Yes, I bought an electric TukTuk. I just got it yesterday afternoon so this is preliminary information but they really exist. Here are some factoids:
- Just like most TukTuks it has a driver’s seat and a back bench seat
- This is pretty much the low end of anything with a hard plastic interior and many plastic parts
- It cost about $3800 including a charger, taxes and registration
- The “real” top speed is about 45 kph
- It has all the basics including turn signals, horn, defroster and seat belts
- “Accessories include a radio/CD/USB/bluetooth “entertainment center”, sunroof that opens about an inch and electric windows and a backup camera
- Battery is 60 volts and, guessing, 100 Ah
Mine has an issue with the front brake (rubbing and grabs) that I will have addressed tomorrow. When fixed, the top speed might go up a little. As for hill climbing, it sucks. I went up a moderate hill at full throttle at 19 kph.
The most annoying thing I have found so far is that the motor power is cut off if you apply the brakes. Thus, it tends to roll back when you are trying to start on a hill.
Doing a bit of research, this type of vehicle might cost around $1000 in China. Shipping, import duty and taxes will clearly be more than the cost of the vehicle itself.
So, what is it good for? A trip to the grocery store, taking the kids to school and generally running errands around town. I am reminded of a friend from the late 1970s who ran an alfalfa sprout business. His “delivery truck” was his Honda Civic. This TukTuk could do similar work.
Is it fun to drive? Not really. TukTuks just aren’t. They are narrow with a single front wheel. It turns very quickly but generally feels unstable. I am sure you get used to it but it certainly doesn’t perform like a motorcycle or drive like something with four wheels.
For extra credit, tell me what the handle on the left side of the driver’s seat does. I have no idea.
