A Wello solar powered family bike / electric car has just been unveiled at #CES2020. The vehicle demonstrates that families can also transport children or goods with a much smaller environmental impact than conventional transport.
But with a price of around €8500 (a little less if you forgo the solar panel), the Wello Family also shows that prices can still be a barrier to the adoption of these fun and very useful little electric vehicles.
Even though I still can't afford it, though (and you?) Doesn't mean I don't appreciate it.
Wello Family is a small, powerful electric vehicle: the front not only houses the suspension, but also tilts to make the vehicle more stable when cornering at higher speeds. This feature (which debuted on the legendary Piaggio mp3) is now common on larger, higher-end three-wheeled electric scooters and motorcycles, but not on vehicles. The pedal tilt pedals are an almost absolute novelty.
In addition to the driver's seat, there is room for a child or extra cargo in the back. The rear seat turns into a trunk. Company data indicate that the bike / car can carry up to 800 liters or 80 kg of load.
The growing use of e-bike cargo as delivery vehicles could give vehicles like the Wello Family enormous commercial potential.
The vehicle also allows solar charging, and its cover makes it usable even in rainy weather. Not only that: propulsion is practically guaranteed in all circumstances, you can use the engine or even the pedal with electric "assistance". This means only one thing: no driving licence, insurance, road tax, taxes or other costs associated with car ownership. It can even use the cycle path, although it might get some dirty looks from cyclists as it passes by (it is 80 cm wide and 2,3 meters high).
Speaking of speed: the electric motor helps Wello Family to reach speeds between 25,5 and 40 km per hour depending on the version (read: of the regulations of the place where it is sold).
The autonomy is within an urban centre, so as not to compromise the lightness of the vehicle: 100km per day, possibly supported by a little energy from the solar panels, if it's sunny.
Wello Family: adorable. But it costs too much.
As much as you love what Wello has done, I can't ignore the fact that it has a very affordable price. Such a price is unjustifiable, especially when whole used electric cars start to be found at these prices. Of course, they don't have the same advantages as a bike or a trike, but neither do the drawbacks.
