Twike GmbH presented the successor to the Twike 3, which sold over 1,000 units, at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show: the Twike 5. Yes, because the name Twike is made up of Twin and Bike, which in turn refers to the original idea behind this vehicle. The tricycle, which was initially conceived in Switzerland and won first prize in a university design competition in Vancouver at the 1986 Expo, is at heart a covered tandem with two seats installed side by side. But back to the future.
The Twike 5, which can be driven by A1, A and B license holders, is said to be capable of speeds of up to 190 kilometers per hour. Of course, such a speed cannot be achieved by pedaling alone. The main drive is provided by a 150 kilowatt synchronous motor with up to 290 Newton meters of power. The two occupants can contribute up to 20 percent – at city speeds – by pedaling, whereby they can pedal up to 290 watts. However, the passenger can only pedal if the owner has ticked an additional box when ordering. This is because the co-pilot’s footwell is empty in the basic version. Important for the front passenger: they can, but do not have to, step on the pedals, even if there are any.
After 5,000 kilometers , the V-max is lifted – perhaps
When ordering, you must also specify the battery size: 15, 20, 25 or 30 kilowatt hours. The maximum achievable top speed of the Twike 5 also depends on the size of the batteries. Between 120 and 190 km/h are possible. But not right from the start. The V-max can only be raised after 5,000 kilometers have been driven. Until then, a speed limit of 130 km/h must be accepted. The suspension will only be lifted if the manufacturer deems the owner of the vehicle fit to drive.
Production comes before the order itself. A tricky issue, as although 1,072 orders (as of December 30, 2020) have been received for the Twike 5, which is limited to 500 units, it was not at all certain for a long time whether it would ever be built. In addition to the target of 200 incoming orders, which was reached quite quickly, there was another requirement: two million euros. In the summer of 2020, the amount raised via crowdfunding called Twike Community Funding was already 2.7 million euros. The difference to conventional crowdfunding is that the project is not supported by donations, but by an interest-bearing loan. The amount of the loan is determined by the donor. He invests the money as an interest-bearing down payment on a Twike 5 (range 250 km), which costs from 39,900 euros. The big brother with a range of up to 500 kilometers costs from 49,900 euros
Steering wheel? No thanks
As soon as you look at the chunky car tires, it is clear that this 495-kilogram vehicle (320 kilograms without battery) has little in common with a bicycle tricycle. The frame is an aluminum space frame. The initially conceived telescopic fork has given way to a double trailing arm swing arm with wheel bearing flange for classic car rims, the doors swing open upwards and a steering wheel, in whatever form, is sought in vain. To ensure that the 3,325 millimeter long, 1,540 mm wide and 1,210 mm high two-seater can still turn corners, a double-lever steering system with bump-steer compensation is used. In German: two levers to the right and left of the driver’s seat, which can be upholstered in Alcantara on request. Operation is extremely simple. If the left hand pulls the lever backwards, the Twike 5 moves to the left. If the right hand pulls the lever, the Twike 5 moves to the right. In addition, the speed can be changed continuously on both levers. There is also a cruise control button on the left-hand control lever. Controls for the indicators, lights, windscreen wipers and a scroll and select function for the screen are also integrated into the heated grips.
The payload of the tricycle is said to be around 250 kilograms, the trunk has a capacity of 300 liters and the interior is even suitable for transporting skis. The system-integrated charging power is 22 kilowatts, so that up to six kilometers per minute can be recharged. One hour of charging at a three-phase 32 A charging connection will therefore correspond to a range of over 300 km. DC charging is also included in the base of the Twike 5 and charges the battery with up to 30 kW. The maximum range is over 500 kilometers. The current house record: 613 kilometers. In terms of ground clearance, the Twike 5 has 13 centimetres to offer. A “Dune” version with 18 centimetres is also being planned.
Wrapping is the new painting
One model leaves production in Rosenthal every day – a total of three employees produce a Twike by hand. Twike aims to deliver 500 vehicles over the course of a year. The colors in which the Twike 5 can be delivered are quite easy to answer: “In any color that is available in foil form.” This is because Twike wants to save on painting and offers wrapping.
On the subject of safety, the Twike 5 will not yet have airbags, but its seat belts and roll cage should make it considerably safer than a motorcycle. The side windows are also made of toughened safety glass and can be opened from the inside while driving. The soft top material is convertible top material, and a hard top is conceivable as an option at a later date. Particularly nice: remote-controlled heating of the interior as well as the windscreen will be possible before setting off. The big question that customers will be asking themselves is: “What about maintenance intervals and repairs? Can I do them myself?” Partly. Initially, the intervals will be 1,000 kilometers for the first service, once a year or every 10,000 kilometers. The target is 30,000 to 50,000 kilometer intervals. The wheels can be changed in the garage at home, as can minor maintenance work. The installed LED headlights should outlast the vehicle’s service life.
Conclusion
The Twike 5 is certainly conceivable for use in large cities, but it could also find a following in the countryside. However, not everyone dreams of riding a three-wheeler on the highway at speeds of up to 190 km/h.
Quelle: auto-motor-und-sport.de
