Freewheeling with three wheels on Coochiemudlo Island

Three wheels are proving more efficient than four following some freewheeling thinking about how best to manage water facilities on Coochiemudlo Island.

Redland City Council’s City Water team has replaced their ute, which was based on the island to attend water supply incidents and emergencies, with a three-wheel electric-powered Cargo Max trike bike.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the island-based trike cost less to purchase than the registration costs for the ute for its five-year life.

“Redland City Water is required to attend to incidents and emergencies on the water supply on Coochiemudlo Island a few times per month. As a result, the ute was only travelling about 20 kilometres per year on the island and 20 kilometres per year travelling to the mainland to be serviced,” Cr Williams said.

“After researching the options, it was decided an electrically assisted trike based on the island would be more efficient. It is a good example of how Council works hard to be innovative and deliver outcomes that work.”

Division 4 Councillor Lance Hewlett said the ute replaced by the trike has been repurposed and is increasing productivity by being fully utilised on the mainland.

“The new trike bike started in service on Coochiemudlo in June and it is already proving to be a great asset,” Cr Hewlett said.

Council staff underwent training on the trike at Council’s South Street depot in Cleveland before it went into service.

The Cargo Max Trike Bike has the capacity to carry up to 400kg and has a range of 40 to 60 kilometres depending on the load. The trike has been fitted with a tool box and containers to carry the equipment needed for island purpose.

It features hydraulic disc brakes, lights, horn, indicators and brake lights, with an electric motor that runs off a 48V lithium-ion battery.