Spyke

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31 replies

sin_free_for_00_days
sopuli.xyz

It's also very expensive, with a brand new Twike 3 costing between $35,000 and $50,000 in Germany

Damn. That's ridiculous.

31
litchralee
sh.itjust.works

I watched the Aging Wheels video a few days ago, thinking about posting it in this community. But the only thing I can think to say about it vis-a-vis micromobility is that it's an example of looking like a duck, but quacks like a submarine klaxon.

At 9 kW peak output from its electric motor, this machine slips well past the line for what can plausibly be called human-powered mobility. And like some of the larger, heavier ebike builds we've seen earlier in this community, this falls well outside the limits of "micro" mobility, coming in at 240 kg (530 lbs) minimum. And it does 85 kph (53 mph)? That's almost an impractical speed for this vehicle.

I think we can say we've found the true answer to the question of "what if we make ebikes faster, more powerful, and bigger?". The answer is not a car, but a Twike.

Not to say that the Twike is a bad EV. Ok, it kinda is, but it's a matter of having the right standard to compare to. As an ebike, the Twike is horrific. As a daily driver car, probably the same. But perhaps, just maybe, the Twike could fill a role akin to the classic Grumman LLV mail trucks used by USPS in rural communities. Or something like that, idk.

15
litchraleereply
sh.itjust.works

Ok, I thought of some more strengths for the Twike, from rewatching the video:

/s

12
Noel_Skumreply
sh.itjust.works

Some crazy mofo near where I’m currently living still drives a Reliant that can only be described as a pick-up / ute type vehicle. I’m assuming it’s been modded by the owner because surely Reliant never built something that weird.

2
litchraleereply
sh.itjust.works

That's wild! There's so much that can be done with fiberglass, that perhaps we've forgotten to ask whether it should be done haha

1
Noel_Skumreply
sh.itjust.works

You are not wrong. Fortunately I was psychologically more prepared to see it as over a decade previously I’d already witnessed a 3 (2?) door Vauxhall / Opel Corsa that had been turned into a pick-up. Like you say, just because we can doesn’t mean we should.

2
Mr_Blottreply
lemmy.world

It's designed for two things - to go as far as possible on one charge, and to look adorable

Spartan is the feature, not the bug

7
Ugly Bobreply
sh.itjust.works

Super cute. Can double as a compact coffin once the 18 wheeler crushes it flat!

-6
IHeartBadCodereply
kbin.social

Considering the trike nature of the, and I use this term very generously, vehicle and the poor steering mechanism that was on display in that video. This is indeed just that suicide booth with extra steps.

6
FartsWithAnAccentreply
lemmy.world

All trikes tend to be terrible at cornering, building them to lean can help but a reverse trike design might've been better IMO

3
Alpha71reply
lemmy.world

I know. Why don't they reverse it with the two wheels in front. much better stability.

1
nullptr
lemmy.world

Twike 3 costing between $35,000 and $50,000 in Germany

that's a fcuking vélomobile, which are usually sold for 7k€

8
colourlesspony
pawb.social

I actually really like the idea of a car with pedals for exercise while driving. Even if the contribution is very marginal. I use the pedal assist on my ebike for that runners high so having a car that could do that on long trips would be really nice.

5
InFerNo
lemmy.ml

Referring to torpedo brakes as "those found on children's bicycles" is pretty funny to me. They're not the standard, but pretty common on regular bikes here. Great for sliding stops 😄

4
Showroom7561
lemmy.ca

What problem is this trying to solve? Because I can give you 101 problems it creates over just riding a bike.

4
FartsWithAnAccentreply
lemmy.world

What problem is this trying to solve?

The issue of having too much money and not enough sense?

6

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