The Twizy is quite simply fantastic fun on four wheels. It’s a tiny electric car that thinks it’s a Ferrari. And when you drive one you’ll get as much attention, if not more, as if you were driving one of the most iconic cars in the world. For the sixth of the ‘Challenge Zoë’ adventures for the Kendal Courier I whizzed off round the little lanes of the southern Lake District to test it out. Here’s the article that appeared in the December edition of the magazine.
“Oh, it’s adorable! What is it?” The American woman’s response was typical. Everywhere I went in the Twizy, people smiled, took photos, and wanted to have a go. I explained that it was an electric car and yes, of course she and her friends could all take photos. Then I was off again on my silent way through the lovely lanes of the Lake District.
An hour or so earlier I had left the Langdale Hotel, where I was staying, having been given a quick briefing on how to drive the Twizy. “It’s very easy. All you do is turn on the engine, put it into Drive and off you go. It’ll do at least 40 miles before it needs charging and here’s a map showing routes and free Charge points. You could head over to the L’al Ratty via the best drive in the Lake District or go over Kirkstone Pass to the Ullswater Steamer. Or just have a wander about the villages and country roads.”
Guests at the hotel can hire a Twizy for £10 per hour. They are part of Cumbria tourism’s Go Lakes ‘Drive Less, See More‘ transport initiative which includes lots of interesting ideas about how to travel around the Lake District. The Langdale Estate leases the vehicles from Co-Wheels Car Club which provide an eco-friendly alternative to private car use.
When I parked near the ferry at Ambleside, people gathered round, asking questions and taking photos. As I pushed up the gull-wing door to get out, there was a little “Aaaah” from the audience. A group of Air Cadets insisted on having their picture taken with me holding a mascot and they had lots of questions.
Yes, you can charge it from an ordinary plug, top speed’s about 50 miles per hour and yes, it is a bit chilly with no windows so wrap up warm. And there are a number of places in the Lakes where you can hire them. But be warned – you won’t go unnoticed. This tiny vehicle really has got the X-Factor and it is so much fun to drive!
You can read more about my stay at the luxurious Langdale Hotel here.
As you may gather from this article I absolutely loved the Twizy. There were only two drawbacks – with no windows it is cold if the weather isn’t good and very noisy inside, unlike the lack of sound from outside. So that advice to wrapo up well needs to be heeded unless it’s one of those hot, balmy days we get so often in this country 😉
Ha…what a fun little…Car? Would you call it a car? Either way, fun times:)
Yes, it is advertised as a car DJ – bit like the old bubble car, with ‘air-con’! Definitely fun 😉
Its ages since I’ve been up to the Lake District and would love to go again. I’ll have to think about one of those funny little cars too 🙂
This looks like marvelous fun. I would love to give the Twizy a go in the Lake District.
I want one! Or at least I want a good go in one! It looks like you had an amazing time with this challenge Zoe. How easy was it to park? Smart Cars eat your heart out! A big thanks for all of the challenges you undertook for the mag throughout 2012 Zoe, lots of fun had! Until the next time…
So funny car. cute one! :p
Definitely great fun Rob, Sonya & Renate!
Easy to manoeuvre Dan – if I can park it anyone can 😉 Thanks for the opportunity to do so many fun things in 2012 for The Kendal Courier … Maybe try some new adventures for you some day.