PURCHASE
Where can I buy a used TWIKE?
Used TWIKEs are not often found. Most TWIKE riders do not sell their vehicle, but there are circumstances (e.g. new generation, new job, etc.) that prompt a sale. Some of these used vehicles can be found on the open market. If you are interested, you are welcome to contact info@twike.com, we can give you tips on where to look. You will also find regular offers from our TWIKE partner TWIKE Center Schwarzwald.
What needs to be considered when buying a used TWIKE?
Older vehicles should preferably be purchased from a TWIKE partner. This is where the warranty applies in the event of defects. In the case of a private purchase, the vehicle should be checked in advance by a TWIKE partner in order to take all abnormalities into account (especially whether the battery is deeply discharged).
It is not so much the age (because the bodywork does not rust), but rather the mileage, battery life and of course the technical and optical condition (care and maintenance) that make a good, used TWIKE. If you are interested in a vehicle, we recommend, as already mentioned, that you contact one of our TWIKE partners, as they can adapt the vehicle optimally to the needs of the individual rider and take any modification requests into account.
How much does a used TWIKE cost?
A used TWIKE in good condition with a usable battery can be found for around €9,000 upwards. The lowest realistic price without a battery is between €8,000 and €9,000. If no used battery is available, a new battery must be installed (from €4,500), bringing the lowest price for a used TWIKE to between €9,000 and €12,500. Below this price level, compromises will have to be made in terms of reliability, service life, and safety.
Will the used TWIKE 3 become cheaper when the TWIKE 5 is released, as some TWIKE 3 pilots will exchange their current TWIKE 3 for a TWIKE 5 ?
In our estimation, used TWIKE 3s will continue to be available at a similar price level.
Can 20-year-old vehicles still be recommended without any problems?
Ja, jedoch empfehlen wir bei Erwerb eines Gebrauchtfahrzeuges immer, diese von einem TWIKE Partner vorab durchsehen zu lassen und aus Gewährleistungsgründen idealerweise auch über ihn zu erwerben.
Can a used TWIKE 3 be traded in for a TWIKE 5?
We are happy to evaluate used vehicles in our workshop as part of a standard service and then make a purchase offer. In view of the foreseeable quantity at the time of delivery of the TWIKE 5 and the associated assumption of a warranty for the used vehicle to a new customer, however, our offer will be less attractive than the sale directly to a new owner (warranty risks can be excluded here and the vehicle can therefore be priced more favorably). However, the vehicle valuation and the associated determination of work to be carried out can provide a reliable basis for negotiation with a new owner.
INSURANCE
What insurance costs can be expected for a TWIKE 3?
Most TWIKE 3 pilots pay an average of € 250 / year fully comprehensive insurance.
APPROVAL
In which vehicle category is the TWIKE registered?
The TWIKE is neither a TRIKE nor an electric motorcycle, but a three-wheeled motor vehicle. > 45 km/h of the EU class L5e.
Wie ist die KFZ-steuerliche Grundlage bzw. Berechnung?
Electric vehicles are currently tax-exempt for 10 years. However, there have been phases in which the exemption was set at 5 years or even completely abolished. A current exemption therefore depends on the initial registration of the TWIKE purchased.
WIDE TIRES
Is it permitted to retrofit older vehicles with the wide tires?
If the wide tires are to be retrofitted, you will receive a certificate from us that allows the wheels with the corresponding brake drums (Art.: 10.340.001.50) to be entered in the vehicle documents after a technical inspection. This is also possible in Switzerland, as the type approval (CH 6AT3 05) has been adapted accordingly.
How much does it cost to convert from “normal” tires to “wide” tires?
The conversion kit costs €1,424.37 net (Germany and as of 01.02.2016). Technically experienced persons could carry out the conversion themselves, but the following points must be observed: Cutting out the mudguards, adjusting the brakes, possibly adjusting the stabilizers. We therefore recommend having the installation carried out by a service partner.
Can I do the conversion myself?
Technically experienced persons could carry out the conversion themselves, but the following points must be observed: Cutting out the mudguards, adjusting the brakes, possibly adjusting the stabilizers. We therefore recommend having the installation carried out by a TWIKE Service Partner.
How long does the conversion take?
You should allow 30 minutes for a service. Without a service, you should allow around 3 hours.
What are the advantages of the wide tires?
Converting to wider rims and larger tires results in the following advantages: Increased load capacity, increased rim life, improved tire mileage, increased rolling comfort and the availability of summer, winter and all-season tires.
Don’t wider tires inevitably lead to higher fuel consumption or a lower range?
The all-weather tires (135/70 15) tested so far have a fuel consumption that is up to 7% higher. Whether this consumption can be tolerated in a particular case must be assessed in each case. The batteries do provide more range than they did years ago. The advantages are higher load capacity of the wheels, longer tire life and more comfort.
Is the wide tire available over the counter?
The wide rear tires can be purchased cheaply from normal dealers.
The narrow tires should ideally be purchased from a TWIKE partner or directly from TWIKE, as they should meet the special criteria (e.g. load and pressure approval for rear tires).
MOTOR
Can the quieter 3×3 motor-gearbox unit be retrofitted to older TWIKEs?
Yes, the 3×3 motor is compatible with the older ones and can be replaced by an authorized TWIKE service partner.
WINDSHIELD
Does a defective windshield need to be replaced?
Yes, a defective windshield must be replaced as it impairs the field of vision and is also relevant for TÜV approval.
BRAKE
How can the rear axle brake on older vehicles be bled more easily?
Since 2005, we have been offering so-called auxiliary brake pistons, which can be retrofitted to save the time-consuming procedure of bleeding by turning the wheel carrier 180°. The auxiliary brake piston has been fitted as standard since 2005. Please contact your TWIKE service partner for more information.
Are the brakes available over the counter?
The brake parts are also best obtained from the TWIKE partner.
BATTERIES
Can any battery capacities be connected to each other? Ex: Upgrading the previous battery capacity
Please note: 9.0Ah batteries have a different voltage range than the previous ones (4.0Ah, 4.8Ah and 5.6Ah) and should not be combined. 4.0Ah, 4.8Ah and 5.6Ah batteries can be combined with each other. 7.6Ah and 9.0Ah may only be upgraded with batteries of the same type.
NiCd batteries can no longer be upgraded as they are no longer available.
When should the NiCd battery be replaced?
The NiCd battery should be replaced if it no longer achieves the desired range or can no longer be operated comfortably (e.g. if it loses its energy quickly when stationary and has to be pulled up from a deep discharge every time).
Can existing batteries be replaced with lithium batteries? How many batteries are generally replaced?
As lithium batteries cannot be interchanged with NiCd batteries, they must all be replaced.
Who can provide information about the current condition of batteries? Is it possible to draw conclusions about the battery quality from the charging curve or the voltage reached?
Only a TWIKE Service Partner can provide information on this. They will read the history of the battery data and determine the current status. A recorded charge curve can provide additional information, but cannot replace the history values (number of cycles, average depth of discharge, possibly falling below a minimum voltage).
A recorded charge curve can provide additional information, but cannot replace the historical values (number of cycles, average depth of discharge, possibly falling below a minimum voltage).
How much does it cost to switch from NiCd to lithium?
Approximately 5 – 6 hours of work are required. The more batteries, the more work and assuming there is no major problem with the battery tray. In addition, an installation kit plus a new battery compartment cover is required. As further work may also be required, the exact costs must be assessed in detail.
Can older batteries also be replaced by specialist personnel who are not qualified by TWIKE?
A basic qualification for battery replacement should be available (e.g. vehicle training). Furthermore, in addition to instruction on the handling of high-voltage batteries in general, instruction on the TWIKE battery in particular should also be available.
TWIKE EASY
Is it worth buying a TWIKE Easy with subsequent conversion to pedals?
A conversion is not worthwhile as the costs are considerable. A complete conversion, including replacing the chassis and seats, costs around €9,600 net. Even if the chassis remains inside (missing gusset plate for the belt fastening), it would still be approx. 7,300 €. If the Easy seats are also left in (not very suitable for pedaling), the costs would be approx. 5,800 €.
Can a pedal drive be retrofitted to a TWIKE Easy?
Generally yes, but it is not worth it as the conversion costs are considerable. See point above.
What range increase can be achieved with the pedals of a TWIKE Active (not Easy)?
How much muscle power the rider uses is up to them. An averagely trained rider can generate an output of 100 to 200 W by pedaling. At a speed of 50 km/h, this corresponds to around 10 to 20 % of the total energy requirement. The pedal drive is intended to support the motor, but not as the sole source of power for the TWIKE.
TWIKE WITH SWISS APPROVAL
Can a TWIKE with Swiss registration be registered in Germany?
A vehicle from abroad without a COC (EU Certificate of Conformity) must undergo the national individual registration process again. The vehicle must be presented to an experienced TWIKE service partner, who can also make the registration-specific changes (conversion to VS glass windshield, brake system, tires, electrical system, if necessary). Models with a Plexiglas windshield cannot be registered in Germany.
VALUE ADDITIONS
Can TWIKE provide an appraisal for a used vehicle?
Yes, but the vehicle must be brought to Rosenthal for this.
