Velo is a Latin word for bicycle. Velotaxi, as you might guess, is a cross between a bicycle and a taxi. The vehicle was born in Germany and its design is based on the rickshaw. Velotaxi has become popular as a symbol of the urban landscape of towns in many countries. The vehicles are decorated with colourful advertisements and serve also as a poster board. The advantages of Velotaxi as a means of carrying people to their destinations are its mobility and its compact body. As it goes slowly in winds, it gives a feeling of refreshment for the passenger. Velotaxi is attracting considerable attention from the environmental point of view as a clean means of public transportation. The design is being renewed, and new vehicles will be in use first in Germany in June 2006. Let's explore the functionality and design of Velotaxi.

+81: What's the concept of Velotaxi?
Velotaxi(V): Velotaxi is an environmentally friendly bicycle taxi born in Germany and it's based on the concept of "an environmental action in which everyone can participate with fun". Just by using Velotaxi, which emits no polluting gas, passengers, drivers, advertisers, and local citizens can automatically participate in the environmental action. While cars have been the centre of transportation, we believe that there should be more bicycle lanes so that we can use bicycles safely even in the city centre. We hope that the environmentally friendly Velotaxi will be a genuine public means of transportation.

+81: Velotaxi was born in Germany in 1997. In Japan, how much has it spread?
V: It was introduced first in Kyoto in May 2002. For now, it's in use in 15 cities including Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. An environmental NPO is in charge of local management in many cities, while it's run by a social venture business or a local enterprise in some cities.

+81: Please tell us about the design of the latest model and its functions.
V: We wanted to realise a total design, while working on the base of the existing form. Our aim was to simplify both the production process and the use, and to make a sharp and sporty silhouette. The mechanical part is hidden behind the cabin. The front glass, the hatch, and the side windows were introduced as standard parts. In terms of functions, we introduced a module method to make the cabin. The cabin is made of recyclable plastic as the old model used to be. With the module method, we can make two completely different vehicles using three cabin parts. The result is quite unique. While the vehicle is 35cm shorter than the older model, there is a space for luggage and it's equipped with a hatch. You can attach the provided electric motor to the driving mechanism.
In Germany, the latest model is going to be shown at the design festival Designmai 2006, and it's going to be in use in June. Furthermore in Japan, there will be a press conference in Tokyo or Kyoto around the 17th of May, the fifth anniversary of introduction of Velotaxi.

+81: It's attracting attention as a new, ecologically friendly means of transportation. What are other advantages?
V: It's invigorating to feel the wind going through your body as Velotaxi runs, and it allows passengers to feel as if they were on holiday in town. They can also run through narrow streets where cars or buses don't have access. Communication with the driver is also fun. Moreover, Velotaxi is a mobile symbol of local identity and it's also promotes environmental education; it can provide a clue to solution of various social issues such as local economy, welfare, and employment issues including NEET. The biggest appeal, however, is the fact that Velotaxi has a lot of potential.

　http://www.velotaxi.jp/