The first ELECTRIC microcar in NYC: Wink Motors review

Wink Motors is a NYC-based LSV maker with four different electric microcar models starting at $8,995 (and $150 off with code ELECTREK winkmotors.com). Read all about my experience testing the bike on Electrek here: electrek.co/?p...
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[@pkattk]

MORE MICROCARS IN AMERICA PLEASE THANK YOU.

[@dant.6364]

LSVs are a great excuse to lower speed limits in small towns and suburbs. The major benefit of lowering the speed limit from say, 35mph to 25mph is that if a vehicle hits a bicycle, ebike or pedestrian the collision is vastly less likely to result in a fatality.

[@Ambrovious]

Agreed, but the speed limit in the suburbs is 45. If it's going to be practical it has to be at least lest like an L6 or L7 in the EU.

[@rongendron8705]

NYC has already reduced its speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph, I'd say to recoup millions from new speed cameras, but may inadvertently allow more electric vehicles on its roads! These LSV's cannot exceed 25 mph, so that will be their excuse, if ticketed!

[@gbrldnny]

im ready for the LSV revolution

[@rongendron8705]

This LSV is the first model, that I have seen, that could actually become popular! For those that just drive locally, i.e. to stores, doctor's appt.'s, restaurants, etc. this little vehicle makes a lot of sense!

[@TempoLOOKING]

This is a bootleg

[@karlInSanDiego]

Keep up the great work, Micah. I hope you're working to get speaking spaces on panels at sustainable transportation talks. With great knowledge and experience in the field, comes great responsibility to bring this knowledge back to policy makers. We've got a lot of mayors and even heads of Metropolitan Planning Organizations who fell for Tesla's in tunnels as a sustainable mobility solution. We need to take the promise of e-bikes and micromobility to them, because most only see these as troublesome distractions from eventual full sized BEV domination. With these microcars having between 1/10th and 1/59th the size of car, SUV, pickup batteries, there is a VERY strong argument that we've been focusing on the wrong mode, considering battery resource constraints and cost of the vehicles. We could electrify transportation much more quickly with micromobility, if only people knew the limits of our chances of doing it with $50-70,000 BEVs that use an average of 83kWh batteries.

[@milesmccall2301]

Would like to see the speed limit for LSV raised to 35 mph, as that's the limit for most in town streets. You can see on the bridge that traffic was backing up behind, which is actually potentially dangerous.

[@GordonChaffin]

Indeed. I hope folks in Congress realize the huge opportunity for LSVs if they raise the speed limit. Micah should know this from Florida, but 25 mph limit is way too slow for a school run or errands in most of America. Modern American suburbs are surrounded by arterial roads with 40-50 mph posted limits. LSVs should be moved up to 50 mph or 10 KW motors or something like that. Shoutout for them using synthwave/chillwave music beds on these videos.

[@agentmango]

I agree, it'd be way more practical to have a 40 mph top speed, and be legal to take on roads with posted limits of 50 mph. That's the kind of roads I see on my 20 mile round trip commute.

[@Vegerot]

25 MPH is the speed limit in NYC. It makes sense for a NYC based company to target the speed limit in NYC.

[@vasheed]

It was set at 25mph because that's about the maximum speed you can go without posing a major risk to pedestrians. The low speed is also the rationale for these vehicles not needing to have safety features found in full cars. The opposite should be done by redesigning roads in neighborhoods to drive slower.

[@Ambrovious]

It needs to be 45mph to be practical. And with a 25%, short burst for getting yourself out of danger. If they want the suburb market 45mph is bare min.

[@palbi]

You might not like it, but this is what peak performance looks like.

[@shadarko]

i just love how much you seem to be enjoying it

[@giovannibazzini1403]

I live in Brooklyn and def need one of these

[@kayakingforthebirds2506]

I am envious. Here in southern CA the main streets tend to be 45MPH and because of the terrain you can rarely get very far by avoiding them.

[@KtotheL]

Can't wait for the future !

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video! Thanks for making it.

[@plantedit]

Coolest seeing you driving in NYC. Would've been cool seeing you driving especially on these rugged raggedy roads. Great review as always 🤓👍🏻

[@timlass6103]

Wow, thanks for the realistic and comprehensive review of this micro car. Keep up the good work. :)

[@adam-g7crq]

I do like these micro car EV's, I'm not that bothered about in car gadgets and would probably go for the Citroen Ami.

[@David-sq2en]

no for sale in US

[@ElectricVehicleSpace]

avg speed in Manhattan is way higher than what you are stating. Speed limit is 25mph and everyone drives above the limit.

[@Electrek]

No you're talking about peak speed. Just google "average speed in Manhattan". LA Times has it at 4.7 mph. Different government agencies peg it at closer to 7 mph. Point is, average speed of traffic in NYC is very, very slow.

[@erikkison]

If you go over 35 you'll get ticket. The speed cameras are everywhere now. They are passing a law to make it over 30 now.

[@EbuzzNYC]

Very few roads you can drive that fast, plus so many cameras now, better to stick to the limit.

[@mattmilford8106]

Average speed is a meaningless statistic. If a car can't go above the average speed, it will be a speed bump for other cars half the time, and it only takes once to ruin your day.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

There were electric microcars in NY over a century ago. They were called Baker Electric and were specifically aimed at city use. You can find vids about them here on KZbin.

[@peasoup251]

I have had a 2005 GEM car (LSV) since 2011... it had 874 miles on it.. today I have over 14,000 miles.. yes it's not a typo fourteen thousand.. I live in the Denver area.. I've driven in snow.. it's front wheel drive and handles snow and rain great... I had a rule that I didn't drive in less than 35 degree weather.. that was then this is now.. I take the other car on cold days.. I've done some modifications.. added cloth doors.. played with heat.. ended shelving that idea.. golf cart products don't really work on a GEM car.. my GEM is an eS (truckette) 2 passenger.. I added a cargo box for the weather days.. it's old technology uses 6-12v Acid batteries.. range 25-30 miles.. I have added a bigger motor than the 5hp stock.. I can lead follow or get out of the way.. in Colorado we are allowed on 40mph streets but still at 25mph.. I pick my routes and pretty much travel on the 35mph streets.. yes it may take a little longer to get to my destination.. I hear the birds.. talk to people.. just have Fun at 25mph(c).... Bob Andersen.. Denver Electric Vehicle Council.. (www.devc.info) (Facebook admin)

[@annebellette201]

The little car look great . ,..it would be good for just me thank you for sharing have a good day

[@Takwakin40]

I was onboard until the speed limitations were divulged. Need a little more than that in rural Canada. Sweet looking little car though.

[@Ambrovious]

I think this is a great concept but completely disagree that 25mph is enough for most people in the US. Maybe in the city 25 is okay but in the suburbs 45mph is the norm. If this could go 45 (like an L7 in the EU) then this would be a solid option over a moped or motorcycle. I think a short burst at 45mph would also be necessary to get yourself out of danger.

[@fructiferous]

speak for your own suburb

[@Ambrovious]

@@fructiferous Yup, that's what I am doing. I have lived in or visited every state in the continental US and 35-45 is the norm.

[@bennetthasty7886]

I know it’s dumb but I really like it 😂❤🎉 I’ve been looking at $4k e-bike why not a $9k minicar instead

[@Guy-Incognito]

Nice background cameo at (9:31) by the OG Smart ForTwo Electric!

[@michaelsmithers4900]

Nice review👌

[@Xtrafix2015]

That looks great!! And I think roll over bars can be adapted and maybe air bags can be upgraded

[@fiehlsport]

It looks like the interior quality is right on par with the Kandi I sat in last year. It was dreadfully cheap, if anyone's wondering. But the typical buyer probably goes into this expecting that.

[@GixrGuy]

Peace be with you😌 Thank you for this informative video! Dunno if NYC is the market for these vehicles, because of the city’s extensive public transit system, Yellow Cabs & Uber’s, not to mention fees to garage it, but it’s nice to see a new vehicle classification. Bless you🙏

[@EbuzzNYC]

You're speaking of Manhattan, which is only part of NYC. This would be great for me, I live in Queens and my bike ride to work is 10 mins, but weather sucks and if I'd like to carry something, this car would be great for me.

[@TheMatixen]

best ebike reviews ever.

[@wainber1]

When I think of microcars, I think of Italian-made ones the London, Ontario-born Amsterdam-based Not Just Bikes KZbin man's June 2020 video titled "The Miniature Microcars of Amsterdam."

[@polok890]

Hope they make it. I want a used one

[@gregyohngy]

What is the size of the battery and solar panel? The website did not provide this information.

[@joeminter]

I think we do get stuck in our bubbles sometimes and only think about what best works for our situation. These microcars would be great for dense cities and I think most residents would prefer them to full size cars due to their maneuverability and ease of parking. Maybe cities can even cut parking rates for BEVs this size? Unfortunately my 34 mile round trip commute involves 55-60 mph sections but my Fiat 500e (first generation, not the sweet new one) handles that just fine.

[@danwat1234]

Surprised you didn't mention the harsh ride! The suspension is rough obviously from the footage

[@EbuzzNYC]

Yes, it's obvious when he hit a pothole.

[@kayakingforthebirds2506]

Didn't look bad compared to a bicycle. At least, not compared to my bicycle.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

Very cool. Almost the perfect NYC vehicle (the local speed limits, if you can reach them, on city streets is 25 mph). Unfortunately without the ability to use a public charger this vehicle is virtually useless for apt dwellers.

[@jaredmonk5328]

I think that is the value of the solar version. The solar is pretty weak but if you were a work from home person that just need to go shopping then you might not have to charge it for a month or more. Then you just have to find a 110 outlet some place from time to time. I would bet you could find someplace that someone would let you charge. Granted not for most people but could be great for some.

[@michaelsprinzeles4022]

@@jaredmonk5328 Yes "great", for an extremely select few.

[@skierpage]

Someone could make an adapter from SAE J1772 240 level 2 charger to 120 volts. It would be useful for charging smaller batteries when out and about. Or level 2 chargers could come with a 120 volt socket.

[@MainelyElectrons]

It’s so tiny you’ll have to chain it up at night or else a group of 4 guys could load it right onto a trailer or the back of a truck 😂

[@JK360noscope]

​@@jaredmonk5328 completely delusional

[@LordDirus007]

Thats a cool city runner.

[@MainelyElectrons]

Excellent coverage on the microcar but the thing looks about as durable as a flip flop from the dollar store

[@MoPoppins]

🤣

[@runzeeducation5621]

You will survive in this hitting a bike or pedestrian, while a motorcyclist might not survive those. So...

[@singlespeed2760]

Want. This or a used Smart Ev. Will any of the Lectric folding electric bicycles fit in the back? Can it be unlock so it can go faster, like some electric bicycles can? Great vehicles , price and video.

[@kentyler3962]

The "Silence S04 Microcar" looks like a much better choice as far as usability compared to these. It can go over 50mph, and uses swappable batteries (the same battery as the Silence S01 scooter). I wish they were legal here in the US.

[@jazzybeat28]

Would be a great a community sharing car.

[@noahboat580]

If LSVs can go 35-45 MPH and can cost around 10-15 grand max it can be a decent car. Definately dont want to get in an accident in this thing

[@abisaab]

How does this compare to your Changli?

[@dpgerarddp]

2:36 oh God the way it goes over the manhole cover

[@mozeki]

I can see this being popular in South Beach!

[@MauGino]

I do like the idea of the Wink and the small street legal electric vehicles. 25 mph is suitable to most, especially in smaller towns or for short commutes but, being stuck behind someone on the bridge going 25 mph when the limit is 35 mph might get frustrating for some drivers. If the average overall speed at times might be 4-15 mph in most cases in such cities due to congestion, in open areas where there is less traffic, I think 25 mph might be too slow for larger public roads and possibly dangerous because you’re taking up a lane and an inattentive driver may not realize how quickly they can come up on you if you’re limited to 25 mph. If you live in a large city and have to park on street side, charging may be an issue and the solar panel charging system may not be enough depending on how frequently you use it and / or distance driven. My one main concern is the red vehicle with the Jeep like grill. Mahindra lost a lawsuit to Jeep because of their Roxor vehicle, even though overall it does look like an old Willy’s Jeep. The main issue of contention in the lawsuit was the grill. I do hope to see these smaller electric vehicles become more prevalent in larger cities like in Europe, such as the Twizy and Ami, maybe even the return of the Smart car ( I think they’re now electric as well )

[@alexdmd]

Good luck driving it in the snow

[@dankind64]

That's pretty neat! 😉

[@lilmsgs]

I went on the nhtsa website. Good luck to anyone trying to a list of street legal LSVs

[@queens2nd2none]

4:47 e-vehicle meet e-vehicle. You should have honked her and waved, she would have had her mind blown to know you were also using an e-vehicle and it has a solar panel sunroof option lol

[@mancello]

You're brave driving that in my city.

[@mondude89]

And what's your city?

[@TwinMountain]

Suppose the solar version is left in the sun for an extended period of time. Can the battery get a full charge? (Answer: Yes. 24 hours of sun is a full charge.) PS: I live in sun valley, Arizona 🙂 Also, what is insurance like for these cars? Road tax?

[@chinabluewho]

The Mark 2 solar is currently sold out. A very good sign .

[@bmwloco]

I ride a scooter or motorcycle to work, 365. This would be the ticket for ugly days.

[@modestproposal5624]

It's mind-boggling that most Electric bikes can get a top speed of 28 mph and are still legal and has no age limit of who can buy them so a kid can ride e-bikes going over 20mph on the sidewalks and even on streets at times

[@upticktrade]

cool golf cart. Wonder does it fly when it get hit.

[@techallday8168]

Lol fr

[@Mrs.NeYoAnderson]

I want this now!!😊

[@Chexmaster]

the entire deciding factor is do u need insurance for them,

[@Electrek]

I think it varies state to state

[@BlackEyePreacher]

Cool and hopefully catch on Though it looks like they don't have suspension; He was bouncing around like he was in a horse and buggy.

[@J0HN_3_16]

Interesting video. Do LSV require registration? Average speed is irrelevant since that is skewed by all the time stopped at 0 mph. I think median speed is more relevant.

[@runzeeducation5621]

Make sure you eliminate stopped vehicles first, because in any city, the median and mode ground speed for cars is the zero of a parked vehicle haha.

[@anthonyhunt701]

Little wider on the tires would be good, plus the solar panel

[@polovt9511]

I would love to get one ❤❤❤❤

[@letsgoOs1002]

Oh man I want one!

[@michaeldesilvio221]

I want the Citreon Ami.

[@Julia.openai]

Can these get registered with plates at dmv? Or no?

[@sapphirebloom6690]

I WANT THIS!!!!

[@Brindlebrother]

Finally a sensibly sized car

[@ianpobanz12]

Could you upgrade the motor so they can at least go 40?

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Lol.. Cute! Just don't get T-boned by a Ford F350 4x4.. They should fit on a bike path.. Class 2 😂 Classy golf cart 👍

[@apparentlynot1stLeonchubbs]

I would lub seein' one of these with a juicy motor or controller so it had the same zippiness we expect out of its bigger cousins.. but still limited to whatever speeds it's mandated to be. Ideally I want these with "normal" speed capabilities, but I get that they'd be unsafe due to not having the rigorous testing and engineering to make em safe.. so quick acceleration feels like a nice middle ground for a "unsafe" box. I give unsafe quotes cuz I 100% believe that if you adjust your driving habits from normal "I'm in a safe cocoon" to that of a defensive, "oh shit I'm on a bike, that car can kill me easily" mentality, you can be pretty dang safe.

[@jollygreen4662]

U get a plate, registration and auto insurance? Where can I buy 1?

[@elchulazo2k]

Hey awesome your in the big apple 😁😁😁🤟🤟🤟

[@Camp3r]

Very interesting. I love EVs. I'm curious about something. You mentioned the factory has to be registered and certified. Can they lose that certification? If a person buys that car now when it's 100% street legal could they possibly be stuck with an illegal car some years down the road if the company folds or something?

[@moconnell663]

Nope, it's all based on the year of manufacture. Nothing that happens in the future can change a vehicle already on the road. If you got your hands on a King Midget that's still a perfectly road legal vehicle even though the company folded in 1972.

[@roygbiv9038]

I would love this just to be able to drive to the supermarket and do some shopping but if I’m gonna still need a drivers license for this, I might as well invest in an actual car.

[@RobOppenheim]

How tall is Micah? (I am wondering about head room in the car.)

[@johnwalck3133]

Very cute but could you make one that looks like the Nissan Figaro (cutest car ever)?

[@tonystorcke]

Very nice.

[@MBisFrenchy]

So can we just buy them direct from aliexpress at a discount?

[@vorlon81]

The shipping is a nightmare.

[@MBisFrenchy]

@@vorlon81 Just saw the Donut video, seems so.

[@vorlon81]

@@MBisFrenchy there are some companies already selling it in the us with everything , cost around the same . You can check them out.

[@Cain-x]

These minicars are 53", which means you can squeeze a couple in a Manhattan travel lane. With four passengers, it makes for good and efficient road usage. It basically has nearly the same footprint as a biker, albeit slightly bigger. Although having the entire vehicle be a crumple zone does not make it a safe family hauler, it makes a lot of sense for mobility in dense cities.

[@tsunami888]

That car almost rekt on that pothole… 😂

[@erikkison]

This is the future vehicle for NYC.

[@pinkelephants1421]

And not just NYC. All cities could take a leaf out of Wink Motors' playbook. We have a term for large SUV's and 4x4's in the UK: Chelsea Tractor. It refers to massive vehicles parked on narrow made for 🐎 and carriage/cart streets that are lucky to see a muddy puddle, let alone (actual) mud...😅 Those that do see mud, are generally driven down to the country house at weekends and the mud is in the driveway.

[@Trag-zj2yo]

When will we get similar vehicles but with pedal assisted drive train.

[@khanrides]

New Yorker here. I’ll stick to my PEVS, that micro car still can’t ride on bike lanes and will probably get bullied by trucks 🤣 Also the tires a too small they should be bigger, nyc roads are abysmal. The biggest deal breaker is the performance as this is slower than your average 52V PEV and many e-bikes in general can hit 28 mph.

[@veganwinter2090]

Any free drive Quad solar e bike vehicles yet that you like?

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

Even here in Germany these cars can drive 28mph / 45kmh. 25mph makes absolutely no sense at all, as class 3 ebikes can also go up to 28mph.

[@TristenHernandez]

😂😂😂😂😂😂. You’re talking about a 3 mph difference. Both 28 mph and 25 mph are too low. Should be at least 35.

[@Benjamin_Jehne]

@@TristenHernandez 3mph/5kmh is a lot in rolling traffic. But you’re right, it would make sense to equal that with typical speedlimits. Here in Germany these 45kmh are also a problem as you are allowed to go 50kmh and so you end up as road barrier. At the end you always feel unsafe, because everyone wants to overtake you.

[@vidinman]

They are too slow, how fast would it go with 4 people inside?

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

45 mph would be a good limit for 90% of roads

[@jennifersmetanko6631]

I wish I didn't have to get a license to drive that. But I think it would be a good idea for a car to learn how to drive in😎👍. Dam I want one them cars🚙😁❤.

[@AMPProf]

I WANT ONE BUT I'm laughing so hard

[@bonilla2022]

Wonder if they would work for local Uber drivers? Interesting video. Happy trails.

[@kayakingforthebirds2506]

We've found a driver for you. ETA is ... 1 hour, 22 minutes. Would you like to upgrade to Uber Posh?

[@madscientist602]

Could someone drop a link to the NHTSA website showing the low speed vehicle manufactures? I couldn't find it

[@charlesstockford6003]

Eventually these will sell for 100,000. But I like the idea for small city or village use.

[@1DonFF]

Need to make them wider or single seat in front in middle

[@Ramonatho]

The solar panel on these styles of cars seems a lot more useful, although kinda uglier attempt at what Aptera has done. I think I like the idea of a blocky panel on top of a car better just because it looks so practical.

[@kayakingforthebirds2506]

Aptera is made in California, so it has to be huge. That's just how things are here. Ridiculous, but true. This thing is 88" wide. It won't fit in my garage and it won't fit in many of the ever shrinking parking spaces in our crowded world.

[@faustinpippin9208]

@@kayakingforthebirds2506 " in our crowded world." i think you meant "in our over crowded cities"

[@moonrakerone]

What music is playing in the background?

[@twloughlin]

Hmmmm...new Wink @ $9K or used Nissan Leaf circa 2014 @ $9K?

[@simonm1447]

With an old Leaf you have to have a close look on the battery. It seems they can still be good, but only if they had been treated right. If not the Degradation can be 40 %+

[@twloughlin]

@@simonm1447 Good tip right there. Thanks.

[@simonm1447]

@@twloughlin For the case you're interested in a Leaf there are also buyers guides like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6uch2aihN6jjZo

[@twloughlin]

@@simonm1447 Again, my thanks. I live in a small rural town, and getting from town to town is the issue. The Wink is not legal for the 55MPH roads, hence perhaps a used Leaf.

[@markhagge8646]

I glad you survived that experience.

[@DoubleCTech]

I would love for NYC and other tightly packed cities to ban all cars and only allow electric taxis, buses, local deliveries, and these LSVs. I think it would make the city so much more enjoyable.

[@Cutiepies-w1t]

I think the top speed and range has to be improved. At least 55 mph and 200 mile range

[@Hazdazos]

The cost proposition for these type of vehicles never seems to work out. These things aren't cheap and for a similar amount of money, you could get a used Corolla which is a legitimate car that can go well above the speed of this and travel on any road. It's not as small, obviously, so you can't park it anywhere, but it would be much more practical. So ultimately the biggest competitor for these vehicles are 5 or 6 year old real cars.

[@cooper1507]

Okay but do I get $7,500 cash back for buying this? Am in America

[@acmeopinionfactory8018]

DO NOT "leave your stuff in the car" in NYC.