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FAQs

  • How fast is it?
    As fast as you can pedal it. To a point. Sustaining 35mph should be possible for those of average to good fitness and higher peak speeds are possible. The 630 requires no pedaling, is restricted to 28mph but is capable of 45mph and is full electric for the UK market only for now. We are currently raising funds to legalise this version in the EU and beyond. So the UK restriction is temporary.
  • How secure is it?
    The NLM range is available with GPS tracking technology. It is too large to be easily lifted and removed in a car or standard van. The usual bicycle lock mechanisms are also applicable.
  • How much luggage does it hold?
    Around 3-4 large bags of groceries.
  • What is the NLM classed as?
    The 428 is a standard bicycle as it has no motor. These can be added from standard kits to suit local requirements from 250w to 750w. And beyond for off road use. The 557 is available with a variety of assistance levels to suit local legislation. It is an E-bike. The 630 is available in the UK only for now and is classed as a moped.
  • I have placed a deposit but want to specify my final options.
    Don’t worry, we will be in contact when your build is scheduled to start to make sure that your spec is finalised at that point. This is the same point in time when full payment is required.
  • E-bikes have an assistance cut off at 15.5mph in the UK, how is the top speed faster than this?
    The aerodynamic drag of the NLM’s is relatively tiny when compared to traditional bicycles, so sustaining relatively high speed even when the “assistance” is turned off is perfectly possible.
  • Cycle to work scheme, can I get a big discount?"
    In the UK at least, it is possible to get a saving of up to 42% off the purchase price of a bicycle. Speak to your employer to get further details. The scheme is designed to save the employer money too. https://www.gov.uk/expenses-and-benefits-bikes-for-employees
  • What does 428, 557 and 630 signify?"
    The wave lengths of the visible colours in the Northern Lights. 428 blue at lower altitudes, 557 green at higher altitudes and 630 red being the colour associated with the highest.
  • What is the range of the battery?
    100 miles is achievable in the 428 and 557 with moderate human effort and none aggressive driving with the 20Ah battery. Larger batteries are available in our options list and 250 miles is achievable before battery weight starts to impact handling. With this in mind we are for now offering a 10AH and 20AH option. The 20AH is standard in the 630 and can propel you 40 miles without effort from you. And the battery is totally portable, so can be recharged from any standard outlet.
  • How much does it weigh?
    Depending on spec, final weights will be in the range of 42kg for the 428 and 55kg for the 557 and 630, although we are currently focused on further reducing this prior to delivery.
  • What colours are avalible?
    Those illustrated. As Henry Ford appreciated at the start, simplicity is key.
  • Why does the prototype have no chain?
    The prototype used a series hybrid system, the pedaling motion charged the battery. And this power was then delivered to the rear wheel, along with the legally allowed amount of assistance for a given territory. Customer feedback, supply issues, weight, complexity and ease of maintenance have resulted in the decision to not pursue the series hybrid drive for production at this time. Although we may in the future. Instead, the production versions have a linear pedal system with dyneema rope drive to the rear, where a conventional chain and derailleur are then used to provide 10 gears. This is the lightest solution an means that a noisy and dirty chain is not inside the passenger compartment.
  • What are the safety features?
    The NLM range has been designed with safety in mind. All of the contactable areas are well above bumper height of other traffic, the narrow ends deflect the majority of impacts and the crumple zones are massive. The safety cell around the pilot is double skinned for side impact and incorporates a roll hoop. Even the claw at the rear is designed specifically to ensure that the vehicle is deflected in impacts from the rear.
  • Does it have all round suspension?
    Yes, composite leaf springs that are very lightweight compared to other suspension systems.
  • Will I fit in it?
    Most people should fit fine although those who are unusually small, wide or tall may not. Those below 6’2, above 5,2 and less than 120 kgs should be fine.
  • Can I invest in Northern Light Motors?
    Probably, but we are focusing on larger investment above £30,000 at the moment.
  • What are the dimensions?
    Width: 1.28m Length: 3.4m Height: 1.15m
  • Is it legal in my country?
    The maximum continuous power can be limited to suit local E-bike law requirements. Generally speaking, this is 250w in the UK and Europe, 750w in the USA and 500w in Canada. The 630 has a 1.5kw motor and is classed as a moped in the UK. So if you are over 16 and have a CBT license or past your driving test before February 2001, you can legally pilot a 630 in the UK.
  • I have a questioned not covered here.
    Please contact us directly.
  • Is my deposit refundable?
    No, we have intentionally kept the deposit figure low, to mitigate the risk to you. Since we are a new and as yet, small company, risk is present, but relatively tiny, compared with similar start-ups of this nature... Having said that, the CEO of the company, to date, has never, not delivered a vehicle as promised. Over a 22 year career in automotive design on the following projects: TVR Tuscan 1998 Designer, interior and exterior. TVR T400-440-Typhon Principal Designer, interior and exterior. TVR T350 Designer, interior. TVR Sagaris Chief Designer, interior and exterior. Tuscan convertible and Tuscan 2 Chief Designer, interior and exterior. Scamander amphibious vehicle Chief Designer, interior and exterior. Jaguar F-Type Coupe show car and production car Lead Digital Designer, interior and exterior. Bentley Bentayga Interior Digital Designer, advanced and Strak. Bentley Continental Interior Digital Designer, advanced and Strak. Bentley Flying Spur Interior Digital Designer Strak. Bentley EXP 100 Concept car Interior Advanced Digital Designer. Dyson electric vehicle Exterior Advanced Digital Designer. Future Bentley project Exterior Strak Digital Designer. Future Bentley project Exterior advanced Digital Designer. Future Bentley project Exterior Strak Digital Designer.
  • What about import duty?
    Any additional duties for your region will be applied to the purchase cost.
  • What about delivery costs?
    These costs will depend on where you are and where you choose to receive your beautiful vehicle. This can be facilitated and charged by us, or taken care of by you. We don't seek to profit from this logistic.
  • How soon can I expect delivery?
    We are now in production. Customers who are happy to assemble their trike can expect delivery within a few weeks of placing an order. Please sign up to our newsletter to stay informed.
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