(July 1996, Supplement to Operator's Manual 2.0)

• Power: Light pressure on the accelerator key supplies a current of approximately 8 Amps. More pressure releases about 16 Amps. The regen brake key operates similarly. These factory settings are user adjustable (see manual, p.42).

• Electrical Loads: The lights consume approximately 200 Watts or about 0.6 Amps of current. Leaving the lights on for one hour will lower the battery capacity by approximately 0.6 AH. (By using the current (A) and capacity (AH) readings on the display one can determine the relative energy consumption of the various accessories, e.g., defroster, etc.)

• The Tiger in the Tank: High speeds diminish the battery capacity (hence, the range) more than normal in-city cruising speeds. This follows from the fact that drawing high currents warms the batteries, thus wasting energy. And so, at high speeds and full power two effects combine to reduce battery capacity: the heat loss and increased wind resistance.

• Capacity Percentage: A reading of 20% battery capacity remaining with 2 battery blocks corresponds to 1.12 AH remaining, with 3 blocks, 1.68 AH. This stems from the fact that the current state of charge is compared to full battery capacity. – Thus you can discharge a 2 block version more deeply than a 3 block one.

• Slippery Conditions: On wet pavement drive more carefully. Braking distance is substantially longer, while at the same time the wheels lock more easily on braking, making steering more difficult. The lateral sliding of the rear of the vehicle can be brought under control by counter-steering. (This maneuver should be practiced on a wet course.)

• Regeneration: Keep in mind the brake lights are not activated by the regen brake key! – as in a car, where the engine compression also does not activate the brake lights. Because this braking action is, however, more pronounced than in a car, for the benefit of the drivers behind, you should always lightly activate one of the mechanical brakes as well to trigger the brake light.

• Canopy Support: This is only sufficient support when the canopy is open.

• Software Error (Version 4.10 [has now been superceded by Version 5.10]): If the battery temperature exceeds 50 C then the Twike computer will not start. It will function again only when the temperature drops below 45 C. Short trips usually do not pose a problem because the temperature cannot rise fast enough. After longer trips, however, the computer non-start problem may manifest itself if the disconnect button is pressed (because the battery cooling fans are thereby shut down). The battery temperature will cool to an ambient temperature under 25 C at about 5 C per hour. The cooling process is slower if it is warmer. – You can help avoid these high temperatures by not charging or being plugged into an outlet just before driving off. The battery will then have enough cooling time. (After the I-charge phase, the batteries begin to warm much more quickly, rising several degrees.) But leave the disconnect button on to keep the fans running if you plan to take off again soon.

• Costs: What does a charge cost? To this understandable question by the owner of an outlet you can respond as follows: A full charge (3 or 4 kWh) consumes less than a franc’s worth of electricity (or 12 to 40 cents in the US). This cost applies to the 3 battery block version (it would be even less for the 2 block version). It would be good public relations to round up a little as a tip.

• Coiled Charge Cable: If you use a longer charge cable for charging be sure to completely unroll it, since charging can make it quite warm over time. It stays cool much better extended.

• Estimated Charge Time: How long should one charge while on the road? – In the normal charge mode (with battery current at 2.5 A per module, see display) 2.5 Ah is returned to the battery per hour. In the rapid mode (with battery current at 5 A per module) 5 Ah is achieved in an hour. Most of this is accomplished during the I-charge phase, afterwards the process slows down. – A rule of thumb: if you have another 10 km (6.2 miles) to traverse on non-extreme terrain, a rapid charge of 15 minutes (or normal charge of 30 minutes) should be adequate.

• Programming Mode: Make certain to quit the programming mode before plugging in (if, for example, you have just been adjusting the charge current or other program parameters). Otherwise, the charge procedure will not start.

• Warm Weather: Pay attention to battery cooling if you plan to charge repeatedly. (Cooling happens at approximately 5 C per hour, as noted above.) Unplug early in the morning if you have charged overnight so that the batteries have a chance to cool before departing. Otherwise, you may be delayed at opportunity charging later since the battery temperature will more quickly reach the 40 C temperature limit!

• Battery Temperature Over 45 C: Wait first until the battery cools to under 45 C before you plug in to charge. (But keep the fans running!)

• Temperature Drop: Depending on the state of the battery charge the temperature may actually cool down a few degrees shortly after beginning to charge.

• Charge Timer: The reading on the display always refers to the length of time since the current phase of the charge began. (Error on p. 34 of the Operator’s Manual.)

• Sun and Heat: In sunny weather hang a cap or visor over the display to keep it from getting too hot (greenhouse effect). High temperatures may adversely affect the contrast and legibility of the display, and can also shrink the housing, damaging the display module. This can lead to confused readings or the vehicle stopping in operation. Park in the shade when possible. Leave open if necessary a part of the vinyl top if you do not store valuables in the vehicle and activate the code lock.

• Moisture: Take precautions to avoid letting water get into the luggage area above the batteries. Repair any leaks immediately. If water does contaminate the area, allow the Twike to sit until it has completely dried out with the disconnect button pressed down. (Moisture can cause a short-circuit while in operation and blow a fuse.)

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Translation Copyright © Victor Muñoz