What's the Twike? It's a human-hybrid electric vehicle (HHEV). Well, technically speaking any electrified bicycle is an HHEV, but what makes the Twike interesting is it's designed for speeds up to 55 miles/hr, can get a great range, and is all-around a great vehicle. When I first heard of them in the late 90's I was all hot to get one, until I learned about the price. Spending $16,000 that I didn't have at the time sure put a damper on my excitement. Later I heard the Twike company had shut down or something, and was sorely disappointed. But now it appears they're back in production, and there's someone in Portland OR who's importing them to the U.S.
What is the Twike?
It's a two-seater electric vehicle where the driver can pedal, or use just the electric motor. It has a lightweight shell/body with a top that raises like an airplane cockpit. The whole thing looks like a spaceship of sorts, and is extremely aerodynamic.
http://www.twike.us/: U.S. Distributor.
http://www.twike.ca/: Canadian information site.
http://www.twikeworld.com/: Discussion forums about Twikes. Several Twike owners hang out here.
http://www.twike.de/: Parent corporation in Germany.
http://www.leitra.dk/: A similar velomobile. (apparently not electric)
http://www.aerorider.com/: Another similar velomobile
http://www.go-one.de/: Yet another similar velomobile (initial version is not electric, they're announcing the electric version to be available in March 2006)
