The German Constin patented KickTrike was taken on a tour of Ireland in January. It travelled accompanied by Mr Axel Pohle from Cork to Dublin Airport and onto Howth.
In Howth Yacht Club it was the highlight of the conference, entitled ‘Ammunition for Success’, which was hosted by Tangible Ireland on Thursday 9th January 2014. There were 13 speakers on a broad range of topics including Nigerian oil, Historical Irish Gun running and the energy project, ‘An Island Initiative’.
Dr Gallagher explained SMILEGOV, an Intelligent Energy Europe funded project. SMILEGOV is working together with many islands including Arranmore Island (Oilean Arainn Mhor) to enable islands to reach the European Union’s 20:20 vision. 20:20 means reducing carbon emissions, increasing renewable energies by 20% by the year 2020. SMILEGOV is an acronym for Smarter Multi Level Governance and brings all stakeholders around the table to envisage the 20:20 objective, politicians at local, regional, national and European level, investors, inventors and communities. This provides a scale not seen before on islands ranging from Malta, Sicily and of course Arranmore.
 |
| Axel Pohle on the Kicktrike in Howth |
Dr Shirley Gallagher presented the Island Initiative big picture vision and was followed by an exciting enterprise using a battery pack system called GreenPack and electric vehicles. Mr Axel Pohle, a German designer, presented the Kicktrike, highlighting the ease of use by demonstrating its capability. Many were most impressed at the ease of use as well as GreenPack battery replacement and the clean lines and robust feel of the KickTrike.
There was time to check out the view at Howth summit before travelling cross country to Ardee, Co Louth before arriving in Burtonport, Co Donegal. There was a contingent (20 delegates) of Donegal County Council, the local authority waiting and many test-drove the KickTrike prior to taking the ferry onto the island. Island leaders were waiting to trial the electric vehicle with many being dubious about its ability to manage the hills. Arranmore has a number of hills which are not high but have steep gradients ranging from 40-65%. Whilst they proved challenging and needed some assistance from Axel, the KickTrike is after all a scooter, it was capable of both hills tested including the school and Jimmy Wards. In total, 30 islanders tried the KickTrike for ease of use. There was excitement in the meeting which increased significantly when handling the vehicle. There were many questions; the most frequent was ‘how much is it?’ followed by ‘how far can it go?’, ‘how long does the battery last?’ ‘Where can I get one?’ The term ‘boys and their toys’ was used frequently!
 |
| The Kicktrike coming to Arranmore Island on the ferry |
The prototype is well made, sturdy and strong, the large standing board allows the user to use it like a snow board and yet it is safe and comfortable to use on roads. During the test drive it sustained 30kph from the top of the school brae (hill) until the base of Jimmy Wards; this confirms the manufacturers guide in the brochure. Island cars generally drive at this pace as the roads are narrow and there are many children, cyclists and walkers on the road. Many were surprised that the KickTrike could be compacted so that it can fit into most cars. The demonstration concluded with many disappointed with not having seen it.
The feasibility of building KickTrikes in Ireland is being examined and targeted. The return trip to Cork brought the KickTrike to a final demonstration for a Procurement Manager of a large multinational company based in Galway. Investors are required for the next stage in the KickTrike’s life and it is envisaged that ß testing a bank of KickTrikes on the island of Arranmore will provide a platform for other islands to follow suit providing a beacon for the rest of the world in our push towards a lean, green economy.
By Shirley Gallagher
By Shirley Gallagher
No comments:
Post a Comment