Honestly, I cannot determine what kind of vehicle the TWIKE 5 is. I am unsure if this German EV is a car, pedal-assist bicycle, trike, or motorcycle. I mean, it has three wheels—two rear, one front, a proper cabin with a body dimension that of a small car, and an electric motor which is why it is confusing.
But here’s something even crazier: the TWIKE 5 has bicycle pedals, and yet it is NOT a pedal-assist vehicle. The pedals are not the only strange feature; it does not have a regular steering wheel; it has a sidestick steering system found in the TWIKE 4. At this point, I am pretty sure this is a whole new category of vehicle.
Whatever it is, this vehicle is definitely nothing conventional. The sidestick steering system is one standout unconventional design and it is a completely redeveloped system. It allows a relaxed but precise steering control without inducing fatigue even over long distances and at high speeds. Well, not that this little guy can do on an endurance run or make land speed records.
Its 70 kW electric motor is paired with a 353 V lithium-ion battery system that affords it up to 250-500 km (155-311 miles) range and 130 km/h-190 km/h (81-118 mph) max speed. Those are pretty good numbers given how tiny it is. Even more so given that weighs just 600 kilograms (1,323 pounds).
Oh, about the pedals. They are not used for powering the vehicle. It is a pedal assistance through muscle power—for the driver and passenger. And yes, this little guy sits two side-by-side! And also yes, the passenger gets his or her own set of pedals! Pedaling does nothing to contribute to the power; it helps charge the battery and thereby increases the range. Moreover, you’d be getting your daily dose of fitness training. Well, that’s if you drive it every day.
Some tech specs detail that may want to know include a maximum load capacity of 250-310 kilograms (551-683 pounds), 300L (11 cubic feet) luggage space (yes, it does have a trunk!), 2-circuit brake system, disc brake all-around, energy recuperation, downhill cruise control, rear DeDion composite suspension with stabilizer, and double longitudinal link swing arm with wheel bearing flange for classic passenger car wheels.
The TWIKE 5 Three-wheeled Electric Vehicle is now open for pre-order in the EU for approximately €45,200-48,300 (≈ US$50,026-53,453).
Images: TWIKE.
via TheSuperBOO!
