My other electric trike - a 1991 El Trans A/S mini-el

[Karl]

This is my other big toy , a mini-el made in Denmark and previously owned by Maurice Gibb (BeeGee's).

It arrived in a fairly poor condition and had to be restored,then registered for road use and MoT'd. Although road tax is free, you also need insurance as it is registered as an electric motorcyle

Some piccies  ;

[Karl]

the wiki blurb on a mini-el;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CityEl

My mini-el needed some repair work and a good clean up ;

[Karl]

Most of the spare parts came from these guys;

http://cityel-import.dk/index.htm

some more piccies ;

[Karl]

Some of the parts needed were ;

all new tyres & tubes, leaf springs & shock absorbers, both rear light lenses , replacement "contactors" ,drive belt, fog light, assorted bulbs, wing mirrors, "engine compartment" cover











After a lot of hard work, and expense, the effort was worth it 

a first test run..



The finished article,near enough 












Here it is going for its first ever MoT 

[Karl]

I've since obtained a custom made trailer for it, to help me transport it to various shows and events







..which came in useful for Nikki's BVS Cityel/mini-el weekend in Bristol







The gent with the beard and overalls is Andreas from www.twike.co.uk , who also has extensive knowledge of the cityel/mini-el vehicles. A top bloke 

[Karl]

A thank-you to those that helped with getting my mini-el back on the road, such as the guys at the Battery Vehicle Society - especially Nikki (www.aminorjourney.co.uk) - and Phil Smith, a local auto electrician who is now a friend.

I'd like to say a thank-you to DVLA Brighton, but I cant coz they were a right pain when it came to registering my vehicle  . Andreas saved the day though, top geezer 

[Karl]

some youtube footage of a similar vehicle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJLquVX7aI

..not sure about taking a toddler out in one though !

This is the best footage I've seen though, it is made by Nikki - an absolute star 

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=a399fIxp9-E

[Karl]

A scanned copy of the BVS article showing the link between the C5 and the mini-el

[c515mph]

Just orderd the trailer for my Mini EL.(the red one)
So just need to get it fixed next!

[Karl]

Just orderd the trailer for my Mini EL.(the red one)
So just need to get it fixed next!

Are you getting the trailer from Spike or going for one "off the shelf" ?

[c515mph]

I was going to get one from him but found a local trailer company to make a similar on up at about the same price,and save me the 400 mile round trip,hahahaha.Although,I do prefer your type,the return trip with an unladen trailer did not apeal.
I will have to wait about 4 weeks for it but as  Andreas is not available in his shop for a few weeks,that is fine.
I am just hoping that he agrees to fix it when he returnes.

[Karl]

I was always tempted to get a "factory" trailer from these guys;

http://www.cityel-import.dk/Brugt/trailerlille_02.jpg

..but was put off by the cost, bit pricey at £1,186 for a used one

[c515mph]

Red Mini EL up and running.
Great.

[Karl]

Red Mini EL up and running.
Great.

That is good news 

When out and about in it you'll probably get stared at even more than you do in a C5 

[Retro Andy]

Red Mini EL up and running.
Great.

Really great news Ray, enjoy nipping out in it and post some pictures please.

Retro Andy.