Dutch startup EV Mobility BV has produced a three-wheeled, fully-enclosed, 100% electrically powered vehicle dubbed LEF. The company, founded in 2013, is committed to creating durable and eco-friendly mobility. The LEF is ideal for people who want to make short trips around town and want to stay dry and out of the snow or wind with some luggage.
Designed by Dave Goudeket and Erik Vegt, CTO and CEO of EV Mobility BV, the LEF has been driving around on Netherlands roads for almost three years already. That said, it’s currently the only country where it’s permitted for use on public roads.
The driver enters LEF by lifting its unique movable clear windshield/canopy, pushes forward the telescoping racing steering wheel, sits down, then pulls the steering wheel back out, closes the canopy, and they’re good to go!
The steering wheel-mounted throttle control brings the vehicle to a top speed of 16 mph (25 km/h) – therefore, it’s probably safer to drive on bike lanes than freeways.
The LEF is propelled by a 1,000-watt motor in one of its back wheels powered by a 10-Ah/48-volt lithium battery. Drivers can charge the battery from a household electrical outlet. One charge provides a range of approximately 30 km (19 miles), which is not a lot, but if you’re making a short trip to the supermarket, it should be sufficient. However, buyers can double or even triple that range by selecting a 20-Ah or 30-Ah battery.
The LEF’s main body is almost entirely made of recyclable plastic. The vehicle weighs 198 lb (90 kg) and can handle a maximum payload of 441 lb (200 kg).
Some of its other features include:
- An LCD screen that displays charge level, speed, and distance traveled
- Front and rear LED lighting, including turn indicators
- A USB port for charging smartphones
- 50-liters (13-gallons) of luggage space behind the tilting back of the seat, which is enough space to store a laptop bag, backpack, or shopping bag
- A trailer hook at the rear, so one LEF can pull another to form a train of EVs
- Optional extras include an electric windshield wiper and a set of side mirrors
The LEF is available in seven colors, including red, blue, green, yellow, black, and two grey tones. In the Netherlands, drivers have to be at least 16 years old to take LEF out for a ride; though, no driver’s license is required.
Watch LEF in action in the video below.
