Welcome to TWIKE!
After displaying this message, the TWIKE transports its passengers
into a new vehicle dimension.
With a maximum range of 55 miles per charge and a top speed of 53mph a TWIKE
easily meets your daily needs. At the same time the TWIKE is 10 times more efficient
than a normal car. The futuristic joystick steering is easy and fun to use.
The optional pedal drive adds to the fun and fitness of the passengers and saves
even more energy.
TWIKE owners don't pay road tax or congestion charge, and can park and charge
for free in London!
Welcome
to a new dimension!
Back
to the Frame Version
TWIKE news
TWIKE facts
Your TWIKE
TWIKE showroom
bits & pieces
TWIKE news
Leighton Buzzard, October 12th 2005
On October 12th we had our second go with the
VOSA in Leighton Buzzard. On the first try on April 28 we didn't pass (of course).
I had already adjusted the headlights, swapped reverse and fog light, and put
a nice sticker marked with mph on the speedo.
Of course this sticker was the first thing they didn't like! Because it was
a sticker. Also the fog light was too close to the brake light and the TWIKE
didn't have a windscreen washer system with at least 1 litre liquid fitted.
Also the british authorities didn't recognise the german mark of type approval
on the windscreen glass and its front edge needed to be covered by a rubber
profile. But the best thing was that the rivets of the hood poppers were too
long. The poppers plus rivets stood out 5.5mm. Therefore the rivets had to have
a radius of curvature of 2.5mm! I filed them down to a height of 5.0mm.
The FINE Mobile GmbH sent me a letter confirming that the glass complies with
EEG regulations, I swapped rear and brake lights, fitted a rubber profile to
the front of the windscreen, and put in a washer system with 1.5 litre capacity.
The bar speedo can be adjusted by means of a screw in the power controller.
So I adjusted it to mph and put some black paint over the "k" in "km/h".
With these changes made I went back to the testing station in Leighton Buzzard.....
and found a construction site! They are taking everything down for a complete
rebuild. Therefore I had to wait a while for an appointment, which I got for
the 12th of October. This time everything went smoothly and after half an hour
I got the SVA certificate:
SVA certificate
Gelterkinden,
July 8th 2005
TWIKE
Challenge 05
From the Black Forest to the Black Sea, 2500
km, 17 days, 7 TWIKEs. Using electric power. Having fun.
Bletchley, March 1st 2005
Finally!
The first official english TWIKE Page is online.
There is lots to be done still, most links don't work yet, but now the world
knows:
WE ARE HERE! TWIKE has come to the UK!
Some even say it has come BACK to the UK. Meaning: an idea by Sir Clive Sinclair
has been perfectioned by Swiss engineers and is now manufactured in Germany
to highest standards.
Yours, Angela and Andreas Schroeer
Picture:
We and our TW754
Rosenthal, Germany, Feb 18th-20th
2005
On the weekend 18th - 20th of February nearly
30 TWIKE partners met in Rosenthal, Hesse, the location of the TWIKE Service
Center in Germany. Additionally to partners from all over Germany, Stephan Meister
and Ralph Schnyder from Switzerland, and of course Angela and myself from England
were there to learn about the most recent developments concerning the TWIKE.
It turned out to be a very productive and exciting weekend.
Pictures:
TWIKEs and jackets parked
in the corner of the meeting room
A naked but functional TWIKE
Active in the centre
Socialising in the evening.
Barbara Wilms and I are having fun with our cameras
Angela and Manfred Elwing
are discussing "important" matters
Ralph Schnyder listening
to Eckehard Erben discussing with Martin Feneberg
TWIKE facts
- Types
- TWIKE Active:
The TWIKE Active is basically the original electric / pedal-assisted version
that Ralf Schnyder and his colleagues of the TWIKE AG started producing
for the Swiss market in 1996. Of course there have been lots of improvements
since then but the general design never needed a major change. The idea
has proven it's practicability over millions of miles!
The TWIKE Active is a light-weight electric vehicle which is also equipped
with two sets of pedals that can be operated individually by the driver
and the passenger.
The pedal drive acts directly on the rear wheels with only a 5 speed gear
box and a long chain in between. This system guarantees an efficient use
of the human power input and makes the TWIKE Active a real hybrid vehicle.
Pictures: Active_Interior.jpg,
Active_Interior2.jpg
- TWIKE Easy:
The TWIKE Easy is a regular Light Electric Mobile. It is basically identical
to the TWIKE Active, but doesn't have the pedal option fitted. Because
the tubes for the pedal drive are missing in a TWIKE Easy, there is an
aluminium plate fitted so you don't have to step on the Luran® S of
the body. Some people like the clearer and simpler design of the Easy
and beginners are not distracted by the display of mechanics of a TWIKE
Active.
Pictures: Easy_Interior.jpg
- Technical Data
- Performance
| Max.
speed |
53 mph |
| Motor
Power |
3 kW continuous,
5 kW maximum |
| Acceleration
0-40 mph |
9 sec |
| Charging
time |
full charge
part charge |
1.5 - 2
hours on a normal 13 Amp plug
0.5 miles per minute |
| Range |
per charge
per day |
25-60 miles
(depending on battery and driving conditions)
more than 160 miles (in 10 hours including re-charging) |
| Weights |
Without batteries
Batteries (2/3)
Max. weight
Payload
|
170 kg
56 / 84 kg
450 kg
224 / 196 kg |
| Energy
consumption |
12.5 miles
per kWh
This is equivalent to 565 miles to the gallon. 1 kWh usually costs
between 2.8 and 7 pence. |
| Grey
energy |
8,400 kWh
Grey energy is the amount of energy used for building a vehicle.
The grey energy for producing a normal car is about 42,000 kWh |
- Body
When constructing the TWIKE
space frame the swiss engineers found an ideal ratio between weight and
stability, providing for maximum safety of passengers and pedestrians.
The frame structure is in the form of a safety cage. It is made from aluminium,
so that during a crash the major part of the energy is absorbed by deformation.
Calculations done by the ETH Zürich prove the crash safety of this
30 kg construction.
Attached to the frame is the hood that tilts upwards to allow access to
the interior. The front part of the hood is covered with safety glass,
the rear with a detachable PVC or fabric cover.
The space frame is covered by
Luran®
S, a thermoplastic resin made by BASF. This material is easy to recycle
and even after 20 years it can be moulded into a new body. The covering
provides the TWIKE and its passengers with weather protection and being
made from Luran® S it doesn't corrode.
The traditional TWIKE colour is white: the colour of the Luran itself.
Of course it can be painted in any desired colour, but that makes recycling
more complicated.
Picture: chassis.jpg
- Electrical system
The batteries of the TWIKE have a voltage of 336V and you can choose between
several capacities to suit your personal needs. Each battery module is
equipped with a micro-processor that controls its state at all times and
which communicates with the TWIKE's main computer over an RS485 serial
interface.
The modules contain 280 single cells in series. They are either 3.6Ah
NiCd C-cells or the brand new 8.9 Ah NiMH D-cells made by SANYO. To ensure
a long life the processor monitors temperature, voltages, and current.
It also keeps track of the amount of energy stored in the cells. The charging
and discharging history is stored in each module and can be read out by
a your TWIKE service partner.
Properly treated, the cells will last 1,000-1,500 charging cycles (NiMH:
700-1000) after which they need replacement. Of course we will send in
the old cells for recycling.
The electric system of the TWIKE is managed by a Wood's E-TRAC converter
situated behind the driver's seat. It is specially adapted for the TWIKE
and contains an EPROM with the software for driving, charging, and controlling
the batteries. Future software upgrades can easily be done by swapping
out this EPROM. You can access many parameters of the program via the
display panel and customise the TWIKE's performance to your personal taste
and needs. The display also keeps you informed about the state of the
battery modules, the actual range, speed, current, and other important
parameters.
While the drive system of the TWIKE is powered by the full 336V of the
battery, a powerful DC/DC converter provides the TWIKE with 12V to energise
lights, wiper, horn, radio, etc.
Pictures: Akku.jpg, converter.jpg
- Mechanics
The main structural part of
the TWIKE is a thick U-shaped aluminium tube on which all other parts
are mounted. The open end of the U is screwed onto the front of the battery
compartment which turns it into a very rigid structure. The space frame
and the undercarriage as well as seats and hood hinges are mounted directly
onto this tube.
The TWIKE is equipped with independent suspension, damping is provided
by original KONI spring struts. The asynchronous motor is fitted with
a differential gear and drives both rear wheels.
The pedal drive of the TWIKE Active provides the possibility for both
the driver and passenger to actively contribute to the propulsion of the
vehicle. Both sets of pedals are linked by a freewheel so that driver
and passenger can independently choose whether they want to pedal or not.
The fitted 5-gear box allows comfortable pedalling at speeds between 10
and 45 mph. The pedal drive is connected directly to the drive train by
a freewheel to provide maximum efficiency.
One of the most prominent features
of the TWIKE is of course the steering. The single front wheel is mounted
in a fork that is connected to a mechanical joystick by a long push rod.
Moving the joystick sideways therefore turns the front wheel sideways
too. This method of steering is very intuitive and easy to learn. It is
also very lightweight and provides enough room for pedalling the TWIKE
Active. The two push buttons control acceleration and electric braking
of the TWIKE. The joystick is made from stainless steel, the grip is beechen.
Pictures: z_rad.jpg,
joystick.jpg
- TWIKE in UK
- Road tax
Electrically propelled vehicles
are exempt from the "Vehicle Excise Duty", the so-called road
tax!
The term 'electrically propelled
vehicle' means one where the electric motive power is derived from a source
external to the vehicle or from any electric storage battery, which is
not connected to a source of power, when the vehicle is in motion.
This means that the TWIKE is exempt from road tax! You will still need
a new tax disk each year, but it doesn't cost you anything. More information
can be found on the Directgov
homepage.
Here's the taxdisk of our TWIKE (notice the "£ NIL"!):
taxdisk.jpg
- Congestion charge
Electrically propelled vehicles
that are wholly powered by stored electricity and are registered with
the DVLA as having a fuel type of "Electric" recieve a 100%
discount on London's Congestion Charging!
That means that the TWIKE is
exempt from the Congestion Charge! Currently the
charge is £8 per
day if you pay until 10pm the same day. With a TWIKE you can save about
£1,600 congestion
charge per year if you have to commute to London City on a regular basis!
You can find more information about the Congestion Charging on the page
of Transport
for London. The form to apply for the discount can be downloaded here:
"Electrically
propelled vehicle discount registration"
- Parking in London
Free parking in Central London
(and free charging too)!
You think parking in London
is expensive? Well, for ordinary cars that is definitely true: you have
to pay up to £40 per day! Regular commuters easily pay several
thousand pounds a year just for parking!!! And train tickets are not
cheap either.
Not so with a TWIKE! In certain parts of Central London electric vehicles
can park for free, some place even offer free charging:
City
of Westminster
conditions
|
Electric
vehicles can park free of charge during controlled hours on meters
and pay & display bays throughout the City.
Electric vehicles can also park for free in a nominated Masterpark
car park. There is an annual administration fee for this service.
They can be recharged for free for a maximum of 4 hours.
These allowances
are applicable to electric vehicles only. Hybrid vehicles are not
eligible for the scheme.
|
| City
of London |
Parking is free for
electric vehicles (with permit) in all 7 car parks. There is a
charging point in Swan Lane Car Park. For further information
send an email to car.parks@corpoflondon.gov.uk
Parking on pay
& display bays is also free for electric vehicles
for the permitted two-hour period.
|
| Richmond |
Not free,
but:
As from the 06/09/2004 residents who own environmentally friendly
vehicles were able to apply for a reduced price resident's permit. |
Your TWIKE
TWIKE showroom
- History
- TWIKE I
The TWIKE I was developed for
the 1986 World EXPO in Vancouver / Canada by a group of Swiss students.
It won the "Functionality Award" for the best ergonomic design
in the Innovative Vehicle Design Competition (IVDC) and a first price
in the International Human Powered Vehicle Speed Championship . The TWIKE
I was completely driven by human power: it was a real TWIN BIKE. Behind
the TWIKE you can see the skyline of Vancouver.
Picture: TWIKE_I.jpg
- TWIKE II
Inspired by the success of the
TWIKE I the group around Ralph Schnyder and Peter Zeller started working
on the follow up project. The TWIKE II was the next step towards a vehicle
for everyday road use. It was developed in cooperation with Alusuisse-Lonza
Services, has been shown on the HEURAKA exhibition in Zürich, and
took part in the 1991 Tour de Sol Alpin. The TWIKE II featured a belt
pedal drive with infinitely variable mechanical transmission and a DC
motor powered by NiCd batteries to help propelling the vehicle. The suitability
for everyday use turned out to be significantly improved.
Picture: TWIKE_II.jpg
Bits and pieces
Links
- Other Sites about TWIKE
- Electric Vehicle links
- www.bvs.org.uk:
The Battery Vehicle Society - UK Society with about 300 members who have
an interest in battery electric vehicles
- www.solarmobil.net:
German Solar Mobility Associaton
Downloads
Contact
If you want more information, a test drive, or
purchase a TWIKE you can reach us at
TWIKE UK
c/o Dr Andreas Schroeer
63 Church Green Rd
Bletchley
Milton Keynes, Bucks
MK3 6BY
Phone: 07707 237070
Or send an email to info@twike.co.uk
Copyright
The copyright to all texts and pictures on this
site belongs to the owner
Dr Andreas Schroeer
63 Church Green Rd
Bletchley
Milton Keynes, Bucks
MK3 6BY
if not stated otherwise.
You are not allowed to copy or/and use any parts of this website without explicit
authorisation of the owner.
Disclaimer
LINKS TO OTHER SITES DISCLAIMER
Any link connecting to non-TWIKE UK websites are provided
solely for informational purposes on topics that may be useful to users of the
TWIKE UK website. TWIKE UK has no control over these non-affiliated sites or
any links contained within a linked site, and if you choose to link to them,
TWIKE UK makes no warranties, either express or implied, concerning the content
of such sites, including the accuracy, privacy, completeness, reliability or
suitability thereof for any particular purpose, nor does TWIKE UK warrant that
such site or content is free from any claims of copyright, trademark or other
infringement of the rights of third parties or that such site or content is
devoid of viruses or other contamination. TWIKE UK does not guarantee the authenticity
of documents on the Internet. Links to other sites do not imply any endorsement
of or responsibility for the opinions, ideas, products, information or services
offered at such sites, or any representation regarding the content at such sites.
The products and services offered on 3rd party sites are not products of TWIKE
UK.