Question 1

How fast is it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How secure is it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How much luggage does it hold?

Accepted Answer

Around 3-4 large bags of groceries.

Question 4

What is the NLM classed as?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

I have placed a deposit but want to specify my final options.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

E-bikes have an assistance cut off at 15.5mph in the UK, how is the top speed faster than this?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Cycle to work scheme, can I get a big discount?"

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What does 428, 557 and 630 signify?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is the range of the battery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How much does it weigh?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What colours are avalible?

Accepted Answer

Those illustrated.  As Henry Ford appreciated at the start, simplicity is key.

Question 12

Why does the prototype have no chain?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What are the safety features?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Does it have all round suspension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, composite leaf springs that are very lightweight compared to other suspension systems.

Question 15

Will I fit in it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Can I invest in Northern Light Motors?

Accepted Answer

Probably, but we are focusing on larger investment above £30,000 at the moment.

Question 17

What are the dimensions?

Accepted Answer

Width:       1.28m
Length:      3.4m
Height:      1.15m

Question 18

Is it legal in my country?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

I have a questioned not covered here.

Accepted Answer

Please contact us directly.

Question 20

Is my deposit refundable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

What about import duty?

Accepted Answer

Any additional duties for your region will be applied to the purchase cost.

Question 22

What about delivery costs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

How soon can I expect delivery?

Accepted Answer

We are now in production.  Customers who are happy to assemble their trike can expect delivery within a few weeks of placing an order.

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FAQs

How fast is it?

How secure is it?

How much luggage does it hold?

What is the NLM classed as?

I have placed a deposit but want to specify my final options.

E-bikes have an assistance cut off at 15.5mph in the UK, how is the top speed faster than this?

Cycle to work scheme, can I get a big discount?"

What does 428, 557 and 630 signify?"

What is the range of the battery?

How much does it weigh?

What colours are avalible?

Why does the prototype have no chain?

What are the safety features?

Does it have all round suspension?

Will I fit in it?

Can I invest in Northern Light Motors?

What are the dimensions?

Is it legal in my country?

I have a questioned not covered here.

Is my deposit refundable?

What about import duty?

What about delivery costs?

How soon can I expect delivery?

info@northernlightmotors.com

Northern Light Motors

FAQs

How fast is it?

How secure is it?

How much luggage does it hold?

What is the NLM classed as?

I have placed a deposit but want to specify my final options.

E-bikes have an assistance cut off at 15.5mph in the UK, how is the top speed faster than this?

Cycle to work scheme, can I get a big discount?"

What does 428, 557 and 630 signify?"

What is the range of the battery?

How much does it weigh?

What colours are avalible?

Why does the prototype have no chain?

What are the safety features?

Does it have all round suspension?

Will I fit in it?

Can I invest in Northern Light Motors?

What are the dimensions?

Is it legal in my country?

I have a questioned not covered here.

Is my deposit refundable?

What about import duty?

What about delivery costs?

How soon can I expect delivery?

info@northernlightmotors.com

​

Northern Light Motors