Unique on the e-car market: energy generation through muscle power
Even at first glance, it is clear that the Twike 5 is no ordinary electric car. While the rear has the classic two-wheel design, the body tapers towards the front and is held by just one wheel at the front. The most striking difference to a conventional electric car is certainly that the Twike 5 – just like its predecessor, the Twike 3 – has an additional feature for generating energy.
This uses the driver’s leg muscles and optionally those of the passenger. Foot pedals are located in the interior of the electric tricycle. The energy generated by pedaling increases the battery charge and thus helps to extend the range. E-mobility fans can therefore not only enjoy longer rides, but also burn calories and train their stamina.
The unconventional e-mobile is registered in vehicle class L5e. This includes 3-wheeled motor vehicles from 45 km/h.
The right battery for every mobility requirement
The makers of the Twike 5 leave the question of the optimum battery size to their customers with a clear conscience. True to the motto “Everyone needs what they need!”, the company has different sized batteries* that can be easily configured to match the vehicle. The following variants are available:
| Battery size | Reach | Maximum speed |
|---|---|---|
| 15 kilowatt hours | 150 to 250 kilometers | 120 kilometers per hour |
| 20 kilowatt hours | 200 to 330 kilometers | 140 kilometers per hour |
| 25 kilowatt hours | 250 to 415 kilometers | 155 kilometers per hour |
| 30 kilowatt hours | 300 to 500 kilometers | 165 kilometers per hour |
It’s hard to believe, but the small powerhouse achieves a performance that is comparable with the latest luxury electric vehicles on the e-vehicle market, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS. However, this also applies to the price of the Twike 5, which comes in at a hefty 40,000 euros for the basic version and 50,000 euros for the fully equipped version. It remains to be seen to what extent it is worth waiting for a used Twike 5 in terms of cost.
The most important technical data of the TWIKE 5
At 500 kilograms**, the Twike 5 is a real featherweight. It is correspondingly dainty in terms of its dimensions, which are around 3.3 meters long, 1.5 meters wide and 1.2 meters high. The vehicle with an electric motor has just three wheels and offers space for two people: the driver and the passenger.
The rear-wheel drive vehicle delivers a peak output of 70 kilowatts on the road, which corresponds to almost 100 horsepower. The maximum performance of the e-tricycle is around 190 kilometers per hour when both the driver and the passenger are assisted – a breathtaking figure for a “tricycle”. The maximum charging power is 22 kW. This should allow a range of up to 300 kilometers to be recharged in one hour.
Another practical feature: the small runabout has a trunk with a capacity of 300 liters. If you do without the front passenger seat, there is even twice as much storage space available.
Steering wheel and accelerator pedal were yesterday
The steering of the Twike 5 electric vehicle makes us forget everything that automotive history has taught us. Instead of a classic steering wheel and foot pedals to brake and accelerate the vehicle, completely new sidesticks are used for steering. The left hand determines the direction of travel and the right hand steers in the opposite direction. The levers also perform the following tasks:
- Speed control
- Turn signal operation
- Light and windshield wiper activation and deactivation
- Screen control
Even though the Twike 5 is powered by muscle power, among other things, not everyone is allowed to ride it. Rather, drivers must hold a class A1, A or B driving license. Considering that the vehicle is capable of a whopping 190 kilometers per hour, this obviously makes sense.
A futuristic eye-catcher
The design of the Twike 5 is more reminiscent of a space vehicle than a road vehicle. However, this is precisely what makes the tricycle an absolute eye-catcher. The small electric projectiles, which are made entirely by hand, are not painted in the conventional way, but are instead foil-coated. With a tapered front and their conical overall shape, they look as if they want to break through the sound barrier like an arrowhead. The side windows are made of toughened safety glass and can be opened inwards. The roof is made of convertible top material.
* Note TWIKE GmbH: As of 10/2024 two different sized batteries with 18kWh and 36 kWh respectively
**TWIKE GmbH note: as of 10/2024 approx. 600 kg
Source: enbw.com
