The TWIKE is a Light Electric Vehicle (LEM) for two passengers which features a hybrid power train as an option. The combination of muscle power and electric motor, together with the joystick steering imparts a completely new driving experience.
The TWIKE is the most efficient motorised vehicle on the market, it’s energy consumption being the equivalent to a fantastic 550 miles per gallon of petrol! This is only possible because of the optimised propulsion concept as well as the consequential lightweight construction.
The digital power electronics and the quick-rechargeable NiCd (NiMH) batteries allow for a range of up to 55 (80) miles per charge and over 160 (240) miles per day. The TWIKE can be recharged on ordinary household sockets in under 2 hours. By using the pedal unit it is possible to reduce the energy consumption even more, while at the same time enhancing fitness and health. The powerful electric motor accelerates the TWIKE astonishingly fast to a maximum speed of 55mph.
Originally a Swiss development, the TWIKE is now produced in Germany as two different models. The TWIKE active is the newest version of the original hybrid design with decoupled pedals for driver and passenger.
For people who want to experience the pure electric power of the threephase asynchronous motor the TWIKE.YOU easy is built as a regular Light Electric Vehicle without the pedals but with original SPARCO sport seats. Both models are convertibles with several available canopy top options.
Driving a TWIKE is in fact a new experience! After taking your seat and closing the glass bonnet, the on-board computer displays the message “Welcome to Twike” before it checks the system. Then the computer prompts for the PIN number. After entering this, the driver presses a push button on the joystick and the landscape outside begins to fly. The acceleration gently pushes the passengers into the ergonomically shaped seats. With a click on the push button the driver activates the cruise control and follows the road with small movements of the joystick. Driver and passenger decide to start pedalling and save energy by adding their muscle power. Astonished pedestrians watch the TWIKE pass by and children wave their hands, laughing.
Whether you are driving to work, for shoping or into the nature, when driving a TWIKE being in a bad mood is practically impossible: the smiling faces of the passers-by and the fun driving the vehicle cheer you up in no time. And this continues when looking for a place to park the TWIKE. With a length of only 2.65 meters, parking is almost never a problem.
Recharging of the TWIKE is as simple as plugging in a hair dryer. The on-board computer and the intelligent batteries take care of the rest. After about 1.5 hours the TWIKE is fully recharged. Besides the reduced parking requirements and the minimal energy consumption, the TWIKE offers many other ecological advantages. The TWIKE is built to last, aluminium and thermoplastic resin being the main construction materials. Modular and upgradable design of the components ensure a long life, worn parts can be recycled. The electric drive is silent, effective and enables the driver to choose using power from renewable energy sources like solar power arrays. The maintenance of the TWIKE is reduced to checking screws, bearings and wear parts; no oil change or servicing of an ignition system, no corroding exhaust or radiator.
Shortly after the start of the Swiss production in 1996, TWIKE has become the market leader of electrically driven vehicles in Switzerland. In 1998 the FINE Mobile GmbH (www.twike.de) launched the German production line and finally became the exclusive producer of the TWIKE after taking over the rights of the SwissLEM AG in 2002. Today the TWIKE is produced in Rosenthal, a small village in Hessen near Marburg. At the same time the development of new and better components, like stronger and lighter batteries, goes on. Since the early beginnings over 700 TWIKES have been sold, most of them rolling on the streets of Switzerland and Germany now. Some can be found in Austria, Italy, France, England, and even in the United States. Enthusiasts in Switzerland have formed a TWIKE-Club (www.twikeklub.ch) that organises all kinds of events around the TWIKE and their drivers. They also maintain a list of TWIKEpilots and the so-called LEMnet, a europewide list of charging stations.
A huge part of the TWIKE fascination is due to the fact that it is the motorised production vehicle with the smallest energy consumption in the world. It has been designed for it! The rugged but lightweigth aluminium frame, the completely recyclable hull, the independent wheel suspension with KONI shocks, the slim high pressure tyres, and a shape that ensures excellent aerodynamics are the basis for this world record. The microprocessor-controlled batteries and digital power electronics energise the powerful asynchronous 380V motor that drives the rear wheels via a differential gear. The optional pedal drive is directly connected to the power train by a chain and a free-wheel, giving the best efficiency for the human power input. Depending on the speed, using the pedals can therefore extend the range of the TWIKE up to 30% and at the same time enhance the fitness of the passengers. The TWIKE is fitted with a hydraulic brake system, a disk on the front wheel and drums at the rear. Apart from these mechanical brakes the TWIKE offers electric deceleration where the energy is stored back into the batteries (recuperation). A speed control that even brakes automatically when going downhill is fitted too. Acceleration, recuperation and speed control are operated by only two push buttons on the steering lever.
Piloting a TWIKE is blindingly easy!