LONDONERS have been left baffled by a bizarre vehicle that was spotted roaming the capital’s streets, branding it a “death trap”.
The strange little vehicle was spotted yesterday on Regent Street in central London, meandering through traffic.
The vehicle – since identified as a velomobile – fits only one person and isn’t even waist-high.
A video was captured of the velomobile sitting idle at a traffic light on Regent Street as it waits to move off.
Pedestrians and passersby are seen admiring the bizarre little human-powered vehicle, snapping pictures of it as they pass.
The light begins to change and the velomobile sets off at considerable speed as three vehicles coming from the left run through a red light, blocking the bizarre bicycle’s path.
A motorist can be heard honking their horn, presumably at the large white van that ran a red light and narrowly missed the velomobile.
Passing this obstacle, the velomobile and its driver are beset again as a pedestrian crosses the road late, coming within inches of being hit by the bizarre car-bike hybrid.
The £8,000 bicycle is enclosed with a fiberglass cabin around the operator to provide protection from the elements.
The bizarre bicycle allows for the operator to remain reclined throughout their journey and is boasted as being the comfiest cycle ever.
The enclosed human powered vehicle allows for greater aerodynamics than a regular bicycle.
Video footage of the vehicle was shared to social media with users asking others for help identifying the quirky bike.
The video was shared yesterday with the caption: “Anyone know what this is?”
The post proved popular with social media users who rushed to explain the velomobile, whilst others remarked on how dangerous the low-riding bicycle was.
One user said: “£8,000 for a death trap bike?”
Another added: “The low profile makes it at risk for collision. Amazing to see three vehicles go through a red light.”
A third wrote: “I don’t think it’s a drone thing, I think there is a person in there pedaling a recumbent bicycle.”
Another replied: “I think it may be a bicycle.
“There was an English computer entrepreneur back in the 80s who sold his computer company and created another company to mass produce bicycles similar to this one.
“He thought he was creating a revolution in transport, but the bikes didn’t sell well. I’m assuming this is a sit-down bicycle.”
