Mirror mirror on the wall. Not on the wall, but on the upper A-pillar will be the stylish rear-view mirrors of the TWIKE 5.
As the vehicle body tapers strongly towards the rear, particularly in the upper area, for aerodynamic reasons, the now secured position enables an optimum rear view far behind the vehicle. The mirror lenses are specially modified for the TWIKE 5 and have an aerodynamically optimized housing. The entire volume of the mirror housing lies within the width of the vehicle, which makes folding in, for example, in tight parking spaces unnecessary.
While the shape and position now appear very harmonious and leave almost no questions unanswered, the path to determining the lenses and the associated approval process was more complex than initially assumed. Since 2016, stricter approval requirements have applied to the EU approval class L5e (three-wheeled motor vehicles) and the simple installation of standard motorcycle mirrors on a closed three-wheeler is no longer possible. While it was still possible to select a motorcycle mirror in accordance with ECE R81 from the catalog and confirm the viewing window when the TWIKE 3 was approved by the EU, the more recent requirements stipulate that ECE R46 must be met for car rear-view mirrors. The regulations for car rear-view mirrors are much more extensive and the mirrors themselves must also be homologated in accordance with this ECE.
However, the work involved in developing the mirror was worthwhile and all requirements relating to viewing angle, operability, lightweight construction and aerodynamics were optimally fulfilled. The rear-view mirror housings are also extremely relevant to the development process because, on the one hand, they have to meet the strict approval requirements and, on the other, their shape and position have an extreme influence on the overall aerodynamics of the vehicle.
Now that the mirrors have been legally secured and determined, the next step is to carry out the aerodynamic optimizations again.
