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EV WORLD EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE |
It seats two abreast and can be powered by muscle, electric-drive or both. The Twike is the epitome of Swiss ingenuity and quality, and its price reflects it.
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Vermonter discovers the joy of human-hybrid vehicles
Open Access Article Originally Published:
My wife Ellen and I embarked on our journey toward Twike ownership four years ago; when our son left for college, we sold our second car and I began commuting year round on a bicycle. Lake Champlain moderates Burlington Vermont weather but the mercury can still dip to 20 F before winter's end. My two-mile commute and trips to customer sites seemed rather long on slushy, frigid days. So fantasies of enclosed pedal-powered vehicles grew stronger each year that my birthdays drew closer to 50.
Twike Twivia
Fortunately, the Internet opened up a new world of information for me concerning the Human-Powered Vehicle movement. One day while searching for details on enclosed recumbent bicycles, I discovered the Twike. The name made me chuckle, "dat cwazy wabbit widing a Twike." Apparently, there are no such silly connotations in Europe, where most of the 400 Twikes sold to date are in use. The name Twike came from the words "twin bike" and that's exactly what appeared, looking like a rolling airplane cockpit, at the 1986 Vancouver Worlds Fair.
Twenty-year-old Ralph Schnyder and a team of engineering and architectural students from the University of Zurich created the first Twike. This elegant, enclosed recumbent bicycle for two has gone through several transformations over the last 14 years. In 1996 Twike III appeared, the first version offered for sale to the public. This feat was accomplished with no government subsidies, just a lot of hard work, a clear vision and a lot of faith on the part of investor/buyers. Zurich is now the Twike capitol of the world, with 100 Twikes on its roads.
The original Twike was 100% human powered. Twike III and its refined progeny "Twike 99" are pedal, assisted ultralight electric vehicles. At 520-600 lbs., the Twike requires a non-human primary drive system. Seated side-by-side, either or both of the passengers can opt to pedal, getting as much or as little exercise as they choose and potentially extending the range between charges up to 20%. Pedaling energy goes directly into the drive train, providing a uniquely satisfying experience of human and machine synergy.
While there are defrosters and windshield wipers to improve visibility, human legs are the only heating system. My experience of bicycle riding in Vermont winters taught me that even at 0 F, only my exposed skin and extremities get really cold from wind chill - the rest of me warmed up quickly from vigorous pedaling. I'm expecting a reasonably comfortable ride in the Twike this coming winter with the convertible top snapped down.
Details, details
The Twike is about 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long, with three wheels - two drive wheels in the rear and one front wheel. Its aluminum space frame is covered with a tough, lightweight plastic shell, and the windshield is made of Plexiglas (or safety glass with heating wires). The motor, transmission and batteries are all in the rear, creating excellent traction similar to the old Volkswagon bug.
The Twike's battery system was quite unique until Toyota borrowed the basic design for its hybrid electric Prius sedan, which has a single pack with 240 nickel metal hydride (NiMh) batteries. The Twike has either two or three battery packs, each with 280 C-cell nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries run in series. Each battery pack is controlled by a computer board that carefully monitors the charge level and temperature of each cell. Fully charged, each battery is about 405 volts (V). The D/C-to-A/C inverter powers a 5 Kilowatt (KW), 330V AC electric motor.
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29 comments so far...
02-Jan-2007
43391
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Great news I just got a 1970 PPV (people powered vehicle)and will still be saving my money for a TWIKE!!!!!the ppv is a 3-speed twin pedal like padle boat, hay its a model T to the TWIKE but it works!!!!!
Posted by: Rene Meldrum
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21-Dec-2006
41406
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I made and am standing up to a loyal statemen I made to mysrlf. That I wouldn't get a vehicle untill one came out that was 100% to myself(fitness) and good to the enviorment(planet) and relied on absolutly no harmfull fuell also at a good fair price.
I would like to know where in the future can I purchase one of these ingenius inventions
Posted by: Trevor Kalaman
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21-Sep-2006
33440
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I agree with Rene - it's an upper-crust statement that you can spend as much as a couple econo-cars to ride a pedal/electric around town while "saving the environment", but being hand-made by the Swiss is certainly one main reason for the price! Not that I'd want a Chinese knock-off, but how about a U.S.-made version? Plenty of out-of-work autoworkers available here!
Posted by: Aaron Levine
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24-Dec-2008
65269
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Sorry, their current price point is just way too high. While the Aptera is targeting $40k with greater market appeal, a greater range, more comfort, better security, better safety and handling, Twike at $35k is priced outside any realistic market. Until I can find a personal means of transportation that allows a 100 mile range at 28+ mph with little fuel costs and a price half that of a sub-compact, I'm not interested. Should the speed get up to 45 mph and still hold a 100 mile range, then my price point is close to that of an inexpensive sub-compact.
Posted by: Terry H
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18-Feb-2007
49206
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Will there be a 4 wheel version? Is there a small solar pannel to charge the twike while its parked or driving in sunlight?
Posted by: wren d
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10-Aug-2006
30537
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The Twike is the best looking of them all but the price it will never be more then a green dream unless the price at least 5,000$ or less
Posted by: Rene Meldrum
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10-Aug-2006
30539
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I understand the comments about the twike needing to cost less, but I think some of us may be looking at it the wrong way. This is really a top-of-the-line hybrid human-electric vehicle. In the conventional car world, this is the equivalent of a high-end Mercedes or 7-series BMW. This is not an entry-level vehicle. You are paying for a whole lot of refinement.
Unlike the conventional car world, however, the twike will save you a ton of money in the long run and let you experience energy freedom while letting you stay physically fit.
There are already sub-$5,000 enclosed recumbents and inexpensive used EVs out there. They fill the low-end of this market nicely. The twike is the quality high-end vehicle we all wish we could afford. Let's just take a longer view and start saving up those nickels and dimes, because in my opinion the twike is worth every cent.
Posted by: Matt K
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27-Jun-2006
26697
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I had the pleasure of taking a ride with Ron in his Twike up in Burlington, Vermont. This is a very cool machine with plenty of power to go up steep hills from a dead stop. The Twike is quite a head turner and seemed to be well built wtih good engineering too. Every family needs one of these as their "second" car. Lets face it, most families still need a regular car when everyone is going out, but for most erands and commuting to work the twike is perfect. Just think of all the extra space you will have in the garage after you replace one of your cars with a Twike.
Posted by: Mike Raisler
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12-Sep-2006
32746
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I do believe they are worth it,but I can:t afford one and nor many people will at that cost. If they were mass produced the cost would come down everyone could buy one just like the modelT. I love Twike But cannot afford one at that price.
Posted by: Rene Meldrum
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24-Sep-2006
33663
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We visited Dr Andreas Schroeer at Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, U.K. about a year ago and had a domonstration ride in his Twike, after which I (John) got to drive it. Driving on thte left was complicated by the fact that the driver's controls were on the left too, but that was the only concern. We live in B.C., Canada. The vehicle responded beautifully to the controls and had a firm but comfortable ride. We started on quiet local roads but got onto a freeway within a few blocks & were keeping up with the 50 mph traffic with no trouble alongside freight trucks (lorries) and other traffic. At no time did I feel vulnerable as the twike is big enough to be visible to other drivers and is very responsive to the controls. I am currently trying to sell my Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit so that I can buy my own Twike. The silence of the ride is quite comparable in both cars!!
Posted by: John & Margaret Webb
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01-Apr-2006
16585
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Twikes are 15K to 25K depending on options. I'm getting a NiMH model in June 2006.
Contact Mike Patterson (360) 920-3838 mike.patterson@twike.us They are the most efficient ellectric vehicle in the world. They even have pedal assist to help out some and get exersize. They will be US approved by the dept of transport soon. They are already legal in Canada and the UK.
Posted by: Jim Stack
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25-Jun-2006
26522
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My questions are mostly the same as the ones I have just read. I would also like to know if and where it is street-legal aside from Vermont. In addition, I am concerned about safety. I live in Connecticut; we're insanely impatient commuters here. Some thoughts about the cost. If it got me safely to work and back (about 25 miles) it would be worth every penny to me. But the cost is indirectly a factor, because I would hope significant numbers of frantic Connecticut drivers could be coaxed out of their SUV's, thereby making the commuting traffic safer. I would like to know more about this vehicle. Thank you for posting this article.
Posted by: Nat Woodruff
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13-Feb-2006
12827
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The Twike looks good but cost is just way to high maybe to be built in china interested in mass produceing them.selling at a cost of 2000 to 3000 everyone will want one,and buy one.
Posted by: Rene Meldrum
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04-Sep-2005
9280
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a. Is Twike available in U.S.?
b. Comments on the velomobile site suggest that two wheels in front, one in back, is MUCH better in terms of stability, braking, etc. Can lead to the 'raindrop' design, very aerodynamic.
c. Would like to see both a single passenger model of Twike and also a fore-and-aft model, like the old Messerschmidt "Kabine-roller" or VW 1L, for a narrower profile, less air resistance.
d. The price simply MUST be MUCH less. Find a way to do that, please. Think in terms of $2,000.
e. Aside from such minor details, it looks very interesting. Good fortune!
Posted by: Joe Sonneman
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12-Nov-2005
10898
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well no hope for this .in the u.s. of a. to many winers.the car people slit there own necks,with there rules. to keep out new ideas.unless it there idea. hybird gm,ford.hda is well over 2000lbs and loose the starter add a 3-phase motor and batterys.back in the 70's i had a hybird ford pickup 1964 clutch was gone i could go 50 feet befor the motor kick in. i am eyeballing my 2motorcycles. i plan not to use gas or electric to whip down the road.i bet i get it made befor is see a twike in my town. i still like to get one.
Posted by: me look at
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22-Feb-2006
13099
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I find it almost sad to read the very questions that double as the very reasons why the twike will not become available any time soon in the this country....as a person that has had the ability to test drive one of the most incredible vehicles on the planet i can only say to all of you....JUST BUY ONE, YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.
As for the cost,...come on folks the money you save in itself would allow you to buy another before you pay it off.
Yes it is spendy, because it is an incredible machine that no-one else has in your hood. You can spend the cash drive it and sell it for almost the same amount....but you will will never sell it and you know it.
Posted by: scott allison
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20-Mar-2006
15341
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What does the purchase of a Twike buy? Here are a few:
>Zero emission transportation
>No fuel required transportation
>The best health club on the planet
>Great looks!
>Contributes to the stop of global warming
>Saves the air for your children
>Improves national security by removing your gasoline cash from the Middle East terrorists!
>Parks anywhere
>Rain or shine you stay dry
>50 mph.
What would you pay for this? Is it worth the price to you and your family?
Ignore the nay sayers. Contact DOT, your Senator, your Representative, your Govenor and get Twike certified for sale in the USA. Let no oil-man, regardless of which house he lives in, stop us from saving the planet, our lives and our security! Let the free market in America decide what we will and won't drive.
As for me, I'll gladly shell out the cash on the first day Twike is available in the USA!
Posted by: Curt Brasier
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28-Aug-2005
9116
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same as steve terwilliger but,for maine.
Posted by: allen mike
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25-Jan-2004
1369
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Is the car hard to pedal for long distance"
Posted by: Rene Meldrum
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08-May-2004
2784
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i have yet to see where to purchase the Twike, where repairs are done and the price for 2004-5. "
Posted by: jan newton-isaac
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08-Mar-2008
60696
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If India can build a TATA for 2,500 Why not a Twike for 1000 they need to build TWIKES!!!!!
Posted by: Rene Meldrum
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18-Apr-2008
61247
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If the price ever comes down to about $11,000, then you will have a hit in the USA.
Posted by: Mitch Morrison
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09-May-2001
153
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I just want to know how it drives. Was it worth the large price tag? Is the joystick handling easy to use? How does it handle in winter weather? Does it speed up quickly? Is it responsive? Could you do an update to this article? Thanks
Posted by: Brian Gardunia
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31-Jan-2008
60197
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.............Still waiting and waiting and etc...
Posted by: Mark Sommers
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04-Jul-2004
3699
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Good article. I need more info about Pa. laws. Also more about registration, insurance, parts, etc. Is there a single seat twike? What restrictions will keep me from riding/driving this to work?"
Posted by: Steve Terwilliger
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13-Jul-2004
3875
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I wuold be interested in getting an update on how the unit is running after a few years. How reliable is it? What are the Maint / operating costs.
Ed"
Posted by: Ed Hein
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22-Jul-2004
4010
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Like the folks above, I'd like to know about the maintenance of a Twike vehicle as the years go by. Does an owner have to send his or her vehicle back to Germany for repairs?
"
Posted by: J. Boucher
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26-Sep-2004
4832
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Iam a disabled Trice trike owner living in Kent and my children saw a Twike parked in the Village of Leeds. I was intrigued by their description of the vehicle and have found your web site.I would like all the information available if possible, particularly the price and availability of the vehicle in England."
Posted by: Mike Muggridge
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28-Oct-2007
58926
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Was I ever excited when I read that Twike might be legal in Canada. Of course I need to check it out for sure but just the thought is great. It's also good to see the interest is still strong. I'd like to see a presence in this years Auto Show in Toronto. I'm sure it would turn a few heads.
Posted by: Terry Basom
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