From Route-one
Running from Albert Dock, and having successfully operated for five months with a restricted O-Licence, the firm has now won its bid for a six-vehicle standard national O-Licence.
This means that plans to double the current fleet of two battery-electric and one petrol-powered six-seater tuk-tuks, can go ahead. An order with a Thailand-based manufacturer has been placed, with delivery of three more UK-compliant tuk-tuks due by 1 August, in time for the main summer season.
It means the firm can now offer tours for groups of up to 36 people at one time.
It was founded by husband-and-wife team Tony and Jay Smith along with their children, whose main business is running a commercial cleaning firm. Riding in a tuk-tuk in Beijing, China gave them the idea.
Says Mr Smith: “These are the first all-electric three-wheeler PSVs in the UK. With the delivery of more vehicles we are keen to engage with coach operators to offer group rates.”
Mr Smith pays tribute to the city council and Traffic Commissioner for their help, and also the DVSA, with which he worked to ensure that the vehicles meet UK specifications.
A sales office, from a non-running former 12-seater
tuk-tuk, is at Albert Dock, and on-vehicle advertising offsets the high cost of insurance.
The electric tuk-tuks have a 66-mile range, before requiring a 13-hour charge. Four tours are offered, ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, alongside wedding and corporate work. In addition to private hire and daytime tours, at night the vehicles run as an on-demand flexible bus service.
Details
www.citytuktuks.co.uk
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