Velomobiles are basically an aerodynamic bicycle enclosed from the elements. Wikipedia says its one of the most efficient forms of transportation. An electric petal-assist velomobile seems like a great solution so why are they so difficult and expensive to purchase? Why haven’t many people heard of them?
IMO, the biggest issue is that it’s way slower (and less crash-safe) than a car, and way less flexible than a regular two-wheel bike. So it’s kind of the worst of both worlds from a practicality standpoint.
Unless you are on a highway a velomobile is not slower than a car. Especially in cities where bikes can overtake cars at traffic lights and take shortcuts that are closed to cars.