Pukka Electric MiniBike
Encyclopedia
The Pukka Electric Mini-bike is a small, battery
-powered, two-wheeled electric vehicle
formerly manufactured by Pukka USA, LLC. It is capable of carrying a single passenger, weighing a maximum of 220–225 lb (99.8–102.1 ), to speeds up to 16 miles per hour (7.2 m/s).
, and can provide up to 55 amps when required. It receives low voltage signals from the throttle
, which is attached to the right handle bar. The braking system is a drum brake
activated through a metal brake cable from a brake handle on the left handle bar. A circuit runs through the brake handle to allow the motor control board to detect when the brake is being used and shut off power to the motor. Thus, the Pukka is designed so that the motor and the brakes cannot be used at the same time.
, and internal circuit board or PWM controller. During its production run, the GX400C was sold for approximately $400 through a small, primarily online dealer network. In the midst of significantly declining sales, Pukka USA was acquired by the "blank check" company Sunrise USA in mid-2006. Sales of the GX400C were phased out sometime over the course of the next year.
Battery (electricity)
An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...
-powered, two-wheeled electric vehicle
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle , also referred to as an electric drive vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion...
formerly manufactured by Pukka USA, LLC. It is capable of carrying a single passenger, weighing a maximum of 220–225 lb (99.8–102.1 ), to speeds up to 16 miles per hour (7.2 m/s).
Components
The Pukka is powered by two 12-volt sealed lead–acid batteries contained in a rear compartment, held by the frame behind the seat. It has an electronic motor control board which uses pulse-width modulationPulse-width modulation
Pulse-width modulation , or pulse-duration modulation , is a commonly used technique for controlling power to inertial electrical devices, made practical by modern electronic power switches....
, and can provide up to 55 amps when required. It receives low voltage signals from the throttle
Throttle
A throttle is the mechanism by which the flow of a fluid is managed by constriction or obstruction. An engine's power can be increased or decreased by the restriction of inlet gases , but usually decreased. The term throttle has come to refer, informally and incorrectly, to any mechanism by which...
, which is attached to the right handle bar. The braking system is a drum brake
Drum brake
A drum brake is a brake in which the friction is caused by a set of shoes or pads that press against a rotating drum-shaped part called a brake drum....
activated through a metal brake cable from a brake handle on the left handle bar. A circuit runs through the brake handle to allow the motor control board to detect when the brake is being used and shut off power to the motor. Thus, the Pukka is designed so that the motor and the brakes cannot be used at the same time.
Models
The Pukka was available in only one model, the GX400C, released in 2002 and quietly discontinued ca. 2007. During its production run it underwent many minor parts changes, including the throttle assembly, kickstandKickstand
A kickstand is a device on a bicycle or motorcycle that allows the bike to be kept upright without leaning against another object or the aid of a person. A kickstand is usually a piece of metal that flips down from the frame and makes contact with the ground. It is generally located in the middle...
, and internal circuit board or PWM controller. During its production run, the GX400C was sold for approximately $400 through a small, primarily online dealer network. In the midst of significantly declining sales, Pukka USA was acquired by the "blank check" company Sunrise USA in mid-2006. Sales of the GX400C were phased out sometime over the course of the next year.