Quote:
Originally Posted by seifrob
May I just point out to OP, that tuk-tuk does not meet OP's requirements either?
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Agreed, most (European) tuktuks will cost more than 5000 euro. However, it's important to distinguish between those velomobile/bicycle-type vehicles (for one person) and vehicles such as tuktuks that have the same uses as a regular car. For the first, a price of 5000 euro is the absolute maximum; for the latter, up to 10000 euro seems still reasonable (considering that tuktuks also consume less and are less expensive than regular cars -taxing, insurance, ...-).
Quote:
Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr
I was not considering that Thai tuk-tuk, which uses the same engine of some Japanese mini trucks. I was considering those Vespa-based ones which are more common in India.
For more convenience and safety, I would add a hardtop and doors. A swamp-cooler wouldn't be out of question, since it takes up less power than air conditioning.
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Those shorter tuktuks with a single bench indeed seem even better (and they're way cheaper, ie 125000 indian rupee or 1658 euro). They should allow cargo transport as well as there's a single bench, and there's space under the bench too. Perhaps a roof rack could be added too. However, I haven't found any similar brands/models that are being sold in Europe and if you ship them from say India, costs will increase hugely. Perhaps the Piaggio Ape City might be sold in Europe as Piaggio is an Italian brand (although I doubt it since
this model isn't available here appearantly) ? Another thing, as you already pointed out, is that the engines mounted are less powerful (200cc or less). Top speed is thus some 65 km/h which is too slow for highway use (although perhaps one could attain the minimum highway speed of 70 km/h with some aerodynamic improvements). I wouldn't add a hard top but instead just add a durable hard plastic for the top, and sides (still openable). In europe we don't need air conditioning or any cooling whatsoever as there are few times when it's hot here. A heater would be useful, but that could be added in the form of a separate heater (not integrated to the vehicle), or perhaps the heat from the engine can be channeled to the cabin somehow.
Some of the
most used brands/models in India are:
* Bajaj RE
* Piaggio Ape City
* Mahindra Alfa
* TVS King three-wheeler
*
Mithani Group Zeal 3-wheeler