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The 17 UN SDGs provide the framework for global sustainability policy. They set concrete goals such as poverty reduction and climate protection, which the global community should address by 2030. More and more countries, companies and even investors are aligning their activities with these goals or reporting on how they are actively contributing to achieving them.

Even though the TWIKE journey began long before 2015, some of these goals are virtually in the DNA of our company. These primarily include SDGs 3, 12 and 13:

SDG 13: Climate protection measures

Goal 13 is to take immediate action to address climate change and its impacts. From the very beginning, the development of the TWIKE was focused on the idea of CO2-free mobility. Long before Tesla, TWIKE was one of the pioneers of emission-free locomotion. The fact that this has now become fully established is in turn also thanks to the success of the carmaker from California. TWIKE goes one step further, however, and sets new standards in energy efficiency through innovative design – from the chassis to human-hybrid drive and lightweight construction. Compared with a conventional mid-range electric vehicle, for example, the TWIKE 5 will consume less than half as much energy per 100 km.

The bi-directional charging system, which is already integrated in the basic version, offers the possibility of using surplus generated electricity – e.g., from the vehicle’s engine – to charge the vehicle. from the PV system on the roof of one’s own house – and to call it up at a later time for one’s own household consumption or for the public grid. In this way, the TWIKE becomes a partner in the expansion of renewable energies.

SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, sustainable consumption and production (SCP) refers to the use of products that meet basic needs and provide a better quality of life, while minimizing the consumption of natural resources, toxic materials, and emissions of waste and pollutants so as not to compromise the needs of future generations. In the case of the TWIKE, this goal is closely linked to Goal 13, because by using materials sparingly and keeping equipment to a minimum, we simultaneously increase energy efficiency. In addition, the TWIKE stands for high durability: We know that about half of the vehicles produced in the past 27 years are still in use. The TWIKE is not subject to fashions. It is a means to an end – and it still serves this purpose excellently after many years. This is also reflected in the value retention.

Although used TWIKE are not often found. Most TWIKE drivers do not sell their vehicle. And if it does, a TWIKE 3 in good condition with a usable battery is rarely available for less than €10,000.

SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people at all ages.

The TWIKE is the first and only vehicle to combine the electric motor with a pedal drive. Muscle power is converted directly into kinetic energy. This not only additionally improves the vehicle’s efficiency, but also increases its range. The steady pedaling during the ride turns the TWIKE from a mere means of transportation into a training machine.

The pedals also allow ergonomic support and thus back-friendly sitting, but also a faster reaction in case of emergency braking (pedaling backwards regulates the hydraulic braking system with the pedal pressure). Turning forward, you can do simple muscle and circuit training as well as increase the range at will and other riding style. As the electrical efficiency of the TWIKE 5 becomes higher, the potential contribution to increasing the range also remains in a relevant range of around 10 percent. The biggest advantage, however, will certainly be the fitness-increasing training effect … and this can be used as long as the TWIKE riders themselves can be on the road in a roadworthy manner.