inside digital.de, 13.08.2022
As a rule, e-bikes or pedelecs in Germany travel at a maximum speed of 25 km/h. However, the maximum speed is not limited by technical factors, but is regulated by law. If the necessary insurance and a driver’s license are available, e-bikes – now considered motor vehicles – can also travel significantly faster in this country. Whereby “significantly” can almost be an understatement, as the Twike 5 proves.
Twike relies on crowdfunding
Twike GmbH, based in Rosenthal, Germany, recently launched the crowdfunding campaign for its eponymous “electric sports car” Twike 5 to the general public. Interested parties can participate in the project on the FunderNation platform. Numerous pre-orders are said to have already signaled a high level of interest. In this case, “great” means 1,600 concrete prospective buyers and down payments of around 4.8 million euros. Almost 390,000 euros have already been raised as part of the current crowdfunding campaign, which is intended to pre-finance the production costs. However, the target is 2 million euros. Anyone wishing to invest can do so from an amount of 100 euros. In return, investors will receive a share of the company’s growth in value at the end of the financing period.
At up to 190 km/h on the highway
But what is actually behind the new Twike 5? The vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle with an electric drive. So far, so unspectacular. However, the Twike 5 is not steered using a steering wheel, but with the aid of so-called side-stick steering – a term that conceals two steering levers positioned on the side. Even more interesting, however, are the pedals, which can be found in the foot area. When you pedal while riding, an integrated generator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. The latter is stored and ensures a longer range. According to the manufacturer, this should generally be over 500 kilometers, while the maximum speed is around 190 km/h. Consequently, the vehicle is not legally a bicycle, but a motor vehicle. Its use therefore requires both an insurance license plate and a corresponding driving license.
Key technical data:
- Max. Range: approx. 500 km
- Max. Speed: approx. 190 km/h
- “Consumption”: 7.2 kWh/ 100 km
- Max. Motor efficiency: 95 to 98 percent
- Peak / nominal power: 70 kW / 45 kW
- Energy: 36 kWh
- Unladen weight: approx. 600 kg
- Maximum load: 250 to 310 kg
- Luggage compartment 300 l
The number of Twike 5 units is initially limited to 500. Depending on the battery configuration, the sales price in Germany is expected to be between 39,900 and 49,900 euros. Start of series production: early 2023.
