草研究所檚 public launch of the five velomobiles on UBC害羞草研究所檚 campus follows testing that tracked how students would use the service. It found that 400 test riders logged more than 2,700 km and 630 hours in trips.

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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