Chicago Hosts Eco-Transportation Show
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto 
on 08.15.06
It is remarkable how three and a half buck gas concentrates the mind and increases interest in alternative fuels and transportation systems. In Chicago today, you can see a Twike, , learn about biodiesel, view an extracycle and a range of other interesting alternative fueled vehicles. "Foresight's Eco-Transportation show is intended to display to the public the many choices available, ranging from "old fashioned" (i.e. bikes) to forward-looking (i.e. electric vehicles) to innovative (i.e. Segways). Our goals are to learn from those who use and own them, raise awareness, have fun, and encourage attendees to make informed decisions." If you want to drown your sorrows about buying that Hummer, you can follow up with a beer at Greendrinks. ::Chicago Eco-Transportation Show
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The Twike is ridiculous.
First, it's ugly
Second, the whole pedal thing is ridiculous. Stick to the pure electric version without pedals.
Worst of all, it is OUTRAGEOUSLY priced -- $26 to $45K??? Come on. That's so out of line with what you're getting that it defies explanation.
Make a simple three-wheeled, aerodynamic, SAFE vehicle that one can use as a city vehicle (up to 40 mph) and price it reasonably. No need to have highway speeds for something that no one in their right mind would put on a freeway with semis and giant SUVs all around. Let it have enough storage for running errands. Think "Tango" without all the muscle and cost.
Why doesn't some company do that instead of putting out these vehicles that people just laugh at? Ones that reinforce how flighty and out of touch "do gooders" are?
C'mon, Twike! Give us something worthwhile!
I'm mixed on this news. Chicago is my hometown, so part of me wants to be proud (in that strange, I-have-no-right-to-be-proud-but-it's-my-hometown way)... Another part of me, though, recalls the recent experience of trying to rent a hybrid at O'Hare. Fox Rent-a-Car has a location at LAX, but not at ORD. There are a few rental companies scattered around who provide hybrid rental options, but Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and a couple others I called don't have any hybrids at ORD.
This is embarassing and I felt someone ought to point out a conflict of representation here -- while they're in town, could they leave a few hundred vehicles with the rental agencies, please?
Anon, You are welcome to build such a vehicle and be first to the US market.
The Twike has been blocked at US ports for years, so no need to worry about that model hitting the showrooms any time soon.
wow that anonymous comment could have been from ZAP whenyou think of it... but prolly not, so hey, Anon, Y not check out the Xebra? its got your three wheels, and the performance you seek--- or if you really wanna be a rocker, go for MyersMotors NMG it does 75mph
Are they serious? The Twike is a hideous piece of design, and wouldn't even be stunning in 1972. I did a search for the 'Xebra' and 'NMG' and I'm sorry those are just as bad. If this is the future of small electric transport, leave me in the present. At least the Tesla is on the right track.
The Sparrow or the Xebra? Are you kidding? Those two vehicles are even more clownish-looking than the Twike.
Do you enjoy looking like a clown when you drive around? I don't.
It's really not that difficult. Hopefully something like BMW's "Clever" concept will eventually make it to the US market. In the meantime, I just stand aghast at the Twike and its absurdity.
Thanks for the mention, Lloyd.
People loved the Twike. Margaret ran out of company flyers, and it was surrounded with people the entire time.
Podcars Rock!!
What do you think about the SAM from CREE. They are aiming at a decent price - waiting for investors I think. I have driven one of the pre-production series vehicles a few years ago: great fun!
See: http://www.cree.ch/
... I think that the designers of the SAM where the same people designing the Mercedes SMART car - as far as I know.
I'd have to agree with the first post. It's ridiculously priced. A toy for the rich and well to do. At that price it's just not a serious contender.