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Frequently Asked Questions


General (7)
Q: Can you please post a short video of the pedalcloud in action?
A: Read more to see the videos.
Q: How many people are required to power the pedal contraption before it will go?
A: Only one person is required to pedal when the pedal cloud is on flat ground. Two or three are nice to have when going uphill. The more riders the higher chance someone will not work as hard and/or stop pedaling all together. Hans and Kai have both gotten it up to 10MPH+ by themselves.
Q: Is it a 10 person bike or an 11 person bike? How many can ride it?
A: The F-30 Pedal Cloud has 11 bicycle frames and seats but only 10 sets of pedals. The driver sits in front and does not have a set of pedals. The drivers normal pedals were replaced with a brake pedal. The Cloud does have some standing room so it could (and has) carry more than eleven.
Q: When was the Pedal Cloud completed?
A: The Pedal Cloud may never be "completed" but it took it's first outing 2pm May 4, 2008.
Q: Where was the F-30 Pedal Cloud 11 person bike created?
A: Hans and Matt have a shop on 31st and portland. The shop is a converted two car garage.
Q: How long did it take to build the Pedal Cloud?
A: It took over 1000 hours that spanned a little less than two months.
Q: How much does the pedal cloud weigh empty?
A: 920 pounds
Mechanical (3)
Q: Does it have a transmission? What is it? How many speeds?
A: The pedal cloud has a four speed manual transmission with functional reverse from a 74 VW Bug.
Q: How does it brake?
A: The Pedal Cloud brakes very well and can easily stop a full load of 10 going down a steep hill at 30+ MPH. The Pedal Cloud utilized the front torsion suspension, braking, and steering box from a 1979 Volkswagen Type 2 Mini-Bus. The brakes are 12" hydraulic disk and actuated by an arm that the driver pushes down with the right foot. The brake arm pivots on the front bike frames bottom bracket.
Q: How fast does the party bike go?
A: It depends on the riders aboard. With 10 excited, athletic bikers the Pedal Cloud can travel over 20MPH. With an average set of riders the cruise speed is usually a comfortable 10-13MPH.
Rental (4)
Q: Are there any pedalclouds available for rental in Los Angeles? Would you be able to put me in touch with groups working on this in the L.A. area?
A:

As far as we know no pedal clouds are available in the L.A. area. If you know anyone that would be interested in starting a rental business out there please have them contact us.
We'll be sure to post with any news of other human powered transportation vehicles when we find out about them.

Q: Can we bring music on the ride?
A: Yes, you may bring anything with a headphone jack. The cloud is fitted with an amp and pair of speakers.
Q: Can it be ridden at night? Does it have lights?
A: Yes, the pedal cloud can go out onto the streets at night. The bike is fitted with a front headlight and taillights. Turn signals and brake lights are on the way.
Q: When renting the pedal cloud does it include the cost of a driver?
A: Yes, a driver is required and included in the rental fee.