A DRIVER has shown off his miniature EV that he has to pedal to power – it has a “terrifying” top speed and costs £40,000.
Robert Dunn from motoring site Aging Wheels took the bizarre motor out for a spin in a video posted to his YouTube channel.
YoutubeRobert Dunn bought the Twike – a bizarre miniature EV[/caption]
YoutubeIt is partially powered through pedals fitted in front of the seats[/caption]
He showed off the Twike, a unique three-wheeled electric “autocycle”, which was manufactured by a Swiss company from 1998.
Originally developed as a concept vehicle in the early ’90s, it went into a production run that continues to this day.
Robert said: “It’s an electric car, you can pedal it and it’s terrifying.
“I paid actual money for this.
“Up front are two sets of pedals, one for the driver, one for the passenger.
“Nobody’s allowed to be dead weight in the Twike.”
The Twike is powered by an electric motor situated at the back between the two rear wheels, while the pedals also allow the driver and passenger to contribute to the charge.
It makes use of a five-speed gearbox harvested from a bicycle and can theoretically lay down as much as nine horsepower.
Considering it weighs just 350kg, this actually allows it to hare along at up to 50mph, according to the manufacturer.
Amazingly, it’s completely road legal, with indicators, mirrors and lights all up to the Highway Code’s standards.
And with its 18kWh battery running down at an average consumption of between four and seven kWh per 60 miles, it can take you up to a maximum range of around 248 miles, better than many big-brand EVs.
It even has some remarkably modern creature comforts despite its age and simplistic design.
The Twike features neutral and reverse gears, cruise control, a steering lock and a window de-mister for chilly mornings.
However, some aspects are slightly more basic, with the steering controlled by a sailboat-style tiller located between the two seats, which Robert described as “light and twitchy”.
The throttle and brakes only have three settings too – those being off, half on and fully on – making it far from responsive to drive.
It also lacks a heater, though Robert added that it would be unnecessary as you stay warm through all the peddling.
Social media viewers were amazed by the strange little vehicle.
One wrote: “What incredible ingenuity it is to make a micro-car as terrifying as an ultralight aircraft.”
Another joked: “This looks horrifying. I want one immediately.”
It comes after there was relief for Brits as proposed changes to the MOT process were scrapped.
YoutubeCombined with its low weight, this gives it a top speed of over 50mph[/caption]
YoutubeIt also boasts a range better than many big-brand EVs[/caption]
YoutubeHowever, it will set you back £40,000[/caption]