You probably haven’t been on a bicycle for such long time do you? Unless you are enthusiasts, most people have been on a bicycle for decades. The truth is, when you start learning how to drive, driving the bike is no longer an option. Using bicycles may be a dark horse candidate when oil becomes so rare and because of that, there’s already a car that runs using pedal power, albeit on a limited extend. This new car, which looks more like a bicycle is called TWIKE.
It’s basically built to carry a maximum of two passengers and several other things in its cargo space. The most intriguing aspect about the TWIKE is that runs on both electric power and pedal power. The thing is, you need both the battery and pedal power to work hand in hand in order for it to work perfectly.
Apparently, pedaling extends the distance of this vehicle, although it will never increase its top speed. Also, you need to have your batteries working all the time, because merely using your leg power won’t move the TWIKE an inch.
Construction
The TWIKE uses lightweight materials such as aluminum and plastic in order to minimize its weight as much as possible. Electric cars should be as light as possible, because they don’t have enough power to sustain their weight. The TWIKE only weighs a total of 246 kg, while using a reliable 336-volt battery at the same time. Unlike other electric cars out there, you can recharge the TWIKE in only two hours in any 22-volt electric outlet out there. The best part about the TWIKE is that it uses whatever you have on your legs to ease the load on its electric system. Unlike conventional vehicles, the TWIKE forces you to exercise because it’s part of its entire functioning process. It’s driving, while being able to workout your cardiovascular system at the same time.
How the TWIKE Operates
Instead of using steering wheels, the TWIKE is controlled using a joystick, reminiscent of a train. Although not generally fast at 85 kph, you can increase its speed depending on the battery’s power and the weight of the cargo that it has. Basically, you can reach as fast as 140 kph on a leveled field, faster driving style, and the less weight onboard.
The Costs
Fully charging your TWIKE can cost you around 30-45 cents. However, the downside of electric cars such as this is the cost of batteries that need to be replaced eventually. With that being said, you need to be able to maintain it properly to extend its service by a few years. On the other hand, the TWIKE is currently being manufactured in Germany by a company called FINE MOBILE. In the US, there are currently 20-25 TWIKES that are driven. Although it may look like a trike more than anything else, it’s a good and rather unorthodox choice if you want to really cut down on your gas bills.
Is it Really Available?
The TWIKE is available both in Europe and the United States and each one costs around 40, 000 USD. Meanwhile, only around 850 TWIKES have been sold and most of them can be found Switzerland, Germany, UK, Austria, Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, and the US. Overall, the TWIKE may be limited, but if you’re really into using alternative energy, then it’s a good choice. Apart from that, the TWIKE is a total sight out there, so if you don’t mind getting the extra attention, you should have this car.
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