[1] The main product, the Twike (a portmanteau of the words twin and bike), is a human-electric hybrid vehicle (HEHV) designed to carry two passengers and cargo.

The tricycle, initially conceived in Switzerland, was originally designed as a pure velomobile without motor assistance.

Inspired by the success of the Twike I, a group of enthusiasts began developing the second generation as a step towards a vehicle for everyday road use.

[5] In order to be able to compete with other cars in everyday use, a prototype with electric assistance was developed and presented to the public in 1991 as the Twike II.

In 1992, Twike AG, based in Gelterkinden, Switzerland, was founded to bring the prototype to series production.

[8] In 1998, FINE Mobile GmbH ("Forum für Intelligente und Nachhaltige Elektro-Mobile") was founded,[9] initially based in Augsburg.

One reason for this was the German approval regulations, which required, for example, a laminated glass windshield, while the Swiss series was equipped with Plexiglas.

Since then, FINE Mobile GmbH from Rosenthal has been the rights holder and sole producer of the Twike worldwide.

With the support of an electric motor, the hybrid model's suitability for everyday use was significantly improved.The Twike 3 has been built almost unchanged since its development was completed in 1995.

The Twike 3 is essentially a velomobile constructed from lightweight materials such as aluminum (frame) and plastic (shell) with an electric drive.

Both the engine and batteries, the luggage compartment and a large part of the weight of the people being transported are placed on the rear axle with a low center of gravity.

To the left of the driver is the handbrake lever with further integrated controls: High beam, windshield wipers and horn.

Acceleration from a standstill using muscle power is not intended and can only be achieved with intensive effort, even on flat terrain.

[20][21] The introduction of Li-ion batteries in the 2008 model year represented a major leap forward in terms of range and cycle stability.

The significantly lower energy consumption compared to the combustion engine is due to the much higher efficiency of the electric drive, the aerodynamically favorable design with a small cross-sectional area and the lightweight construction (aluminum, plastic).

The moderate top speed and regenerative braking also have a positive effect on the Twike 3's fuel consumption.

In 2020, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out a fuel consumption comparison of various electric vehicles registered in the USA.

The aim of the completely new development was to significantly improve the Twike in terms of performance, riding characteristics and comfort.

A former BMW engineer advised on the chassis, while the software and the electric vehicle architecture were developed by EDAG in Fulda.

Overall, the aim is to create a vehicle with a top speed of 190 km/h that is more similar to a conventional car in terms of driving comfort and safety.

[27] Development of the Twike 5 began in 2015 with the aim of taking a leading role in short-distance transportation in the automotive market.

The lightweight electric vehicle combines a recumbent bike, e-bike and e-car and consists of a modular safety cell with an aluminum frame and roll bar made of high-strength steel.

In comparison to the Twike 3, the batteries, as in the Zwike 4, move from the rear as a space-saving floor plate under the seats.

[31] The "Human Power Hybrid" concept provides for electricity to be generated through active pedaling and to flow directly into the battery.