People powered vehicle
Encyclopedia
The People Powered Vehicle, or PPV, was a 2-person pedal-powered car introduced in the United States during the oil crisis of the early 1970's
. Manufactured by EVI of Sterling Heights, Michigan, it sold for less than $400. Although it offered luggage space and was marketed as a fun and practical vehicle, it offered limited weather protection and was not fast enough to substitute for a car. The PPV maybe considered the forerunner of the modern Velomobile
. This tricycle was manufactured with a 3 speed, floor shift, open type, transmission with a single wheel drive. Either the driver or the passenger could pedal independently or as a team. Reverse was accomplished by reaching outside and turning one of the rear wheels by hand. At one time, a rear hinged, surrey top was available. Most were manufactured with a forest green bottom and a white hood. Red or Yellow bottoms with white tops were also offered. Sometimes bicycle accessories were added. EG: squeeze bulb horn and a rear view mirror. An upgraded version of this vehicle is currently (2011) being offered by the International Surrey Company Ltd. under the trade name Impello
1970s energy crisis
The 1970s energy crisis was a period in which the major industrial countries of the world, particularly the United States, faced substantial shortages, both perceived and real, of petroleum...
. Manufactured by EVI of Sterling Heights, Michigan, it sold for less than $400. Although it offered luggage space and was marketed as a fun and practical vehicle, it offered limited weather protection and was not fast enough to substitute for a car. The PPV maybe considered the forerunner of the modern Velomobile
Velomobile
A velomobile or bicycle car is a human-powered vehicle, enclosed for aerodynamic advantage and protection from weather and collisions. They are virtually always single-passenger vehicles. They are derived from recumbent bicycles and tricycles, with the addition of a full fairing . There are few...
. This tricycle was manufactured with a 3 speed, floor shift, open type, transmission with a single wheel drive. Either the driver or the passenger could pedal independently or as a team. Reverse was accomplished by reaching outside and turning one of the rear wheels by hand. At one time, a rear hinged, surrey top was available. Most were manufactured with a forest green bottom and a white hood. Red or Yellow bottoms with white tops were also offered. Sometimes bicycle accessories were added. EG: squeeze bulb horn and a rear view mirror. An upgraded version of this vehicle is currently (2011) being offered by the International Surrey Company Ltd. under the trade name Impello