Hybrid-Electric Bicycle

The Twike (for “twin bike”) is a lightweight (500-800 pound) three-wheel, two-seat vehicle. It comes in two models, Active and Easy, and both feature electric motors able to take the car up to 130km at speeds up to 85km/h. It has regenerative braking to help recharge the battery, but can be “refilled” from a standard outlet.

The Twike Active design has most of the advantages of bicycling with few of the disadvantages. It is as roomy and comfortable as a microcar, and can be sealed up against wind, rain and temperature extremes. It also comes with recumbent bicycle pedals for each passenger, allowing the driver to extend the range of the vehicle.

The Twike is available in Europe and has been imported into both the U.S. and Canada. The electric-only version has to be upgraded to meet safety standards for three-wheeled motorcycles. The Hybrid version, however, qualifies in some states as an electric bicycle, limiting its highway use but not requiring extensive modification.

Cost for the Twikes run $17,000-$20,000.