With its three wheels and aerodynamic shape, the Twike not only looks unusual , but is also full of surprises on the inside: In addition to its powerful electric motor , it also has pedals, as you would expect from a recumbent bike! If you pedal while riding , you take the strain off the motor and increase the range of your electric scooter.
TWIKE: Electric car meets e-bike
Pedals to pedal along? Sounds like an e-bike. But with speeds of 85 km/h and a range of 400 kilometers, the Twike 3 (the model currently available to order) no longer has much to do with a bicycle. The successor model, the Twike 5, which should be on the road by the end of 2020 at the earliest, will have a top speed of 190 km/h and a range of up to 500 kilometers.
The vehicle has a fully glazed pilot’s seat, is controlled with a kind of joystick and is a lot of fun. Windshield wipers, lights, indicators: everything a conventional car needs is also on board here. However, at 240 to 350 kilograms (depending on the number of batteries), the Model 3 is much lighter than a conventional car, thus increasing its electric range. The new Twike 5 model is expected to weigh just under 500 kilograms (just over a third of the weight of a BMW i3).
Sufficient range is still one of the most important criteria for electric cars.
TWIKE 3: Mini electric car for the city and highway
Finding a parking space is no longer a problem with the Twike 3. The little speedster is ideal for the city and, thanks to its top speed of 85 km/h, can also be driven on the highway – even if this is certainly not its ideal place of use. On country roads, on the other hand, it also excels over medium distances.
The Twike 3 can be configured and ordered online. The basic version comes with just one battery, which gives the vehicle a range of between 80 and 160 kilometers. Anyone wanting to cover longer distances without stopping to refuel can have up to six additional batteries installed. This hybrid vehicle, which is a combination of an electric car and an e-bike, can then travel up to 400 kilometers on a single charge.
Technical data of the Twike 3:
- Maximum speed: 85 km/h
- Acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h: 9 seconds
- Charging time: approx. 1 km per minute
- Energy consumption: 4-7 kWh/100 kilometers
- Integrated cruise control
- Length x width: 2.65 x 1.2 m
- Luggage compartment: 250 l volume
- Price: from approx. 34,000 euros
- Status: available
TWIKE 4 – the prototype
With the Twike 4, Fine Mobile GmbH developed a vehicle that was positioned between a motorcycle and a car and demonstrated high cornering stability. From the outset, the Model 4 was not designed as a series model, but as an intermediate step towards newer models. The company took part in several international competitions with the prototype: in 2010, the small electric car came 3rd in the prestigious X-Prize, and in 2012 it won the E-Miglia electric vehicle rally.
The technical specifications of the Twike 4 were also sporty:
- Top speed: >130 km/h
- Acceleration from 0 to 96 km/h: <18 sec.
- Range: >160 km
- Energy consumption: <12 kWh/100 kilometers
- Status: Prototyp
TWIKE 5: Bis 190 km/h, 500 km Reichweite (2021)
The Model 5, which has been in development since 2015, is to be “more powerful and more comfortable”. Production is not expected to start until 2021 (as of August 2020). In addition, the Twike 5 will be launched in a limited edition of 500 units, each of which must be pre-ordered. This is because each Twike 5 is manufactured individually, the paintwork and equipment can be determined individually, as can the number of batteries. The basic rule is: more batteries = greater range and speed.
The basic version with a single battery has a top speed of 120 km/h and a range of up to 250 kilometers. The most powerful model, on the other hand, is expected to reach a top speed of 190 km/h and a range of up to 500 kilometers before it needs to be recharged. This range would be hugely impressive, as it is otherwise almost only achieved by Tesla models among electric cars.
The Twike 5 is also sturdily built – even snow and gusts of wind should not disturb it. So that nobody has to freeze in winter, there are optional seat and grip heaters in addition to a normal ventilation and heating system.
Technical details of the Twike 5:
- Top speed: 120 to 190 km/h depending on model
- Charging time: approx. 4.5 km per minute (fast-charging station)
- Energy consumption: 7.3 kWh/100 kilometers
- Integrated cruise control
- Length x width: 3.04 x 1.55 m
- Trunk: 300 l volume
- Price: from approx. 40,000 euros
- Status: reservable, production probably 2021
According to the manufacturer, more than 1,000 people have already registered for the 5 Series Twike. However, registration is non-binding and free of charge, and only around 170 users have transferred money. Anyone who registers now may therefore still have a chance of winning one of the remaining 370 models. Once production starts, all models should be built within a year.
For further questions about the Twike 5 there are FAQs in the official blog.
TWIKE 6: What ‘s next?
No Twike 5 has rolled off the production line yet, but the first announcements of a successor model have already been made. No wonder, as the Twike 5 is limited to 500 units and interest is obviously greater. Although there are no specific details yet, anyone who has registered for the Twike 5 and has not received one will be placed on the waiting list for the 6 model.
TWIKE: Advantages and disadvantages
Yes, the Twike is more of a lifestyle product than an electric car for everyone. It is ecological and sporty – but also comparatively expensive, at least more expensive than a conventional electric car. The small electric runabout is also unlikely to be able to compete with conventional cars in terms of safety. However, it should be comparatively safe in the event of a frontal or side impact, according to calculations by ETH Zurich.
Nevertheless, the Twike rightly has cult status and is an eye-catcher on the road. It is also the focus of a community of riders who meet up regularly. In addition, the Twike 3 has the lowest energy consumption of any car, as it sometimes only needs four kilowatt hours of energy for 100 kilometers.
Promotion and premiums
As with all newly registered electric vehicles, the Twike is also exempt from vehicle tax for the first ten years. However, buyers cannot apply for the e-car subsidy, as it does not apply to light vehicles such as the Twizy or Microlino, which unfortunately include the Twike. It is simply an electric runabout for real enthusiasts.
Source: utopia.de
