STEERING
Can the TWIKE 5 only be ridden with one hand?
The TWIKE 5 can be ridden with the left or right hand only. If the one-handed riding mode is chosen permanently, minor adjustments would be necessary (conversion or additional attachment of various switches to the preferred operating side).
The speed can also be changed with the respective hand (on the right is the drive potentiometer with which I can continuously change the acceleration, on the left are the cruise control buttons, with which I can set the speed similar to the TWIKE 3 control or increase or reduce it by pressing and holding). As with steering a normal car, it is recommended to “push into the bend”, e.g. to initiate a right-hand bend by pushing the left lever forwards. This stabilizes the seating position (pushing keeps the driver better gripped in the seat) and the overall driving style is more stable. In good driving schools or subsequent safety training courses, this type of steering is also taught for normal cars and can now also be used with the TWIKE 5. With the TWIKE, the fact that both feet are on the pedals has an additional positive effect and thus stabilizes the seating position even more (in normal cars, this is usually only the clutch foot on one side when not shifting gears).
ACCELERATION
How does the acceleration of the TWIKE 5 differ from that of the TWIKE 3?
Is it possible to call up the maximum power at short notice?
The acceleration process in the TWIKE 5 is controlled in a similar way to the TWIKE 3, but the right index finger operates a stepless rocker switch instead of a two-stage button. This means that the selectable acceleration power can be called up continuously and the “kick-down” (press to stop) can also be programmed. If the rocker switch is pulled over the zero point in the other direction with the middle finger, the drive recuperates and decelerates the vehicle. The sensitive slip control prevents electrical overbraking.
The double button control familiar from the TWIKE 3 has been moved to the left handle in the TWIKE 5, where it serves as the cruise control. Its familiar functionality (setting the cruise control with a short press, changing speed with a long press) is retained. This means that it is also possible to drive “on the left”. In addition, the acceleration performance that can be called up using the cruise control button takes into account the system-related efficiency limits. Even inexperienced drivers will be able to accelerate economically and achieve optimum ranges.
For the time being, we would like to answer statements about the maximum acceleration value itself as nobly as Rolls-Royce used to answer statements about their engine performance: Sufficient :-)
How fast does the TWIKE 5 accelerate from 0 to 100?
The TWIKE 3 has an acceleration from 0 to 60 in about 9 seconds. The TWIKE 5 in its most powerful version has a potential acceleration from 0 to 100 in about 4 seconds. But that is also the intention with the TWIKE 5, a new world!
STARTING ON THE MOUNTAIN
Is starting uphill with the TWIKE 5 comparable with a car orother electric vehicles on offer?
Yes, a smooth start-up is a matter of course. The start-up will work smoothly and very impressively. Both the hardware (sensor technology, computer performance and speed) and the software have developed enormously in recent years. In addition, the TWIKE 5 has a speed sensor on each wheel, which enables highly precise and powerful slip control (deltaV <0.1 km/h in e.g. ice, snow, rain, grit).
How small is the turning circle of the TWIKE 5?
The latest Smart has a turning circle of 6.93 meters. We will undercut this. How much smaller the turning circle will be will be confirmed after the practical driving test. In any case, the direction of travel can be changed in one go on normal roads.
What kind of climbing ability will the TWIKE 5 have?
We have not yet looked specifically at the maximum gradient angle, but all European roads will not be a problem. We’ll aim for the famous 100% (45°) and communicate the real result.
Does the TWIKE 5 generate a pedestrian warning tone?
A vehicle in class L5e (three-wheeled vehicles > 45km/h) does not have to generate a warning tone. We see this as very positive for the TWIKE and also the environment!
Why is the TWIKE not comparable with the Reliant Robin?
The Reliant Robin was derived from a normal passenger car concept and was primarily intended to meet the requirements of a more favorable registration class. Its driving dynamics were disregarded or even abused. The TWIKE concept, on the other hand, was already based on a low center of gravity in the rear axle area in the TWIKE 3. As a result, there is a huge difference in terms of riding stability.
With its further optimized driving dynamics, the TWIKE 5 will give even high-performance sports cars a run for their money. Unfortunately, however, Mr. Bean has left deep traces in our brains, into which some people almost reflexively snap at the sight of tricycles. The ice needs to be broken. Just stay curious and wait for the first ride tests with the TWIKE 5. These will then provide the answer just as impressively.
TWIKE PILOTS
Is the TWIKE 5 suitable for people over 2 meters?
We can already modify the TWIKE 3 with our rail extension so that it can also accommodate a 2.05 m tall person. The TWIKE 5 has this larger space plus reserve right from the start.
