Urban Transport

Dutch EV is more than an ebike, less than a car

Dutch EV is more than an ebike, less than a car
The LEF is priced at €4,380 (about US$5,309)
The LEF is priced at €4,380 (about US$5,309)
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A view from the LEF's cockpit
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A view from the LEF's cockpit
The LEF is available in seven colors
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The LEF is available in seven colors
The LEF weighs a claimed 90 kg (198 lb)
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The LEF weighs a claimed 90 kg (198 lb)
Accessing the storage area behind the LEF's seat
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Accessing the storage area behind the LEF's seat
The LEF's makers state that its canopy can be opened to keep the cabin from fogging or overheating
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The LEF's makers state that its canopy can be opened to keep the cabin from fogging or overheating
The LEF is priced at €4,380 (about US$5,309)
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The LEF is priced at €4,380 (about US$5,309)
View gallery - 6 images

For people who mainly make short trips around town, a full-on electric car may be more than they need, while an ebike isn't enough. It was with such folks in mind that the three-wheeled, fully-enclosed LEF electric vehicle was created.

Designed by Erik Vegt and Dave Goudeket, who lead up Dutch company EV Mobility, the LEF has actually been around for about three years. That said, it's still not well heard-of outside of the Netherlands, which is currently the only country where it's nationally approved for use on public roads.

Its single occupant enters by lifting its clear canopy, pushing the telescoping racing steering wheel forward, sitting down, then pulling the steering wheel back out and shutting the canopy. Squeezing the steering wheel-mounted throttle control takes the vehicle to a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph) – so needless to say, the LEF is better suited to bike lanes than to freeways.

The LEF's makers state that its canopy can be opened to keep the cabin from fogging or overheating
The LEF's makers state that its canopy can be opened to keep the cabin from fogging or overheating

It's propelled by a 1,000-watt motor in one of its rear wheels, which is in turn powered by a 10-Ah/48-volt lithium battery. That battery can be charged from a household electrical outlet, with one charge reportedly being good for a range of about 30 km (19 miles). Buyers can double or triple that range by opting for a 20-Ah or 30-Ah battery.

The LEF's main body is made of recyclable polyethylene, with the whole vehicle reportedly tipping the scales at 90 kg (198 lb). It can handle a maximum payload of 200 kg (441 lb).

Accessing the storage area behind the LEF's seat
Accessing the storage area behind the LEF's seat

Some of its other features include an LCD screen that displays data such as charge level, speed, and distance travelled; front and rear LED lighting, including turn indicators; a USB port for charging smartphones; plus a 50-liter (13-gal) cargo area behind the seat back, which folds forward for access. Optional extras include a set of side mirrors and an electric windshield wiper.

The LEF is priced starting at €4,380 (about US$5,309), and is available in seven colors. No driver's license is required (in the Netherlands, at least), but drivers must be at least 16 years old.

You can see it in action, in the video below.

Source: EV Mobility

LEF 100% Elektrisch rijden

View gallery - 6 images
19 comments
19 comments
guzmanchinky
That does seem very cool, but maybe very hot when it's closed?
James Leake
Remember the Sinclair C5 from 36 years ago in 1985!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_C5
Paul Gambrell
Clive Sinclair was ahead of his time!
David Munro
It looks like an enclosed Sinclair C5 but with a bigger motor 1000 Watts as opposed to the C5s 350 Watts and no pedals
Jay Gatto
Is Sir Sinclair forgiven? Does the top come off, and why is the single wheel at the front?
George
Indeed, a C5 reborn. Then (as now) an interesting technical solution to a problem that doesn't really exist, just as impractical / dangerous...probably better specs - yet at c. 10x the price ! Methinks an EV higher-up, (eg. Citroen Ami or Toyota Com), holding 2 people would attract more interest/buyers....
Brian M
4 wheels good, 2 wheels better 3 wheels a disaster!

Some companies never learn from history - Sinclair C5, Reliant Robin, bubble car, only purchased if you wanted to be laughed at or wanted to risk your life!
Ligfietser
Getting hot inside?
FAQ
“ In de zon kan het warm worden in een LEF, maar met de kap open en/of gebruik van het zonnedak koelt de lucht in de LEF snel weer af.”
“ In the sun it can get warm in a LEF, but with the hood open and / or use of the sunroof, the air in the LEF cools down quickly.”
I wonder how open the hood can open without dearly effecting speed and roadworthyness.
As far as looks are concerned I do not like the smaller frontwheel, but I suppose the designers did that for a reason.
Cheers!
nick101
More like an electrified recumbent bike with a canopy. If you want to make a concept like this you have to make it easier to get in and out of.
mediabeing
EW.... 3-wheeler?? That's a deal breaker right there.
Will humankind never learn?
Three wheelers are pot hole seekers.
What (pothole) one wheel doesn't get, one of the others will!
Phooey, I say!
Step away from the seemingly sane design...it isn't!
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