In the past five years, at least three makers of velomobiles have declared bankruptcy, dampening their dreams of revolutionizing sustainable transport with the bicycle-car hybrid. But Ali Kazemkhani, founder of Burnaby, B.C.-based ENVO Drive Systems, thinks his electric mobility company can succeed where others have failed. Velomobiles are unique pedal-powered vehicles that have been around for more than 100 years, forming a strong community of racers.
But today’s commuter versions are a slight departure from those used in the racing scene.Ali Kazemkhani, on right, is the CEO of ENVO which makes velomobiles in Burnaby, B.C. In 2023, ENVO acquired Veemo, a velomobile that was created by Vancouver-based company VeloMetro Mobility, after it went bankrupt.With features such as two to four wheels, an upright seat, cargo space, Bluetooth connectivity, batteries and a roof to protect against wet weather, it can be difficult to discern upon first glance where these vehicles belong in transit. Yet in most jurisdictions, the vehicle is bike-lane friendly, making it a comfortable option for car-less people or people who can’t ride a bike. However, multiple attempts since 2019 by makers in the U.S., Canada and Germany to sell these vehicles have ended in the company filing for insolvency. Mr. Kazemkhani said he chalks this up to, not the concept, but the business plan.In 2023, ENVO acquired Veemo, a velomobile that was created by Vancouver-based company VeloMetro Mobility, after it went bankrupt. Mr. Kazemkhani said ENVO plans to use its bootstrap method of relying upon internal resources and revenue to carry on development of the Veemo, delivering it to customers with deposits who were left hanging after the bankruptcy. Velomobiles are unique pedal-powered vehicles that have been around for more than 100 years, forming a strong community of racer