Here at ebiketips, we encounter a lot of wacky and interesting electric concepts – the VOOK ultra long-range e-trike falls nto this category. Evidently designed for the US market, but also available in the UK (remember they have different regulations regarding electric bikes and similar), this three-wheeled concept is a blend of drift trike and Stewie Griffin’s three-wheeler from Family Guy.
The VOOK has a max speed of 40mph (60kph), and is throttle operated, meaning in the UK you’d need a licence, insurance, and all the other requirements for vehicles classed as mopeds. You can adjust that maximum speed through the VOOK Smart app, with four different riding modes: Safe mode (max 10mph), Eco mode (max 15mph), Sport mode (max 20mph) and Boost mode (max 40mph).
Beyond the speed, what else does the VOOK trike provide to the user? Fat 6.5” tyres on 20” wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, an aluminium frame, and an LCD monitor which allows users to look at their speed, navigation, braking regeneration information, and more. It also has a slot for the user’s smartphone.
And if you’re wondering where your luggage goes, the VOOK has a fibreglass boot which can carry the batteries and a 14” laptop. The batteries in question are rather large in capacity: 1.86kWh or 3.1kWh – far larger than any e-bike batteries we’ve seen in the UK.
VOOK estimates that these paired with the two 3kW rear-hub motors will provide an estimated range of 110 miles for the 50Ah (3.1kWh) version, and 80 miles for the 30Ah (1.86kWh) version.
This could, of course, be extended by careful use of the regenerative braking system. If you want to feel like you’re in a Formula E car but without the fourth wheel and safety cell, this could be just the ticket. The trike also features front and rear cameras which can double as an action camera as well as something to aid with parallel parking. Front and rear lights, including brake lights, are also equipped, as well as a GPS tracker in case you lose it in a massive car park.
The overall trike weighs 40kg, which isn’t too much more than some rather heavy eMTBs - although you won’t catch us trying to lift it into a car boot. It can tow up to 90kg of weight.
Henry Miller, co-founder of VOOK commented: “VOOK was born out of our desire to revolutionise personal transportation while fostering sustainability.
"There was a lack of innovative, versatile, and stylish electric trikes in the market that could cater to a wide range of users. Our dedicated team combined their expertise and creativity to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and comfort in every aspect of the vehicle, aiming to bring pure joy and excitement to all its riders.”
Whether or not it actually has any application in the UK, it’s still an interesting prospect – one that is perhaps best suited to private endeavours rather than riding to work through a bustling city. If it does take your fancy, VOOK is currently looking for funding on Indiegogo, and at the time of writing it has met its target – albeit with some units left.
For UK users, the VOOK 30Ah (1.86kWh) version is currently priced at £1,805 - although this is with a hefty discount. The 50Ah (3.1kWh) version is £1,962. First shipments are expected in December 2023.
